The Boston Bruins are doing a full 180-degree turn this trade deadline. Last year, the club was a seller amid a lousy season. This year, they’re buyers as they eye a return to the postseason.
According to insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the focus is on landing a top-six forward and right-shot defenseman. That’s hardly breaking news. But what should mildly surprise fans is what the Bruins are willing to give up to land one of those pieces.
In a February 26 piece, Pagnotta pointed out that the Bruins are willing to part with a former top prospect.
Once upon a time, the club believed that Matthew Poitras would be a top-six forward who could take over a spot from a veteran like Pavel Zacha. Since then, other younger players like Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov have passed him on the organizational depth chart.
As such, Poitras is now expendable. He’s trade bait and could be on the move at the 2026 NHL trade deadline if the right deal comes along. The Bruins will be looking to upgrade throughout the lineup. So, it would be surprising to see Poitras head to another club looking to get younger, such as the St. Louis Blues or even the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Blues are in an interesting choice since one of the trade targets rumored on the Bruins’ docket is Justin Faulk. And Poitras could be a solid fit for the rebuilding Blues as they look to turn things around next season.
Poitras Could Help Land Veteran Piece like Faulk
Poitras is just the type of player the Blues could be eyeing in a deal for a veteran like Faulk. The 21-year-old fits the mold the Blues have for their rebuilding core. With the possibility of jettisoning Robert Thomas or Brayden Schenn, the Blues will need someone to play down the middle.
That’s just the sort of opportunity the former second-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft could get in St. Louis.
If the Bruins were enticed to land someone like Jordan Kyrou, again from St. Louis, Poitras could also make an interesting trade chip.
Of course, these ideas are speculative as there is no real lead on what players the Bruins have on their wish list. But one has to think that Boston could be willing to move Poitras if it means finding a suitable upgrade.
Bruins Not Giving Up on Poitras
While it might seem like the Bruins have given up on Poitras, the reality is that the club is just being practical about its assets. There’s no real place in the lineup for Poitras at the moment. And, without another high-end prospect to dangle in front of other teams, Poitras is the guy.
The Bruins would rather hold on to their former second-rounder. But at the end of the day, the focus will be on getting better this season, without really mortgaging the future. Poitras is a guy they could be comfortable with moving. So, he’ll be the biggest trade chip this season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bruins Dangling Prospect at 2026 NHL Trade Deadline appeared first on Heavy Sports.