The Boston Bruins management confirmed earlier in the year that the team has not met expectations this year, and they also stated that depending on where they are sitting at the NHL trade deadline, will decide which route they are going to take.
If the Boston Bruins are not close to a playoff spot, they are going to be sellers at the trade deadline, but if they are in a spot or close there is a good chance they will be buyers.
Right now they currently sit in the first wildcard spot in the East, but every team fighting for a playoff spot has games in hand on the Bruins and are right behind them.
With how up and down the season has been, there is a good chance the Bruins are going to be sellers this year.
With that being said, Brian DeFelice on X revealed three realistic players that could be traded regardless.
There has been a lot of rumours about Trent Frederic being traded, and after having a very down year this year, he will more than likely be on the move at the deadline.
The other two are a bit of a surprise. Brandon Carlo, and Charlie Coyle. Brandon Carlo is signed for another two years after this year is done, and Charlie Coyle has one year remaining on his contract before becoming a UFA.
Brian DeFelice believes that with how they have been regressing this year, it's time for the Bruins to move on from them, and even if they don't get a 'massive' return for them, going into the off-season the Bruins will free up close to $10 million.
Multiple other players have been linked to trade rumours involving captain Brad Marchand, Jeremy Swayman, Justin Brazeau etc..
If the Bruins are able to just move on from Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo, they can make some big moves in the off-season to try and get right back into the mix of the playoffs with the freed up cap space.