With the 2024 Stanley Cup champion now decided, the NHL offseason is in full swing. The Boston Bruins, who accumulated 109 points during the regular season, saw their playoff run end in the second round at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the team that eventually won the Stanley Cup. This marked the second consecutive season that Boston’s playoff journey was cut short by Florida.
The Bruins wasted no time making significant moves in the offseason, notably trading Linus Ullmark, a former Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender, to the Ottawa Senators. This trade took place on Monday night, just minutes before the start of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. The return for Ullmark was considered underwhelming by many, especially after rumors suggested that the Bruins could expect a substantial haul for him.
Boston’s primary need this offseason is a top-six center, a role they need to fill either through free agency or a trade. Their defensive lineup is largely set, and their goaltending situation became clearer after trading Ullmark. As a result, the focus is now on acquiring a center. Here are three potential trade targets for the Bruins:
### 3. Trevor Zegras, Anaheim Ducks
Trevor Zegras, 23, has been linked to the Bruins due to their pressing need at center. Known for his playmaking skills, Zegras has produced some highlight-reel goals and assists. However, his style might be better suited to a more offensively dynamic team rather than the two-way hockey Boston prefers. Zegras is familiar with Boston, having played for the Boston University Terriers in the 2019-20 season.
Despite being a former ninth-overall pick, Zegras had a challenging 2023-24 season, struggling with injuries and playing only 31 of Anaheim’s 82 games. Nonetheless, in his two full seasons, he managed over 60 points and 20 goals, showcasing his potential. Zegras is signed through the 2025-26 season at a reasonable $5.75 million average annual value. Reports indicate that the Ducks have set a high price for Zegras, which may deter the Bruins, who might prefer to invest their assets in a more proven player.
### 2. Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers
Mika Zibanejad would be a better fit for Boston’s style of play compared to Zegras. The 31-year-old is a solid two-way player and has received Selke Trophy votes in four of the last five seasons. Zibanejad is versatile, capable of playing on all special teams units, and would likely slot in as a first-line center for the Bruins. Over the past three seasons, he has scored the 20th-most points in the NHL and averaged 31 goals per season.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury has indicated that “nothing is off the table” following their exit in the Eastern Conference Final, which could include trading Zibanejad. He has six years remaining on his contract, with an average annual value of $8.5 million. Given his age, there are concerns about his future production and the risk of being burdened by a large contract. Additionally, trading Zibanejad to a conference rival could be challenging, and the Bruins’ limited trade assets may make it difficult to put together an attractive package.
### 1. Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl’s future with the Edmonton Oilers is uncertain after their Game 7 loss and a series in which he was held without a goal. Draisaitl is a superstar, having scored over 100 points in each of the last five full seasons and 50 or more goals three times. He won the Hart Trophy in 2019-20 as the league’s MVP and has been one of the most prolific scorers in the NHL over the past five seasons.
Entering the final season of his eight-year, $68 million contract, Draisaitl’s future with the Oilers is in doubt. Rumors have suggested he may not re-sign with Edmonton if they do not make a deep playoff run. Former NHL player Georges Laraque indicated that Draisaitl might prefer to be a first-line center in Boston. Bruins superstar David Pastrnak has also expressed interest in playing with Draisaitl.
Acquiring Draisaitl would require a significant trade package, as Edmonton would likely demand NHL-ready talent rather than prospects or draft picks. Players like Pavel Zacha, Charlie Coyle, and Matthew Poitras could be part of a potential deal. Young defenseman Mason Lohrei might also need to be included. The Bruins would need assurances that Draisaitl would agree to a contract extension before committing to such a trade.
In exchange for Ullmark, the Bruins received the 25th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, goaltender Joonas Korpisalo, and center Mark Kastelic. Korpisalo is expected to serve as the backup to Jeremy Swayman, who had a strong postseason. Swayman, now an unrestricted free agent, is likely to receive a substantial contract.
The Bruins were not scheduled to pick in the first three rounds of the draft before acquiring the 25th overall selection. Kastelic, a 25-year-old center, has limited NHL experience with 10 points in 63 games. The Senators will retain 25% of Korpisalo’s $4 million annual salary. Ullmark, who spent three seasons with the Bruins, became one of the top goaltenders in the league, but the lack of a contract extension likely impacted his trade value.
Rumors of Ullmark’s trade had been circulating, and many speculated high returns involving talented players and high draft picks. However, the final deal did not meet these expectations, leaving Bruins fans disappointed. Ullmark’s modified no-trade clause limited potential trade partners, and Ottawa was one of the teams he was willing to be traded to. The Bruins now focus on building their roster for the upcoming season, particularly at the center position.
