Bruins Trade Coyle to Avalanche for Mittelstadt and Prospects

BRANDON, Fla. — The Boston Bruins traded forward Charlie Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche on March 8, 2025, in a significant roster shakeup as the NHL trade deadline approached. In exchange, the Bruins received center Casey Mittelstadt, 26, and forward prospect Will Zellers, along with a conditional second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Coyle, a Weymouth native, has been a key player for the Bruins since joining the team in 2019. This season, he recorded 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 64 games. He expressed mixed emotions about leaving his hometown team, highlighting the excitement of joining a strong Avalanche squad. “It’s definitely bittersweet… such a great opportunity here to join a really, really good team,” Coyle said.

The trade follows a tough season for the Bruins (28-28-8), who are struggling to maintain playoff contention. Coyle’s departure comes along with other significant trades, including those of Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers and Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs, indicating a shift in the Bruins’ lineup.

The Avalanche’s strategy involves adding skilled players to bolster their lineup as they aim to enhance their playoff chances, currently sitting tied for third in the Central Division with a 37-24-2 record. Mittelstadt has produced 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 63 games during the current season but has faced challenges adjusting to the Avalanche’s competitive environment.

“I was surprised,” Mittelstadt shared regarding the trade. “There was some disappointment with that. But I’m very excited to come to such a storied franchise with a great tradition.” His experience with the Buffalo Sabres and the Avalanche positions him well to contribute to the Bruins, especially given the team’s need for offensive depth.

Zellers, the 18-year-old forward, has been impressive in the United States Hockey League (USHL), showing promise with 58 points (37 goals, 21 assists) in 40 games this season. The Bruins are banking on his offensive creativity to enhance their future prospects.

With the addition of Mittelstadt and Zellers, the Bruins look to rebuild their roster while preparing for a possible playoff push. They now hold two second-round picks in the upcoming draft, giving them more opportunities to strengthen their team moving forward. Coach Joe Sacco is expecting Mittelstadt to play a vital role in the team’s offensive strategy, particularly in power play situations.

Mittelstadt’s transition was aided by familiarity with several players on the Bruins, which he hopes will ease his integration into the new team. He remarked, “There’s a lot of room for growth… it’s on me to play well.” The Bruins’ management and fans will be watching closely to see how this new lineup comes together in the remaining weeks of the season.