Boston Bruins Inquiring About Another Islanders Defenseman

According to Jimmy Murphy of RG Media, the Boston Bruins have been interested in New York Islanders forward JG Pageau and defenseman Noah Dobson in trade talks. Another Islander defenseman is also on the Bruins radar as fellow RG Media insider Stefan Rosner reports that Boston is kicking the tires on the availability of Alexander Romanov.

“The New York Islanders haven’t made pending restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Romanov publicly available,” Rosner wrote. “However, the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins are two teams that have inquired about the 25-year-old blueliner, sources told RG.”

Romanov, who is a pending restricted free agent, could be traded by New York as they begin a rebuild of the roster. Earlier reports that the Isles are interested in Boston’s seventh overall draft pick in hopes that they can select Long Island native James Hagens continue to surface. The issue has become whether Romanov and the team can agree on a contract extension.

“Romanov’s camp and the Islanders have had initial talks about an extension. However, those talks are expected to pick up following the 2025 NHL Draft, at which the Islanders will hold the first overall selection,” Rosner added. “The Russian native could command between $5 million and $6 million annually on his next deal. He is arbitration-eligible and is likely worth a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick, depending on the team.”

Romanov is a left-shot defenseman, the opposite side to Dobson. The Bruins have a need at right side defense and seem to be set with the left side. However, Mason Lohrei is a restricted free agent coming off a league-worst plus-minus and has been linked to trade discussions. Romanov is a defense first player who chipped in four goals this season.