A couple of weeks ago, it looked like the Boston Bruins were on the verge of making a major splash on the blue line. All signs pointed to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson being their guy.
The fit made sense - a right-shot D-man with term, someone who could solidify the Bruins' top-four and complement Charlie McAvoy. But as we’ve seen so many times at the NHL trade deadline, things can change fast.
And change they did. When Boston couldn’t come to terms on an extension with Andersson - and make no mistake, Don Sweeney wasn’t about to give up a significant asset haul without that commitment - the Vegas Golden Knights pounced.
In a twist of fate, it was former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy who ended up landing the coveted defenseman. A tough break for Boston, no doubt.
Now, with the Olympic break looming and the Bruins still holding onto a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the question becomes: What’s next?
According to Bruins beat writer Fluto Shinzawa, the priority hasn’t changed - Boston still needs a right-shot defenseman, especially with Andrew Peeke in the final year of his deal. Peeke’s future in Boston looks uncertain, and with no clear replacement waiting in Providence, the need for a reliable right-side blueliner is as urgent as ever.
It’s clear the Bruins were targeting Andersson not just for this season, but as a long-term piece. He would’ve slotted in nicely alongside McAvoy and Henri Jokiharju, giving the Bruins a strong trio on the right side. Without him, Sweeney will need to pivot.
There are options. One name to watch is Zach Whitecloud - part of the return Calgary received in the Andersson deal from Vegas.
If the Flames are open to flipping him, that could be a logical next call. Then there’s Justin Faulk in St.
Louis, a veteran with playoff experience and a right-handed shot. Or Connor Murphy in Chicago, another potential fit with term.
The Bruins have two games left before the Olympic break, and those matchups could go a long way in shaping Sweeney’s approach. But one thing is clear: Boston isn’t done. They missed on Andersson, but the need remains, and the trade deadline clock is ticking.
If Sweeney can find the right deal - ideally one that brings in a defenseman with term or a manageable extension - the Bruins could come out of this stretch in better shape than they were before. But as always in this league, it’s about timing, fit, and finding a partner willing to deal. For now, the Bruins’ blue line remains a work in progress.