“We didn’t get the points, which is the most critical thing, but I do believe for the long term there’s some stuff to build on for this group,” said head coach Joe Sacco after the Bruins’ 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders in late February. Indeed, with the Bruins’ playoff prospects being as good as over, they have no choice but to think long-term. And it seems like they are doing exactly that by calling back one of their own.

NHL reporter Frank Seravalli dropped an update on Thursday: “Sources say #mnwild are acquiring Justin Brazeau from #NHLBruins in a deal involving Marat Khustnidinov and Jakub Lauko.” And after a while, the Minnesota Wild posted on their official X handle, “We have acquired forward Justin Brazeau from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko and a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft.”

The Boston Bruins’ right winger, Justin Brazeau, has been on the Bruins roster for two years. He had signed a two-year $1,550,000 deal for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In the current season, he has played 57 games, scoring and assisting 10. And while Brazeau looks set to bid adieu to the Bruins camp, former Bruin Jakub Lauko is set to return. 

In his two seasons with the Bruins, Lauko played 83 games, scoring 6 goals and assisting 11. In the 38-game period away from the Bruins camp, he recorded a total of 6 points through 3 goals and 3 assists. And although he could prove to be an exciting addition, he comes with a catch.

Lauko has hip and groin issues, which can clearly become an impediment in the Bruins’ future. Talking about his injury, Lauko said, “I was struggling with little injuries throughout my career, but I’ve never been like this.” He also added, “I was in IR, played a couple games, got hurt again. Healed up. Got hurt again. It’s something new. It’s not easy. I’m just trying to stay positive,” on February 26. While there is a hazy situation with his injury, the franchise can expect him to fully recover in the offseason, according to The Athletic.

As for the 2020 draft pick Marat Khusnutdinov, he has skated 73 games for the Wild scoring 3 and assisting 8 in his two seasons with the side. But wait! As the Bruins welcome these young guns, they might be thinking about bidding adieu to one of their most celebrated veterans. 

The Boston Bruins in the tornado of trade 

First of all, the Bruins roster already seems to be very thin with both Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm out indefinitely with injuries. And as if losing two star players wasn’t enough, it looks like the Bruins could also show Brad Marchand the door. 

Well, at least that is what NHL insider Chris Johnston thinks. “But the feeling league-wide is that he very much is likely to be moved by the Bruins at some point to the West,” revealed the insider on March 6. This comes after Marchand’s bold declaration of wanting to be a Bruin his entire life. Guess business and emotion don’t go together after all. 

But while the sword of trade looms over Marchand, the Bruins have already traded, and the team has acquired defenseman Max Wanner from the Edmonton Oilers. They have traded Trent Frederic and Max Jones. Frederic seemed shocked after the trade. He said, “Obviously, a lot of different mixed emotions. Kind of feeling. Could see the writing on the wall. So, a little mixed emotions about leaving Boston”. The forward has scored only eight goals so far after playing 57 games this season. 

With just hours left for the trade deadline, it will be interesting to see what else the Bruins brew up.