With 25 games left in a turbulent season, the Boston Bruins have slim postseason hopes. With just seven games remaining before the trade deadline, decisions must be made regarding players set to become free agents. Across the organization, eight Bruins are approaching unrestricted free agency. Here’s a look at each of them and a prediction for their potential landing spots in the 2025-26 season.
Brad Marchand
As the trade deadline nears, Marchand remains a wildcard. The 15-year veteran and team captain is a Bruins legend, long expected to finish his career in Boston. However, recent speculation suggests he could be moved to a playoff contender before hitting free agency. Marchand has been linked to Colorado, Minnesota, and Dallas, where he could reunite with fellow Nova Scotian Nathan MacKinnon or help the Wild compensate for Kirill Kaprizov’s injury. If Boston’s playoff chances dwindle further, expect trade discussions around Marchand to heat up.
Trent Frederic
Frederic’s name has been in trade rumors for weeks, especially given the lack of progress in contract extension talks. The physical forward has been connected to his hometown team, the St. Louis Blues, as a potential offseason destination. With just eight goals and seven assists this season, Frederic is the most likely Bruin to be moved at the deadline.
Patrick Brown
Brown has been a dependable center for the Providence Bruins, stepping up for Boston when needed. At 32 years old, he has tallied 10 goals and 18 assists as Providence’s captain. Boston may opt to bring him back as a veteran leader in the AHL next season.
Vinni Lettieri
Like Brown, Lettieri has carved out a role as a high-level AHL player. He impressed during an eight-game NHL call-up, scoring twice. At 30 years old, he is expected to explore free agency in search of a new opportunity for the 2025-26 season.
Justin Brazeau
Brazeau is an intriguing case. At 6-foot-5, he boasts size, strong hands, and a net-front presence, but his skating remains a limitation. With Boston prioritizing team speed, it’s uncertain how much value he holds on the trade market. Brazeau has 10 goals this season but has cooled off recently. A return seems unlikely.
Cole Koepke
Koepke had a strong start to the season, showcasing his speed and goal-scoring ability. However, his production has since declined, making a contract extension less likely. With Mark Kastelic already locked up for three years, bringing Koepke back would mean maintaining the status quo—something the Bruins should look to avoid.
Riley Tufte
Tufte hasn’t quite panned out after signing as a free agent. The 26-year-old has posted 11 goals and 14 assists in Providence and could return to the AHL next season. However, he is likely to test free agency first.
Parker Wotherspoon
Wotherspoon has been a solid, low-cost depth defenseman for Boston. The 27-year-old has one goal, one assist, and a minus-5 rating in 30 NHL games this season. Currently earning $800,000, he could be re-signed on another one-year deal as a reliable seventh defenseman.
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