When looking at the Boston Bruins’ current blueline, it is fair to argue that they could use another impactful defenseman. This is especially the case when it comes to their right side, as they still have not found a proper replacement for Brandon Carlo in their top four.

Due to this, let’s look at three potential defender trade targets who could make a lot of sense for the Bruins to bring in to Boston.

Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames

With the Bruins needing help on the right side of their defense, Calgary Flames blueliner Rasmus Andersson is exactly the type of player who they should have on their radar. The 28-year-old defenseman is entering the final season of his contract with the Pacific Division club, and he has been the subject of plenty of trade rumors this off-season because of it.

If the Bruins acquired Andersson from the Flames, he would give them a massive upgrade for the right side of their second pairing. He could be a great fit on a pairing with Hampus Lindholm but also could work playing alongside former Flames teammate Nikita Zadorov. In addition, due to his high amount of offensive skill, Andersson would be an obvious option for the Bruins’ power play.

Andersson appeared in 81 games this past season with the Flames, where he recorded 11 goals, 20 assists, and 31 points, and 196 blocks. Overall, it was a solid year for the nine-year veteran, but he has shown in the past that he can provide even more offense from the point when playing at his best. For example, during the 2022-23 season with the Flames, scored a career-high 11 goals and recorded 49 points in 79 games. This was after he posted a career-high 50 points in 82 games during the 2021-22 season with Calgary.

Overall, with the Bruins looking for more offense, bringing in a skilled defenseman like Andersson would make a lot of sense for them. This is especially so when noting that he has an affordable $4.55 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season.

Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres

While Bowen Byram recently re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres on a two-year, $12.5 million contract, the young blueliner is continuing to create chatter in the rumor mill. If the Sabres are truly open to moving the 2019 fourth-overall pick, he is another big-name defenseman who could make a lot of sense for the Bruins to bring in.

Although Byram is a left-shot defenseman, he has plenty of experience playing on the right side. Because of this, he would have the potential to provide the Bruins’ second pairing with a significant upgrade if acquired. Yet, he could also be a real option for the left side of the Bruins’ top pairing with Charlie McAvoy. Furthermore, due to his strong two-way play, he would be able to help out both the Bruins’ power play and penalty kill.

In 82 games this past season with the Sabres, Byram scored seven goals and recorded new career highs with 31 assists, 38 points, and a plus-11 rating. With numbers like these, Byram would be able to give the Bruins’ blueline more offense from the point, while also being steady defensively. With this, he would have the potential to be a significant pickup for the Bruins’ top four if acquired.

Another very appealing factor about Byram is that he is only 24 years old. Due to this, he would fit very nicely into the Bruins’ retool and is also still young to still improve further. While he will have the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after his new contract expires in two years, he is still the kind of young defenseman who the Bruins should seriously consider pursuing.

Connor Murphy, Chicago Blackhawks

While Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is not as flashy a player as Andersson and Byram, he is another blueliner who could be a strong addition to the Bruins’ lineup. After trading Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Bruins have been in need of a steady stay-at-home defenseman. With this, a player like Murphy could make a lot of sense for the Bruins to add to their roster.

Murphy would have the potential to provide the right side of the Bruins’ second pairing with a nice boost if acquired. Murphy could slot wonderfully next to Lindholm specifically, as his steady defensive play would allow Lindholm to take more chances offensively. Furthermore, due to his dependability in his own zone, Murphy would be an obvious choice for the Bruins’ penalty kill if brought in from the Blackhawks.

With Murphy entering the final season of his contract with the rebuilding Blackhawks, he is undoubtedly a trade candidate this summer. With the Bruins needing help on their right side, he could be a defenseman worth making a push for.

Bruins Have Intriguing Free-Agent Target To Consider The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> have brought in several new forwards this off-season in an attempt to improve their roster. Overall, they gave their bottom six a nice boost by bringing in players like Michael Eyssimont, Sean Kuraly, and Tanner Jeannot. Yet, when looking at their group, it is clear that they could still use another forward with skill.

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