Bruins Shake Up Lineup: Surprising Moves That Could Change the Season’s Fate

Boston’s roster shuffle is buzzing again as GM Don Sweeney pulls some strings on November 17. The Bruins have made some pivotal moves—putting forwards Viktor Arvidsson and Casey Mittelstadt on injured reserve, while defenseman Jordan Harris lands on long-term injured reserve. Meanwhile, freshly energized forwards Matej Blumel and Riley Tufte are back from Providence, eager to leave their mark. This shuffle isn’t just about numbers; these transactions reflect a strategic maneuver amid bumps and bruises this season. The blend of seasoned pros and hungry call-ups shows the Bruins’ depth and resilience as they navigate the grind. Curious about the full scoop and player stats? LEARN MORE

Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, November 17, the following roster transactions:

The team has placed forwards Viktor Arvidsson (Date of Injury: Nov. 15) and Casey Mittelstadt (Date of Injury: Nov. 6) on injured reserve; placed defenseman Jordan Harris (Date of Injury: Oct. 21) on long-term injured reserve; recalled forwards Matej Blumel and Riley Tufte from Providence.

Arvidsson, 32, has appeared in 20 games with Boston this season, recording six goals and four assists for 10 points. The 5-foot-10, 181-pound forward has skated in 633 career NHL games with Boston, Edmonton, Los Angeles and Nashville, totaling 200 goals and 199 assists for 399 points. The Skelleftea, Sweden native was originally selected by Nashville in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Mittelstadt, 26, has appeared in 15 games with Boston this season, recording four goals and five assists for nine points. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward has skated in 453 career NHL games with Boston, Colorado and Buffalo, totaling 85 goals and 160 assists for 245 points. The Eden Prairie, Minnesota native was originally selected by Buffalo in the first round (8th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.

Harris, 25, has appeared in five games with Boston this season, recording one goal and one assist for two points. The 6-foot, 189-pound defenseman has skated in 169 career NHL games with Boston, Columbus and Montreal, totaling 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points. The Haverhill, Massachusetts native was originally selected by Montreal in the third round (71st overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Blumel, 25, has recorded two goals and 11 assists for 13 points in 13 games with the Providence Bruins this season, leading the team in assists and ranking third in points. The 6-foot, 202 pound forward appeared in 67 games with the Texas Stars in 2024-25, leading AHL skaters with 39 goals and ranking tied for second in points (72). Blumel has skated in 210 career AHL games, totaling 91 goals and 100 assists for 191 points. He has also played in 13 career NHL games with Dallas, tallying two goals. The Tabor, Czechia native was originally selected by Edmonton in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Tufte, 27, has recorded eight goals and eight assists for 16 points with the Providence Bruins this season, leading the team in goals and ranking tied for third in the AHL in points. The 6-foot-6, 233-pound forward has skated in 344 career AHL games, totaling 87 goals and 95 assists for 182 points. He has also played in 24 career NHL games with Boston, Colorado and Dallas, tallying two goals and one assist. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota native was originally selected by Dallas in the first round (25th overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.