2026-27 Boston Bruins Season Preview

The Boston Bruins enter the 2026–27 season with a retooled roster after a first-round playoff exit, addressing key needs at wing and on the right side of the blue line while saying goodbye to a top-25-goal scorer. The moves signal a win-now approach, leaning on a veteran core and adding younger, high-upside pieces to push for another deep playoff run.

Key Additions

JJ Peterka (RW) – Acquired from Utah on draft night for two first-round picks (No. 23 in 2026 and a conditional 2028 first). The 24-year-old scored 25 goals and 47 points last season, bringing speed, skill, and top-six scoring punch. He’s expected to slot on the top line with David Pastrnak.

Will Borgen (RD) – Traded from the New York Rangers on July 1 for a 2027 second-round pick and a conditional 2028 third. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman posted 15 points and a +3 rating in 75 games, adding stability and physicality to the right side behind Charlie McAvoy.

Connor Clifton (RD) – Signed a two-year, $2.25 million AAV deal on July 1, returning for a second stint with Boston. The 31-year-old provides depth and versatility on the right side, capable of playing top-four minutes if needed.

Ivan Ivan (C/LW) – Acquired from Colorado in exchange for Fabian Lysell on June 27, then signed to a one-year, two-way deal. The 23-year-old prospect adds center depth and upside, likely starting in Providence but pushing for an NHL role.

Depth signings – Jordan Harris (D, one year, $850,000), Brendan Gaunce (C, two-year, two-way), Brian Halonen (LW, two-year, two-way), and Riley Duran (C, one-year, two-way) add AHL/NHL bubble depth.

2026-27 Anaheim Ducks Season Preview

Key Subtractions

Viktor Arvidsson (RW) – Left in free agency for Detroit on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old scored 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games last season, a significant loss of top-six scoring.

Joonas Korpisalo (G) – Traded to the Rangers on July 1 for Kalle Väisänen and a 2028 fourth-round pick.

Andrew Peeke (RD) – Departed in free agency, thinning right-shot depth on defense.

Matej Blumel (RW) – Signed with HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga, removing a depth forward.

Other departures – Riley Tufte (LW), Patrick Brown (C), Georgii Merkulov (C), Victor Soderstrom (D), and Max Wanner (D) all left via free agency or were not tendered qualifying offers.

Core Retained

Boston kept its core intact, with David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Elias Lindholm, and Pavel Zacha all under contract. Jeremy Swayman remains the undisputed starter in net, and Morgan Geekie is expected to play a key middle-six role.

Impact on 2026–27

The Bruins addressed their biggest needs—top-six wing scoring and right-shot defense—while maintaining a veteran core. Peterka adds the scoring punch lost with Arvidsson’s departure, and Borgen/Clifton solidify the right side of the blue line. Expect Boston to remain a playoff contender, with the new additions pushing them deeper into the postseason.

Salary Cap Situation

Projected cap hit – $98,609,583
Roster – 23/23
Projected cap space – $5,390,417
Deadline cap space – $24,898,593

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Depth Chart