Three defensemen emerge as top options for Bruins after Brandon Carlo trade to Maple Leafs

If Aaron Ekblad hits the market on July 1, the Bruins may have no choice but to pursue him.

He won a Stanley Cup in Florida, was drafted first overall back in 2014, and has become known for being physical, smart, and capable in all situations.

He contributes on both ends of the rink. He can run the power play. He kills penalties. He takes tough matchups and doesn’t shrink under pressure.

The idea of him lining up alongside Charlie McAvoy is hard to ignore, it would instantly give Boston one of the NHL’s strongest right sides.

But Ekblad’s not cheap. It’ll take cap space and commitment. Still, if Boston is looking to make a statement after a forgettable season, this would be one way to do it.

Dante Fabbro flying under the radar 

Then there’s Dante Fabbro, who won’t command headlines but is quietly coming off the most productive year of his career.

Claimed off waivers by Columbus, Fabbro logged 9 goals and 26 points in 62 games, finishing with a plus-23 rating.

He’s dependable. He’s efficient. He plays a clean game without forcing things. Slotting him next to Hampus Lindholm would give the Bruins a reliable second-pairing option that doesn’t break the bank. A former first-rounder, he’s still only 25 and growing into his game.

For a team that needs stability more than flash, Fabbro might be the exact kind of player Boston should prioritize.

Gavrikov’s versatility makes him a real fit

Vladislav Gavrikov is a name worth circling. Though he shoots left, he played the right side for most of the season in Los Angeles—and he did it well.

He suited up in all 82 games, scored 5 goals, added 30 points, blocked 140 shots, and posted a plus-26 rating.

He’s not a highlight-reel guy. But he does the kind of work teams win with. He’s physical. He’s steady. He’ll eat tough minutes and thrive on the penalty kill.

In a system like Boston’s, that kind of presence would be immediately valuable in the top four.

Bruins need a response, not just a replacement 

This summer, it’s not just about who Boston signs, it’s about what that move says. The Bruins finished last in the East.

The front office can’t afford to miss here. They don’t just need a body. They need someone who brings something real to the ice, and someone who helps them start pushing back in a division that won’t get any easier.

Carlo’s shoes are big ones to fill. But with the right mix of urgency and vision, Boston has a chance to patch this hole and turn a setback into an opportunity.