The Boston Bruins enter training camp with an unprecedented ten defensemen competing for a handful of roster spots, a situation that could reshape the team's blue‑line before the first puck drops.
Who Is Safe?
Top pairing members Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm are virtually guaranteed a place in the lineup, while veteran Nikita Zadorov also appears locked in, giving the club a solid core to build around.
Recent acquisitions Will Borgen and Connor Clifton have added depth and experience, making them unlikely candidates for waivers despite the surplus of talent.
Frederic Brunet, who has shown readiness for an NHL spot, finds himself blocked by the current roster composition, leaving his future in doubt.
The remaining competition revolves around Jonathan Aspirot, Mason Lohrei, Jordan Harris, and Henri Jokiharju, each of whom brings a different skill set to the mix.
Jokiharju's Uphill Battle
Acquired at the 2025 Trade Deadline and signed to a three‑year, $9 million contract, Henri Jokiharju logged only 41 games last season and was a healthy scratch for four of six playoff contests, underscoring the challenges he faces.
His contract carries a $3 million cap hit for the next two years, and the recent signings of Borgen and Clifton have further crowded the blue‑line, making his path to a roster spot increasingly steep.
Despite the obstacles, teams may still view Jokiharju as a worthwhile gamble, especially given his offensive upside and the possibility of moving him for assets if he fails to secure a spot.
Mason Lohrei, who could attract trade interest and would not clear waivers, adds another layer of complexity, while Jordan Harris might appeal to clubs seeking offensive depth on the blue‑line.
With the Bruins likely to trim two players from the group of Lohrei, Aspirot, and Jokiharju, the final decisions will have ripple effects throughout the organization and could shape the team's defensive identity for years to come.