The Boston Bruins added a ton of depth to their roster in the 2025 NHL offseason. Tanner Jeannot arrived from the Los Angeles Kings on a five-year contract. Viktor Arvidsson came over through trade with the Edmonton Oilers. And old friend Sean Kuraly re-signed after spending time with his hometown Columbus Blue Jackets.
However, the team could certainly stand to do more. They need to add more scoring to their lineup, as they struggled with this in 2024-25. In fact, one of their best goal scorers — Brad Marchand — was traded to the Florida Panthers at the NHL Trade Deadline. And he still finished as the third-highest scorer among Boston skaters.
The Bruins aren’t looking to tear things down, though. They would like to add younger players, but they aren’t married to it. In fact, their NHL Free Agency shows this trend. Only one new signing — Matej Blumel — is under the age of 28.
Boston Bruins acquire: Lawson Crouse
Utah Mammoth acquire: Casey Mittelstadt
Lawson Crouse Hoping to Rebound From 2024-25
The Mammoth enjoyed their first season in Utah this past season. The former Arizona Coyotes largely had a promising season, as well. However, Crouse was not one of those players. In fact, he struggled for much of the 2024-25 campaign.
The recently turned 28-year-old scored just 12 goals and 18 points in 81 games. His lack of production had an effect on his ice time, as well. He saw a near three-minute decline in average time on ice from 2023-24 to 2024-25.
This is a combination the Bruins dream of. He can provide needed goals in the top six while throwing the body and setting the tone physically. No fit is perfect, but it’s hard to think of a more ideal environment for Crouse than Boston.
Mammoth Take Chance on Bruins’ Casey Mittelstadt
Utah likely isn’t eager to trade Crouse this summer. They traded Matias Maccelli to the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this summer. And they would likely prefer not to shake up their group too much. Especially after the JJ Peterka trade sent two roster players to the Buffalo Sabres.
However, Mittelstadt is a potential fit in their top-six. He could prove to be an immediate replacement for Crouse on the wing. The Bruins forward is also two years younger than Crouse. Both players are signed for another two seasons, including 2025-26, which makes the financial aspect work seamlessly.
Mittelstadt has bounced around a few teams since being traded by the Sabres in 2024. However, he has the skill to be an effective playmaker. He won’t throw the body like Crouse, but he can contribute to Utah’s playoff push. And he has a little room to find another level to his game in a Mammoth uniform.
