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Tag: NHL trades

  • Former Bruins Forward Struggling to Find Footing With New Team

    Former Bruins Forward Struggling to Find Footing With New Team

    March 6th, the Boston Bruins made a big move by trading pending UFA forward Justin Brazeau to the Minnesota Wild. In return they got Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko and a 2026 6th rounder. So far the Bruins are getting great return on this trade as both Khusnutdinov and Lauko are off to hot starts with their new team. Brazeau’s transition to the Wild has been lukewarm so far.

    Let’s dig in and see how this trade is working out for both teams and what it means for the players involved.

    The Trade Breakdown

    Boston Bruins’ Perspective

    The Bruins clearly went for immediate depth and future potential in this deal. They got Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko, two young and energetic forwards who are already contributing at the NHL level.

    • Khusnutdinov has made an impact already scoring 2 goals in 5 games since joining the Bruins. His speed and playmaking is on full display and is giving Boston’s 3rd and 4th line a much needed boost.
    • Lauko has 2 assists in 5 games showing his offensive instincts and versatility. Both players bring energy and skill to the table and fit into the Bruins system.

    And the 2026 6th rounder adds long term value to the trade giving Boston more flexibility in future drafts.

    Minnesota Wild’s Perspective

    The Wild were looking to add size and secondary scoring by getting Justin Brazeau, a 6’6” winger who is known for his physical presence and offensive potential. But Brazeau’s start with the Wild has been underwhelming.

    In 6 games with the Wild he has no points and is -1 . He’s also had 2 shots on goal during that span. This slow start is concerning especially since Brazeau was already struggling with the Bruins before the trade.Before the trade Brazeau had a 12 game pointless streak with the Bruins so it was unclear if he could get his scoring going again.

    In 63 games this season he has 10 goals, 20 points, 136 hits so he can contribute when he’s on. If he gets out of his slump he can still be a 3rd/4th line forward for the Wild.

    Why the Trade Looks Good for Boston So Far

    So far, so good for the Bruins. Both Khusnutdinov and Lauko are playing, while Brazeau has done nothing with the Wild. The Bruins addressed a need for depth scoring and energy, which will be huge this spring.

    For the Wild,hope Brazeau gets his game back. He’s a big body and physical but needs to produce if he wants to be in the lineup.

    FAQs About the Bruins-Wild Trade

    Who did the Boston Bruins trade to the Minnesota Wild?

    The Bruins traded Justin Brazeau to the Wild for Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko and a 2026 6th round draft pick.

    How are Khusnutdinov and Lauko doing with the Bruins?

    Both are playing well. Khusnutdinov has 2 goals in 5 games, Lauko 2 assists in 5 games.

    Why was Justin Brazeau traded?

    Brazeau, a UFA, was pointless in his last 12 games. The trade allowed the Bruins to get younger and more versatile in Khusnutdinov and Lauko.

    How is Justin Brazeau doing with the Wild?

    Brazeau has no points in 6 games and 2 shots on goal. He’s got some work to do to get back to his earlier season form.

  • Patrice Bergeron Draws the Line at Panthers Jersey for Brad Marchand

    Patrice Bergeron Draws the Line at Panthers Jersey for Brad Marchand

    Former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron is not enjoying life without Brad Marchand. In a recent interview he told a funny and sweet story about his kids asking for a Florida Panthers jersey with Marchand’s name on it. His response? “Too soon for that”

    This is just a small example of how tough it is to move on from Marchand leaving the Boston Bruins, the end of an era for one of the greatest duos in the NHL.

    Patrice Bergeron Stays Loyal to Boston Bruins

    Bergeron’s love for the Bruins goes deep, even in retirement. On NESN recently, the six-time Selke Trophy winner told a funny and revealing story about his family’s reaction to Brad Marchand’s trade to the Florida Panthers. After 14 years alongside Marchand, Bergeron said even his kids were caught up in the excitement of their favorite player joining a new team.

    “My kids were asking for a Marshy Florida jersey,” Bergeron said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Too soon for that.’”

    His response says a lot about the emotional attachement to seeing Marchand, a player who became Bruins, leave for another team. For Bergeron, it’s not just about jerseys, it’s about keeping the legacy of a player who meant so much to Boston hockey.

    Brad Marchand’s Departure Marks the End of an Era

    Marchand to the Florida Panthers ends an era for the Bruins. Over a decade as a building block of the organization and he’s gone. The trade his gone and fans and teammates are still trying to process. The Panthers sent a conditionally ranked 2nd round pick to Boston but no pick is going to make up for losing a player of Marchand’s level.

    Marchand was more than just a point producer—he was Bergeron’s right hand man and eventual captain. His absence is felt big time emotionally and competitively.

    Bergeron on Marchand’s New Chapter

    Bergeron didn’t sugarcoat how weird it was to see Marchand in Panthers gear for the first time. “Just seeing that—definitely different, obviously,” Bergeron said about Marchand’s debut with Florida. “I love him so much. I wish him all the best.”

    He’s being sincere, but you can tell Bergeron isn’t quite ready to think of Marchand as anything other than a Bruin.

    Why Did Marchand Leave the Bruins?

    The trade was all about contracts. According to Paul Bissonnette NHL analyst, Marchand wanted a 3 year $7.5M deal. The Bruins weren’t willing to do that so here we are.

    This was tough for both sides. Marchand had been a Bruin for over a decade.

    Bergeron’s Emotional Ties to Marchand

    Bergeron and Marchand had a special bond on and off the ice. Their chemistry was a big reason for the Bruins’ success including the 2011 Cup. Bergeron’s not ready to see Marchand in Panthers gear just yet says a lot about their friendship and the weight of his leaving.

  • Boston Bruins Prospect Making Waves in the AHL

    Boston Bruins Prospect Making Waves in the AHL

    In a rare Atlantic Division trade, the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs made a big deal on March 7, 2025. The Bruins sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs in exchange for prospect Fraser Minten, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 Draft. While the draft picks are nice, Minten is already making noise in the American Hockey League (AHL) and could be a big piece for the Bruins down the line.

    Fraser Minten Already Making Waves in the AHL

    The Toronto Maple Leafs were high on Fraser Minten before the trade and some Maple Leafs fans were upset to see him go, especially with his potential. But visa issues held up his debut with the Providence Bruins. Once those were resolved, Minten didn’t waste time showing why he’s such a prized prospect.

    This weekend, Minten put on a show, scoring a natural hat trick in a 4-1 win over the Springfield Thunderbirds. His quick release and ability to finish in tight were on full display and Boston Bruins fans have a lot to be excited about. A Vancouver native and second-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, Minten is a bright spot in the Bruins prospect pool.

    Don’t Rush Minten to the NHL

    While Minten is playing well in the AHL, it’s not a reason to rush him to the NHL. The Bruins have always taken a patient approach with their prospects and this season is no exception.

    Let Him Develop in the AHL

    Minten played 15 games with the Maple Leafs earlier this season and had 2 goals and 4 points. Not terrible but it shows the big difference between junior and the NHL. Rather than throwing him into the mess that is the Boston Bruins right now, keeping him in the AHL allows him to hone his skills against professional competition with less pressure.

    Players like Cole Koepke, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Kushnutdinov are better suited to fill roles at the NHL level right now. Meanwhile leaving Minten and other top prospects like Fabian Lysell and Matthew Poitras in Providence gives them the chance to grow individually and as a unit during the regular season and playoffs.

    If the Bruins need a forward, calling up Oliver Wahlstrom makes more sense than disrupting Minten’s development.

    Why the Bruins Should Be Patient with Minten?

    While Minten is off to a great start, don’t call him up to the NHL just yet. Here’s why:

    1. Development is Key: Minten is only 20 and has room to grow in the AHL.
    2. Don’t Put Pressure On Him: The Bruins are in a rebuild and putting Minten in the NHL too soon could hurt his development.
    3. AHL Playoff Experience: Keep him in Providence and he’ll get playoff experience and continue to develop.

    Instead of calling up Minten, the Bruins can use Cole Koepke, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Khusnutdinov to fill those NHL roles this season.

    The Big Picture for the Bruins

    The Bruins acquired Minten because they’re building for the future. Along with Fabian Lysell and Matthew Poitras, Minten adds to the growing list of young talent in the organization.

    By keeping Minten in the AHL, the Bruins are setting him up for long term success not rushing him into the high pressure NHL.