By: Ryan Bosworth | Follow me on Twitter/X @RyanJBosworth
The 2026 National Hockey League trade deadline is just days away, and the Boston Bruins have been linked to a plethora of players. From blockbuster deals to trades that would likely cost just a third or fourth-round pick, Don Sweeney has been doing his due diligence
Earlier this week, Sweeney held a media availability and faced some questions ahead of Friday’s 3:00 p.m. deadline. When listening to Sweeney on the first go-around, it seemed like a very neutral approach and that it’s almost like they’re going to be bystanders.
While that’s certainly a possibility, the front office will make moves, so long as it makes sense for both the 2025-26 Bruins season, and seasons beyond.
Arguably the most notable point to come out of Sweeney’s press conference was his comment surrounding rental trades to improve for their potential push. Sweeney, when asked, commented, “(The) rental market is probably not at the top of the list... If a player deems it as, you know, he’s going to go to market regardless, then that might, that might close the door.” Historically speaking, that’s a vastly different approach for the Bruins, with the exception of last season.
Sweeney’s deadline history, especially within the last few seasons, was all about rental players. Tyler Bertuzzi, Garnet Hathaway, and Dmitry Orlov were all rentals at the 2023 trade deadline. This year, though, the approach is different, with more of an outlook on the future.
The other side of the coin from Sweeney’s press conference is regarding his current pending unrestricted free agents. Notably, Viktor Arvidsson and Andrew Peeke, and much of the trade discussion has surrounded them because of whether or not they’re going to be resigned.
While Peeke has struggled, Arvidsson has somewhat found his groove, and has been effective under Marco Sturm’s system. Sturm has even praised the 32-year-old for his efforts and performance.
When asked specifically about Peeke and Arvidsson, Sweeney stated, “I’m not just in a hurry to usher people out the door that have helped us get to the point that we are right here.” He went on to add, “If something presents and maybe there’s a lateral situation that improves our depth, and then I have to do my job and explore it, but that’s not necessarily what our intentions are. But it only takes one phone call to change that mindset of mine.” The takeaway? Nothing’s off the table.
Along with questions about the rental market and Bruins’ pending free agents, Sweeney was asked about Matthew Poitras and his future in Boston, considering his name has been out there in trade rumors, and Sweeney came at it with positive praise for the young center.
“We’re not disappointed in Matty. He’s really taken to heart to try and lead a Providence team and help lead a Providence team that’s had a hell of a season. He’s been a big part of that. So we’re still excited about where Matt Poitras is in his development, and he’s already proven he can come up and play, you know, immediately, come up and play and be inserted into a lineup.”
The recent rumors and asking prices may deter the Bruins from making a big splash. The likes of James Hagens, Fraser Minten, and Bruins’ first-round picks have been the rumored returns for some of the bigger impact players that are available. But, as Sweeney said, they’re not going make a move if it isn’t going to help the future of this team.
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