Bruins Host Penguins as NHL Trade Deadline Looms

Sweeney addresses media on Bruins' trade deadline plans as other teams make moves

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The Boston Bruins are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at TD Garden, just four days before the NHL trade deadline. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney met with the media yesterday to discuss the team's plans leading up to the deadline, saying he is not rushing to sell any players but is open to making moves if the right opportunity arises. Around the league, other teams like the Oilers, Maple Leafs, Devils, and Penguins are also active in trade discussions as the deadline approaches.

Why it matters

The NHL trade deadline is a critical time for teams to make moves that can impact their playoff chances and long-term roster construction. The Bruins, currently in a playoff position, will be looking to add pieces that can help them make a deep postseason run, while other teams may be looking to sell off assets and retool for the future. How the Bruins and their rivals approach the deadline could significantly shape the remainder of the NHL season.

The details

The Bruins (33-21-5) are hosting the Penguins (31-15-13) tonight, with both teams looking to gain ground in the standings. The Bruins have been active in trade discussions, with reports linking them to right-handed defensemen and centers with term beyond this season. Bruins GM Don Sweeney met with the media yesterday, stating he is not rushing to sell any players but is open to making moves if the right opportunity arises. Around the league, the Oilers acquired defenseman Connor Murphy from the Blackhawks, the Maple Leafs have a player in Scott Laughton in trade rumors, and the Devils are looking to sell off assets as they sit second-to-last in the Eastern Conference.

  • The NHL trade deadline is this Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Bruins and Penguins are playing tonight, March 3, 2026.

The players

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins, who met with the media yesterday to discuss the team's plans leading up to the NHL trade deadline.

Connor Murphy

A right-handed defenseman who was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Edmonton Oilers yesterday.

Scott Laughton

A player for the Toronto Maple Leafs who is rumored to be in trade discussions as the deadline approaches.

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What they’re saying

“It only takes one phone call to change that mindset of mine.”

— Don Sweeney, General Manager, Boston Bruins

What’s next

The Bruins will continue to evaluate their roster and explore trade options leading up to the Friday, March 7th deadline. The team's performance in tonight's game against the Penguins could also impact their deadline strategy.

The takeaway

The NHL trade deadline is a critical time for teams to make moves that can impact their playoff chances and long-term roster construction. As contenders like the Bruins look to add pieces, other teams like the Devils are looking to sell off assets and retool for the future. How the Bruins and their rivals approach the deadline could significantly shape the remainder of the NHL season.