As the Boston Bruins approach the March 7 trade deadline, General Manager Don Sweeney faces a crucial decision regarding the team’s future direction. With some veterans like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring, the team must undergo a retooling process. In light of their struggles this season, including disappointing losses like a shootout defeat to the Ottawa Senators and a comeback win over the San Jose Sharks, the Bruins must decide whether to continue pursuing a playoff push or shift toward rebuilding. To ease this transition, Sweeney should look to offload some contracts that no longer fit the team’s plans.
One of the first players the Bruins should consider moving is Charlie Coyle. Acquired from the Minnesota Wild in 2019, Coyle has been a solid contributor for the Bruins. However, at 32 years old, his performance this season has significantly dropped, mirroring the struggles of much of the team. In 2023-24, Coyle did an admirable job stepping up after the retirements of Bergeron and Krejci, solidifying the center position. However, with age catching up to him, Coyle’s decline in production makes his $5.25 million cap hit a potential burden for the Bruins moving forward. As the team retools, Coyle’s contract could be an asset they look to move, especially if a team looking for veteran leadership in the center position is willing to take on the remainder of his deal.
Another player the Bruins may want to move is Matt Grzelcyk. Grzelcyk, a defenseman known for his mobility and strong puck-moving ability, has been with the Bruins for several years and has contributed to their success. However, like many others, his performance has been inconsistent in the current season. As the team moves toward a younger, more dynamic defensive corps, Grzelcyk’s contract could be a piece that no longer fits. With a cap hit of $3.687 million for the next two seasons, his contract could be difficult to move, but there may be teams in need of a left-handed defenseman who can provide both offense and stability. Trading Grzelcyk would allow the Bruins to free up cap space and bring in younger players who fit their long-term vision.
Lastly, the Bruins should explore trading goalie Linus Ullmark. Ullmark has been solid in net, but with the emergence of Jeremy Swayman as a potential long-term solution in goal, moving Ullmark could provide the team with the necessary cap relief to further bolster other areas. Ullmark’s $5 million cap hit over the next two years could be appealing to teams seeking stability in net, especially if they are playoff-bound and need a reliable backup or starter. Given his performance this season and his strong reputation around the league, Ullmark would likely garner interest from several contenders looking to solidify their goaltending situation for a postseason run. Moving Ullmark would open the door for the Bruins to give Swayman more of a starting role while retooling the rest of the roster.
In conclusion, the Bruins must make tough decisions at the trade deadline to pave the way for a successful future. Moving veteran players like Coyle, Grzelcyk, and Ullmark would help create the necessary cap space and roster flexibility for the team to start retooling. By shedding these contracts, the Bruins can make room for younger talent, revamp their roster, and build a more sustainable team for the years to come. The upcoming stretch of games will likely determine the Bruins’ approach at the deadline, but these three players could be among the first to go if the team decides to shift toward rebuilding.
