With a depleted prospect pool following years of aggressive moves at the trade deadline, the Boston Bruins may shift gears and become sellers this year. General Manager Don Sweeney addressed the team’s outlook on Sunday, emphasizing the need to balance immediate improvements with long-term organizational depth.
“Do we make moves to restock? Can we identify players who are further along in their development? All of these are part of the equation,” Sweeney said. “As a GM, you’re always trying to improve your team and build depth. We have to do a better job, and that’s the task ahead.”
Conor Ryan of *Boston.com* highlighted potential trade candidates, including unrestricted free agents Morgan Geekie, Justin Brazeau, and Trent Frederic. He also speculated that players like Charlie Coyle, Andrew Peeke, or even Brandon Carlo could be on the table, depending on Sweeney’s strategy.
“We’ll explore all opportunities, whether it’s to improve now or plan for the future,” Sweeney added. “Our veterans are proven players. Not everyone is having a career year, but they can help us—or other teams. That’s why calls are made, and as part of the job, we have to make those calls too.”
While captain Brad Marchand has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, Sweeney appears more focused on extending the 36-year-old, who is in the final year of an eight-year, $49 million deal.
“That’s always been the goal when communicating with Brad,” Sweeney said. “Now that the 4 Nations tournament is over, we’ll sit down and map out a clear path for the next two weeks to determine his future.”
Marchand, who has 20 goals and 25 assists in 58 games this season, remains a key figure for the Bruins. However, with Boston sitting just one point behind Ottawa for the final wild-card spot and three points behind Detroit, the team faces tough decisions as the March 7 deadline approaches.
Meanwhile, trade rumors swirl around other NHL players. TSN Insider Darren Dreger reported that the Carolina Hurricanes are keen to extend winger Mikko Rantanen, acquired from Colorado last month, but may consider trading him if he hesitates to commit long-term. Rantanen, who has struggled in Carolina with just three points in seven games, is in the final year of a six-year, $55.5 million deal.
In Utah, goaltender Karel Vejmelka could also hit the trade market if contract talks stall. The 28-year-old has posted a career-best .909 save percentage this season but is in the final year of his contract.
Finally, speculation around St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington continues to grow. TSN’s Craig Button suggested the Edmonton Oilers as an ideal landing spot, where Binnington could provide an upgrade over Stuart Skinner. Binnington, who has a .898 save percentage this season, is signed through 2026-27 with a $6 million cap hit.
As the trade deadline looms, the Bruins and other teams face pivotal decisions that could reshape their rosters for the remainder of the season—and beyond.
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