Latest report reveals Bruins' stunning decision on former Avalanche first-round star
Photo credit: Jerome Miron / Imagn Images
According to the latest report, the Boston Bruins have made a surprising decision concerning former Colorado Avalanche first-round star Casey Mittelstadt, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about the team's strategy and future plans for the young forward.
Speculation during the offseason indicated that the Bruins might already be open to trading the former 8th overall pick.
The Boston Bruins reveal their plan for Casey Mittelstadt.
Rob Couch from NHL Trade Rumors writes that the Bruins are a team to watch closely at the start of the season.
After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, the loss of Brad Marchand, and an underwhelming offseason in terms of acquiring new talent, questions loom.
While their defense and goaltending can keep them competitive when at full strength, the forward group appears thin and lacking depth throughout the lineup.
Boston is a team that contenders will be watching closely, ready to make a move early in the season if the Bruins stumble.
Tradeable assets like Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt, Viktor Arvidsson, and others will draw interest from teams seeking a middle-six boost, with Mittelstadt standing out as particularly intriguing.
Here is what NHL insider Frank Seravalli had to say concerning Boston's plan for Mittelstadt.
"(The Bruins) are in wait and see mode...to see how that works out. Can (Mittelstadt) put the pieces back together." -Mittelstadt
Originally selected 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres, Mittelstadt was beginning to show the offensive potential the team had envisioned.
However, after being traded to Colorado in the Bowen Byram deal, his production dipped, and he never quite regained the form he displayed in Buffalo.
"Mittelstadt had 15 goals and 59 points in 2022-23, solely for the Sabres, and followed that up with 18 goals and 57 points split between the Sabres and Colorado Avalanche. Last season, split between the Avalanche and the Bruins, where he is now, he had just 15 goals and 40 points with a -29." -Couch
Mittelstadt is entering the second year of a three-year contract with a $5.75 million AAV, which complicates any potential trade. Any deal would likely require the Bruins to retain some salary.
"He is 26 years old, so he isn't too old to get better. Bouncing around could also impact his ability to form chemistry, get comfortable, and once again put up 55+ points. If the Bruins got that sort of production from Mittelstadt this season, I think he sticks around and plays in the top-6 next season again." -Couch
While that might be asking a lot, the Bruins' lineup, with its shortage of top-tier talent, still presents opportunities for players to step up.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 30 | 30 ANSWERS Latest report reveals Bruins' stunning decision on former Avalanche first-round star Do you think Casey Mittelstadt still has the potential to become a star NHL player? | ||
| yes | 8 | 26.7 % |
| no | 22 | 73.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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