3 Trade Targets for the Bruins This Offseason
By Ryan Bunton
With the 2024 Stanley Cup champion crowned, the NHL offseason is now officially in full swing. The Boston Bruins are coming off of a 109-point season in which they bowed out in the second round of the playoffs to the Florida Panthers, the eventual Cup champions. This season marked the second consecutive season in which Boston had been sent golfing by Florida.
The Bruins have already made their first major trade of the offseason, shipping former Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Linus Ullmark north of the border to the Ottawa Senators on Monday night, mere minutes before the puck dropped in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The return for Ullmark was widely regarded as disappointing from Boston's perspective, especially after many rumors suggested that Bruins fans could expect a haul for the netminder's services.
The Bruins' clear-cut need is to acquire a top-six center this offseason, whether that comes through free agency or a trade. The defensive unit feels pretty set in stone, and the goaltending situation is clear after Monday's Ullmark trade. Subsequently, all three of the players on this list are centermen.
After already pulling the trigger on a major trade, does general manager Don Sweeney have a blockbuster deal in his back pocket this offseason? Here are three potential trade targets for the Bruins.
3. Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks
Zegras, 23, has been linked to the Bruins due to Boston's aforementioned dire need at center. Zegras' style of play revolves around his playmaking ability, which has resulted in some highlight-reel goals and assists. The Bruins tend to play a more two-way style of hockey, and Zegras' archetype might be better suited for a high-flying roster.
Zegras is no stranger to Boston, having skated for the Boston University Terriers in 2019-20.
A former ninth-overall pick, his production dipped heavily in 2023-24 as Zegras struggled to stay healthy. Ultimately, he only suited up for 31 of Anaheim's 82 games. After a down year, many GMs have hoped to take advantage and snag Zegras at a low value.
In his two full seasons, the former Terrier eclipsed 60 points and 20 goals at only age 20 and 21, respectively. Zegras' potential is undeniable and he is signed through the 2025-26 at a reasonable $5.75 million average annual value.
David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reported that the Ducks have set a "very high price" for Zegras. If the Bruins are going to pull off a blockbuster, they might be better served to give up those assets for a more proven player.