The Boston Bruins took a bold step before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, opting to reshape their roster by trading away several veteran players, including notable names like Brad Marchand, Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, and Charlie Coyle, in exchange for draft picks and promising prospects.
This decision, though tough, was necessary as the Bruins were heading towards a disappointing finish, ending with the league's fifth-worst record and missing out on playoff action at TD Garden for the first time since 2016.
One standout move was trading Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which has turned out to be a significant win for the Bruins. Similarly, the trade sending Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche has paid dividends.
Coyle is set to return to TD Garden on Thursday, now donning the Columbus Blue Jackets jersey after a trade last June.
So, how has the Coyle trade panned out for the Bruins?
In exchange for Coyle, the Bruins acquired forward Casey Mittelstadt. This season, Mittelstadt has been a valuable asset, racking up 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 47 games.
He's on track to hit 15-plus goals for the fourth time in his career and has been instrumental in Boston's power play, which boasts a 26.9 percent success rate, ranking third in the league. His faceoff win percentage of 52.2 is also a personal best.
Mittelstadt's versatility as a middle-six forward, able to play both center and wing, has been a perfect fit for the Bruins.
The trade also brought prospect Will Zellers into the fold. Drafted in the third round by the Avalanche in 2024, Zellers led the USHL in goals with 44 during the 2024-25 season, earning Player and Forward of the Year honors.
Now at the University of North Dakota, Zellers continues to impress with 26 points (16 goals, 10 assists) in 31 games for the nation’s third-ranked team. His goal-scoring prowess suggests he could evolve into a top-six winger in the NHL.
Additionally, the Bruins received a 2025 second-round pick from the Avalanche, which they used to select Swedish defenseman Liam Pettersson at No. 62 overall. Known for his skating and offensive skills, Pettersson is a raw talent with a promising future.
On the other side, Coyle has been a steady presence for the Blue Jackets, contributing 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 56 games. After a 35-point season last year, he's rebounded well and is on pace for potentially his third 50-plus point season.
While Coyle's performance is commendable, the trade has been advantageous for the Bruins, especially considering Mittelstadt's age advantage and fit within the team.
The full impact of the Coyle trade will unfold over the coming years, largely hinging on the development of Zellers and Pettersson. For now, the players involved are crucial to this season's playoff race. The Bruins currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, with the Blue Jackets trailing by just four points.
Thursday's game marks the first of three crucial meetings between the Bruins and Blue Jackets in the next seven weeks. With playoff implications on the line, expect both Coyle and Mittelstadt to play pivotal roles in these encounters.