With the Boston Bruins set to open training camp on September 16, trade chatter has already begun surrounding defenseman Mason Lohrei, a left‑shot blueliner who has attracted interest from several NHL clubs.
Roster Moves and Trade Rumors
Although the Bruins have not publicly announced a desire to move him, the team’s surplus of left‑handed defensemen and the flexibility offered by Lohrei’s skill set have sparked discussions among rival organizations.
Lohrei’s season‑long trajectory showed a dramatic turnaround, dropping from a league‑worst minus‑43 rating in 2024‑25 to a plus‑17 mark in 2025‑26, underscoring his improved two‑way play.
Entering the final year of his two‑year, $6.4 million contract, he will become a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility after the 2026‑27 season, a detail that could influence any potential deal.
In July the Bruins bolstered their defensive corps by adding Will Borgen and Connor Clifton and re‑signing Jordan Harris, moves that have added depth while the club continues to evaluate pairings following Charlie McAvoy’s suspension.
General manager Don Sweeney noted that any further trades will depend on ongoing conversations between teams and on possible injuries, indicating that the situation remains fluid as the new season approaches.
Lohrei’s experience playing the right side alongside Hampus Lindholm last season adds another layer of versatility to Boston’s blue line, a factor that could make him an attractive piece in a trade market that values flexibility.