NHL Trade Deadline: Drew Stafford’s fit in Boston’s lineup

Drew Stafford is here in Boston for a 6th rounder, and now we must ask the question of where he will go.

Based on the eye test, he is every solid-bodied gent of a certain size and weight who can throw hits, keep his own end clear, has a pretty accurate shot, and plays workman minutes. He can also score bizarrely above his paygrade in terms of possession impact.

In short, if you’re a big fan of the bottom six having a guy who can defend and keep up with the pace of play in limited minutes, you’re gonna love this guy, and Buffalo/Winnipeg has for quite some time now. He’s just been rather expensive, is all. But hey, after this season he’s gonna be gone, so no harm done.

Speaking of, it’s pretty clear he’s flexing somebody out of the lineup, but I’m not saying who (just yet.).

As it stands, Boston will probably be icing a lineup that goes as follows with his inclusion:

Marchand - Bergeron - Backes

Cehlarik - Krejci - Pastrnak

Vatrano - Spooner - Stafford?

Beleskey/Schaller - Moore - Nash

What do you think? Think Stafford can finally fix whatever’s ailing the third line?