Bruins rumored to be targeting two 27-year-old defensemen as free agency approaches

Both Ryan Lindgren, currently with the Colorado Avalanche, and Dante Fabbro of the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to hit the open market. Both are 27. Both play defense. And both seem to match what the Bruins are looking for right now: responsible, NHL-tested blueliners who can steady the back end.

Boston may be prioritizing reliable defense over flashy signings 

Lindgren has long been known as a gritty, no-nonsense defender. He doesn’t light up the scoresheet, but he blocks shots, handles tough matchups, and brings consistency.

Fabbro, while a different type of player, also has value, he skates well, makes smart reads, and could fit into a second or third-pairing role depending on how the roster shakes out.

Neither of these names are going to steal headlines across the league. But for a team like Boston, one that’s looking to stay competitive without overhauling its identity, these could be the kinds of moves that quietly pay off.

Bruins expected to stay active in reshaping their blue line 

With cap room opening up and plenty of questions swirling about their roster construction, it’s no surprise that Don Sweeney is already being tied to potential upgrades. Defense was a soft spot last year. Injuries and inconsistency forced younger players into bigger roles, and the unit struggled to hold leads down the stretch.

That’s why veterans like Lindgren and Fabbro are suddenly interesting. Neither will cost a fortune, but both could log regular minutes and bring some structure back to a blue line that lacked rhythm all season.

Free agency may set the tone for Boston’s summer plans 

While there’s no official confirmation that either Lindgren or Fabbro will end up in Boston, the fact that they’ve been publicly tied to the team signals something larger: the Bruins aren’t waiting around.

Boston is expected to be aggressive in free agency this summer, especially on defense, one source said, an indication that we could see serious movement once the market opens.

At this point, it’s not just about replacing talent. It’s about finding the right fits. And for a team like Boston that still believes in its core, smart, reliable signings might be more important than anything else.