Could a Minnesota Wild Forward Be the Next Trade Target for the Boston Bruins?
As the NHL trade deadline looms, rumors are swirling around a potential deal between the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild involving a gritty Wild forward.
Why the Bruins Might Be Interested
Physicality and grit: The Bruins have reportedly shown interest in Wild winger Brandon Duhaime—a 26-year-old physical winger known for his defensive work and willingness to mix it up. He’s been linked to Boston, among other teams, as a potential bottom-six addition.
Cap flexibility and team balance: Boston seems keen to add sandpaper players who can play hard minutes without breaking the bank. With pieces like Brad Marchand and Brandon Carlo still on the block, Duhaime offers a cheaper, controlled alternative.
What Makes Duhaime Stand Out
Age and upside: At 26 and approaching unrestricted free agency, Duhaime has the potential to evolve into more than just an agitator. He’s known for solid on-ice positioning and can chip in defensively.
Market demand: Duhaime isn’t a one-team wonder; he’s reportedly attracted interest from teams like the Canucks, Leafs, Avalanche, Oilers, and Jets —Boston would likely need to show they can compete in that marketplace.
Bruins’ Fit and Cap Situation
Boston is in a seller’s mindset but also looking to plug holes before the postseason. They’ve traded for mid-tier help (e.g., buff forecheckers and two-way forwards) in past deadlines .
Duhaime’s cap hit is manageable and gives Boston cap room to maneuver other deals without sacrificing short-term competitiveness.
Wild’s Perspective
Minnesota’s cap crunch: With limited space, the Wild may be willing to move Duhaime—even as a pending UFA—to make room for more pressing roster needs .
Add value before offseason: By trading Duhaime now, Minnesota could secure future assets (draft picks or prospects) instead of losing him for nothing in July.
Possible Trade Scenarios
1. Duhaime for a mid-round pick – a straightforward rental-to-return deal.
2. Duhaime for a bottom-six asset + late-round pick – addresses Boston’s immediate depth needs and gives Minnesota future flexibility.
3. Duhaime in a package – perhaps combined with third-pair defenseman or seventh defender, in a deal to balance salary and roster roles.
Experts Weigh In (Reddit Reactions)
Bruins fans on Reddit have noted:
> *“Forwards: … Brendan Duhaime”* – suggesting he’s on people’s radar as a potential acquisition
*“Duhaime”* appears regularly alongside other trade names in discussion threads—indicating he’s gaining traction .
Wild fans worry:
> *“they’re both so young too wtf are we gunna get back”* – emphasizing Minnesota’s concern about losing talent without a fair return .
Final Take
Brandon Duhaime fits Boston’s mold: a physical, responsible bottom-six winger with room to grow. The Bruins are actively seeking “grit and depth,” and Duhaime checks those boxes. For Minnesota, the move makes sense on a roster and cap management level.
With trade interest from multiple clubs and the Bruins looking for exactly this type of player, a deal could be closer than it appears. If the Bruins manage to secure Duhaime—or another gritty Wild forward—it could be a smart deadline-season reinforcement.
What to Watch
Will Minnesota delay till next season for a better return, or move him now?
Can Boston outbid contenders like Toronto and Vancouver?
Expect cap maneuvers from Boston to make space for a Duhaime acquisition.
As the deadline approaches, this rumor is one to monitor closely—it has all the makings of a deadline dance we could see become reality soon.