Bruins Trade Targets: Players Signed Beyond This Season Worth Pursuing

If the Bruins want to add an impact player at the NHL trade deadline, it shouldn't be a rental. A long-term fit makes more sense.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 3:47pm

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The Boston Bruins are not a top-tier Stanley Cup contender this season, so it wouldn't make sense for GM Don Sweeney to go all-in at the March 6 NHL trade deadline like he did in 2023. However, if the Bruins could acquire an impact player signed long term who fits the age timeline of their franchise players, then it would make sense to part with premium assets like a first-rounder and good prospects. The article examines several players the Bruins should consider pursuing, including Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers, Colton Parayko of the Blues, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, and MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames.

Why it matters

The Bruins have more quality trade assets than they've had in a long time, including two first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027, plus a prospect pool that has significantly improved over the last two years. Acquiring an impact player signed long-term could help the Bruins remain competitive beyond this season and complement their core of David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman, and others.

The details

The article examines several players the Bruins should consider pursuing, including Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues, Owen Tippett of the Philadelphia Flyers, Colton Parayko of the Blues, Shane Wright of the Seattle Kraken, and MacKenzie Weegar of the Calgary Flames. Thomas is a top-six center who has tallied 60-plus assists and 80-plus points in each of the two previous seasons. Tippett is a speedy 27-year-old forward who will soon hit the 20-goal mark for the fourth straight year. Parayko is a top-four defenseman who would address the Bruins' need for depth on the right side of the blue line. Wright was once viewed as the top player in his draft class and could thrive in a different situation. Weegar is a physical, two-way defenseman who would give the Bruins a presence on the right side of the blue line.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Robert Thomas

A 26-year-old center for the St. Louis Blues who is signed through the 2030-31 season with a $8.125 million salary cap hit. He is an elite playmaker who has tallied 60-plus assists and 80-plus points in each of the two previous seasons.

Owen Tippett

A 27-year-old left/right wing for the Philadelphia Flyers who is signed through the 2031-32 season with a $6.2 million salary cap hit. He has scored 19 goals and dished out 17 assists in 59 games this season.

Colton Parayko

A 30-year-old defenseman for the St. Louis Blues who is signed through the 2029-30 season with a $6.5 million salary cap hit. He is a top-four defenseman who would address the Bruins' need for depth on the right side of the blue line.

Shane Wright

A 22-year-old center for the Seattle Kraken who is signed through the 2026-27 season with an $886,666 salary cap hit. He was once viewed as the top player in his draft class but has not yet fulfilled his enormous potential.

MacKenzie Weegar

A 32-year-old defenseman for the Calgary Flames who is signed through the 2030-31 season with a $6.25 million salary cap hit. He is a physical, two-way defenseman who would give the Bruins a presence on the right side of the blue line.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.