In a surprising shakeup on Tuesday, the Boston Bruins initiated player departures as GM Don Sweeney finalized a deal sending Trent Frederic and Max Jones to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2026 second- and fourth-round pick. That move came on the heels of a 6-3 loss to the Nashville Predators, who completed a season sweep in 2024-25.
Boston’s struggles in the Eastern Conference playoff race are intensifying, as the team now finds itself needing to leapfrog several opponents to secure a wild-card berth with 19 regular season games still remaining. With the NHL trade deadline set for Friday at 3 p.m. ET, more moves from the Black and Gold are expected.
Among the players likely to be traded by the deadline is Justin Brazeau, a bottom-six forward known for his grit and playoff-style energy. With an expiring contract and a role that emphasizes physical play rather than speed, Brazeau has been frequently mentioned in trade discussions. Although he might not command a huge return, moving him would free up a roster spot for emerging talent.
Another key candidate is Georgii Merkulov. Stuck behind veteran forwards and with inconsistent play creating opportunities for AHL call-ups, Merkulov has shined with Providence. His scoring ability and potential future value have caught the eye of several teams, making him a likely piece in a larger deal aimed at securing long-term assets for Boston.
Brandon Carlo is also on the trading block. Despite earlier reports that suggested the Bruins might hang onto him for next season, growing rumors indicate that GM Sweeney is looking to capitalize on Carlo’s situation. Known for his defensive acumen—particularly as a penalty killer and his ability to disrupt opposing top lines—Carlo could fetch a substantial return, even though his offensive contributions are limited.
In contrast, Pavel Zacha is expected to remain with the team. Zacha has meshed perfectly with the line featuring David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, forming one of Boston’s best combinations. His reliability as a center is a cornerstone for the Bruins, making him a player they are unwilling to trade.
Similarly, Morgan Geekie, who is enjoying a career year and has become an integral part of the team’s success alongside Pastrnak and Zacha, is also not on the trading block. Even though Geekie is a free agent, his current performance and long-term value have cemented his status as a non-negotiable asset for the Bruins.
Overall, while the Bruins are offloading certain players as they strive to stabilize their roster amid a deteriorating playoff push, they remain committed to retaining their core talent. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Boston’s front office faces the challenging task of balancing immediate needs against the promise of long-term stability, ensuring that crucial pieces of their roster are not lost in the scramble.
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