Story by
It's Time For The Bruins To Trade This Defenseman
- Story by
- It's Time For The Bruins To Trade This Defenseman
The Boston Bruins added to their blueline earlier this off-season when they acquired Will Borgen from the New York Rangers and signed Connor Clifton in free agency.
However, with the Bruins bringing in Borgen and Clifton, it is clear that their blueline is now crowded. Due to this, it would not be surprising if the Bruins ended up trading at least one of their defensemen before the season starts.
Advertisement
When looking at potential trade candidates on the Bruins' blueline, Henri Jokiharju stands out.
Borgen and Clifton are both right-shot defensemen and should be ahead of Jokiharju on the Bruins' depth chart. Jokiharju was also the odd man out often last season, appearing in just 41 regular-season games and two playoff games for Boston. With all of this, it would make sense if the Bruins listened to offers for him.
The Bruins are also simply not in a position to have an extra defenseman on their roster having a $3 million cap hit. They have too many other roster needs to address and not the most cap space available. Due to this, it would benefit the Bruins to move on from Jokiharju's contract if he is not going to be a regular in their lineup next season.
Now that there are not a ton of UFA defensemen still available on the market, it is possible that Jokiharju could generate some interest. He is a serviceable bottom-pairing defenseman, but with how crowded the Bruins' right side is, it would be understandable if they dealt him.
In 41 games last season for the Bruins, Jokiharju posted two goals, 13 assists, 15 points, and a plus-2 rating.
