The Boston Bruins struggled last season but are looking to be a playoff contender again this season.
If Boston is going to be a playoff contender, the Bruins need to find a true first-line center. Bruins’ insider Connor Ryan of BostonGlobe urges Boston to make a bold move to acquire Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks.
“If the Bruins want to build a new core alongside the usual suspects, they’re going to need to form a 1-2 punch with Hagens — especially if 30-year-old Elias Lindholm eventually develops into more of a third center later in his career,” Ryan wrote. “It’s easier said than done…
“For the Bruins, the realistic path forward is via draft or trade,” Ryan added. “The first option could be to secure another high draft pick, but if the Bruins — with their cupboard restocked with picks and prospects after last year’s teardown — wanted more of an established commodity, Mason McTavish could be an intriguing trade target.”
The Bruins’ acquiring McTavish would be a blockbuster and would solidify the center ice position for years to come. Boston could have a one-two punch of McTavish and James Hagens, which could be one of the top two centers in the NHL for years to come.
McTavish is still an RFA, so a trade would come with a contract extension.
What Would it Cost Boston to Acquire McTavish?
If the Bruins do make a bold move to acquire McTavish, Boston would have to give up plenty of assets to the Ducks.
Ryan believes the trade would have to include multiple first-round picks as well as some prospects and NHL players. Perhaps two first-round picks, and someone like Fraser Minten and/or Matthew Poitras, among other assets, could be enough to get a deal done.
“If McTavish is actually available, the Bruins likely would need to relinquish a first-round pick or two, along with an intriguing prospect or young NHL player,” Ryan wrote. “There’s plenty of risk involved with moving first-round picks — especially for a retooling team that could land another top-10 pick next June.
But a player such as McTavish also represents a high-upside addition with established production and room to grow — especially given his age,” Ryan added. “As the Bruins try to fit the right pieces into place, there’s a lot to like about the future of the franchise if it has both Hagens and McTavish down the middle.”
McTavish was selected third overall in 2021. He recorded 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 76 games last season.
Bruins Want a Quick Turnaround
Boston was one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, but the Bruins are looking for that to be a one-year thing.
The Bruins did make some nice additions this offseason, and Boston expects to compete for the playoffs this season.
Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs said at the year-end press conference that Boston expects to be a playoff team this season.
“I do feel, and we’ve spoken at great length about this, the team that we currently have, healthy, with the additions we intend to make this summer, I anticipate that we’ll have a playoff team and play meaningful hockey at this time of year in 2026,” Jacobs said.
The Bruins are +400 to make the playoffs, which implies a 20% chance. Boston opens the season on Oct. 8 against the Washington Capitals.
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