Zellers was part of the return for Charlie Coyle, along with Casey Mittelstadt and a second-round pick (ultimately defenseman Liam Pettersson). After the trade, Boston’s message to Zellers was simple: Keep your chin up and keep doing what you’re doing.

Colorado traded for Coyle just before the trade deadline last season in a deal that sent Casey Mittelstadt, prospect William Zellers and a 2025 second-round pick to the Boston Bruins. Coyle slotted in as the club’s No. 3 center for the stretch run and opening-round playoff series loss to the Dallas Stars.

Charlie Coyle is on the move once again. The Colorado Avalanche announced Friday that they traded Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2025 third-round NHL Draft pick, a conditional 2027 second-round pick and forward Gavin Brindley.