The Boston Bruins completed a stunning three-team trade with the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils, shipping away a key teammate of Brad Marchand to join Connor McDavid.

© Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesBrad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins disputes a call during the first period of the game against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden on December 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Boston Bruins just finalized a surprising three-team trade, parting ways with a star on Brad Marchand’s team as they may be waving the white flag on their 2024-25 NHL season. With the move, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers added a crucial player to their ranks, as they hope to avenge last season’s Stanley Cup Final loss. The New Jersey Devils received an Oilers’ prospect for facilitating the move.

Boston is embarking in unexplored territory, as the Original Six embraces a seller’s approach to the NHL trade deadline. For the first time in many years, the Bs could be giving up on their playoff hopes, and instead focusing on the future.

Brad Marchand remains out with an upper-body injury, but as rumors swirl around his name in trade talks, a star teammate of his has now been sent to Edmonton along with another player on the Bruins’ system.

In a complex trade, the Bruins have sent forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones to McDavid‘s Oilers. In return, Marchand and the Bruins receive Max Wanner, a 2025 second-round pick (owned by Edmonton from St. Louis), and Edmonton’s own 2026 fourth-round selection.

Trent Frederic #11 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at TD Garden on February 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Ducks defeat the Bruins 3-2 in overtime.

Trade breakdown

There’s a reason the phrase ‘Three’s a crowd’ exists, and it applies just as much to the NHL trade market. After a series of moves involving the Oilers, Bruins, and Devils, here’s how each team came out of the negotiations, per Elliotte Friedman.

NHL Rumors: Brad Marchand, Bruins could lose star defenseman as Flames inquire about trade

The Bruins have acquired Max Wanner, 2025 2nd round pick (STL), 2026 4th (EDM). While the main focus is around Frederic’s arrival in Edmonton, the Oilers also received Max Jones and the rights to unsigned draft choice Petr Hauser.

Deal with the Devils

The New Jersey Devils, on the other hand, have received the rights to Oilers’ unsigned draft choice Shane LaChance, as a means of compensation for facilitating the trade between the Oilers and Bruins. New Jersey retains 50% of Frederic’s $2,300,000 annual salary, while Boston retains the other half.