10 bold moves the Bruins could attempt this offseason

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Following one of Boston's worst seasons in recent memory, the Bruins have some serious work to do as they embark on a new era.

Now, their offseason for all intent and purpose began back on March 7th when they traded away Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, and Charlie Coyle at the NHL Trade Deadline after already moving Trent Frederic, and Justin Brazeau in the days prior.

In return, Boston received:

• 2027 1st round draft pick (originally a conditional 2027 2nd round draft pick) from the Florida Panthers for Marchand. The draft pick was upgraded from a 2nd round to a 1st round as a result of Florida winning at least two rounds in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Marchand playing in at least 50% of their playoff games. It's worth noting here, however, that the first round pick Boston now possesses from Florida is top-ten protected. Meaning if what would have been the Panthers 2027 1st round pick somehow becomes top-ten, then they would keep the pick and Boston would then receive Florida's 2028 1st round draft pick (unprotected).

  
  

• Fraser Minten, 2025 4th round draft pick (Philadelphia), and a 2026 1st round draft pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Carlo.

  
  

• Casey Mittelstadt, Will Zellers, and a 2025 2nd round draft pick (Carolina) from the Colorado Avalanche for Coyle.

  
  

• 2025 2nd round pick (St. Louis), Max Wanner, and a 2026 4th round pick (since traded for Henri Jokiharju) to the Edmonton Oilers for Trent Frederic (with the help of the New Jersey Devils who helped facilitate the transaction), Max Jones, and Petr Hauser.

  
  

• Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko, and a 2026 6th round draft pick to the Minnesota Wild for Brazeau.

Adding it all up, and as things currently stand.

OUT: Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau

IN: Casey Mittelstadt, Fraser Minten, Marat Khusnutdinov (RFA), Jakub Lauko (RFA), Henri Jokiharju (UFA), Will Zellers, Max Wanner, 2026 1st round draft pick, 2027 1st round draft pick, (2) 2025 2nd round draft pick, 2025 4th round draft pick, 2026 6th round draft pick.

Combining all of the picks Boston acquired through trade activity last season WITH their own, the Bruins now have (5) 1st round, (4) 2nd round, (2) 3rd round, (3) 4th round, (2) 5th round, (3) 6th round, and (3) 7th round for a total of 22 draft picks over the next three seasons. Far more draft collateral than they've had in a decade - in addition to gaining some new, and young prospects for the organization.

Draft collateral and prospects are certainly better to have than not, but it's going to be vital that Boston hits more than they miss when trying to develop current unknowns into future fan favorites.

Even if they're successful in doing so however, future picks and prospects are still years away, and only part of the solution.

Another, and more immediate part of the solution, is free agency.

Boston currently has $26.2M in available cap space.

Assuming they sign most, if not all of their restricted free agents, they're likely to have around $17M-$19M in remaining cap space to sign unrestricted free agents.

Now, while free agency can, and will be used to help bolster the Bruins player personnel, it isn't capable of fixing all of their roster shortcomings.

So, if picks and prospects are years away, and free agency is only part of the solution - what else can the Bruins do to improve on the fly?

Well, there are avenues to explore, and moves to be made.

But in order to execute, they have to be bold, creative, ruthless, and opportunistic.

They need to observe around the league, and identify scenario's that can be exposed.

Could there be any expected, or unexpected hockey trades on the table this summer?

Are there any young, promising players around the league, unhappy with their current team for one reason or another, yearning for change?

Are there any organizations handcuffed financially, and vulnerable to one of their coveted RFA's being offer sheeted by another franchise?

And if these opportunities exist, is Don Sweeney capable of executing?

If the answers to these questions are yes, then the Bruins can improve quicker than it appeared at the end of last season.

With all that said, here are 10 bold moves the Bruins could attempt this offseason.

Please keep in mind that these scenarios vary in probability, and are less offered as moves they should do, but simply as moves they could try to do - depending on market conditions around the league and how aggressive Boston intends on being.

Of course, in the event that one of these moves were to actually happen - it would lessen the chances of any subsequent bold moves since Boston's assets, and bargaining chips would reduce upon execution of any transaction.

All contract projections below are based on calculations done by AFP Analytics.

1. Isaac Howard, Trade - Moderate Probability

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• Player status :

  Unsigned, NHL Rights Tampa Bay Lightning

• Next contract projection :

  3 years, $925K

• Tampa Bay Lightning available salary cap :

  $5.8M

• Tampa Bay Lighting key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Nikita Kucherov, UFA, (2027), Oliver Bjorkstrand, UFA (2026), Connor Geekie, RFA (2027), Ryan McDonagh, UFA (2026)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  2nd round draft pick, Fabian Lysell - OR - 1st round draft pick.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are shopping the rights to their 2022 1st round draft pick (31st overall), Isaac Howard.

Howard, 21, has spent the last three seasons playing NCAA.

Between his freshman, and sophomore seasons at Minnesota-Duluth, and Michigan State respectively, he totaled 14G, 39A, 53PTS, in 71GP.

This past season as a junior, however, Howard recorded 26G, 26A, 52PTS, in 37GP.

He led Michigan State to a Big Ten Championship, winning Big Ten Tournament MVP, and the 2025 Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey in the process.

Howard projects to be a top six forward in the NHL, but unlikely so with Tampa Bay.

Lightning GM, Julien BriseBois announced back on May 2nd, that Howard has communicated with Tampa Bay that he values his ability to choose which NHL team is the best fit for him, and that the two parties have a mutual understanding that they will inevitably go their separate ways.

Howard, who is set to return to Michigan State for his senior year, is under team control until August of 2026.

If he isn't traded by then, he will become a free agent and Tampa Bay will receive the 31st selection in the 2nd round of the 2027 NHL Entry Draft as compensation.

Clearly, it's in the Lightning's best interest to trade Howard before then - and while there's no major rush, and little doubt that Howard won't continue to dominate the NCAA, his stock may not be higher than it is right now coming off of a Hobey Baker season. His play could tail off a bit, or he could get injured, etc.

Tampa's asking price will hopefully be at least what they invested in Howard.

At 31st overall in 2022, he was a glorified 2nd round pick. Add to that, Tampa Bay would receive a late 2nd rounder in 2027 if he becomes a free agent.

The Lightning, who have zero 1st round draft picks over the next three years, will probably settle for either a 1st round pick, or a 2nd round pick and a prospect.

The Bruins have a 1st, and (2) 2nd round draft picks in 2025, and (2) 1st round, and a 2nd round draft pick in both 2026, and 2027.

Boston won't trade their 2025 1st round pick (No. 7) overall for Howard.

However, they could move one of their (4) 1st round picks in 2026, 2027.

Or, they could move one of their (4) 2nd round picks in 2025, 2026, 2027 (combined), along with a prospect. Fabian Lysell would probably be the only prospect Boston would consider moving that Tampa Bay would be interested in.

2. Will Cuylle, Offer Sheet - Moderate Probability

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• Player status :

  RFA

• Next contract projection :

  3 years, $3.4M

• New York Rangers available salary cap :

  $8.4M

• New York Rangers key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Artemi Panarin, UFA (2026), K'Andre Miller, RFA (2025), Braden Schneider, RFA (2026), Chris Kreider, UFA (2027), Gabe Perrault, RFA (2027)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New player contract of 3 years, $4.6M AAV, 2nd round pick to the New York Rangers

The Rangers are in a cap crunch. K'Andre Miller is their most talented left-shot defensemen and in the wake of New York trading away Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren last season, they'll likely be valuing blue line stability heading into next year. Miller currently has two contract projections. Long term, he's projected to sign for 6 years, $6M, while short term he's projected 1 year, $4.6M.

Will Cuylle is projected to sign for 3 years, $3.4M.

If the Rangers sign Miller long term at 6 years, $6M, there's no way they can afford Cuylle - unless they traded away some other contracts which I'll get to briefly.

If New York somehow signs Miller short term at 1 year, at no more than $4.6M, AND, Cuylle agrees to sign a team friendly mid range deal at 3 years, $3.4M then it's possible they can retain both, but still highly unlikely.

Well then, one may ask, the Rangers can just trade Mika Zibanejad, or Chris Kreider and then the Rangers will have more cap space, right?

Yes, it's possible, but it's not that easy. Zibanejad has a no movement clause, and Kreider has a 15-team no trade list - though he has been often rumored to be moved.

However, until the Rangers are able to reduce their team salary cap, they won't have the money to sign both Miller and Cuylle if Miller signs a long term deal.

Enter the Bruins, who could try and take advantage of a financially vulnerable Rangers team and offer sheet Cuylle 3 years, $4.6M.

This would be the most amount of money the Bruins could offer Cuylle without having to give up anything more than a 2nd round pick as compensation.

Of course the Rangers salary cap situation could change if they are able to rid of a contract or two, or, if they prioritize signing Cuylle over Miller.

But for now, it's an option.

3. Marco Rossi, Offer Sheet - Moderate Probability

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• Player status :

  RFA

• Next contract projection :

  7 years, $7.3M (long term), OR, 2 years, $4.5M (short term)

• Minnesota Wild available salary cap :

  $16.5M

• Minnesota Wild key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Kirill Kaprizov, UFA (2026), Mats Zuccarello, UFA (2026), Ryan Hartman, UFA (2027), Jared Spurgeon, UFA (2027), David Jiricek, RFA (2026), Zeev Buium, RFA (2027)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New player contract of 7 years, $7.3M AAV, 1st, 2nd, 3rd round draft pick to the Minnesota Wild

Rumors have been reported lately surrounding the Minnesota Wild potentially looking to trade their former 2020 1st round draft pick, Marco Rossi.

Rossi, 23, is an RFA this summer and despite his youth and skill, it appears he might not be developing into the player Minnesota had hoped for.

These rumors are interesting for a few reasons.

Rossi recored 60PTS (24G, 36A, in 82GP) for the Wild this past season which was good enough for 2nd on the team in scoring.

Furthermore, he's currently Minnesota's youngest and most naturally skilled center and they don't have much center depth beyond him - certainly not high end depth.

Joel Eriksson Ek, 28, is a solid player but he's more of a 2C even though he's ahead of Rossi on their depth chart at the moment - Rossi has higher upside.

Despite his production, Rossi found himself playing 4th line minutes at times throughout the season, and while the Wild - organizationally - don't appear to be in a position to lose a young, skilled centerman like Rossi, once a team makes up their mind on a player - sometimes that's all there is to it.

Boston wouldn't be alone in wanting to acquire the rights to Rossi, so they would have to really know they want the player as part of their present and future.

Any team who wants to acquire Rossi would likely have to offer a long term contract.

Rossi is projected to sign for 7 years, $7.3M.

If the Bruins were to offer such a contract, and Minnesota chooses not to match, then they would have to send the Wild a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick of their own to acquire the players rights.

Thats's a massive haul for a young player who may end up being a higher end 2C.

That said, if the Bruins are okay with that, or see him as having 1C potential then the cost may be worth it to them.

It's worth mentioning that Minnesota may end up trading Rossi rather than receiving offer sheet compensation.

4. JJ Peterka, Offer Sheet - Moderate Probability

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• Player status :

  RFA

• Next contract projection :

  7 years, $7.7M (long term), OR, 2 years, $4.6M (short term)

• Buffalo Sabres available salary cap :

  $23.2M

• Buffalo Sabres key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Alex Tuch, UFA (2026), Peyton Krebs, RFA (2026), Zach Benson, RFA (2026)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New player contract of 7 years, $7.8M AAV, 1st, 2nd, 3rd round draft pick to the Buffalo Sabres

JJ Peterka is an interesting offer sheet candidate.

He has two contract projections, one long term and one short term.

Short term is 2 years, $4.6M.

$4.6M is the highest AAV that would only cost a 2nd round compensatory draft pick.

Buffalo would be sure to match that.

Which means if a team wants to prevent the Sabres from matching a short term deal, they would have to offer an AAV higher than $4.6M - which up until an AAV of $7M would be in compensatory territory of a 1st, and 3rd round draft pick.

For an AAV of $7M-$9.3M, a team successfully offer sheeting would have to give up a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round compensatory pick.

This would be the cost of offer sheeting Peterka in a long term contract scenario where he is projected 7 years, $7.8M.

So to boil it down, the Bruins would likely have to give up a 1st, and 3rd round draft pick to offer sheet Peterka on a shorter term offer sheet deal worth up to $7M - OR - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round draft pick on a longer term offer sheet deal worth up to $9.3M.

Buffalo has a decent amount of cap space however, and don't have a ton of expiring contracts. Peterka would easily fit under the Sabres cap if they value him as part of their future. And why wouldn't they? Peterka is only 23 and was their 2nd leading scorer last season with 27G, 41A, 68PTS, in 77GP.

It feels as though that if a team wants to lure Peterka out of Buffalo, an offer sheet surpassing the players projected long term AAV of $7.8M would have to be on the table which means the team would be willing to part ways with a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick.

An offer sheet in the realm of 7 years, $8.5M AAV could be what it takes for Buffalo not to match. That contract, plus draft capital, is a big price to pay for Peterka.

Now, if Peterka continues to be a 65-75 point player for the next decade, then it's worth it. If this past season ends up being one of his best in the NHL by the end of his career, then the cost may not be justified.

By all accounts though, Peterka is still scratching the surface of his NHL potential.

Now, Peterka is a left wing.

Morgan Geekie, and Pavel Zacha are currently projected to be Boston's first and second line left wings - though much can and will transpire this offseason.

So, if the Bruins intend on offer sheeting Peterka - do they still try and re-sign Geekie? Do they look to trade Zacha? Would they all co-exist on the same roster?

In any event, many NHL teams appear ready to have an offer sheet for Peterka if he isn't traded or signed by July 1 - so he's absolutely a player to keep an eye on.

5. Dmitri Voronkov, Offer Sheet - Mild Probability

(Photo Credit: Jason Mowry - Getty Images)

• Player status :

  RFA

• Next contract projection :

  5 years, $6.3M (long term), OR, 2 years, $4.2M (short term)

• Columbus Blue Jackets available salary cap :

  $40.4M

• Columbus Blue Jackets key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Adam Fantilli, RFA (2026), Kirill Marchenko, RFA (2027), Kent Johnson, RFA (2027), Boone Jenner, UFA (2026), Denton Mateychuck, RFA (2027), Dante Fabbro, UFA (2025), Ivan Provorov, UFA (2025).

  
  

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New player contract of 5 years, $6.3M, 1st, 3rd round draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dmitri Voronkov has caught the attention of many around the league.

The 24-year old, 6'5" 227 lb Russian was a 4th round draft pick back in 2019 and has adapted really well to the NHL game over the last two seasons.

Voronkov has tallied 41G, 40A, 81PTS, in 148GP for Columbus through his first two seasons in the league, and he can play both center and left wing.

His goal scoring hands, and ability to use his size effectively make him a unique player in today's game. That said, Columbus recognizes that as well.

Yes, the Blue Jackets have some key franchise players to re-sign over the next couple of years, but they have plenty of cap space at the moment.

Voronkov has two contract projections - a long term and short term. Any serious offer sheet to potentially pry him away from Columbus would have to be the long term offer with the higher AAV - and even then, Columbus might still match.

This is an RFA worth keeping an eye on, but he would be a costly offer sheet - acquiring Voronkov from Columbus would likely cost a 1st, and 3rd round draft pick.

6. Jonathan Marchessault, Trade - Mild Probability

(Photo Credit: Derek Cain - Getty Images)

• Player status :

  Signed, Year 2 of 5, $5.5M AAV, 15 Team No Trade List

• Next contract projection :

  N/A

• Nashville Predators available salary cap :

  $17.3M

• Nashville Predators key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Ryan O'Reilly, UFA (2027), Luke Evangelista, RFA (2025), Michael Bunting, UFA (2026), Fyodor Svechkov, RFA (2026), Zachary L'Heureux, RFA (2026),

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  2nd round draft pick, Fabian Lysell, Nashville retains minimal salary

Johnathan Marchessault signed a 5 year, $27.5M contract with the Nashville Predators last offseason.

Unfortunately, Nashville had an even worse season than Boston - if you can believe it.

But at least the Bruins have some franchise players in their prime.

The Predators don't have a great roster, or prospect pool, and have more than half of their salary cap allocated to players 30 years of age or older.

Nashville should focus on resigning their younger players, like RFA Luke Evangelista, and on rebuilding their organization through drafting and developing.

Again, similar to Boston, they now own a top-10 pick for the first time in a decade.

In an effort to alleviate cap space and replenish draft capital - Nashville would be wise to try and rid of some no longer applicable "win-now" contracts on their books.

Enter Marchessault, who has a 15 Team No Trade List, and has been the subject of recent trade rumors.

If Boston is one of the teams he'd be willing to go to, the Bruins could acquire the proven 2nd line right wing they are currently missing.

Marchessault is a 2023 Stanley Cup Champion, and Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

He's a bit older at 34, but still capable of producing at a top six level - averaging 60 points per season since 2017-2018 - while at an affordable cap hit of $5.5AAV.

That's not a very significant salary cap percentage, especially considering the cap's rising projections.

While some fans would scoff at the idea of trading for Marchessault because they want Boston to rebuild, and get younger not older -Bruins management and ownership plan to retool on the fly while aiming to make the postseason next year.

Marchessault could help them do that.

7. Gabe Vilardi, Offer Sheet - Low Probability

(Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett - Getty Images)

• Player status :

  RFA

• Next contract projection :

  4 years, $6.8M

• Winnipeg Jets available salary cap :

  $26.4M

• Winnipeg Jets key expiring contracts next three seasons:

  Nikolaj Ehlers, UFA (2025), Mason Appelton, UFA (2025), Kyle Connor, UFA (2026), Adam Lowry, UFA (2026), Cole Perfetti, RFA (2027)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New player contract of 4 years, $8.25M, 1st, 2nd, 3rd round draft pick to the Winnipeg Jets

Gabe Vilardi, 25, scored 24G, 31A, 61PTS, in 71GP for the Winnipeg Jets this past season and has become a legit top six right winger in the process.

Winnipeg has plenty of cap space to sign Vilardi this offseason, and there's little doubt they'll do just that. However, with key players to sign in the coming seasons, the Jets have to be mindful of their cap allowance in subsequent years as well.

If a team swoops in this offseason with an offer sheet for Vilardi in the $6.8-$7M price range - which would cost a 1st, and 3rd round draft pick - would it be enough to acquire the player from Winnipeg?

Unlikely, but possibly.

It may actually take an offer in the $8M-$8.5M price range for Winnipeg to potentially not match - and that would cost a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick.

That's a real hefty price to pay both in AAV and compensatory picks for this player.

But if the Bruins have an affinity for the player and don't believe Winnipeg would match a 4 year, $8M+ offer - this could be an option.

8. Matthew Knies, Offer Sheet - Low Probability

(Photo Credit: Mike Carlson - Getty Images)

• Player status :

  RFA

  
  

• Next contract projection :

  7 years, $7.2M (long term), OR, 2 years, $4.1M (short term)

• Toronto Maple Leafs available salary cap :

  $25.7M

• Toronto Maple Leafs key expiring contracts next three seasons :

  Mitch Marner, UFA (2025), John Tavares, UFA (2025), Brandon Carlo, UFA (2027), Scott Laughton, UFA (2026), Bobby McMann, UFA (2026)

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player :

  New Player Contract 7 years, $8M, 1st, 2nd, 3rd round draft pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have $25.7M in cap space this offseason.

John Tavares next contract projection is 3 years, $8M.

Mitch Marner is projected to sign somewhere for 7 years, $13M.

If Toronto were to sign both of these players, they would only be left with $3M to sign Knies, let alone anyone else, and it wouldn't even be enough to accommodate Knies' short term, lower AAV projection of 2 years, $4.1M.

That said, Marner will most certainly sign elsewhere.

Even if the star right winger wanted to stay in Toronto, the Leafs would more than likely elect to part ways with at least one of Marner, and or Tavares just to make sure they have enough money to re-sign Knies.

Ultimately, the only way a team could offer sheet Knies to the point where Toronto wouldn't match would be if someone offered an AAV that Knies simply hasn't earned to this point in his career.

For example, if someone offered Knies 7 years, $8M-$8.5M, would the Leafs be uncomfortable with that?

It depends what the organization may have up their sleeve over the next few years, and if signing Knies for more than what they're comfortable with would hinder any hopeful, future plans.

That AAV, plus a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd compensatory draft pick would be quite a lot to give up for Knies, who while is well on his way to becoming one of the leagues premier power forwards, is still yet to prove it consistently purely due to his youth and lack of tenure in the NHL .

For all of the reasons above, this bold move is extremely unlikely. Though it wouldn't be too surprising if someone tries to rock Toronto's boat this summer.

9. Jeremy Swayman, Trade - Low Probability

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• Player status :

  Signed, Year 2 of 8, $8.25M AAV, No Movement Clause starting 2026

• Next contract projection :

  N/A

• Boston Bruins available salary cap :

  $26.2M

• Boston Bruins possible return player : Young top six center, or top four defensemen, Boston retains minimal-to-zero salary

Chalk this up as an unlikely scenario, but one that has to be discussed due to Jeremy Swayman's struggles this past season - 3.11 GAA, .892 SV% - along with the fact he has no trade protection until his no movement clause kicks in next summer.

The timing is mainly why this needs to be at least an option Boston is pondering.

As it stands right now, it may already be tough enough to find a team willing to take on Swayman's $8.25M cap hit. Imagine how much harder it would be if Swayman's troubles continue into 2025-2026?

By that point it could be nearly impossible for Boston to try and move on from the player before his trade protection kicks in.

Which is why Boston may try to rid of the contract before it's too late and it comes back to bite them.

Of course in doing so, they would risk trading away a goalie who may end up meeting or exceeding expectations had for him before signing his 8 year, $66M contract.

Swayman did have an impressive IIHF World Championship, helping team USA win the Gold Medal for the first time in 92 years.

The Bruins netminder posted a record 7-0, with a 1.69 GAA, and .921 SV% while earning a shutout in the gold medal game versus Switzerland.

Hopefully that gives the player confidence heading into an important offseason.

His strong performance could be an encouraging sign for the Bruins that he'll have a bounce back season. It could also re-boost his value around the league. Maybe both.

Either way, this is a player to keep an eye on this summer.

10. Elias Pettersson, Trade - Low Probability

(Photo Credit: Brian Babineau - Getty Images)

• Player status :

  Signed, Year 2 of 8, $11.6M AAV, No Movement Clause

• Next contract projection :

  N/A

• Vancouver Canucks available salary cap :

  $14.1M

• Boston Bruins cost to acquire player : Casey Mittelstadt, Mason Lohrei, 2025 1st round draft pick, (maybe a 2nd round pick as well)

How fragile are the Vancouver Canucks?

How long are the Bruins willing to wait before having a true 1C talent on their NHL roster?

Are they willing to be patient during the prime years of David Pastrnak, and Charlie McAvoy?

These are all questions that would play into a potential trade for Elias Pettersson.

The Canucks traded away J.T. Miller to the Rangers last season due to on going friction with Pettersson - which is a red flag in and of itself.

Brock Boeser is likely to sign elsewhere in free agency this summer.

Former Canucks, now Philadelphia Flyers head coach, Rick Tocchet declined his option to remain in Vancouver.

Canucks' President, Jim Rutherford, mentioned that captain Quinn Hughes (UFA in 2027) has off the record expressed interest in wanting to play with his brothers (Jack, and Luke) who are pillars of the New Jersey Devils.

The Canucks don't have a ton of cap space, nor do they possess a great NHL roster or promising prospect pool at the moment.

They're likely multiple years away from being a playoff team again.

Pettersson may want out, and be willing to waive his no movement clause for a team, and situation he'd be willing to be traded to.

The Bruins lack a true No. 1 center, and Pettersson, 26, would slide right into that role entering his prime. Pettersson, Pastrnak, and McAvoy would be high end core of top players all under 30. Certainly better than what Boston has now.

Acquiring Pettersson would provide the organization with a bona fide 1C during the prime of Pastrnak, and McAvoy.

It would offer them a guarantee that they don't currently have.

Right now, Boston has no guarantee that whoever they select at No. 7 overall in 2025 will become a 1C in the NHL - if they draft a center that is.

And even if that player does become an NHL 1C some day, how far away is that from happening?

How old are Pastrnak and McAvoy by then?

And does their draft pick ever become nearly as good of an NHL talent as Pettersson?

Maybe one could be of the mind that the Bruins should forego trading for Pettersson, keep their assets, and make a bid in 2026 for UFAs Jack Eichel, or Connor McDavid.

It wouldn't cost Boston anything besides cap space, and the money spent would be more than worth it to potentially acquire the best player in the world in McDavid, or one of the best in Eichel.

But is acquiring one of them even realistic, let alone a guarantee?

Far from it.

McDavid in particular is a pipe dream, and signing Eichel is a hail mary prayer.

Oh, and by the way. Neither one of them may even make it to free agency in 2026.

But even it they did, the Edmonton Oilers would be more than willing to make McDavid the highest paid hockey player of all time, and McDavid would be more than happy to remain.

At least if Eichel makes it to free agency, he could theoretically be enticed to sign back home in Boston to spend the second half of his career around family, and friends.

But again, right now that's far from a guarantee.

Acquiring Pettersson is something to think about.

It's easy for an organization to exercise patience when their best players are young, but less so when they're best players are in their primes and the team is afraid of wasting those years.

The cost for Pettersson would likely be Boston's 1st round pick in 2025 (No. 7 overall), maybe a 2nd round pick in one of the next three drafts, and then a combination of young roster player(s), and a prospect(s).

Boston's 2025 1st round pick, possibly a 2nd round pick, Casey Mittelstadt, and Mason Lohrei is just one option but there are other similar packages Boston could offer.

Because Rutherford has already exercised a tendency to be overly transparent, and a willingness to make trades involving one of his best players, Vancouver could be a real trade partner - especially because they may decide to rebuild in coming years.

Ultimately, Boston holding onto their 2025 first round pick at No. 7 overall is responsible and exciting from a drafting and developing perspective, but it doesn't give them a sure thing 1C at all, let alone next season.

Now, there's admittedly a bit of devil's advocate at play here in an attempt to show an alternative lens that Boston may be looking through.

It's easy for us as fans, and media to say "draft No. 7 overall and build for the future".

That really does make all the sense in the world.

But management has to keep an eye on the present as well, and their present includes Pastrnak who's 29, and McAvoy who's soon to be 28, and they might not be willing to wait as long as (some) fans are for Boston to have a true 1C talent on the NHL roster.

If Pettersson is available via trade, at only 26 years old - the Bruins have to consider it.

A move of this magnitude would still indeed be surprising, but there's a reason why this article is titled "10 bold moves the Bruins could attempt this offseason", and not "10 realistic moves the Bruins could attempt this offseason".

Well, there you have it.

Let's see if the Bruins attempt or execute any of the above moves this offseason, or if other teams around the league do.

One things for sure, it will be an active offseason, so buckle up.