Hockey

Sources: Bruins Open to Trading Seventh Overall Pick in NHL Draft

Published: Jun 12, 2025, 11:00 AM
3 min read
Updated: Aug 18, 2025, 3:51 PM
Fact checked by:
Sergey Demidov
Members of the Boston Bruins look on from the bench after losing to the New Jersey Devils in overtime 5-4 at TD Garden

Bruins actively consider trading the seventh overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft to strengthen the team immediately (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

According to multiple sources—and seemingly confirmed by the team itself—the Boston Bruins are actively entertaining offers for the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles.

“I can tell you this, Don Sweeney has a lot of irons in the fire right now,” an NHL executive told RG Wednesday night, referencing recent remarks by Bruins GM Don Sweeney and Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Nadeau.

During the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo last weekend, Nadeau acknowledged the possibility of trading away Boston’s first top-ten pick since drafting Dougie Hamilton ninth overall in 2011.

“The ultimate goal for all of us is to get the Boston Bruins back to winning the Stanley Cup,” Nadeau said. “If Don Sweeney gets an offer he feels he can’t refuse, we’ll focus on our second- and third-round picks. We still have picks 51, 63, and 69, which is exciting.”

Since Nadeau became Director of Amateur Scouting in 2018, the Bruins have never selected higher than 21st overall, frequently trading picks for playoff pushes. When asked about possibly losing another high pick, Nadeau emphasized the organization’s broader strategy: “We understand the value of returning to the playoffs next year. While picking seventh would be exciting, it’s equally exciting to think of what Donny might bring back via trade. Our job is to be ready for anything.”

Sweeney Open to All Options

At the introduction of new Bruins head coach Marco Sturm on Tuesday, Sweeney indicated openness to trades involving the seventh pick.

“Based on what I am hearing, their goal is to move up into the top five, but if they can’t do that, with the drop off after the top five, they would like to use the seventh overall pick in a trade package that could get them a player for their lineup now. They think they can use those other picks to restock their system and then really draft an impact player next year in what’s a much deeper draft. That’s not to say they don’t wind up using this pick, but at this point, it’s a question mark at best.”

An NHL source confirmed the Bruins are actively looking to trade up into the top five, but if unsuccessful, would use the seventh pick as leverage to acquire immediate NHL talent.

Another scout noted: “The Bruins’ priority is moving into the top five. If not, given the talent drop-off afterward, they prefer using the seventh pick in a trade for immediate help, replenishing their system with their other picks and targeting next year’s deeper draft.”

The Bruins’ strategy remains fluid, positioning them as a key player to watch heading into draft night.

NHL Reporter
James Murphy is a veteran sports journalist with 25 years of experience covering the NHL, NCAA and CHL, including two decades on the Boston Bruins beat. His work has appeared on NHL.com, NESN, ESPN Boston and more, and he’s made regular TV and radio appearances on NESN, ESPN, TSN and SiriusXM. A familiar face in the hockey world, Murphy has covered multiple Stanley Cup Finals, NHL drafts and playoffs, and now co-hosts The Eye Test podcast with Pierre McGuire, interviewing top NHL executives, coaches and players. He joined RG in 2024 after stints with Boston Hockey Now and LiveBarn.
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