Bruins' Arvidsson happy to stay put at trade deadline

Veteran winger scores game-winner in win over Capitals after being kept by Boston

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Viktor Arvidsson was relieved to remain with the Boston Bruins at the NHL trade deadline, as the 32-year-old veteran had a no-trade clause. Arvidsson scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals, beating goaltender Logan Thompson on a third period breakaway. Bruins coach Marco Sturm praised Arvidsson's commitment to the team and his ability to provide leadership.

Why it matters

Arvidsson's ability to remain with the Bruins at the deadline was seen as a positive move for the team, as he has been a stabilizing presence on one of their top lines alongside Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt. The Bruins opted not to make any moves at the deadline, a decision that was welcomed by the players in the locker room.

The details

Arvidsson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, said he was relieved the trade deadline passed without him being moved. He has enjoyed his time in Boston this season and is focused on helping the team make a playoff push. Bruins coach Marco Sturm praised Arvidsson's competitiveness and commitment to the team, even when he was dealing with some health issues earlier in the season.

  • The NHL trade deadline passed on Friday, March 3, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • Arvidsson scored the game-winning goal in the Bruins' 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Viktor Arvidsson

A 32-year-old veteran forward who has a no-trade clause and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has been a stabilizing presence on one of the Bruins' top lines this season.

Marco Sturm

The head coach of the Boston Bruins, who praised Arvidsson's competitiveness and commitment to the team.

David Pastrnak

The Bruins' star winger, who acknowledged that he has been in a bit of a slump since returning from the Olympics but is confident he will regain his form soon.

Logan Thompson

The Washington Capitals goaltender who was beaten by Arvidsson on the game-winning breakaway goal.

Lukas Reichel

A 2020 first-round draft pick acquired by the Bruins at the trade deadline, who Sturm believes has a lot of upside and will provide good depth for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Of course you always don't know what's going to happen. In my case, I was in a little bit of control I guess but I've been in the league for so long, I know anything can happen. You can get a phone call at any time. But I'm just enjoying being here and being in this league and playing hockey against the best players in the world. It's a lot of fun.”

— Viktor Arvidsson (bostonherald.com)

“I knew already he was not going anywhere. But I'm just happy. He played the right way and he cares. He's one of those guys who is really mad when things are not going his way but that shows me that he cares a lot. He cares about winning and cares about this team and cares about doing everything he can to help this team. He did it again today.”

— Marco Sturm, Head Coach (bostonherald.com)

“Listen, I'm still a human being and I feel that there's times there's going to be slumps and humps. To be completely honest, I think everybody's making too big a deal out of it. Obviously, I know I wasn't at my best and unfortunately it happened, but I'm working my butt off every night and every day to get better. Obviously, confidence has been a little bit lacking and I just have to gain that little bit. Listen, I'm not worried. I'll be back pretty soon.”

— David Pastrnak (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The Bruins will continue their push for the playoffs, with Arvidsson and Pastrnak expected to play key roles. The team's next game is on Tuesday, March 7th against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The takeaway

The Bruins' decision to keep their roster intact at the trade deadline shows their confidence in the current group of players, who have developed strong chemistry and camaraderie. Arvidsson's game-winning goal and Pastrnak's bounce-back performance are positive signs as the team gears up for the postseason.