Trade rumors continue to swirl around the Boston Bruins, and Casey Mittelstadt has emerged as the latest name generating serious buzz. The 26-year-old center, who came over from the Colorado Avalanche at last season’s trade deadline, finds himself in an uncertain position with no guaranteed long-term role in Boston’s plans.
Reporters suggest the Bruins are seriously considering moving him before or during the 2025-26 season, making him one of the most intriguing trade candidates heading into the new campaign.
Why Are the Boston Bruins Already Shopping Casey Mittelstadt?
According to an NHL executive familiar with the situation, discussions about potentially dealing Mittelstadt started even before the Bruins’ playoff run ended last spring.
“I don’t know how many rumors he’s been in, but I’ve been hearing [Casey] Mittelstadt could be on the move again since before the Bruins season even ended,” the executive told RG Media. The belief is that Mittelstadt was never the centerpiece of the trade that brought him to Boston.
Instead, the Bruins were more focused on acquiring prospect William Zellers and a second-round draft pick. Mittelstadt arrived in Boston on March 7Â in a deal that sent veteran forward Charlie Coyle to Colorado.
Trade details:
To #GoAvsGo:
C Charlie Coyle
2026 BOS 5th Round PickTo #NHLBruins:
C Casey Mittelstadt
Cond. 2025 2nd Round Pick
Will ZellersBoston gets younger center, different look, and extra draft capital. Zellers was 3rd round pick in 2024.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2025
Mittelstadt’s performance in Boston gives the organization plenty to think about. In 18 games with the Bruins, he scored four goals and two assists but struggled defensively, finishing with a minus-17 rating.
Boston goal!
Scored by Casey Mittelstadt with 03:10 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assisted by Cole Koepke.
San Jose: 1
Boston: 1#BOSvsSJS #TheFutureIsTeal #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/nXGhGnmeTR— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) March 23, 2025
Those mixed results, combined with his $5.75 million annual cap hit over the second year of a three-year, $17.25 million contract, create a complex situation for Boston’s front office.
How Does Mittelstadt Fit Into Boston’s Roster Plans?
The Bruins have dealt with plenty of trade speculation this summer beyond just Mittelstadt. Goalie Joonas Korpisalo and forward Pavel Zacha have also been linked to possible moves, though both players and their agents have denied requesting trades.
General manager Don Sweeney has already made notable offseason additions, including Viktor Arvidsson and Tanner Jeannot, but Boston still lacks a clear-cut No. 1 center.
Trade details, per sources:
To #NHLBruins:
Viktor ArvidssonTo #Oilers:
2027 5th Round PickNo salary retained on Arvidsson.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2025
That’s where Mittelstadt’s situation becomes more complicated. If the season began today, he would likely slot in behind Elias Lindholm as the team’s No. 2 center, giving him a significant role despite the trade speculation surrounding him.
However, several league insiders believe Boston could flip him for future assets once his trade value improves. The timing could depend on how he performs in the opening months of the 2025-26 season.
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“They may just see how it goes this season,” the same executive said. “Maybe he reshapes his value, and if they’re out of it again at the next trade deadline, then they move him then and parlay him into another pick or prospect.”
The Bruins have no trade restrictions on Mittelstadt’s contract, which makes it easier for him to move if a deal materializes. Cap space could still be a hurdle for potential buyers, but injuries or underperformance on other rosters might drive interest throughout the season.
For now, the Bruins appear willing to keep their options open. A strong start could secure Mittelstadt a bigger role in Boston or simply make him more attractive on the trade market, giving the organization flexibility as they evaluate their roster moving forward.
Sweeney needs a scoring centre without the bruins are destined for last place