When the Boston Bruins acquired JJ Peterka on the first day of the NHL Draft, the move quickly became the biggest headline of their offseason. However, July brought several other trades that deserve attention. Together, they could define the Bruins’ strategy for the upcoming season as general manager Don Sweeney continues to reshape the roster.
While Peterka is expected to strengthen the offense, the Bruins’ other additions were made to address issues that followed them throughout last season.
Bruins Address Defensive Stability
Perhaps the most notable move after the Peterka trade was the acquisition of defenseman Will Borgen. The Bruins acquired Borgen from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2027 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2028 third-round pick.
At first glance, Borgen’s offensive numbers do not jump off the page. The defenseman recorded 5 goals for 15 points in 75 games with the Rangers last season. However, those numbers do not reflect his true value.
Borgen’s biggest strength is his reliability. Last season, the Bruins struggled with consistency on the blue line while dealing with a number of injuries. As a result, Borgen’s ability to provide a steady defensive presence could prove to be one of his most valuable contributions.
There is no expectation that Borgen is going to replicate Charlie McAvoy‘s offensive production. Instead, Borgen’s role is to make life difficult for opposing forwards by protecting the front of the net and winning battles along the boards.
Immediate Help Over Future Potential
The Bruins also acquired Ivan Ivan from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Fabian Lysell. The trade sparked heated debate among Bruins fans, many of whom viewed Lysell as one of the organization’s top prospects. Selected 21st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, however, Lysell was unable to establish himself at the NHL level and did not appear in a single NHL game last season.
Like the Peterka trade, the deal involving Lysell illustrates the Bruins’ current plan: prioritizing players who can contribute immediately this season over developing prospects.
Ivan is an energetic lower-line forward who is active off the puck and applies heavy pressure. Players like this are the ones who help win games by adding depth to the roster.
Familiar Faces and Difficult Decisions
Another new name on the Bruins’ roster is not actually new. Connor Clifton returned to Boston after three years away. In 2023, the defenseman signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres and was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in June 2025. On the first day of free agency this year, the Bruins brought back Clifton, who finished last season with a plus-5 rating.
In addition, Clifton’s return means the coaching staff is gaining a player familiar with the organization who does not require a long adjustment period. This is especially important for a team that is integrating several new players at once.
The trade that breaks the flow is the exchange of Joonas Korpisalo for Kalle Vaisanen and a 2028 fourth-round pick from the New York Rangers. On paper, the deal appears uneven. Korpisalo posted a .894 save percentage in 31 regular-season games last season and provided stability as Boston’s backup goaltender, while Vaisanen remains a developing prospect.
However, there are two reasons for this trade: moving Korpisalo’s contract created additional salary-cap flexibility, and it finally opened the door for Michael DiPietro from the Providence Bruins to become the NHL club’s backup goalie.
Small Moves for a Long Season
At first glance, the contracts with Brendan Gaunce, Brian Halonen, and a number of other depth players may seem less significant. However, last season the Bruins repeatedly faced injuries and were forced to call up players from Providence.
Halonen is particularly interesting. He has scored at least 20 goals in the AHL for three seasons in a row and has already made his debut with the New Jersey Devils. If the forward can carry his scoring success to the NHL level, Boston could acquire an affordable player capable of strengthening its main roster.
Taken together, the July trades highlight that Don Sweeney’s current strategy differs from previous years. Whereas management previously continued to bet on promising young players, hoping they would develop over time, the focus has now shifted toward players who are already ready to fill specific roles in the upcoming season.
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