As the Bruins hit their mid-winter pause, it’s a good time to take stock of where things stand - and where they might be headed. While most of the roster gets a much-needed breather, eight Bruins (plus Providence call-up Dans Locmelis) are off to Italy to represent their countries in the Olympics. That’s a major honor, but also a reminder: when the NHL returns from the break, the clock is ticking fast toward the March 6 trade deadline.
Let’s break it down.
The Trade Deadline Looms - And the Bruins' Path Should Be Clear
Technically, the deadline’s a month away. But in hockey terms?
It’s right around the corner. The Bruins will only have four games post-Olympics before the deadline hits, meaning GM Don Sweeney won’t have much new information to work with - unless something drastic happens overseas.
So what should Sweeney do? One thing he shouldn’t do is go all-in on a rental.
This isn’t the year to burn premium assets - not for a Rick Nash-type deal (which cost a first-rounder, Ryan Lindgren, Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, and a seventh) or even the Tyler Bertuzzi trade (first and fourth). The Bruins are a playoff team, yes.
But a true Stanley Cup contender? Not quite.
That doesn’t mean they should sit on their hands. If Sweeney wants to use one of the club’s three fourth-rounders on a veteran with an expiring deal, that’s a reasonable play. But this roster isn’t in a spot where sacrificing long-term value for a short-term push makes sense.
Still, making the playoffs matters. And in this case, it matters more than flipping pending UFAs like Viktor Arvidsson or Andrew Peeke just to get back a late-round pick.
Both players are contributing. Arvidsson’s been a steady presence, and while Peeke could probably use the break to reset, he’s still part of the defensive rotation.
Let them play out their deals. This isn’t the time to sell just for the sake of it.
Remember 2007-08? This Team Has That Vibe
This Bruins squad has shades of the 2007-08 team - Claude Julien’s first year behind the bench. That group wasn’t built to win it all, either.
They gave up 10 goals in a game to Washington that March. But they clawed their way into the playoffs and pushed a heavily favored Canadiens team to the brink in a seven-game series.
Montreal fans were so relieved to escape that they took to the streets.
The next year? The Bruins swept the Habs. Three years later, they were Stanley Cup champions.
Winning teams are built over time. The Bruins reloaded last year, moved out their captain and a quarter of the roster, and ended up with four first-round picks across the next two drafts.
That’s a solid foundation. But now?
It’s time to compete, not collect. The playoffs are within reach.
That should be the priority.
Poitras Back to Providence - For Now
Matt Poitras was sent back to Providence after the Bruins' last game before the break. It’s a smart move. With three weeks off, there’s no reason to have a 21-year-old prospect sitting idle when he could be logging meaningful minutes in the AHL.
And Poitras made the most of his recent NHL stint. In just three games - against some tough competition - he reasserted himself as a legit prospect. The question now: does he have a future in Boston, or could he be used as a trade chip?
There’s a real need on the right side of the blue line. The penalty kill ranks 28th in the league, and the lack of a reliable right-shot defenseman is a big part of that.
If the Bruins can land a top-four right D with term - not a rental - then someone like Poitras becomes a valuable asset to move. With offensive talent like James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, and Will Zellers on the way, and Locmelis showing real NHL potential, the Bruins might be deep enough at forward to make that kind of move.
Pavel Zacha is another name to watch. He’s got one year left on his deal and has been a solid addition. The Bruins will have to make a decision on him this summer, but right now, he’s part of the solution.
Fraser Minten? He’s not going anywhere.
Khusnutdinov Proving His Worth
When the Bruins re-signed Marat Khusnutdinov to a two-year extension, there were some raised eyebrows. He had shown flashes after arriving from Minnesota at the deadline, but didn’t exactly jump off the page.
Now? He’s proving to be a valuable piece.
His skill is there, but it’s his compete level, puck strength, and all-around grit that’s really stood out. Take his play in overtime during the shootout loss in Florida - breaking up a dangerous 2-on-1 with a smart read and hustle.
That’s the kind of play that doesn’t show up on the scoresheet but earns trust from coaches.
It’s still unclear whether he’s best suited for a top-six role or more of a third-line spot, and whether he fits better at center or wing. But one thing’s clear: Khusnutdinov belongs in the mix.
Lohrei Trending Up
Mason Lohrei has had his name tossed around in trade rumors - notably in connection to Rasmus Andersson. But lately, he’s looked more comfortable and less mistake-prone in his own zone.
He’s even been playing the right side, despite right-shot Henri Jokiharju being available. And he’s been effective - shutting down plays quicker, playing with more confidence. Whether he’s still viewed as a trade chip remains to be seen, but at 25, Lohrei is showing signs of growth at a critical time.
And While You Wait...
If you’re looking for something to fill the hockey void during the Olympic break, check out “Miracle: The Boys of ‘80” on Netflix. You may think you’ve heard every story about the 1980 U.S.
Olympic team, but this documentary digs into the human side of that miracle run in a way that hits home. It’s well worth your time.
Final Thought
This Bruins team might not be built for a deep Cup run - not yet. But they’re building something.
And in a season where they’ve already defied expectations, the focus should be on pushing forward, not pulling back. The playoffs are within reach.
That’s the goal. Let the kids develop, let the veterans lead, and let’s see where this ride goes.