The Boston Bruins find themselves at a fascinating crossroads as the NHL calendar inches toward the Olympic break and, soon after, the trade deadline. Sitting in fifth place in the Atlantic Division with 63 points, they’re right in the thick of the playoff hunt-only seven points behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.
But here’s where it gets tricky: they’re tied in points with both the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens, who’ve played fewer games. That puts the Bruins in the final Eastern Conference wild card spot, but with very little breathing room.
This is a team that’s defied expectations in 2025-26. At times, they’ve looked like a legitimate playoff threat, stringing together quality wins and showing flashes of the Bruins’ tough, structured identity.
But those highs have come with some frustrating lows-periods where the defense has been porous, the offense inconsistent, and long losing streaks have threatened to derail their momentum. If they’re going to stay in the race, consistency after the Olympic pause will be critical.
Another cold stretch in March, like the ones we’ve seen earlier this season, could put them in a hole too deep to climb out of.
That uncertainty makes the upcoming trade deadline especially intriguing for GM Don Sweeney. He’s earned a reputation for navigating this time of year with a steady hand, and this season’s situation calls for just that. The Bruins could go in a number of directions-buyers, sellers, or a little of both-and the next few weeks will likely determine which path they take.
Potential Targets: Dougie Hamilton and Andrew Mangiapane
Let’s start with a name that’s been circling the rumor mill: Dougie Hamilton. The New Jersey Devils defenseman isn’t a lock to be moved, but there’s enough smoke to suggest he could be available. And yes, there’s some buzz around the Bruins potentially being interested in a reunion.
Hamilton, a right-shot blueliner with legitimate offensive upside, would be a notable addition for a Bruins defense corps that has been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. He’s still producing-six goals and 19 points while logging over 21 minutes per game-and he remains an effective power-play quarterback.
He’s under contract through 2027-28 at a $9 million AAV, so this wouldn’t be a short-term rental. That’s where things get complicated.
For one, Hamilton has a 10-team no-trade list, and it’s unclear whether Boston is on it. There’s also the history-Hamilton was drafted by the Bruins back in 2011, but the relationship reportedly soured before he was traded to Calgary in 2015.
That said, time has a way of healing old wounds, and if the fit is right, it’s worth exploring. With the salary cap projected to rise in the coming years, the financial side of this deal might not be as daunting as it looks on paper.
Still, other contenders with more cap flexibility and a clearer shot at the Cup may be in a better position to land him.
Another player to keep an eye on: Andrew Mangiapane. The 29-year-old winger hasn’t found his stride with the Edmonton Oilers this season.
With just six goals and 12 points in 47 games, he’s been shuffled down the lineup and even scratched at times. It’s clear he’s looking for a fresh start-his camp has reportedly been given the green light to seek a trade.
Mangiapane is under contract through 2026-27 at a $3.6 million AAV, which makes him more than just a rental. While he hasn’t matched the 35-goal breakout he had in 2021-22 with Calgary, he’s still a player with 20-goal potential in the right setting.
Boston, a team always in search of secondary scoring, could be just that. Look no further than Morgan Geekie’s resurgence in black and gold for proof that the Bruins can unlock value in the right player.
Given his current role and production, Mangiapane likely wouldn’t come at a premium. The Bruins have eight picks in the 2026 draft and some young prospects who might benefit from a change of scenery. Whether Mangiapane would waive his no-trade clause to come to Boston is unknown, but he’s a name worth checking in on-especially for a team that needs to bolster its offensive depth without mortgaging the future.
Trade Deadline Outlook
The NHL’s trade freeze will kick in on February 4 due to the Olympic break, with the official trade deadline set for March 6. That gives the Bruins a small window post-Olympics to evaluate where they stand and what kind of moves-if any-they want to make.
Last year’s deadline saw Boston move some key pieces and come away with a second first-round pick in the upcoming draft. It wasn’t a full-on fire sale, but it was a clear pivot toward long-term planning.
This year feels different. The Bruins don’t appear ready to go all-in, but they’re also not in a position to completely sell off.
More than anything, this feels like a deadline where smart, measured moves could set the table for a more serious run in 2026-27.
The Bruins have been streaky all season, and while a deep playoff push might be a long shot, stranger things have happened. That said, this isn’t the time to gamble big on a team still trying to find its identity.
If there’s a deal to be made that helps now and down the line-like Hamilton or Mangiapane-it’s worth exploring. But the focus should stay on building a sustainable contender, not chasing a mirage.
With a handful of weeks left before the deadline, and a critical stretch of games ahead, Boston’s front office will need to keep their eyes wide open. The Bruins are still in the mix, but the margin for error is razor thin.