The Boston Bruins are close to making themselves a better team -- and it may not be through the trade market, although GM Peter Chiarelli has not ruled that out either.
Thursday night, Chiarelli confirmed to the Boston Herald a report by TSN that the team is close to bringing Swedish star Carl Soderberg to the club.
The Bruins have owned Soderberg's rights since 2007 when his rights were acquired in a trade with St. Louis that landed the Blues goaltender Hannu Toivonen.
"We've been trying for five years to get him over here and it's close," Chiarelli told the Herald. "He's had a hell of a year and he's grown into a big strong kid now, a man, and he's told us that he feels he's ready now. He's a good player, big strong player. There are still some steps to go, but it looks good."
The Herald also reported the ChiarellI said the Sodeberg move would not rule the Bruins out of the trade market. The NHL Trade Deadline is April 3.
Soderberg, 27, finished the Swedish Elite League season with a League-leading 60 points in 54 games for Linkoping. The club is ready to start the SEL playoffs and Soderberg would not contemplate a move until the conclusion of Linkoping's season.
With the ability to play center or wing, Soderberg could be the solution the Bruins have been seeking to stabilize their bottom-six forwards.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Soderberg would not have to clear waivers to join the Bruins for this season.
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