The first major pre-deadline blockbuster reportedly in the works and it involves the Boston Bruins

The NHL trade deadline is exactly one week away. General manager Don Sweeney is aggressively hunting for an immediate upgrade to finalize his roster.

Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff reports the Bruins and Blues have officially opened trade talks. This is not a minor depth move. Boston wants a heavy hitter for a deep playoff run.

St. Louis is sinking fast in the Western Conference standings. With just 49 points in the bank and a dismal 20-28-9 record, the Blues are completely out of the playoff race. They are open for business.

Boston sits comfortably with 71 points and six wins over their last 10 games. Sturm desperately needs a reliable right-shot defenseman to push this defensive structure over the top.

Parayko fits the exact physical profile Sweeney desires. Averaging over 23 minutes of ice time this season, the towering veteran defender brings immense size and a punishing reach.

He would instantly stabilize the right side behind Charlie McAvoy. Parayko makes efficient reads and guarantees solid execution when retrieving the puck under heavy forecheck pressure.

These ongoing negotiations might not stop at a simple blue line upgrade. The Bruins are also actively scouring the trade market for a legitimate top-six forward to boost their scoring depth.

Di Marco suggests Robert Thomas and Brayden Schenn are also being discussed. Thomas brings elite playmaking and crisp passing to the middle of the ice, making him a prime target.

Schenn offers the gritty, hard-nosed veteran leadership that Boston routinely craves during the postseason. He generates consistent offensive output even when grinding through physically demanding shifts.

Even veteran defenseman Justin Faulk has entered the rapidly expanding rumor mill. He carries a heavy point shot and can easily anchor a second power play unit if called upon.

Taking on any of these massive contracts requires significant salary cap gymnastics. Sweeney must send NHL-caliber money back to St. Louis to make the math work.

Expect names like Trent Frederic or promising young defenseman Mason Lohrei to surface in these high-stakes negotiations. St. Louis desperately needs young assets and draft capital to fuel a sudden rebuild.

Blues head coach Jim Montgomery knows the Boston roster intimately from his previous tenure. He understands exactly which Bruins prospects hold genuine value and can advocate for specific returns.

A deal of this sheer magnitude would completely shake the entire Eastern Conference. Sweeney is swinging for the fences to bring another championship parade back to Boston.