The Boston Bruins are looking to compete for a playoff spot next season and could acquire a star defenseman to bolster their blue line.
NHL insider Stefan Rosner of RG.org linked the Bruins to trading for New York Islanders star defenseman 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.”
Romaonv completed his three-year, $7.5 million deal and is a pending RFA. With the defenseman not having a contract, the Islanders could look to move him to get assets back, and the Bruins are one of two teams interested in him.
“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 would be a second-pairing defenseman for the Bruins. He would also add some offense to the back end. He recorded 4 goals and 16 assists for 20 points in 64 games, but is more known for his defensive play and is just 25.
Romanov Could be Part of Bigger Bruins-Islanders Deal
Boston and the Islanders have been discussing a massive trade, according to RG.com’s James Murphy.
The insider reported that the Bruins have interest in JG Pageau while the Islanders want Boston’s seventh overall pick. If the seventh overall pick is involved, the Bruins could look to acquire Romanov or Noah Dobson as part of a massive deal.
“The Bruins have expressed interest in Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau, is accurate,” Murphy wrote. “However, according to this source, the trade talks between the two Eastern Conference teams — who both missed the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs — are expanding beyond Pageau…
“One current Islanders player that RG confirmed the Bruins have had prior interest in is restricted free agent defenseman Noah Dobson. Who continues to be at the center of NHL trade speculation,” Murphy added. “The 25-year-old, 6-foot-4, 194-pound right-shot defenseman was a hot commodity at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. But then-general manager Lou Lamoriello held onto Dobson. RG has not been able to confirm which way the Bruins are trying to go in these trade talks with the Islanders.”
With the NHL Draft set for June 27-28, the Bruins and Islanders trade will likely happen before then, if it does happen.
Bruins GM Focused on Building Cup Contender
Boston was one of the worst teams in the NHL next season, but the Bruins are looking to be aggressive in the offseason.
The Bruins gave general manager Don Sweeney a contract extension, and he made it clear the team will be competitive next season. He also says the plan is to bring another Cup back to Boston.
“I am very appreciative to (owner) Charlie (Jacobs), the entire Jacobs family. And to (president) Cam (Neely) for their continued trust and support,” Sweeney said after he got his contract extension. “It’s an honor to be part of a franchise with such a storied history and passionate fan base. I fully understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with this role. Our fans have high expectations for this team, and so do I. The collective goal is to build a team that makes Bruins fans proud. And, ultimately brings another Stanley Cup back to Boston.”
Sweeney has been the Bruins’ GM since 2015.
