Last summer, the Boston Bruins gave Patrice Bergeron as long as he needed to decide whether or not he was going to retire or return for another season. Fast forward one year later and Boston is once again in a waiting pattern for not only Bergeron’s decision but also David Krejci’s, who returned last season after spending the previous season playing in his home country of Czechia.

It’s more likely that both will decide to call it quits and not return than return for the 2023-24 season. Regardless of their decision, Bruins general manager (GM) Don Sweeney needs to realize that there are no in-house options to replace their veterans. If that doesn’t have to happen until 2024-25, there still will be no options with how their roster is currently constructed. It’s safe to say that the Bruins are on the lookout for their next top center.

One team has a potential answer to Sweeney’s needs and that’s the Winnipeg Jets. Mark Scheifele is entering the final year of his current eight-year contract for $49 million which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $6.125 million for the upcoming season. Fellow THW colleague Greg Liodice recently wrote that the Jets and Scheifele would both benefit from a trade, which would end his time in Winnipeg. If Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff decides to make him available, the Bruins have the assets to acquire the 30-year-old.

Where Scheifele Would Slot in With the Bruins?

Acquiring Scheifele would solve the Bruins’ issues up the middle. Regardless of their veteran’s decisions, he would be a perfect fit in the top six. If Bergeron doesn’t return, he is the perfect replacement between Brad Marchand and Jake DeBrusk on the first line, but if the Boston captain does come back, moving him between Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak is an instant upgrade from Krejci last season.