The cap-strapped Bruins did not include a prominent name this time. However, they did not completely ignore this
year’s trade deadline.
Don Sweeney strengthened his front line by acquiring three-time Stanley Cup winner Pat Maroon from Minnesota in
exchange for Luke Toporowski and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2026. He then focused on the back end,
acquiring right-handed defenseman Andrew Peeke from Columbus in exchange for Jakub Zboril and a 2027 third-
round draft pick.
Maroon’s best days may be behind him, but the veteran winger remains a viable option in an 8-10 minute position on
Boston’s fourth line after he recovers from a back injury.
Peeke provides a physical, shot-blocking presence as a possible third-pairing alternative. However, even on a terrible
Columbus team, general defensive inefficiencies were more noticeable than most on a blue line devoid of depth.
The Bruins understand what they have in Maroon. They hope Peeke can develop into a well-rounded blue-liner like
Parker Wotherspoon, who agreed to a one-year contract deal worth $800,000.
To make room for Maroon and Peeke, the Bruins placed Derek Forbort on long-term injured reserve. With at least
one surgery on the way, the veteran blue-liner will most likely miss the rest of the season after suffering two different
nagging injuries this season.
Linus Ullmark apparently declining to waive his no-trade clause, and Jake DeBrusk staying in Boston for the rest of
the season, rounded up Boston’s Deadline Day.
Here’s an in-depth look into Sweeney’s Friday activities.
