Bruins Struggle to Find Buyers for Former Top Prospects

Boston looks to offload Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei, but their trade value has plummeted.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:57pm

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The Boston Bruins are hoping to trade away two former top prospects, Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei, to help facilitate a deal for a right-shot defenseman before the NHL trade deadline. However, according to an anonymous NHL scout, the Bruins would be lucky to get a second-round pick for Poitras and a third-round pick for Lohrei - a far cry from their initial promise as high draft selections.

Why it matters

The Bruins' inability to get good value for Poitras and Lohrei highlights the challenges teams face when trying to move on from once-promising prospects who have failed to live up to expectations. This could limit Boston's options as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff push.

The details

Poitras and Lohrei were both second-round draft picks who were once considered key young pieces in the Bruins' organization. However, their playing time and production have declined in recent seasons, with Poitras making just three NHL appearances this year and Lohrei receiving less ice time in recent weeks. According to an anonymous NHL scout, the Bruins would be lucky to get a second-round pick for Poitras and a third-round pick for Lohrei - a far cry from their initial promise.

  • The Boston Bruins are looking to make trades ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

The players

Matt Poitras

A former second-round draft pick by the Boston Bruins who has seen his playing time and production decline in recent seasons.

Mason Lohrei

Another former second-round draft pick by the Boston Bruins who has also struggled to establish himself at the NHL level.

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, who is looking to acquire NHL-ready players before the trade deadline.

Rasmus Andersson

A right-shot defenseman that the Bruins were reportedly interested in acquiring but were unable to land.

Justin Faulk

A veteran right-shot defenseman who has been linked to potential trades with the Bruins.

Braden Schneider

A 24-year-old right-shot defenseman with the New York Rangers who the Bruins have also been linked to.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't trade for him, personally. If they can recoup a second, that's a win for me.”

— Anonymous NHL scout

“We have to come up with a suitable package to complete a deal. Boston is likely willing to part ways with both Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei to help facilitate a trade.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will likely need to package more than just Poitras and Lohrei to acquire the right-shot defenseman they are targeting before the trade deadline on March 6.

The takeaway

The Bruins' struggles to find suitable trade value for their former top prospects Poitras and Lohrei highlights the challenges teams face when trying to move on from players who have failed to live up to expectations. This could limit Boston's options as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff push.