The Boston Bruins continue to shop away as the clock ticks toward Monday's trade deadline.

As of Friday morning, the Bruins remained in the mix for the services of pending unrestricted free agent winger Chris Stewart from the Buffalo Sabres, a dance that's been going on all year, but another source said that the Bruins are in on the Antoine Vermette derby as well. Management from the Bruins and the Arizona Coyotes spoke a few times Thursday.

It's believed the Bruins' shopping list also includes Erik Cole of the Dallas Stars and Cam Atkinson of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Vermette would be a big pickup, especially with star center David Krejci hurt. But the Chicago Blackhawks are seen as being very eager for Vermette as well, among other potential forwards. A source told ESPN.com Friday morning that the Blackhawks were hoping to complete a trade by the end of Friday.

And whether it's a forward or a defenseman remains to be seen; the Blackhawks could end up with both before Monday's deadline.