Bruins after dark

The Boston Bruins made a trade at the deadline sending winger Justin Brazeau to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Marat Khusnutdinov.

After struggling to find his rhythm with the Wild, where he only managed to get seven points in 57 games, the young Russian forward found a second wind.

In just 18 games with the Bruins, he scored 3 goals, 5 points, and 18 hits, suggesting that Boston may have picked up a gem midseason.

One more time, it’s the perfect organization… It’s good hockey.

Good trainers, players, coaches, everything.

said Khusnutdinov.

The 5-foot-11 forward didn’t mince words when asked about a potential contract extension with the Boston Bruins.

His enthusiasm for staying in Boston was clear, and that kind of buy-in from a young player is something any front office pays attention to.

This wasn’t just a depth move or a short-term rental.

The Bruins saw a player who, despite modest numbers in Minnesota, had shown flashes of potential worthy of development.

Khusnutdinov’s two-way play, skating ability, and clear work ethic fit neatly into what Boston values.

Given that he’ll become a restricted free agent this offseason, the team will now have the chance to lock in a young asset who wants to be part of the picture moving forward.

As the offseason approaches, the next question becomes whether Bruins management will reward Khusnutdinov’s immediate impact with a new contract.

Given the organization’s desire to build around talent that’s both affordable and driven, the case for keeping him is compelling.

For now, the focus remains on what lies ahead, but it’s safe to say Boston fans should keep an eye on #96.