With the NHL trade deadline just two days away, things are heating up for the Boston Bruins. General Manager Don Sweeney has publicly stated that this year’s approach will be “cautious,” meaning a full-scale fire sale is off the table. Instead, expect a retooling of the roster, with a focus on preparing for the 2025-26 season.
Some players with expiring contracts are likely to be dealt, with Trent Frederic already moved to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday and Justin Brazeau likely next. After those moves, Sweeney will likely listen to offers for other players, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a trade will happen. If the return is worth it, a deal could be made, but the team isn’t looking to dismantle the roster. With the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Friday approaching, here’s a look at which Bruins players should be considered untouchable.
Untouchable Players for the Bruins at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
Jeremy Swayman
Despite a tough season that saw him struggle with consistency after missing all of training camp due to contract issues, Swayman remains a valuable asset for the Bruins. While he’s had his share of rough games, he’s still worth his contract when he’s on top of his game. With a full offseason and a fresh start next season, he could return to his former form. Shipping him out now would be premature.
David Pastrnak
This one hardly needs explanation. Pastrnak is not only one of the most prolific goal scorers in the league but also a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate based on his performance this season. With a recent 17-game point streak snapped, Pastrnak is in the prime of his career, making him an untouchable piece of the roster as the Bruins retool instead of rebuilding.
Charlie McAvoy
Injuries have plagued McAvoy this season, and his most recent injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off could sideline him for the remainder of the season. There’s no reason to rush him back for the rest of 2024-25; it’s more important for him to heal and return at full strength for next season. When healthy, McAvoy is the Bruins’ best defenseman and a key piece for their future.
Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm
Lindholm has been absent since suffering an injury in November, and with the announcement that he will need another surgery, his season is officially over. Like McAvoy, Lindholm should focus on recovering and return fully healthy for training camp next fall. He remains an important part of the Bruins’ defensive core for the long term.
Mason Lohrei
Lohrei is still growing into his role, and while he has made some mistakes, he’s shown tremendous potential. As the quarterback on the Bruins’ first power-play unit, his skill set as a puck-moving defenseman is clear. The mistakes he’s making are part of his development process, and now is the time for him to learn from them.
Matthew Poitras
A second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Poitras has impressed during his time with the Bruins. After shoulder surgery sidelined him for part of the 2023-24 season, he returned to become a key player in the lineup. A two-way center with top-six potential, Poitras may go through growing pains, but he’s on track to be a major contributor to the team’s future.
As the trade deadline approaches, GM Don Sweeney is facing important decisions that will not only impact the rest of this season but also set the stage for the future of the Bruins. The next two days will be critical in determining the direction the team takes.