The Boston Bruins currently hold the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. With their being multiple teams right behind the Bruins in the standings, they should be looking to add to their roster between now and the 2026 NHL trade deadline. One of the Bruins' most obvious needs is another right-shot defenseman. Because of this, they have been linked to multiple of them leading up to the deadline. Yet, a new defenseman is reportedly available, and the Bruins would be wise to target him. TSN's Pierre LeBrun recently reported [https://x.com/PierreVLeBrun/status/2029190567792365963?s=20] that the New Jersey Devils are open to trading defenseman Simon Nemec. The 22-year-old defenseman would be a marvelous fit on a retooling Bruins club that is focused on both the present and the future. If the Bruins acquired Nemec, he could slot perfectly on their second pairing with Hampus Lindholm. The young defenseman would be an upgrade over other right-shot options like Henri Jokiharju and Andrew Peeke. Nemec's offensive upside would also make him a candidate to receive reps on the Bruins' power play. He would also give the Bruins another option for their penalty kill if acquired. Yet, Nemec's young age and high upside are what make him stand out as a perfect target for the Bruins. There is not a defenseman trade candidate out there right now with as much long-term potential as Nemec, so he should immediately be a player Boston kicks tires on. In 47 games this season with the Devils, Nemec has recorded nine goals, 12 assists, 21 points, and a plus-1 rating.
