Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks complete a trade involving disgruntled player

The San Jose Sharks confirmed they acquired the 22-year-old center and the 120th overall pick from Boston in exchange for the 104th pick via Florida and the 157th via Montreal.

On the surface, the Bruins flipped an unwanted prospect for two late picks.

Gasseau, a 2021 seventh-round pick at 213th overall, posted six goals and 23 points in 23 games at Boston College despite missing time with a wrist injury.

The production was real. The problem was Boston's ask: sign an ELC, go to Providence, and wait.

Gasseau said no. That decision was calculated - his signing rights expired August 15, so Boston had two choices: trade him or lose him for free.

The Sharks need forwards who want NHL ice time immediately, not prospects content to develop in the AHL for another two seasons.

Gasseau is a 6-foot-4 center with north-south instincts and the size NHL teams covet.

He won't accept a conditioning stint. For a rebuilding club with spots to fill and a need for motivated players, that stance is an asset.

San Jose didn't just acquire a prospect. They acquired a prospect who chose them.

Don Sweeney turned a player who was going to walk for free into two fourth-round picks. That's not a small thing.

The 104th overall via Florida has legitimate value, and the 157th via Montreal adds depth ahead of the draft.

The Bruins drafted a 7th-rounder, watched him become a genuine prospect, and still came away with capital when he refused to sign.

The outcome could have been much worse.

Gasseau gets the immediate opportunity he demanded. Boston gets picks.

And San Jose lands a 6-foot-4 forward motivated to prove himself starting day one.

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