The Boston Bruins aren’t sitting back and waiting for the playoff picture to sort itself out. With the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline inching closer, Boston has made it clear they’re in win-now mode.
From clearing roster space to being in the thick of high-profile trade talks, the Bruins are pushing their chips in, hoping to make a serious postseason run. Let’s break down what’s been happening in Boston this week-from a depth move with big implications, to a potential blockbuster on the blue line, and a moment that brought TD Garden to its feet.
Bruins Trade Jeffrey Viel to Ducks
The Bruins made a roster-clearing move on Wednesday, sending forward Jeffrey Viel to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. That pick will be whichever is better between Detroit’s and Philadelphia’s, both of which Anaheim holds the rights to.
At 28, Viel brought toughness to the lineup but not much else on the scoresheet. He racked up 30 penalty minutes in just 10 games this season without registering a point.
In fact, he hasn’t tallied a point in the NHL since the 2021-22 season with San Jose. This trade isn’t about what the Bruins lost-it’s about what they might be setting up.
By moving Viel, Boston opens up a spot on their 50-man roster. That flexibility is crucial as they look to make bigger moves before the deadline. This wasn’t just a depth shuffle-it’s a sign the Bruins are clearing the runway for something more significant.
Rasmus Andersson on Boston’s Radar
Speaking of significant, all eyes are now on Boston’s pursuit of Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. The Bruins and Golden Knights are reportedly the two frontrunners in the race for the right-shot blueliner, and there’s been a notable shift in the conversation.
Earlier reports suggested Andersson wasn’t interested in signing an extension, which cooled Boston’s interest. But that’s changed. According to multiple sources, Andersson is now open to an extension, and all three parties-the Bruins, Flames, and the player-are aligned on the possibility of a deal.
If Boston pulls this off, it would be a game-changer for their blue line. Andersson would likely slot in next to Charlie McAvoy on the top pair, giving the Bruins a formidable right-side duo. That kind of upgrade would bump someone like Andrew Peeke or Henri Jokiharju to a depth role, depending on who stays and who goes in the deal.
But make no mistake-this won’t come cheap. The price tag for Andersson is expected to be steep, possibly involving multiple first-round picks. Still, if Boston believes he’s the missing piece, this is the kind of swing you take when you’re chasing banners.
Bruins Retire Zdeno Chara’s No. 33
In the middle of all the trade buzz, the Bruins took a night to honor one of their all-time greats. On Thursday, the team raised Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 to the rafters in a ceremony that was as emotional as it was well-deserved.
Chara, who captained the Bruins for 14 seasons, was the heartbeat of the team during its 2011 Stanley Cup run. He played 1,023 games in Boston, putting up 481 points and over 1,000 penalty minutes, but his impact went far beyond the numbers. He was the kind of leader who defined an era.
Now, his number hangs alongside legends like Bobby Orr and Cam Neely-a fitting tribute to a player who gave everything to the city and the franchise. Chara was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2024, and this ceremony was the final stamp on a remarkable Bruins legacy.
What’s Next
The Bruins are in Chicago tonight to face off against the Blackhawks at the United Center. They currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind the Canadiens for third in the Atlantic Division.
With the trade deadline looming and the standings tightening, Boston is clearly not content with just hanging around. Moves are being made, and more could be on the way. The Bruins are betting big on this season-and they’re not bluffing.