Just two days into the NHL offseason, trade activity is already picking up ahead of next week’s NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles. One team drawing attention is the Dallas Stars, who seem open to moving players if the right offer comes along.
Dallas made an early cap-clearing move by trading left-shot forward Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-rounder. Marchment, who has one year left on his contract with a $4.5 million AAV, brings scoring depth to Seattle while giving Dallas more financial flexibility. Given what the Kraken paid and the Bruins’ current roster needs, it’s a trade Boston GM Don Sweeney easily could—and arguably should—have made.
Why the Bruins May Regret Passing on Marchment
Boston faces several roster gaps this offseason, and while much remains uncertain about Sweeney’s approach, adding via trade is clearly on the table. Beyond the glaring need for a center and a right-shot defenseman, the Bruins could also benefit from a proven goal-scoring winger.
Mason Marchment would have checked that box. He’s coming off back-to-back 22-goal seasons and could’ve slotted into a middle-six role under new head coach Marco Sturm. While Boston already has several left-shot wingers, the team’s offensive struggles last season mean they’re in no position to be picky.
At Sturm’s introductory press conference, Sweeney indicated the team is willing to use draft picks to upgrade the roster. Given the modest return Dallas got and the Bruins’ available cap space, Marchment was well within reach—and now could represent a missed opportunity the Bruins come to regret.