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.

Bruins lose Jordan Oesterle on waivers, sign Tyler Pitlick to a two-way deal and, oh yeah, they play another hockey game on Thursday in Carolina.

The NHL trade deadline is less than 24 hours away and Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand still doesn’t have a contract beyond this season. Unless that changes, there’s still a possibility — even if it’s a small one — that the veteran forward could be dealt before Friday’s 3 p.