SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin announced today that the team has acquired forward Justin Brazeau (pronounced BRAZ-oh) from the Boston Bruins. In exchange, the Wild sent forwards Marat Khusnutdinov and Jakub Lauko, along with a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft (originally acquired from Boston), to the Bruins.
Justin Brazeau – Career Highlights
Brazeau, 27, has had a productive 2024-25 season, registering 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 57 games with Boston. The 6-foot-6, 227-pound forward has also contributed four power-play goals (ranking third on the team), two game-winning goals, 89 hits, and 16 penalty minutes (PIM) this season.
In his NHL career, Brazeau has amassed 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists), 132 hits, 38 blocked shots, and 18 PIM in 76 games over two seasons with Boston (2023–25). He made an impactful NHL debut on February 19, 2024, against Dallas, scoring his first career goal against goaltender Jake Oettinger. Brazeau also has playoff experience, contributing two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in nine Stanley Cup Playoff appearances with the Bruins.
Previous Experience
AHL: Brazeau recorded 118 points (53 goals, 65 assists), 377 shots on goal, and a plus-32 rating in 189 career games across five seasons with the Toronto Marlies (2019–21) and Providence Bruins (2021–24). He also tallied three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in six Calder Cup Playoff games.
ECHL: Across two seasons with the Maine Mariners (2021–22) and Newfoundland Growlers (2019–20), Brazeau collected 75 points (37 goals, 38 assists) and was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team in 2019-20.
OHL: During his junior career with the North Bay Battalion (2015–19), Brazeau recorded 238 points (128 goals, 110 assists) and 84 PIM over 268 games. In his final OHL season, he was named to the OHL First Team All-Star and received the OHL Overage Player of the Year award. He added eight points (6 goals, 2 assists) in 21 playoff games.
Brazeau is signed to a two-year, two-way contract with an expiration date of February 18, 2026.
Departing Players
Marat Khusnutdinov: The 22-year-old forward played in 73 career NHL games over two seasons (2023–25) with Minnesota, tallying 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists).
Jakub Lauko: The 24-year-old forward appeared in 38 games for Minnesota this season, registering six points (3 goals, 3 assists) and 69 hits.
This trade bolsters Minnesota’s depth as the team looks ahead to the remainder of the season and future playoff contention.
