Bruins after dark

A bold trade by the Boston Bruins at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline is suddenly looking like a major win, as young forward Will Zellers just claimed USHL Player of the Year honors.

Bruins’ lesser-known deadline pickup turns heads

When the Bruins sent Charlie Coyle and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, a conditional second-rounder, and 19-year-old William Zellers, the spotlight was hardly on the teenager.

That’s changed in a big way.

Zellers, who plays for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, was just named the league’s top player — a surprise development that now puts Boston’s trade in a much brighter light.

Will Zellers has been named United States Hockey League (USHL) Player of the Year.

The #NHLBruins prospect was named USHL Forward of the Year and to All-USHL First Team on Tuesday.

He is committed to the University of North Dakota.

The Minnesota native was a third-round pick by Colorado in the 2024 NHL Draft, going 76th overall.

He wasn’t expected to make waves this quickly, but his breakout season changed that narrative fast.

Zellers could force his way into boston’s plans sooner than expected

He’s set to join the University of North Dakota next season — a proven NHL talent pipeline — and while he may be a few years away from the big league, his trajectory is clearly on the rise.

Bruins prospect Will Zellers was named USHL Forward of the Year yesterday. Now he’s also Player of the Year. Heading to North Dakota this fall.

Fans might’ve overlooked him at the time of the trade, but Zellers is already making it clear he wasn’t just a throw-in. With Boston reloading for the future, his name is one to watch — maybe even as early as 2025-26.