The Boston Bruins are exceeding all expectations by challenging for top spot in the Eastern Conference this season, and head coach Bruce Cassidy believes team chemistry has been key.

Whether the Bruins should risk disrupting that cohesiveness prior to the trade deadline has been a topic of discussion between Cassidy and general manager Don Sweeney.

"I think it's been factored into conversations between me and Donny (Sweeney) that we have a group with some real togetherness there this season," Cassidy said, according to Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston. "At the end of the day, if you can add and make your team better then you always have to look at it, and Donny is looking at that right now."

Boston has made a couple of moves, adding defenseman Nick Holden from the New York Rangers and sending little-used forward Frank Vatrano to the Florida Panthers.

Cassidy, however, seems content with his lineup as it is.

"But after that, I do worry about if we subtract somebody from the room. If you're adding and you're not subtracting, i.e. future assets, then as a coach you always prefer to go that way. But Donnie will do what's best and as a coaching staff, we'll take it from there, so to speak. But there is a good chemistry with that group ... a very good chemistry in that locker room."

Based on those comments, a deal involving picks or prospects may be in order in lieu of trading young players already contributing to the team's success.

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