The Boston Bruins have historically been aggressive buyers at the trade deadline under general manager Don Sweeney, but this season presents a different challenge. With a 27-23-6 record and 60 points in 56 games, the Bruins currently sit sixth in the Atlantic Division—just one point behind the Detroit Red Wings in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.
Following Boston’s 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday, Sweeney addressed the team’s struggles and suggested that the Bruins may take a different approach this year. “It’s been a little unique for us this year, getting out of the gate not as fast as we would like. We’re in the middle of things,” Sweeney said, per WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin. “It’s a tough exercise to sort of play both sides of the street, but that’s almost every year what a general manager is required to do—test what’s out there, what’s available, and how you can improve.”
Just a few weeks earlier, on Jan. 16, Bruins president Cam Neely acknowledged the team had yet to commit to a specific strategy heading into the deadline. “I think right now we’ve got to look at two paths,” Neely explained. “One where we’re buying. One where we may be retooling a little bit. We still feel like we’ve got a playoff team here. We certainly don’t want to jeopardize getting out of the playoffs because we made moves that may be good for the future but not the present.”
Should the Bruins decide to sell, they have several pending free agents who could generate interest among playoff contenders. Names such as Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Morgan Geekie, and Parker Wotherspoon could be on the move—along with a potential blockbuster decision regarding team captain Brad Marchand.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman hinted at the possibility of Marchand’s departure, discussing the veteran forward’s uncertain future on the Jan. 31 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast. “If Boston takes on water, I’m really gonna be curious to see where this goes,” Friedman said. “There was a time this year where I didn’t think there was a chance that Marchand would be moved, but now it’s not as certain depending on what happens here.”
With the trade deadline looming, all eyes are on the Bruins as they face a crucial decision that could reshape the team’s future.
