Viktor Arvidsson out sick for Boston opens a door for depth scoring in the Bruins’ attack while Buffalo’s forward corps is rattled by multiple injuries—Mittelstadt, Benson, Power, Samuelsson, Greenway, and Ostlund—testing line combinations early. Bowen Byram skated for Colorado and could be ready Friday, with Luke Hughes signing in New Jersey adding a new back-end dynamic. Benn’s post-surgery status and Demidov’s slash are minor bumps in a crowded season-start landscape. Rumors around the Kings, Penguins, and Maple Leafs hint at early-season wheeling and dealing as young players like Wood, Celebrini, and Evans push for NHL time, and McBain nears a return.

The Boston Bruins have made a strategic move by acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2027. This transaction comes after Arvidsson waived his no-movement clause, allowing the Bruins to take on his full $4 million salary for this season.

During his tenure with the Oilers, Arvidsson struggled to find his footing, only scoring 15 goals in 67 appearances. His time there was marked by frequent healthy scratches during the Oilers' playoff run, which raised questions about his fit in Edmonton. In contrast, the Bruins view him as a potential solution for their need for middle-six scoring depth, especially as they look to rebound from a disappointing season without a playoff berth.

The Edmonton Oilers faced significant changes in their roster as forwards Corey Perry and Connor Brown departed in free agency. Perry, now with the L.A. Kings, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million, with potential bonuses. Brown inked a four-year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils. Both players were instrumental in the Oilers' playoff run last season, contributing key points in their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Florida Panthers.

Additionally, Edmonton traded Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins for a future draft pick, creating cap space to secure a new deal for defenseman Evan Bouchard, who signed for four years at $42 million. Bouchard's impressive performance, showcasing his offensive capabilities with a significant points total, sets high expectations for the upcoming season as the team aims to reclaim its place in the postseason.

Viktor Arvidsson has officially been traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Boston Bruins, with the Oilers receiving a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in return. The 32-year-old forward had a solid performance last season, recording 27 points (15 goals and 12 assists) across 67 regular-season games, and contributed seven points (two goals and five assists) in 15 playoff games. Over his career, Arvidsson has accumulated 389 points (194 goals, 195 assists) over 613 regular-season games, along with 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 87 postseason appearances.

Arvidsson comes with one year left on his two-year, $8 million contract, which he signed as a free agent with the Oilers in July 2024. This trade marks a strategic move for the Bruins as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Viktor Arvidsson, the Edmonton Oilers forward, is set to explore new opportunities after a challenging season, with management indicating a willingness to facilitate this transition. Meanwhile, the Oilers are evaluating several goaltending options for the upcoming offseason, eyeing players like Ivan Prosvetov, Jake Allen, and Ilya Samsonov among others. Additionally, various restricted free agents are on the radar, including Jakub Dobes and Cayden Primeau, potentially shaping the team’s strategy going forward.

As the offseason approaches, the Oilers are also considering trade possibilities for notable names atop the current trade watch list, including Erik Karlsson and Evander Kane. The dynamics of these transactions will influence roster management and overall team performance as they look to strengthen their position in the NHL.