The Boston Bruins have been one of the more consistent teams in the NHL over the past several seasons, but if there's one area that could use a serious upgrade before the 2026 trade deadline, it's the right side of their blue line. Since parting ways with Brandon Carlo, Boston hasn’t quite filled that top-four, right-shot defenseman role with the same level of reliability. And if the Bruins want to make a real run this spring-or set themselves up for sustained success-they’ll need to address that gap.
Let’s break down three right-shot defensemen who could be strong fits for Boston, each bringing a different blend of age, contract situation, and skill set to the table.
Braden Schneider - New York Rangers
If Boston is looking to invest in both the present and the future, Braden Schneider makes a ton of sense. At just 24 years old, he’s already shown he can handle a regular NHL workload-and he plays with the kind of edge that fits right into the Bruins’ defensive identity.
Schneider has logged 57 games this season for the Rangers, chipping in two goals and nine assists for 11 points. But where he really makes his mark is physically-123 hits so far, and counting.
He’s a pending restricted free agent, which gives Boston some control moving forward if they were to acquire him. Slotting him into the second pair and giving him penalty-kill responsibilities would not only help the Bruins immediately, but also provide long-term value as they retool on the fly.
Zach Whitecloud - Calgary Flames
Zach Whitecloud might not carry the same upside as Schneider, but he brings something else that could be just as valuable: cost certainty. The 29-year-old is under contract at a manageable $2.75 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season, giving the Bruins a dependable option for the next few years without breaking the bank.
Whitecloud has split this season between the Golden Knights and Flames, tallying two goals and eight assists in 55 games. Like Schneider, he’s a physical presence on the back end with 86 hits, and he plays a stay-at-home style that could stabilize Boston’s second or third pairing. He’s not going to light up the scoreboard, but he doesn’t need to-his value comes in the form of smart positioning, responsible play, and a willingness to battle in the dirty areas.
Justin Faulk - St. Louis Blues
Now, if the Bruins are looking for more offensive punch from the blue line, Justin Faulk is the name to watch. At 33, he’s the veteran of this group, but he’s still producing at a high level. Through 57 games with the Blues, Faulk has racked up 11 goals and 19 assists-30 points from the back end is no small feat, especially for a player who can also handle top-four minutes.
Faulk would immediately become a weapon on Boston’s power play and could slot into a second-pairing role with ease. The catch?
He comes with a significant cap hit of $6.5 million through the end of the 2026-27 season. That’s a big number for a team already navigating a tight salary cap, and any deal would likely require some financial maneuvering.
The Bottom Line
Each of these defensemen brings something different to the table. Schneider offers youth and physicality with upside.
Whitecloud brings stability and a team-friendly contract. Faulk adds veteran savvy and offensive firepower, albeit at a premium price.
For the Bruins, the question isn’t just who’s the best player-it’s who’s the best fit. Do they want to invest in a long-term piece like Schneider or Whitecloud, or are they willing to pay up for a short-term push with Faulk? Either way, if Boston wants to shore up their blue line and stay competitive in the Eastern Conference arms race, adding a right-shot defenseman should be at the top of their deadline checklist.