When Don Sweeney met with the media on Feb. 23 to talk about the health of Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins general manager used the opportunity to soften the ground a little bit to prepare people for what was likely coming not far down the road.

The Bruins might be more inclined to sell assets at the trade deadline, but they could also add players for the future.

Riley Tufte, Vinni Lettieri, Patrick Brown, and Ian Mitchell, all called up from AHL Providence in the morning, should play in Raleigh.