Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Vegas Golden Knights. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

NHL Predictions

Boston Bruins vs Vegas Golden Knights

Head-to-Head: Bruins 0-1 Golden Knights

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: NESN; KMCC

The Bruins (30-30-9) travel to Las Vegas to do battle with the Golden Knights (39-20-8) on Thursday evening at the T-Mobile Arena. This game will be the second and final meeting between these two clubs, with Vegas leading the season series 1-0. The Knights won 4-3 in Boston on February 8th after the Bruins took a 3-1 lead. This game is big for both teams involved, but for different reasons. Vegas is looking to secure two points to build their lead on the Pacific Division, while Boston needs to find a way to win or their season could very well be over. The B’s come into this one with a 3-6-1 record in their last 10, while Vegas is 5-3-2.

Shoot the Puck and Crash the Net

It may sound cliche, but if the Bruins want any chance of beating a strong Golden Knights club, they must get the puck on the net. Along with shooting the puck, traffic must be generated in front of 6’4” Adin Hill. The black and gold enter Thursday’s game on a three game losing streak. In those three games, they have an average of 19 shots on goal, including a lame 12-shot effort against the Lightning. 19 shots per game is not a winning formula.

David Pastrnak can help this issue by getting back to shooting as much as he usually would. In his last three games Pastrnak only has seven total shots. He needs to have around five to seven shots a game if he and the B’s want to be successful. Although teams are putting the majority of their focus on the superstar, that leads to his linemate’s having potential opportunities. Pavel Zacha and Morgan Geekie both have underrated shooting abilities, as they can beat any goalie in the league with their best shots. Along with Geekie and Zacha, the Boston blueline must get the puck through traffic and on net, in particular, Nikita Zadorov and Mason Lohrei who both have terrific shots.

Although the post trade deadline adrenaline has run its course, the Bruins newest acquisitions have played very well. Marat Khusnutdinov has been a pleasant surprise. The 22-year-old plays with pace and works his tail off while having a nice scoring touch. He already has two goals in five games, matching his total in 57 games with Minnesota. Casey Mittelstadt has also been a great addition to the lineup. The 26-year-old has one goal and two assists in five games. The new additions will need to be a factor against the Golden Knights.

Keep the Bruins in Their Own End

As we continue our NHL Predictions, the Bruins have had plenty of struggles this season, but one of their biggest has been getting the puck out of their end. The Golden Knights have the ability the hem them in their own end. Vegas enters Thursday night’s action losing four out of their last five. In those five games they have not played up their standards, both offensively and defensively.

With puck handlers like Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl, Vegas has the ability to pass the puck around the Boston end and get them running around. Along with their playmakers, the Knights have big bodies, like Mark Stone, Ivan Barbashev, and Brett Howden. Lead by those three, the Vegas forecheck as the ability to be relentless. Boston has struggled against solid forechecking this season.

This is a perfect ‘get right’ spot for the Golden Knights. They have a much better roster than the Bruins do, in every aspect. All they have to do is get back to fundamentals while playing hard nose hockey. They can execute defensively due to the Bruins inability to score on consistent basis outside of their top line. If Vegas uses their size, speed, and skill in the offensive zone, they will find success, barring a miraculous performance from Jeremy Swayman.

Injury Report

BOS: Hampus Lindholm (LTIR – Knee)

BOS: Charlie McAvoy (IR – Shoulder)

VGK: Shea Theodore (OUT – Wrist)

VGK: Raphael Lavoie (IR – Upper Body)

NHL Predictions

Two teams, looking for two points, for two different reasons. Boston is fighting to brea their three game skid, while Vegas is playing for the division title and get out of there recent slump. If both teams get back to the basics and play fundamental hockey it will be hard for the Bruins to outlast the Golden Knights. When both teams are their best, Vegas is by far the better team and we expect a bounce back performance from them.

Prediction: Golden Knights Win 5-3

Prop Bets of the Night for our NHL Predictions

With just a month left in the season, Morgan Geekie is on the quest for the 30 goals. He currently sits at 23. With a goal against Vegas, hitting 30 is a real possibility. Geekie is a +290 to score anytime. Pavel Dorofeyev is a +195 to find the back of the net. Dorofeyev leads the Knights in goals with 27 goals. The Golden Knights are -260 favourite at home.

Main Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara – Imagn Images

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The post NHL Predictions: March 20th Boston Bruins vs Vegas Golden Knights appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions, where we break down matchups, drop some stats, and attempt to foresee the future like a fortune teller reading tea leaves, only our leaves are faceoff percentages and expected goals. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Boston Bruins in a clash that promises plenty of action, physicality, and possibly a few broken sticks (and maybe egos). Will Tampa’s offensive weapons light up the scoreboard, or will the Bruins’ defensive grit shut them down? Let’s dive in.

NHL Predictions Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins

Head to Head: Lightning 1-2 Bruins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: ESPN+

Even amid a three-game losing streak, Tampa Bay’s offence is powerful. Nikita Kucherov has 28 goals and 63 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has scored five goals and added four assists over the past 10 games. The Lightning need to capitalize on their speed and puck movement to keep Boston on their heels. Preferably high heels rather than skates.  Tampa Bay’s power play has been electric, like their lightning bolt logo, and Boston’s penalty kill, while solid, will have its hands full. If the Lightning draw penalties, they need to cash in, preferably before Bruins fans finish their first round of overpriced stadium beers.

Lightning and their Keys to Victory

Andrei Vasilevskiy remains Tampa Bay’s biggest X-Factor. If he can get back to top form, Boston is going to have a rough night. The Bruins love to generate chances off the cycle, so Vasy will need to track the puck well and avoid getting screened by a parade of players in black and gold. If he’s sharp, Tampa Bay can take control.

Boston Bruins: Keys to Victory

Boston thrives on structure, physicality, and making life miserable for opposing top lines. Pavel Zacha has scored 13 goals with 27 assists for the Bruins. David Pastrnak has six goals and eight assists over the last 10 games.  They’ll need to slow down Tampa’s speed and force them to grind out goals rather than allowing rush chances.

If Jeremy Swayman gets the start, he will need to come up big against a relentless Tampa attack. He’s 2-3 in his last 5 games and for this game, a 35-save performance could be the difference between a victory and a long night of ‘what-ifs’ in the postgame interviews.

Boston’s defence must limit high-danger chances. If they can clear rebounds and prevent Tampa Bay from getting those greasy goals around the crease, they’ll keep things close.

NHL Predictions and just who Has the Edge

This game features two elite teams with different strengths: Tampa Bay relies on skill and speed, while Boston plays a hard-nosed, structured game. However, if Tampa Bay’s power play gets going and Vasilevskiy is locked in, it’s going to be tough for Boston to keep pace.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Boston Bruins 3 (OT)

Expect a tight, physical game with a few momentum swings. Tampa’s star power might just be the deciding factor in extra time.

Top Prop Bets for Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins

Brayden Point Anytime Goal Over 0.5 (+155 odds)
If Kucherov isn’t scoring, is it even a Lightning game? Bet on him to light the lamp.

David Pastrnak First Goal (+850 odds)
Pasta loves to shoot his meatballs, and against Tampa Bay’s aggressive playstyle, he should get plenty of looks.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay and Boston always deliver entertaining matchups, and this one should be no different. Expect high-intensity hockey, some big hits, and at least one questionable officiating call that leaves fans on Twitter outraged. Can the Bruins’ defensive discipline hold up, or will Tampa’s elite scorers take over? Either way, it should be a game worth watching, or DVRing, if you forgot to buy popcorn and some Tums before the game starts.

Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – Imagn Images

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The post NHL Predictions March 15th Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

NHL Predictions

Boston Bruins vs Ottawa Senators

Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-2 Senators

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: NESN; SN; TSN; ESPN+

This round of NHL predictions will be a good one. The Bruins (30-28-8) head to Ottawa to take on the Senators (34-25-5) Thursday night at the Canadian Tire Centre. Thursday’s matchup will be the fourth and final meeting between these two Atlantic division foes, with Ottawa leading the season series 2-1. All of a sudden, this game has some serious meaning, with both of these teams in the thick of the chaotic Eastern conference wild card race. As of late, these two teams have provided a terrific on ice product. The Bruins are coming off twi huge victories over Tampa Bay and Florida. While the Senators are riding a four game win streak.

Keep Playing With an Edge

The Bruins are running off of pure post trade deadline adrenaline. After their front office made some major changes, the B’s have played like an entirely new team. Led by Nikita Zadorov, Boston has played like a much meaner and tougher squad. Zadorov and the Bruins are coming off of an incredibly emotional comeback victory over the Panthers. The black and gold must carry over that energy and effort to Ottawa as they look to continue what could be a shocking push for the postseason.

After Florida took a 2-0 lead in the third period, the Bruins looked to be dead. However, they showed some heart and battled back after David Pastrnak once again got the offence rolling. To be successful against the Sens, Boston must play with that intensity for a full 60 minutes. 10 Bruins recorded at least two hits against the Panthers as Patrick Brown led the way with six. If they lay the body like that on Thursday, they will find success as the Senators don’t play as tough as the Panthers do. Treating every game like a playoff game from here on out will go along way for the future of this new core, even if they fail to reach the postseason.

Boston’s offensive play was excellent in the final frame against the Cats. Pastrnak led the way, but Pavel Zacha finding the back of the net is massive for his confidence as the forward has struggled to score this season. He will need to continue to generate offence to beat Ottawa. Newcomer, Casey Mittelstadt has two assists in two games as a Bruin, providing some much needed puck skills to the lineup. He will be needed to continue his playmaking abilities. Jeremy Swayman is expected to start against his best friend, Linus Ullmark.

Follow the Leader

The Senators are getting hot at the right time. With just 18 games left on their schedule they currently occupy the top wildcard spot in the East with 73 points. The Sens enter Thursday’s game winning five of their last six games, including a four game win streak. Captain, Brady Tkachuk has the led the way for Ottawa, as he is currently playing some of the best hockey of his career.

After getting a taste of real competitive hockey in the Four Nations Tournament, it’s safe to say Brady is built for the postseason. Tkachuk has seven goals in his last seven games, scoring in six of them. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the NHL’s best captains, leading his team into battle every night. Tkachuk sets the tone for Ottawa which allows guys like Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson to get their offensive games going. If their leader is on his game, the Sens will always have a chance to come out on top.

The Senators deadline deals have had a very positive effect on the team. Dylan Cozens has a point in all three of his games as a Senator. The 24-year-old has scored in back to back games. On the other hand, Fabian Zetterlund has yet to get going but he will be needed in order to steal two points from a determined Bruins group. Ullmark is expected to face his former partner in crime, Swayman,

Predictions

Two of the most determined teams in the league face off but only one can come away with the victory. The Bruins look to ride the high of a gutsy win over a rival while the Senators have some serious momentum form their last four games. The black and gold look like a team that has something to prove after a heartbreaking trade deadline. Led by Swayman and Pastrnak the Bruins determined effort may be too much for the red hot Senators.

Prediction: Bruins Win 4-2

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Pastrnak was a man on a mission against the Panthers, recording a goal and an assist. Expect him to score again if the Bruins are to be victorious. The superstar is a +110 to find the back of the net. Tkachuk is on fire and in a playoff like atmosphere do not expect the Sens leader to slow down. The power forward is a +120 to score. Boston is a +162 underdog on the road.

Main photo by: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

NHL Predictions

2024-25 Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-1 Bruins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: NESN; SN; ESPN+

The Bruins (29-28-8) play host to the Panthers (40-21-3) Tuesday night at TD Garden in a highly anticipated matchup between two heated rivals. This game will be the fourth and final meeting between these two Atlantic division clubs. Florida leads the season series 2-1, winning the first two games in October, while Boston won their last meeting in January. The Bruins are entering a new phase as an organization, while the Panthers remain Stanley Cup contenders. Although he is out with an injury, Brad Marchand returns to Boston just four days after being dealt to Florida.

Next Man Up Mentality for Florida

On Monday, March 10th, Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL’s terms of performance enhancing substance program. Tuesday’s meeting with the Bruins will be the Panthers first game after Ekblad’s suspension. They must get used to life without their former first overall pick as he will be out the remainder of the regular season. Luckily, Florida has the defensive depth to overcome the void that Ekblad will leave.

Newly acquired blueliner, Seth Jones will need to step into an ever bigger role. Since joining the Panthers, Jones has averaged 21:03 of time-on-ice per game. Expect the 30-year-old to receive Ekblad’s minutes moving forward. Although they’re severely shorthanded, the Bruins are a great test for Jones to jump into a bigger role. Additionally, Gustav Forsling will need to continue to lead the Florida blueline, starting in Boston, as they try to take two points from the Bruins.

Florida has had a tremendous amount of success against Boston as of late. The Cats have knocked out the B’s out of the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion the last two years. Every game between these two in recent years has been a playoff like atmosphere. With Matthew Tkachuk out, Sam Bennett will have to lead the Panthers heavy forecheck on Boston’s depleted d-core. This game will be a big test for the now shorthanded Panthers as they get used to life without Ekblad and Tkachuk.

Bruins Should Make it Personal

The Boston Bruins are currently fighting for their playoff lives. Although their recent transactions may seem like they have thrown in the white towel, the players have no plans on giving up. Tuesday’s matchup is a terrific time for the B’s to start an unexpected push for the playoffs. The Bruins currently sit four points out of the second wild card spot. After two consecutive strong games, another solid 6o-minute effort against the defending champions would go a long way. Especially if two points come with it.

Given their recent post-season blunders against the Panthers, the Bruins have grown a hatred for the Sunshine State. If the past few years weren’t enough, the Panthers stealing the Bruins captain should be enough for the team to be fired up ahead of this meeting. Despite Marchand being out with an injury, Boston should take this one personal by matching Florida’s physicality and work ethic. Even if playoffs are too far out of reach, stealing a win from the team that has had your number will build confidence of the new era of Bruins hockey.

The Black and Gold’s newest additions all had strong debuts in their 4-0 win over Tampa Bay on Saturday. Casey Mittelstadt, Henri Jokiharju, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Khusnutdinov were all effective in their first time donning the spoked B. For the Bruins to come away with an enormous victory, another strong effort is needed from the new arrivals. For Boston to have a realistic shot at the postseason, they need to win at least 12 of their final 17 games, which would give them 90 points. A win on Tuesday gives them a great start towards reaching that number.

NHL Predictions

Although the Bruins are still without Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, the Bruins d-core has remained steady. They will need to continue to be just that as they face a fierce Florida forecheck. Boston should be treating this one like a playoff game for a multitude of reasons. Florida will have to get used to playing without Ekblad after the shocking development. Led by David Pastrnak, the Bruins determination may be too much for Florida to handle on the road.

Prediction: Bruins Win 3-1

Prop Bets of the Night:

Although he has remained on the score sheet, Pastrnak has not scored since March 1st. As a +105 anytime goal scorer, expect Pasta to break that slump and find the back of the net in his second game as the Bruins new leader. As for the Panthers, Sam Reinhart is a +150 score. Reinhart has five goals in his last three games against the Bruins. Boston is a +175 underdog at home.

Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

15-Year Veteran and Stanley Cup Champion Traded to the Florida Panthers

NHL Predictions

2024-25 Head-to-Head: Bruins 1-1 Lightning

Time: 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: NESN; ESPN+; SN1

The Bruins (28-28-8) travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning (37-21-4) at Amalie Arena in an enticing Saturday afternoon game. This matchup is the third of four matchups between this two Atlantic division foes, with the season series currently tied at 1-1. Both teams were active at the deadline, with the Bruins selling for the first time in decades, while the Lightning bolstered their roster for a Stanley Cup run.

A New Era in Boston

After Bruins Captain, Brad Marchand was dealt to the Florida Panthers on Friday afternoon, the Boston Bruins have officially entered a new era. With Marchand gone, there are officially zero Bruins left on the roster from the historic 2011 Stanley Cup win. The 36-year-old was not the only Bruin who departed this week. Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo were all dealt. The Bruins moves leaves them with just five players left from their record breaking season in 2022-23. Those players include some talented individuals in David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Pavel Zacha, and Jeremy Swayman.

As the B’s say goodbye to some franchise stalwarts, they welcome in some fresh faces. They acquired a total of eight players in their deadline deals. There are a handful of newly acquired players who are expected to be in the lineup versus the Bolts. Casey Mittelstadt, Marat Khusnutdinov, Jakub Lauko, and Henri Jokiharju are all expected to make their Bruins debut. These players will have some major shoes to fill and they hope to star their Bruins tenures with a strong performance on Saturday.

Their deadline moves prove that the Bruin shave entered a new phase and it seems as if they have kissed their playoff hopes goodbye. However, their new status as an organization should not change how hard the B’s play in each game. Now lead solely by David Pastrnak, the Bruins must remain competitive even if they continue to lose. Playing hard in these games can build good habits for next season. With a 60 minute effort on Saturday, the Bruins can start their new era on a positive note. Stealing two points from a division rival can boost locker room morale which could be lacking at this time.

Continue to Build Chemistry in Tampa

Although they were quiet on Friday, the Tampa Bay Lighting made a big splash in acquiring two very useful depth forwards. On Wednesday, the Lightning made a trade with the Seattle Kraken. They brought back Yanni Gourde as well as welcoming Oliver Bjorkstrand. This move is massive for the Lightning who play in a loaded Atlantic division.

In Saturday afternoon’s skirmish against the Bruins, the Bolts must continue building chemistry with their new additions. Although they got off to a hot start in Tampa’s 6-5 victory on Thursday night, there is always room for improvement. Bjorkstrand scored his as a Lightning, while Gourde registered an assist in his return. Moving forward, Tampa will have to consistently be on the same page. A solid two-way performance against the depleted Bruins will help tremendously in that department.

While all the chatter has been about their big trade, Tampa still has plenty of firepower. With the Bruins being very short staffed due to trade and injury, expect the Lightning’s stars to flourish. Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel are having stellar seasons and if they continue this play against the Bruins, they should have no problem obtaining two points.

NHL Predictions

After a gut wrenching loss to Carolina on Thursday and an incredibly hard trade deadline, the Bruins may find themselves in a tough spot on Saturday. Playing against one of the league’s hottest teams after so much roster turnover could be disastrous. Between Tampa’s all-stars and their new arrivals, their firepower may be too much for Boston too overcome. The Lightning need a victory much more than Boston does so expect them to get the job done on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction: Lightning Win 4-1

Prop Bets of the Night:

Speaking of new additions, expect forward Casey Mittelstadt to play a big role in the Bruins lineup. The 26-year-old has offensive upside that the Bruins very much lack, they will rely on him to fill a much needed void. Despite being new to the team, Mittelstadt is listed at +550 to score in his Bruins debut. As for the Bolts, look for Jake Guentzel to continue his hot streak as he has five goals in his last two games. The forward is a +175 to find the back of the net. Tampa is a -280 favourite at home.

Main Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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Brad Marchand will not spend his entire NHL career with the Boston Bruins, a surprise to many. The 36-year-old has been traded to the Florida Panthers. Details came across the waiver wire late into Friday’s deadline evening. However, they came in and they are about what you would expect. The only real downside is the lack of advantage a Panther pick would tend to garner you. First of all, Florida 50% retains on Marchand’s salary. Also, the pick is either a first or second rounder, depending if Marchand plays enough this season or not. If he plays in the playoffs, he must appear in a quarter of their playoff games. It is hard to take for Bruin fans who are firmly in a retool but at least it gives the legend a shot at the Stanley Cup this year.

Sweeney didn’t mention this in his presser (and wasn’t asked if there was retention).

So that makes it:

FLA gets:
Marchand (50% retained)

BOS gets:
2027 conditional 2nd (becomes 1st if Marchand plays in 25% of FLA’s games in 1st+2nd rds. of 2025 playoffs). https://t.co/4jtxjWExXc

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) March 7, 2025

Boston Bruins Trade Brad Marchand

Marchand’s contract was set to expire after this season. While it at one time seemed it was unlikely the Bruins would let their captain walk, the time came for the team to seek assets to avoid losing him in free agency and getting nothing in return.

Marchand is not the first Bruins forward to be traded this week. Trent Frederic was traded on Tuesday to the Oilers.

Marchand’s Career Has Had Highs, Lows, And Controversy

Marchand’s first full season in 2010-11 could not have gone any better for the Bruins and for Marchand. The youngster continuously proved at the NHL level, resulting in promotions from the fourth line all the way up to the first line. In 25 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marchand scored 11 goals and recorded eight assists. In Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, Marchand scored two goals and added an assist. Marchand’s performance helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup.

The following three seasons saw Marchand post good numbers, but he also had inconsistent streaks. An elbow injury and a divided locker room stalled Marchand and the Bruins for repeating their 2011 success.

Marchand received an eight-year extension prior to the 2016-17 season. After a career-best season, Marchand looked to build upon that in 2017-18.

Boston Bruins Captain Injury Update

The Pest

The 2017-18 season saw Marchand develop the reputation of being a “pest” on the ice. Marchand received his first suspension in January 0f 2018 for an illegal hit to the head.

Marchand’s on-ice antics intensified in that season’s playoffs. After various incidents involving Marchand licking the faces of opponents in post-play scuffles, the NHL informed Marchand and the Bruins that disciplinary action would be taken if it continued.

2019-Present; Becoming The Captain

Marchand’s antics decreased after the 2018 playoffs. Instead, Marchand continued to be a force on offence, scoring 36 goals in 2018-19. However, Marchand struggled once the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Final, scoring just two goals in seven games. In Game 7, Marchand went to the bench too early late in the first period, allowing more ice for Alex Pietrangelo to score the eventual series-winning goal.

Marchand would continue to have success on offence in the following seasons. However, the Bruins failed to succeed in the playoffs. The most heartbreaking loss for the Bruins would be losing a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marchand’s dedication to the Bruins was awarded. After many seasons playing under captains Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, Marchand was named the Bruins captain.

New Team

Marchand brings offensive skill and Stanley Cup experience to his new team. He may be 36 years old, but Marchand is still capable of capitalizing on chances in the offensive zone.

His absence will certainly be felt in the Bruins locker room. On the other hand, his presence will be felt with the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The other Bruins trades for the day included moving on from Brandon Carlo and Charlie Coyle. Henri Jokiharju and Casey Mittelstadt are coming back in a pretty even exchange and a clear shift in direction for the Bruin fanbase to consider.

Main Photo: Brian Fluharty- Imagn Images

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The Buffalo Sabres are continuing their endless rebuild with another move. News emerged that the Sabres have traded defenceman Henri Jokiharju to the Boston Bruins. Details on what Buffalo is getting back emerged into Friday evening of the deadline. It’s is only a fourth-round pick, for a guy who has been a regular in Sabre uniform for a while. As a note, it is an Edmonton Oiler pick originally.

The Sabres officially send Henri Jokiharju to Boston for a fourth-round pick in 2026 NHL Draft. It's Edmonton's pick they're getting.

— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) March 7, 2025

Buffalo Sabres Defenceman Henri Jokiharju Traded

Jokiharju has played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Sabres over his seven-year NHL career. The 25-year-old has three goals and three assists for six points in 42 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 50.0 and a relative Corsi of -1.9.

The Oulu, Finland has 19 goals and 74 assists for 93 points in 389 career games. Chicago originally drafted him in the first round, 29th overall of the 2017 NHL Draft. He also had a strong major junior career with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

Jokiharju has played for his native Finland at the international level. He won gold at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada. The blueliner also got a gold the same year at the senior level of the 2019 IIHF World Championships. Jokiharju was also part of the Finnish squad that competed at the most-recent Four Nations Face-Off.

What It Means

This another move in the Sabres perpetual rebuilding process. Jokiharju doesn’t provide a lot of goals, but is a solid lockdown veteran defenceman. He’s been one of the few bright spots on a Sabres team that continues to struggle.

Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams continues to try to piece things together as the team is still in the wilderness. Jokiharju is able to now play for a team that has a shot at making a run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He can settle in as a middle or bottom-pair defender.

Buffalo will once again be picking near the top of the NHL Draft. Sabres fans are watching another talented player leave Western New York in the hopes of stockpiling more picks and assets.

Boston continues its makeover after trading over a number of key on Friday’s trade deadline. Those players include Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo. Jokiharju will slot into the Bruins’ defensive group that’s in flux.

Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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It’s time for another round of NHL rumors. The big day has arrived with the NHL trade deadline. Things have already gotten hectic with some major deals. However, more may be coming as we rocket towards the 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time deadline. General managers are scrambling to get deals done whether they are signings or trades. One team that may have a reckoning is the Boston Bruins. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a star player that could be moved.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Decision Looming for Boston Bruins Captain

Rumour: Chris Johnston of TSN and The Athletic reported the last on Bruins captain Brad Marchand. Johnston reports both sides continue to go back-and-forth on a possible contract extension. However, Boston is still open to dealing the longtime forward.

While the #bruins continue to go back and forth with Brad Marchand on a possible contract extension, word is they're still open to potentially trading their captain: Teams calling with interest aren't being told "no" right now.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 6, 2025

Analysis: The Bruins have already made some trades at the deadline and more could be in the offing. Boston General Manager Don Sweeney could do the unthinkable and deal one of the franchise’s best players in recent memory. However, the temptation could be there with Marchand becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Marchand is in the final year of his contract that’s seeing him make $6.125 million per season. Many thought that Marchand would be a Bruins’ lifer, but that time may be shockingly coming to an end. The circumstances may be too much to avoid a trade that would yield a massive return.

The Bruins captain has an eight-team no-trade list, which could complicate things. However, The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa said that it’s unknown if management has asked Marchand to waive his no-movement clause.

Marchand has also been injured a missed the last three games due to an upper-body ailment. However, he can still be traded at the deadline.

What It Means

Boston has already made some moves and it may not be done reshaping its roster. The Bruins are three points off of a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. There’s still time to turn things around, but there are a lot of things working against them.

Marchand isn’t the only one that’s hurt as Charlie McAvoy is out week-to-week and Hampus Lindholm is done for the rest of the season. Those injuries also may be too much to get past and Sweeney may see this as a chance to make some changes.

We’ve already seen some teams pay a hefty asking price for rentals. The Tampa Bay Lightning sent over a pair of first-round picks to the Seattle Kraken for Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand. We also saw the Colorado Avalanche deal a first-round choice to the New York Islanders in order to land Brock Nelson.

Sweeney could get some picks should he decide to pull the trigger on a deal. Marchand could be a game-changer and a welcome addition to any roster. Of course, Boston could decide to extend Marchand and keep him in the fold. However, the temptation is going to be a large one until a deal happens or the deadline passes.

Main photo by: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

The post NHL Rumours: Latest Surrounding Boston Bruins Forward appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.

The Boston Bruins have made some news at the trade deadline. It was announced that forward Justin Brazeau has been traded by the Bruins to the Minnesota Wild. News of the deal emerged on Thursday night and Boston will get Marat Khustnidinov and Jakub Lauko in exchange for the forward.

Boston Bruins Justin Brazeau Traded at the Deadline

Brazeau has only played for the Bruins across his two-year NHL career. The 27-year-old has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 57 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 52.3 and a relative Corsi of 3.7.

The New Liskeard, Ontario native has 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points in 76 career games. Brazeau has worked his way up from the ECHL and AHL in stints in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization with the Newfoundland Growlers and the Toronto Marlies. He signed with the AHL Providence Bruins in 2021 and found his way onto the Bruins.

The Bruins forward also had a standout stint with the North Bay Battalion of the OHL before entering the professional ranks. However, he went undrafted out of major junior.

Lauko returns to the Bruins after playing the first two seasons of his career in Boston. He has three goals and three assists for six points in 38 games this season.

What It Means

This seems to be a move rooted in trying to get something for a player they likely wouldn’t have room to re-sign. Brazeau comes with a cheap price tag of $775,000 per season. However, he’s in the last year of his deal and Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney likely wanted to move him.

Brazeau is a hard worker and will be a solid depth addition for his new team. He may not post a lot of goals, but he’s willing to throw his weight around and be physical. Brazeau is a big body at over 6-feet, 6-inches tall and around 227 pounds.

We don’t know what the future holds for the Bruins. However, trading Brazeau allows Sweeney to get some sort of return as Boston tries to chart its next course.

Main photo by: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

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