Breaking Down Bruins’ Defensive Depth Ahead Of Draft, Free Agency

Editorial note: Over the course of several weeks, NESN.com will examine the Boston Bruins’ organizational depth. First up was goaltending, next up is defensemen.

The Boston Bruins entered the offseason with eight unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents with north of $20 million in cap space heading into free agency on July 1.

The Bruins have plenty of depth on the blue line in Boston with a veteran group of Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Carlo and newer additions that made a name for themselves last season — Parker Wotherspoon, Andrew Peeke and Mason Lohrei.

Beyond the core, does Boston have defensemen in the organization that can step in if needed?

Here’s a look at what each defenseman has to offer, along with their status within the organization.

IN THE NHL
— McAvoy will enter his eighth season with Boston when the Bruins hit the ice for the 2024-25 season. In his career, McAvoy has 53 goals and 224 assists in 454 games. McAvoy is not only an anchor on the defensive side of the puck, but he also has a tendency to turn up the intensity by skating pucks up the ice and breaking into the offensive zone. He ranked first among Boston defensemen with 12 goals, 35 assists and 47 points.