The Bruins need to reinforce what they do best versus trying to become something they are not.
Personally the notion of acquiring rentals such as Iginila etc.. concerns me greatly.
If they are going to move assets such as Koko, Knight, Spooner, or number 1 picks, then the focus should be a top 4 defenceman with composure and passing ability who will remain with the team going forward.
In a cap league, serviceable, or better, players on ELCs are simply too valuable to ever consider moving prime assets for rentals.
Current injuries aside, Bostons biggest problem is teams with speed who forecheck aggressively and use their D to break up their reverse breakouts.
Facing such teams Boston needs a fast D-man who can get back on dump-ins and has the ability to make the crucial first pass to send the offense away.
They will not be able to trade or bring up from the minors enough firepower to stay up with the real offensive teams in the league.
They can however, do what they do best, win face offs, control possession, kill penalties and wear down opposing defenses.
Offensive improvement has to come from within, and that means motivating Lucic and Horton to play as required.
I don't know the dynamics of the Bruins locker room but the coach and GM have got to find a way to get those two playing in the proper manner or its not going to matter what else they try to do.
A short season, Lucic with a new child (everyone should know that means a severe loss of proper sleep), Hortons' concussions, there are excuses perhaps but they have got to play at a different level.
The focus should be minimal investment on depth/role players, or, if appreciable assets are to be spent, a TOP defenceman should be the target.
They were the best 5 on 5 team in the league not so long ago, and could be again, but the defence is the key.
IMHO.