The Boston Bruins have begun offloading players ahead of the NHL trade deadline, signaling a shift in their approach as they attempt to navigate a difficult playoff push. General Manager Don Sweeney initiated this transition on Tuesday by trading forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for second and fourth-round draft picks. Later that evening, the Bruins suffered a 6-3 defeat to the Nashville Predators, who completed their season sweep over Boston for the 2024-25 campaign.
Currently, Boston is struggling to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The team is rapidly losing ground and faces the challenge of overtaking several competitors to secure a wild-card spot with only 19 regular-season games left to play. Given this precarious position, additional trades are expected before the NHL trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on Friday. Some players are highly likely to be moved, while others are expected to remain in Boston.
Three Bruins Likely to Be Traded
1. Justin Brazeau
Brazeau has been a name frequently mentioned in trade discussions over the last couple of months. Along with Brad Marchand and Morgan Geekie, he is on an expiring contract, making him an appealing target for teams looking to bolster their bottom-six forward depth.
While Brazeau may not command a significant return, his departure would create an opportunity for younger players to gain valuable NHL experience in the final stretch of the season. Though he lacks elite speed, he excels in high-traffic areas and contributes to an aggressive forecheck. Given these attributes, it is only a matter of time before he is moved before the deadline.
2. Georgii Merkulov
With injuries depleting Boston’s forward depth and inconsistent play hampering their performance, the Bruins have had to call up several players from the AHL’s Providence Bruins. One of the most notable call-ups has been Georgii Merkulov, a talented scorer who has been stuck behind veteran forwards on the NHL roster.
Merkulov has thrived in Providence and has drawn interest from teams looking for young offensive talent. His inclusion in a trade package could help the Bruins acquire a player with term, ensuring a longer-term investment for the team’s future. Some analysts speculate that his recent call-up was a strategic move to showcase his abilities to potential suitors.
3. Brandon Carlo
Earlier this week, speculation surfaced about the potential trade of Brandon Carlo and Charlie Coyle. While the Bruins may ultimately decide to retain Coyle, Carlo’s name continues to emerge in trade rumors, suggesting Sweeney might capitalize on his value now.
Carlo’s offensive contributions are minimal, but his defensive capabilities make him a coveted asset. He is known for his penalty-killing proficiency, ability to neutralize top opposing lines, and effectiveness in disrupting plays with his long reach. Among the Bruins players with term remaining on their contracts, Carlo is likely to command the highest return. Given the persistent trade chatter surrounding him, it would not be surprising to see him moved before the deadline.
Two Bruins Expected to Stay
1. Pavel Zacha
While nearly every player could be available for the right price, Pavel Zacha is unlikely to be traded. He has found strong chemistry with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, forming Boston’s most effective line this season.
Pastrnak recently recorded a 17-game point streak, and Geekie notched his 20th goal of the season against Nashville, showcasing the trio’s offensive prowess. Zacha’s performance has been far more impactful in Boston than during his tenure with the New Jersey Devils. Moving forward, he is expected to remain a key top-six forward, ideally centering the second line alongside potential offseason acquisitions.
2. Morgan Geekie
Geekie is in the midst of a breakout season with the Bruins, continuing the upward trajectory he established last year. His chemistry with Pastrnak and Zacha has been instrumental in keeping Boston competitive in the standings.
As a pending free agent, Geekie is expected to cash in on a new contract this summer. The primary concern is whether the Bruins will be able to afford him within their salary cap structure. His situation closely resembles that of Zacha—initial struggles with a previous team followed by a career resurgence in Boston.
While an overwhelming trade offer could change the Bruins’ plans, they are not actively looking to move Geekie. Trading him solely for the sake of making a deal would not be a sound strategy. If a trade does not offer substantial value in return, Boston is more likely to keep him for the remainder of the season.
Looking Ahead
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, the Bruins must decide how to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. The expected departures of Brazeau, Merkulov, and Carlo indicate a willingness to retool the roster, while the retention of Zacha and Geekie suggests a commitment to maintaining a competitive core.
Ultimately, Boston’s front office faces a critical period of decision-making. Whether they choose to lean further into a rebuild or attempt to salvage their playoff hopes, the moves made in the coming days will shape the team’s future trajectory.
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