Bruins Trading Key Defender Would Come With Big Risk

As the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Boston Bruins are facing crucial decisions regarding their roster, and one of the most talked-about names in trade rumors is defenseman Brandon Carlo. According to Emily Kaplan of ABC during the Bruins’ game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Carlo, a 6-foot-5 right-shot defenseman, has attracted interest from several teams around the league. The news, first reported by WEEI’s Scott McLaughlin, has raised eyebrows, especially as the Bruins weigh their options for the stretch run and beyond.

It’s no surprise that Carlo is drawing attention. The 28-year-old blueliner has been a reliable presence for the Bruins in recent years. He plays in the top-four defense pairings, kills penalties, and brings a wealth of playoff experience to the table. These qualities make him an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their blue line, especially for a potential Stanley Cup contender. His physicality, combined with his ability to log heavy minutes, make him a player that could fit well on a contending team’s defensive core.

However, trading Carlo would come with significant risk for the Bruins. Over the years, he has been a key part of their defensive structure, and his departure would create a considerable hole in Boston’s top four. This is particularly concerning given that Carlo is Boston’s most dependable stay-at-home defenseman. In a league that values defensemen who can clear the front of the net, block shots, and keep the puck out of their zone, losing someone of Carlo’s caliber could put the Bruins in a vulnerable position.

The Bruins’ defense has been one of the team’s strongest assets over the past few seasons. Carlo’s physicality and shutdown ability have been integral to their defensive success. While his current season hasn’t been as stellar as previous ones, with just one goal, nine points, 56 hits, 108 blocks, and a plus-3 rating in 56 games, he still plays an essential role on the team. This comes after a solid 2023-24 campaign in which Carlo posted four goals, 14 points, and a plus-23 rating in 76 games. His value goes beyond statistics; his ability to play tough minutes against the opponent’s top players is invaluable in high-pressure situations, especially in the playoffs.

One of the factors that make trading Carlo even more complicated is his contract. Signed through the 2026-27 season with a reasonable $4.1 million cap hit, Carlo provides the Bruins with an affordable and stable option on their blue line. Given his size and style of play, finding a replacement for Carlo in free agency would likely cost more than the cap hit he currently carries. Teams are always in the market for a dependable right-shot defenseman with size, and Carlo fits that description when he’s playing at his best. His contract provides the Bruins with flexibility, and moving him could not only disrupt their defensive stability but also create a hole in their salary cap that might be difficult to fill without giving up more assets.

Of course, the Bruins may feel compelled to make a move if they believe they can acquire a piece that will better help them in the immediate future, but any trade involving Carlo would require careful consideration. Trading a key defenseman at the deadline is always risky, especially when that player is a trusted veteran who’s been an anchor for the team for years. The Bruins’ success in the postseason has often hinged on strong defensive play, and moving Carlo could alter that dynamic in unpredictable ways.

As the deadline approaches, the Bruins will need to weigh the potential return for Carlo against the risk of destabilizing their defensive core. While the temptation to make a trade in the pursuit of a championship is always present, parting ways with a player of Carlo’s caliber could come with significant consequences. If the Bruins decide to trade him, they will need to find a suitable replacement who can step in and provide similar contributions — a difficult task under the pressure of the trade deadline.

In the end, whether or not the Bruins choose to trade Brandon Carlo will depend on their confidence in their ability to fill the void he would leave behind. As a key piece of the puzzle, his presence or absence could make all the difference as Boston aims for another deep playoff run.