A flurry of moves at TD Garden
The Boston Bruins kicked off the free‑agency period with a series of moves that underscored the front office’s intent to bolster both the NHL roster and its farm system, signaling a balanced approach to depth and cap management.
Veteran defenseman Connor Clifton agreed to a two‑year deal worth $2.25 million per season, bringing a physical presence that complements the team’s existing blue‑line core and adds reliability to the penalty‑kill unit.
Jordan Harris, limited to just eight games during the 2025‑26 campaign because of injury, signed a one‑year contract at $850,000, hoping to reclaim the momentum that made him a regular fixture in Boston’s lineup.
The club also completed a trade with the New York Rangers, pulling in Will Borgen in exchange for draft considerations; the 27‑year‑old posted 15 points in 75 games last season and adds depth to a defense that has been seeking reliable secondary scoring.
In net, the Bruins traded away Joonas Korpisalo, receiving forward Kalle Vaisanen and a future pick; the move clears cap space while opening a path for prospects like Michael DiPietro, who recently captured his second straight Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s top goaltender.
Beyond the headline signings, Boston inked a handful of two‑way contracts — Luke Cavallin, Brendan Gaunce, Brian Halonen, Maxence Guenette, and Jiri Patera — to preserve flexibility and ensure a steady pipeline of talent from the AHL affiliates.
General manager Don Sweeney summed up the day’s activity as a “balanced approach” that addresses the team’s need for depth while maintaining cap efficiency, a sentiment echoed by coaches who see the new roster as a blend of experience and youthful energy.
The ripple effects extend beyond Boston; players such as Connor Clifton previously wore the colors of the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins, while Will Borgen’s journey included stints with the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Cleveland Monsters, illustrating the interconnected nature of modern NHL talent development.