The Boston Bruins traded forward Charlie Coyle to the Colorado Avalanche on Friday in exchange for forward Casey Mittelstadt. Additionally, the Bruins received forward prospect William Zellers and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Coyle, 33, is in the fifth year of a six-year contract he signed with Boston in 2019 and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. So far, he has recorded 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 64 games this season.
Coyle expressed mixed emotions about the trade, acknowledging that while he loved playing in his hometown of Boston, he was excited about the opportunity to join a strong team like the Avalanche. He noted how quickly things change in the NHL and how welcoming his new teammates in Colorado have been. Coyle is eager to contribute to his new team and help them succeed as they push toward the postseason.
Mittelstadt Joins Bruins Amid Major Roster Changes, Sees Fresh Opportunity
Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks as the 28th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft, Coyle has had a solid career with the Bruins and the Minnesota Wild. Across 931 regular-season games, he has accumulated 472 points (187 goals, 285 assists).
Additionally, he has played 119 playoff games, contributing 52 points (25 goals, 27 assists). Coyle acknowledged that playing against Colorado in the past was always challenging, making it even more exciting for him to now be part of such a strong team.
Casey Mittelstadt (NHL)In a separate trade, the Avalanche acquired defenseman Erik Johnson from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Givani Smith. Johnson, who previously played 13 seasons with Colorado and won the Stanley Cup in 2022, has three points (one goal, two assists) in 22 games this season.
This move follows another trade where the Avalanche acquired Brock Nelson and forward prospect William Dufour from the New York Islanders in exchange for multiple assets, including a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Mittelstadt Joins Bruins Amid Major Roster Changes, Sees Fresh Opportunity
Mittelstadt, 26, is in the first year of a three-year contract he signed with Colorado in 2024. He has 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 63 games this season. Although surprised by the trade, he expressed excitement about joining the Bruins and saw it as a fresh start.
Originally drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2017, Mittelstadt has registered 230 points (77 goals, 153 assists) in 420 regular-season games, along with nine points in 11 playoff games.
Boston made several significant moves on Friday, also parting ways with longtime forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Brandon Carlo. Mittelstadt sees a great opportunity with the Bruins, especially given the departure of key players.
Bruins coach Joe Sacco emphasized that Mittelstadt’s offensive skills will be utilized, particularly on the power play. Meanwhile, the team also acquired 18-year-old prospect William Zellers, who has shown promise in the USHL. The Bruins currently sit three points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot, making these roster changes crucial for their postseason aspirations.
