The Boston Bruins are off to a start to the 2026-27 season that not many people saw coming. After a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Sunday afternoon at the TD Garden, they are 13-4-1 and sitting in first place in the loaded Atlantic Division.
However, some question whether the Black and Gold can continue this play over what is now an 84-game schedule, but they are beginning a home-heavy November schedule where they can bank some beneficial points in the standings for later in the season. So far, they have won their first two home games against the Vegas Golden Knights and the Panthers.
When it comes to trade rumors, the Bruins have been linked to a couple of players from the Detroit Red Wings, including center Dylan Larkin. However, if they're being honest, meaning generla manager Don Sweeney, Boston could use a defenseman on the back end to upgrade. One veteran name being floated in trade rumors is Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report proposed a mock trade of Karlsson to the Bruins, but not at the cost that Gretz threw out there.
Bruins should stay away from Erik Karlsson
Gretz proposed a trade that would send Karlsson to the Bruins for center Matthew Poitras and the latter 2027 first-round draft pick. Yeah, thanks, but no thanks.
"The Bruins are off to a sensational start to the 2026-27 season and seem to have a significantly better process behind that success than they did a year ago. They have some really high-end players who can be game-changers, and with James Hagens and Fraser Minten starting to make an impact, there is finally some youth and fresh talent making an impact. What they could use is a little more offensive spark from their blue line,'' wrote Gretz.
Hard pass. Boston fans got an up-close look at Karlsson last week, and it was ugly, very ugly. He had a brutal giveaway that led to an Elias Lindholm goal in a 6-2 Black and Gold victory. He finished the game with a plus/minus of minus-4. Pass.
Second, Boston isn't looking to add age to the defense, but a younger player with team control. They want a piece that will be a core piece on the back end with team control, but, again, is younger. Gretz is right that Boston needs more from the defense in terms of offense, but a young player is likely the answer.
It still feels like Sweeney is looking for a forward, whether it's a center or a wing, but that would likely be priority No. 1 to address, unless a defenseman drops into their lap. That might end up being an option, but not Karlsson. Again, thanks, but no thanks.
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