Going into the 2026-27 season, there are some contracts that Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney would like to move, and there are some that he would like to move but will have his hands tied. That is the case for at least three players on his roster that appears to be set for training camp next month at Warrior Ice Arena.
Every NHL team has some contracts where the front office would like a do-over, and as usual, right at the top of that list are Sweeney and the Bruins. Some decisions might not come to the forefront right away, but they could sooner or later. With that said, here are three contracts that Boston will find it impossible to move, if they tried.
Elias Lindholm
Sweeney thought that he solved his need for a top-line center two summers ago when he signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract that carries an AAV of $7.75 million. In two seasons with the Black and Gold and has 34 goals and 61 assists, while quickly falling down the lineup. The signs were there in 2023-24 when he had 15 goals and 29 assists with the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. He has dealt with back injuries during his time in Boston, which hasn't helped his case, but if there is someone who needs a big season in 2026-27, it's Elias Lindholm.
Casey Mittlestadt
For the record, Casey Mittlestadt's contract, which has one more year left on it with an AAV of $5.75 million, was not dumped by Sweeney. That was handed out by the Colorado Avalanche, and Sweeney acquired him as part of the Charlie Coyle deal at the trade deadline in March of 2025. The 27-year-old had 15 goals and 27 assists last season on the second line with Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson, but the latter left in free agency for the Detroit Red Wings. This might be a contract that, if Sweeney needs to eat some money in retention, he could.
Hampus Lindholm
Two forwards on this list, and if there is one defenseman that would fall on it, it is Hampus Lindholm. His deal carries an AAV of $6.5 million and has four more years on it. That is less than ideal in the long-term. He will be 36 years old when the deal expires, and it is anyone's guess as to where the Black and Gold will be by then. Injuries have hampered his time in Boston, but asking him to play top minutes isn't going to end well in the future. It is unlikely that Sweeney would trade him right now, but even down the line, this isn't a deal that is going to age well in terms of moving it.
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