Bruins GM Don Sweeney on plans for the NHL trade deadline: 'We'd like to give them a bump'

Sweeney wants to reward the Bruins for playing their way into the playoff hunt, but is keeping an eye on the future.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 1:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney says the team is looking to make moves at the NHL trade deadline to give their current roster 'a bump' for their playoff push, but is also mindful of the team's long-term future. Sweeney is exploring options to add a 'difference-maker' player who aligns with the team's timeline, but is wary of depleting the team's prospect capital just for short-term rentals. The Bruins have exceeded expectations so far this season and are in playoff position, but Sweeney acknowledges they may not be true Stanley Cup contenders yet.

Why it matters

The Bruins' unexpected success this season has put Sweeney in a tricky position at the trade deadline. He wants to reward the current roster for their efforts, but also needs to keep an eye on the team's long-term future and not mortgage that for a short-term playoff push. Balancing those priorities will be key as Sweeney navigates the deadline.

The details

Sweeney said the Bruins are exploring options to add an impact player who fits their timeline, citing St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas as a potential target. However, Sweeney acknowledged the 'asks are going to be exorbitant' at the deadline. The Bruins GM also said the team may look to add a right-shot defenseman to complement Charlie McAvoy, with pending UFA Andrew Peeke potentially being a trade chip. On the selling side, Sweeney said he's not in a rush to move pending UFAs like Viktor Arvidsson, but Peeke's recent healthy scratches could make him available.

  • The NHL trade deadline is this Friday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, tasked with navigating the team's roster moves at the NHL trade deadline.

James Hagens

A 2025 first-round draft pick of the Bruins who is currently playing at Boston College.

Dean Letourneau

Another 2025 first-round draft pick of the Bruins who is part of the team's future plans.

Jeremy Swayman

The Bruins' starting goaltender who has a history of strong playoff performances.

David Pastrnak

The Bruins' star winger who is part of the team's core group expected to have future seasons of high-end performance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We'd like to give them a bump, because they've earned that. But it's an eye toward obviously this year but moving forward as well.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

“The next players, whether they're drafted or whether or not we have the opportunity to trade or acquire a player you just referenced, those are the things we're trying to explore.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will have to decide by Friday's trade deadline whether to make any moves to bolster their current roster for a playoff push, or focus more on future assets and prospects.

The takeaway

Bruins GM Don Sweeney faces a delicate balancing act at the trade deadline, wanting to reward his team's surprising success this season but also needing to keep an eye on the franchise's long-term future. His approach will be closely watched as he navigates this tricky situation.