The Boston Bruins will enter the 2025-26 season in the midst of a roster turnover. Gone are some key veteran players from seasons past. In are the new core members with up-and-coming young players ready to take over full-time NHL roles.
However, the Bruins’ roster is far from a finished product. There are plenty of options for the club to upgrade and dump less valuable contracts.
With that in mind, here are the top three Boston Bruins trade candidates heading into the 2025-26 season.
Top 3 Bruins Trade Candidates in 2025-26
Casey Mittelstadt
Trade rumors regarding the Bruins’ center are nothing new. Earlier this offseason, RG Media reported anonymous sources claiming that Casey Mittelstadt was on the trade block.
Since a deal has yet to materialize, it’s fair to assume the Bruins will give Mittelstadt a shot to make an impact with the team. If he has a good camp and a solid start to the season, his trade value will increase.
While the Bruins may choose to hold onto Mittelstadt, there’s always the chance the team trades him. A club in need of a center could pony up whatever Boston’s asking price is. It’s worth keeping in mind that injuries can wreak havoc, especially on contenders. That’s why the Bruins might be biding their time for the right deal to come along.
Pavel Zacha
Like Mittelstadt, trade speculation surrounding Pavel Zacha is nothing new. The Bruins could be looking to move Zacha for the right price. However, GM Don Sweeney may think twice about moving the 28-year-old. He’s a serviceable center and could provide consistency down the road.
It’s also worth pointing out that Zacha has an eight-team no-trade clause. That situation could limit what the Bruins might be able to do. Still, if the right offer comes along, Boston could take it.
The Bruins have young centers who could shoulder the load. So, there’s a good chance Boston flips Zacha to a team willing to pay up.
Viktor Arvidsson
The Bruins acquired Viktor Arvidsson this summer in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers. The 32-year-old is entering the final year of his current contract and has a no-movement clause. Nevertheless, Arvidsson may be willing to waive it if the trade is to a contender.
If Arvidsson has a good season, a contending club could pursue him as part of a trade deadline acquisition. He may not draw a huge haul, but he could help a contending club looking to plug a hole in its middle six.
Bruins May Have Another Fire Sale this Season
The Bruins held a fire sale at last year’s trade deadline. This season, there’s a good chance another may be forthcoming. That depends, of course, on how the club plays. New coach Marco Sturm will look to instill a consistent style of play from the start.
That said, if the Bruins falter out of the gate, the club could be compelled to pack it in for the season and compete for a high draft pick. Then again, the Bruins could surprise everyone and have a strong season.
While they may still sell off some pieces, they may also acquire useful ones to help boost the club’s retool and a potential playoff run.
Bruins Top 3 Trade Candidates in 2025-26