In what’s shaping up to be one of the most explosive trade storylines leading into the 2025 NHL Draft, multiple league sources have confirmed that the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders are deep in trade talks centered around the Bruins’ coveted top-10 draft pick. The 7th overall pick — a rare position for Boston to hold — has drawn serious interest from the Islanders, who are reportedly pushing hard to land two top-10 selections in the upcoming draft.
At the heart of the potential deal? A star defenseman — and all signs point toward Noah Dobson or Alexander Romanov being on the table from the Islanders’ end.
According to insiders, the Islanders are aggressively pursuing defenseman Matthew Schaefer and forward James Hagens, two of the top projected prospects in the 2025 class. In order to secure both, they’ll need more than their current pick and are targeting Boston’s slot as their gateway.
For the Bruins, this deal would mark a strategic shift from rebuilding through the draft to reinforcing a team that’s still poised to compete. Boston’s recent postseason shortcomings highlighted the need for more depth on defense, particularly with aging veterans and inconsistencies on the blue line. Acquiring a top-tier, NHL-ready defenseman like Dobson could immediately elevate their backend.
League analysts are divided on the Bruins’ approach. Some believe trading the pick for a proven player makes sense, especially for a win-now roster. Others argue that the Bruins, already thin in prospect depth, can’t afford to pass up an elite young talent like Schaefer or Hagens.
Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello, known for his aggressive moves, is reportedly willing to include additional assets — possibly future picks or prospects — to make the trade happen.
Cap space could also play a role. The Islanders may be looking to free salary room, while Boston might use the move to position themselves for a deeper playoff run.
While nothing has been finalized, this developing story has set off alarms across the league. If the trade goes through, it could reshape the landscape for both franchises heading into 2025 and beyond. Stay tuned — this blockbuster could drop at any moment.