The Boston Bruins could have trouble offloading two former promising prospects ahead of the trade deadline. Boston is currently hanging on to a playoff spot and wants to strengthen its squad in the coming days. The team’s failed run at Rasmus Andersson clearly shows that GM Don Sweeney is targeting a right-shot defenseman.
Although they missed out on the former Flame, the Bruins do have other options in the market. Justin Faulk and Braden Schneider have both been linked with potential moves to Beantown in recent days. Faulk is widely viewed as the top veteran blueliner available in the market. Schneider, on the other hand, is just 24 and has yet to hit his ceiling with the New York Rangers.
The Bruins may have identified specific targets, but they also have to come up with a suitable package to complete a deal. Boston is likely willing to part ways with both Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei to help facilitate a trade. The duo was previously considered highly-rated prospects by team officials. Nevertheless, both players have since fallen down the pecking order.
Although it remains to be seen what Boston can get back from dealing Poitras and Lohrei, a high-level NHL scout has given his opinion on the situation. According to the anonymous scout, the Bruins would be lucky to receive a second-round pick for Poitras. “I wouldn’t trade for him, personally,” the director told The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa. “If they can recoup a second, that’s a win for me.”
Former Prospects are Likely to be Dealt by the Boston Bruins
GettyMatt Poitras has only featured in three NHL games so far this season.
The same scouting director informed Shinzawa that the Bruins could expect to get a third-round selection for Lohrei. Both players were previously selected in the second round of their respective drafts. Not only were they picked in the mid-50s overall, but both prospects were once considered key young pieces in the organization.
Poitras initially made the Bruins roster as a 19-year-old phenom. His playing time in the NHL, however, has since diminished in recent seasons. In fact, the center has made just three appearances in Boston during the 2025-26 campaign. He is currently featuring for the Providence Bruins of the AHL. Lohrei has been in Boston all season, but has received less time on the ice in recent weeks.
The Bruins will likely not be willing to offload the two youngsters for just draft picks. Boston currently has a plethora of top selections in the near future. In fact, they have four first-round picks over the next two years alone. Potentially grabbing additional selections will not boost the team’s chances during the current season.
Bruins Want to Acquire NHL-Ready Players via Trades
Instead of compiling more draft picks, Sweeney would rather acquire NHL-ready players before March 6. The GM recently revealed that he wants to give his current roster a “bump” heading towards the playoffs. According to The Boston Globe, Sweeney is targeting players with “an eye toward obviously this year but moving forward, as well.”
It remains to be seen if dangling Poitras and Lohrei will ultimately help bring in a quality right-handed defenseman. Nevertheless, this certainly appears to be the goal for the Bruins ahead of the trade deadline.
Bruins Learn Disappointing Valuation for Duo on Trade Block