Bruins Need to Keep Defenseman Jonathan Aspirot

Before the start of the 2026-27 season, the Boston Bruins have a choice. With nine defensemen under contract, they’ll have to account for six roster spots, which will make training camp highly competitive. One notable blueliner who had a great season in 2025-26 was Jonathan Aspirot.

Originally undrafted, Aspirot began his professional hockey career in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Belleville Senators in 2019-20. His AHL career saw him play 297 games with the Providence Bruins, Calgary Wranglers, and Senators, recording 128 points (31 goals, 97 assists) and 326 penalty minutes.

He paid his dues and made his NHL debut in 2025-26 with the Bruins, where he played 61 games as a top-four option alongside Charlie McAvoy. Aspirot recorded 13 points, adding 83 blocks and 86 hits, with a plus-30 rating.

The defenseman’s basic approach to play earned him a two-year contract with the Bruins at an $887,000 average annual value (AAV). He proved his value after an underdog performance, as his hard-nosed style fit in the mix of his peers, which featured Hampus Lindholm, McAvoy, and Mason Lohrei.

That $1.775 million contract seems like a steal.

As the offseason nears its conclusion with August fast approaching, moves remain for teams who have a good long-term plan for the future.

While Aspirot broke out last season as a defensive defenseman with offensive upside, is his future in question with the Bruins? After 935:24 time on ice last season, with a 5v5 goals-for percentage of 65.06%, he should be safe, right?

The team has shifted its gaze to Frederic Brunet, another potential defensive gem who could upend the status quo in Boston.

Trent Whitfield on Frederic Brunet:

“He was probably our best defenseman from day one right through the end of the season… He’s well on his way, now he just needs a little hit of runway in Boston… He’s ready to go, mentally, physically, his skillset, he’s an NHL player.”

Should the Bruins Trade Jonathan Aspirot?

With Brunet being another P-Bruin on the cusp of promotion, what does that mean for Aspirot’s future in Boston?

He makes a team-friendly $887,000 AAV and provides the Bruins with a reliable, low-risk option on the blue line. He’s a difference-maker.

Head coach Marc Sturm illustrated the value he provides with this comment.

“I think he’s a guy who’s better without the puck because he closes, and he can skate and keeps things simple, blocks a lot of shots,” Sturm said. “So he does all those things we kind of were looking for. He’s quick enough and strong enough. That you can’t teach.” From- ‘Finally given NHL shot, Bruins’ Jonathan Aspirot has been difference-maker on defense’ Conor Ryan, Boston.com, 01/12/26

Aspirot’s a defensive defenseman who plays how Sturm and Sweeney need him to. With a cost-controlled contract, the team could fetch a decent return but nothing groundbreaking.

A Trade for Jonathan Aspirot Would Be Meager

We don’t know what kind of established value the Bruins would get for Aspirot. However, trading a cost-controlled top-four defenseman seems like a lose-lose. They could get some value out of him, but with Lohrei as a trade chip, Aspirot could remain in Boston for the foreseeable future.

Aspirot spent the second half of the season stapled alongside McAvoy. It’s extremely difficult to envision a world where Boston decides they’re a better team without him than with him.

The more likely scenario could see bottom-four defenseman Henri Jokiharju as the odd-man out. A return for Jokiharju hasn’t been explored despite the stellar showing he had at the World Championship with Finland; my best guess would be a late-round pick or future considerations if general manager Don Sweeney is lucky.

The Bruins will have to figure out the best route to keep Aspirot and open a spot for the eventual Brunet promotion.