The Boston Bruins’ reign of regular-season dominance might be nearing its end.

After a strong 47-20-15 finish last season and a second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers, the Bruins find themselves in a tougher spot this year. Just two seasons ago, they set a league record with 135 points, only to be upset in the first round by those same Panthers. Now, at the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Bruins hold a 27-24-6 record and 60 points, one point shy of a playoff spot.

There’s still hope for postseason hockey in Boston. But if the Bruins decide to sell before the March 7 trade deadline, who might be on the move?

Love him or hate him, Brad Marchand is a force. At 5’9” and 36 years old, he combines physicality with elite scoring. A consistent 30-goal player, Marchand hit career highs in 2018-19 with 36 goals and 100 points. This season, he’s on pace for 28 goals and 63 points, staying consistent with his production over the past two years.

Marchand’s contract, with a $6.125 million cap hit, expires at the end of the season. Despite being the team’s captain and a franchise legend, his no-trade protection is limited to just eight teams. While it’s unlikely Boston will move him, a trade would likely require Marchand himself to initiate the conversation.

A more realistic trade candidate is 27-year-old Trent Frederic.

Known for his physical play, Frederic has 8 goals and 15 points in 55 games this season, down from the 18 goals and 40 points he posted last year. He chipped in three goals and five points during 13 postseason games, proving he can show up when it matters.

Although listed as a center, Frederic has primarily played on the wing this season and has seen limited time on the penalty kill. He’s an expiring free agent earning $2.3 million and has no-trade protection in his contract. While he could provide depth for a contender’s bottom six, there may be better options available.

If the Bruins make a defenseman available, Brandon Carlo could be the most enticing right-shot option on the market.

At 28, Carlo has a goal and nine points this season. His career high came in 2019-20 with 19 points, but his value lies in other areas. As the team’s top penalty killer, he’s logged nearly 300 minutes against elite competition, according to Woodmoney metrics.

Unlike Marchand and Frederic, Carlo has term left on his contract. He’s signed through 2026-27 at a reasonable $4.1 million cap hit, with a 10-team no-trade list. For teams seeking a steady defensive presence, Carlo could be a solid pickup.

If the Oilers are searching for goaltending help, Joonas Korpisalo might be worth a look.

On paper, his numbers this season, an .892 save percentage and 2.86 goals-against average, don’t inspire confidence. However, he’s performed better in the past, including a .914 save percentage in 2022-23 with the Blue Jackets.

Korpisalo earns $4 million annually, though Boston only pays $3 million of that. He also carries a 10-team no-trade list. With Jeremy Swayman also struggling, Korpisalo could be expendable, especially if a team believes he can rediscover his form behind a strong defence.

Who stays, who goes? That remains to be seen as the March 7 deadline approaches.

For more of my content, follow me on Bluesky: @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.