The Bruins have made a notable move by acquiring left-winger Navrin Mutter from the Predators in exchange for right-winger Dalton Bancroft and center Massimo Rizzo. This trade, finalized after last Friday’s deadline, means these players won’t see NHL action this season. Instead, they’ll join their new AHL teams as the minor league trade/loan deadline approaches.
All three players are wrapping up their current contracts. Bancroft and Rizzo will remain under Nashville's control as pending restricted free agents this summer.
Meanwhile, Mutter is set to become a Group VI unrestricted free agent, giving him the freedom to explore the market. Just shy of his 25th birthday, Mutter was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Nashville in 2022.
Mutter has primarily played for AHL Milwaukee over the past four seasons, with a brief stint in the ECHL during 2023-24. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 203 pounds, he brings enforcer depth to the minor leagues. While not known for his scoring, with only four goals and 20 points in 149 games, his 299 penalty minutes highlight his physical play.
Nashville, on the other hand, receives a similar player in Bancroft. At 25, he mirrors Mutter’s physical style but is slightly heavier.
Having signed with Boston after a standout junior season at Cornell, Bancroft is in his first pro year. Despite his college success, he’s managed just two goals and an assist in 39 games for Providence, along with 30 penalty minutes.
Rizzo stands out as the most intriguing asset in this deal. Recently acquired by Boston from the Flyers, the 24-year-old center had a brief stint with Providence before being traded again.
Rizzo shone at the University of Denver but has struggled to replicate that success in the AHL, tallying only 16 points in 48 games last season. This year, he’s been playing in the ECHL, posting a 6-16-22 line in 29 games.
While his NHL future is uncertain, the Predators are hopeful he can regain his offensive flair in Milwaukee as they consider extending a qualifying offer.