​The Boston Bruins have cooled off since their flurry of moves at the end of June and into early July, but supporters should not rule out further additions. They added forward JJ Peterka to the mix and strengthened the blue line, now boasting 10 NHL-capable defensemen within the organization. Andrew Peeke has gone to the Utah Mammoth, and Boston re-signed Connor Clifton while also acquiring Will Borgen, both right-shot defensemen, to deepen options behind Charlie McAvoy.
General Manager Don Sweeney had identified right-shot defensemen as a priority and indicated that there could be more moves, depending on other teams and ongoing conversations. “Yeah, I mean, there easily could be [more moves], depending on where other teams sit and the conversations I’ve had,” he said just hours after free agency opened. “Charlie [McAvoy] isn’t playing the first six games. You never know what could happen between now and then, and with injuries. It’s an area we told you guys we were going to address, and that’s exactly what we tried to do.”
Looking at the current roster, the potential for further transactions becomes clear. McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, and Will Borgen form the core of the blue line, each carrying some form of trade protection in their contracts. Connor Clifton has just signed, and Jordan Harris and Jonathan Aspirot have re-upped on extensions. Trade chatter around Mason Lohrei has cooled as the summer has progressed. The 25-year-old defenseman has one year left on his contract, and Sweeney has offered a vote of confidence as Boston works to solidify its defensive pairings this season.
Henri Jokiharju remains in the mix with two years left on his deal at $3 million annually. The Bruins acquired a fourth-round pick for him at the 2025 deadline, but he struggled to establish himself in Marco Sturm’s lineup this past season, appearing in 16 of the B’s last 40 games after returning from an injury, while Lohrei was manning the off hand ahead of him. The veteran core of NHLers is not the entire story, either. Sweeney also highlighted a mobile puck-moving option from Providence during his July 1 media availability.
“[Frederic] Brunet is a good example, with mobility and puck skill that he’s applied in Providence, and how is that going to translate to the National Hockey League this year? There’s a good chance we’re going to find out,” Sweeney said.
Brunet has shown promise, tallying 36 points (12-24–36) in 65 games with Providence and earning a spot in the 2026 AHL All-Star Game. His skill set has continued to develop over the last three professional seasons, and he could push for NHL time as the season unfolds.
Whether Brunet emerges as a regular contributor or the current group competes for the remaining roster spots, there is no rush for the Bruins to make a move. The absence of McAvoy for the first six games provides early-season breathing room, buying time for the organization to evaluate options and respond as needed. The summer’s activity suggests the Bruins are hedging against potential injuries and other contingencies, keeping their options open as they prepare for a season in which depth and versatility on the blue line will matter perhaps more than ever.