The Boston Bruins made multiple moves at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. One of the most notable was dealing defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was a significant trade made by the Original Six club, as Carlo had been a very important part of their blueline for multiple seasons.

With this, one of the Bruins' top objectives this off-season should be to add an impactful defenseman to their top four to replace Carlo. Let's go over three potential options they could consider now. 

Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers

Ekblad is the top right-shot defenseman who can become a free agent on July 1, and he would be a big-time pickup for the Bruins if signed. The 2014 first-overall pick is a star blueliner who produces solid offense from the point, works on both special-team units, and provides physicality. He also, of course, has plenty of playoff experience and a Stanley Cup on his resume.

Ekblad could give the Bruins an excellent one-two punch on their right side with Charlie McAvoy, so he would greatly improve their group. However, he would also be very expensive, and the Bruins have other needs to address this off-season, too. 

Dante Fabbro, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Fabbro may not be as a big of a name as Ekblad, but he would still provide the Bruins' top four with a boost if signed. After being claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Nashville Predators, Fabbro was simply fantastic. In 62 games with Columbus this season, he posted new career highs with nine goals, 17 assists, 26 points, and a plus-23 rating.

If the Bruins signed Fabbro, he could be a perfect addition to their second pairing with Hampus Lindholm. The 2016 first-round pick demonstrated this season that he is a dependable two-way defenseman, and he is right in his prime at just 26 years old. 

Vladislav Gavrikov, LA Kings

Gavrikov is another fascinating defenseman who can become a free agent on July 1. While he is a left-shot blueliner, he played the right side often this season with the Los Angeles Kings and performed well in the process. In 82 games this campaign with LA, he had five goals, 30 points, 140 blocks, and a plus-26 rating. 

Gavrikov is a steady shutdown defenseman when playing at his best, so he could be a great replacement for the stay-at-home defender Carlo on Boston's roster. Gavrikov would instantly become a key part of the Bruins' penalty kill and would work nicely in their top four. 

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