Following a disappointing 2024-25 season, marked by both on-ice struggles and off-ice public relations challenges, the Boston Bruins are widely expected to continue retooling their roster, with several prominent players potentially on the move. After trading away key veterans such as Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, and Trent Frederic at the 2025 trade deadline, General Manager Don Sweeney has been given the go-ahead to reshape the team.
Several names have surfaced in trade rumors, including forward Pavel Zacha, offseason acquisition Casey Mittelstadt, and veteran goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. NHL insider Jeff Marek believes that both Zacha and Mittelstadt could be traded. Bruins reporter James Murphy has also indicated that Korpisalo and Zacha are likely to depart from Boston.
Korpisalo's potential departure stems from his unhappiness with his playing time last season, despite having similar statistics to starting goalie Jeremy Swayman. With Michael DiPietro potentially ready for NHL action, Korpisalo becomes a likely trade candidate. Korpisalo has three years remaining on his contract with a $3 million cap hit and a 10-team no-trade list. Potential destinations for Korpisalo include the Carolina Hurricanes, who are seeking goaltending upgrades. The Edmonton Oilers have also been linked to Bruins goalie Michael DiPietro.
Pavel Zacha has been a consistent top-six forward for the Bruins, but the team may be willing to move him for the right price. Several teams are reportedly interested in Zacha, who posted 14 goals, 33 assists, and 47 points in 82 games last season.
If the Bruins struggle early in the 2025-26 season, they may become sellers and consider trading additional players. In a dire situation, even core players like Jeremy Swayman, David Pastrnak, Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, and Charlie McAvoy could be on the table. While many of these players have trade protection, their willingness to stay would ultimately determine their future in Boston.
The Bruins also reportedly made an offer for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, but the Blue Jackets rejected the deal. It is unclear what the Bruins offered, but the Blue Jackets were not impressed. Chinakhov is young and has not reached his ceiling, fitting the Bruins' desire to get younger.
With Don Sweeney attempting to retool the Bruins, further changes are expected. The Bruins' performance in the upcoming season will likely dictate the extent of these changes, with more significant moves possible if the team struggles.
