As the NHL summer draws to a close, the Boston Bruins find themselves at the center of trade speculation. Following a disappointing 2024-25 season, where they missed the playoffs and faced both on-ice struggles and off-ice public relations challenges, the Bruins are looking to retool their roster. The team traded away several veteran players at the trade deadline last season, including Brad Marchand. Now, as the 2025-26 season approaches, rumors suggest that more moves could be on the horizon.

One potential trade scenario involves the Florida Panthers and forward Evan Rodrigues. The Panthers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, may need to create cap space when Matthew Tkachuk returns from injury, potentially as late as early 2026. This situation could make Rodrigues, who has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $3 million, a cap casualty.

Rodrigues, 32, has been a valuable contributor throughout his NHL career. An undrafted player out of Boston University, he debuted with the Buffalo Sabres in 2015-16. He has since played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche before joining the Panthers and winning two Stanley Cups. Through 547 career games, Rodrigues has 96 goals and 143 assists, averaging 0.44 points per game. Last season, he recorded 32 points in 82 games. He also boasts a solid playoff record with 13 goals and 28 assists in 61 games.

The Bruins could be a logical fit for Rodrigues if the Panthers need to free up cap space. However, Rodrigues himself is hoping to remain with the Panthers. He has thrived in their system and wants to stay in Florida. This past summer, Rodrigues even experienced a moment of panic when he thought he was being traded to the Bruins in the Brad Marchand deal. According to Elliotte Friedman, Rodrigues' teammates played a prank on him, leading him to believe he was part of the return package to Boston.

While the possibility of acquiring Rodrigues remains uncertain, the Bruins are reportedly exploring other trade options as well. Forwards Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha have been mentioned in trade rumors. Goaltender Joonas Korpisalo is also a potential trade candidate due to a crowded situation in net. There was also a rumor that the Bruins made an offer for Yegor Chinakhov, a disgruntled forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the Blue Jackets rejected the deal.

The Bruins' management is under pressure to improve the team after a disastrous 2024-25 season. General Manager Don Sweeney has been given the green light to reshape the roster. While some trades may be delayed if the Bruins start the season strong, more moves are expected. If the team struggles, they could become early sellers and move even more pieces.