The Bruins need to consider targeting these three centers during the off-season.
The Boston Bruins have several areas on their roster that they should look to improve this off-season. One of their top needs is undoubtedly a true first-line center.
Because of this, let's take a look at three trade candidate centers that the Bruins should consider targeting this off-season.
Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
Questions about Hischier's future in New Jersey have come up, as he is entering the final season of his contract in 2026-27. If the Devils end up listening to offers this summer on their captain, the Bruins would be wise to make a serious push for him.
Hischier would give the Bruins a strong two-way center for their first line and would work on both of their special-team units if acquired. Furthermore, at just 27 years old, he would have the potential to be a strong long-term part of the Bruins' core if acquired and then extended.
In 82 games this season with the Devils, Hischier recorded 28 goals, 38 assists, and 66 points. This is after he had 35 goals and 69 points in 75 games for New Jersey in 2024-25.
Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
The Bruins have been connected to Robert Thomas in the past, and there is no question that he would be a major pickup if they landed him this summer. This is because Thomas is a proven first-line center who is only 26 years old.
Furthermore, it is guaranteed that Thomas would be a long-term part of the Bruins' core if acquired. This is because he has an $8.125 million cap hit until the end of the 2030-31 season. Thus, there would be less risk bringing in Thomas than a fellow star center with one year left on his deal, like Hischier.
Thomas appeared in 64 games this season with the Blues, posting 25 goals and 64 points. This is after he had 21 goals and 80 points in 70 games for St. Louis in 2024-25.
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Elias Pettersson needs a change of scenery big time. The skilled center had another tough year for his standards in 2025-26, posting 15 goals and 51 points in 74 games. This is after he had 15 goals and 45 points in 64 games for Vancouver in 2024-25.
With this, Pettersson's trade value is much lower than it was in the past. Due to this, he could be a player worth taking a flier on. This is especially so if the Canucks are open to retaining a portion of his $11.6 million cap hit until the end of the 2031-32 season in a potential deal.
Out of the three players on this list, Pettersson is by far the riskiest. However, with Pettersson being just 27 years old, the possibility of him bouncing back with a fresh start should not be ruled out. This is a player who had 102 points in 2022-23 and 89 points just back in 2023-24. Perhaps he could regain this form on the Bruins' top line playing with superstar winger David Pastrnak.