The Bruins are being viewed as a potential fit for these two Blackhawks.
The Boston Bruins will be a team to keep an eye between now and the 2026 NHL trade deadline. With the Bruins currently holding the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, there is certainly a chance that they will look to add to their roster leading up to the deadline.
The Chicago Blackhawks are in a different position, as they are among the bottom teams in the NHL and should be sellers yet again this campaign because of it. Due to this, the Bruins are now being viewed as a potential fit for two of their players.
In a recent article for The Boston Globe, Kevin Paul Dupont named forward Ryan Donato and defenseman Connor Murphy as potential trade targets for the Bruins.
" If Zacha draws back in, and anchors that dependable second line with Casey Mittelstadt and Viktor Arvidsson, then Sweeney’s focus can/should return to landing some form of goal-scoring sweetener along with depth on right-shot defense. Chicago could be a trade match for both needs, with two Blackhawks with Boston ties as targets: forward Ryan Donato and defenseman Connor Murphy," Dupont wrote.
Donato is undoubtedly a player who the Bruins know well, as he kicked off his NHL career with the Black and Gold. The 29-year-old forward would have the potential to be a nice addition to the Bruins' top nine if brought back to Boston, as he can play both center and on the wing. He would also be more than a rental for the Bruins if acquired, as he has a $4 million cap hit until the end of the 2028-29 season
Donato has appeared in 57 games this season with the Blackhawks, where he has recorded 13 goals, 12 assists, and 25 points. This is after he set career highs with 31 goals, 31 assists, and 62 points this past season with Chicago.
As for Murphy, he would certainly give the right side of the Bruins' blueline a boost if acquired. When looking at Boston's current roster, he could be a strong fit on their second pairing and penalty kill if acquired due to his steady defensive play.
Murphy is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), so there is an expectation that he will be dealt by the Blackhawks ahead of the deadline. In 57 games this season with Chicago, he has recorded four goals, eight assists, 12 points, 55 hits, and 84 blocks.