The Boston Bruins have traded Craig Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick, and a 2025 second round pick for Garnet Hathaway and Dmitry Orlov. To help the Bruins cap space the Minnesota Wild are retaining 50% of Orlov’s contract and for that they are getting a 2023 third round pick. The Wild are becoming the bank of the NHL retaining players contracts for picks.

The Bruins have been looking for a left sided defensemen and have found their guy in Orlov. Orlov, a two way defenseman with good speed will take up the mantle of the second defenseman on the left hand side. Orlov has three goals and 16 assists for the Capitals so far this season. He will provide great depth to the backline of the Bruins. He was second in the Capitals ice time. Expect him to be around third or fourth in ice time for the Bruins behind Charlie Mcavoy, Hampus Lindholm and Brando Carlo.

The other man the black and gold picked up was Garnet Hathaway: A player who will almost certainly become a Bruins fan favorite due to his punkiness. Hathaway will most likely play on the fourth line for the Bruins. He has nine goals and seven assists for the Capitals this season so far. Hathaway should provide depth to the third and fourth line, but do not expect him to become an elite goal scorer all of a sudden.

The moves show the Bruins aspiration for the Championship this year. Both of the players are out of contract in the spring and it is possible for both of the players to walk at the end of the year. The trade deadline ends March 3rd and the Bruins could possibly add another forward at the deadline. It is not likely for them to make a splash due to the lack of cap space and assets.