What happened: Yahoo NHL argues that both 2026 Stanley Cup Final teams, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Carolina Hurricanes, built significant parts of their rosters through trades. The piece contends the Boston Bruins should follow a similar trade-first approach to climb back into contention.

Why it matters: With the Golden Knights and Hurricanes set for the Stanley Cup Final, the path each franchise took underscores how aggressive trading can reshape a roster quickly. For Boston, leaning on the trade market could close the gap faster than waiting on internal development.

What to watch: Watch how Boston's front office approaches the offseason trade market and whether it pursues the kind of roster-altering moves that built both Final teams.