Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Boston Bruins have exceeded expectations this season, finding themselves in playoff position at the Olympic break. However, with injuries to key centers Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm, GM Don Sweeney must decide whether to trade the underperforming Lindholm to upgrade the wing position and solidify the team’s center depth.

Why it matters

The Bruins’ resurgence this season has been one of the NHL’s biggest surprises, but their postseason hopes remain tenuous. Sweeney faces a crucial decision on whether to move Lindholm, who has struggled to live up to his free agent deal, in order to bolster the team’s scoring punch on the wing and add depth down the middle.

The details

Lindholm, the Bruins’ second-line center, was selected for the Swedish Olympic team but missed the games due to an upper-body injury. With Zacha also sidelined, younger centers Marat Khusnutdinov and Fraser Minten have stepped up in their absence, leading Sweeney to consider trading the underperforming Lindholm to address other roster needs. The Bruins could target a high-scoring winger to complement David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie, as their current group of wingers lacks elite offensive talent.

Lindholm was selected for the Swedish Olympic team but missed the games due to an upper-body injury.The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.
The players

Don Sweeney

The general manager of the Boston Bruins who must decide whether to trade center Elias Lindholm ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Elias Lindholm

The Bruins’ second-line center who has struggled to live up to his free agent deal and could be traded to address other roster needs.

Pavel Zacha

The Bruins’ top-line center who is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Marat Khusnutdinov

A young center who has stepped up in the absence of Lindholm and Zacha, potentially making Lindholm expendable.

Fraser Minten

Another young center who has filled in admirably during the Bruins’ injury woes, giving the team options at the position.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Bruins’ surprising resurgence this season has put them in playoff position, but injuries to key centers have created a roster dilemma for GM Don Sweeney. Trading the underperforming Elias Lindholm could allow the Bruins to address other needs, such as adding a high-scoring winger, while maintaining depth at center with younger options like Khusnutdinov and Minten.