{"id":634652,"date":"2026-07-31T13:57:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/634652\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T13:57:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:57:13","slug":"bruins-need-to-keep-defenseman-jonathan-aspirot-the-hockey-writers-boston-bruins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/634652\/","title":{"rendered":"Bruins Need to Keep Defenseman Jonathan Aspirot – The Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before the start of the 2026-27 season, the Boston Bruins have a choice. With nine defensemen under contract, they\u2019ll 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. Aspirot recorded 13 points, adding 83 blocks and 86 hits, with a plus-30 rating.<\/p>\n

\"MasonMason Lohrei, Boston Bruins (Jess Starr<\/a>\/The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

The defenseman\u2019s basic approach to play earned him a two-year contract<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

That $1.775 million contract<\/a> seems like a steal.<\/p>\n

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

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<\/a>, with a 5v5 goals-for percentage of 65.06%, he should be safe, right?<\/p>\n

The team has shifted its gaze to Frederic Brunet, another potential defensive gem who could upend the status quo in Boston.<\/p>\n

Trent Whitfield<\/a> on Frederic Brunet:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was probably our best defenseman from day one right through the end of the season\u2026 He\u2019s well on his way, now he just needs a little hit of runway in Boston\u2026 He\u2019s ready to go, mentally, physically, his skillset, he\u2019s an NHL player.\u201d<\/p>\n

Should the Bruins Trade Jonathan Aspirot?<\/p>\n

With Brunet being another P-Bruin on the cusp of promotion, what does that mean for Aspirot\u2019s future in Boston?<\/p>\n

The Bruins currently have 9 Dmen that will be fighting for a roster spot, who are the 3 that dont make the lineup?<\/p>\n

\u2013 Charlie McAvoy
\u2013 Hampus Lindholm
\u2013 Will Borgen
\u2013 Frederic Brunet
\u2013 Jonathan Aspirot
\u2013 Connor Clifton
\u2013 Nikita Zadorov
\u2013 Henri Jokiharju
\u2013 Mason Lohrei#NHLBruins<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/gzFXI2FxkI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bruins Media (@BruinsMedia1) July 24, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

He makes a team-friendly $887,000 AAV and provides the Bruins with a reliable, low-risk option on the blue line. He\u2019s a difference-maker.<\/p>\n

Head coach Marc Sturm illustrated the value he provides<\/a> with this comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s a guy who\u2019s better without the puck because he closes, and he can skate and keeps things simple, blocks a lot of shots,\u201d Sturm said. \u201cSo he does all those things we kind of were looking for. He\u2019s quick enough and strong enough. That you can\u2019t teach.\u201d From- \u2018Finally given NHL shot, Bruins\u2019 Jonathan Aspirot has been difference-maker on defense\u2019 Conor Ryan, Boston.com, 01\/12\/26<\/p>\n

Aspirot\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

A Trade for Jonathan Aspirot Would Be Meager<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t 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<\/a>, Aspirot could remain in Boston<\/a> for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

Aspirot spent the second half of the season stapled alongside McAvoy. It\u2019s extremely difficult to envision a world where Boston decides they\u2019re a better team without him than with him.<\/p>\n

The more likely scenario could see bottom-four defenseman Henri Jokiharju as the odd-man out. A return for Jokiharju hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

The Bruins will have to figure out the best route to keep Aspirot and open a spot for the eventual Brunet promotion.<\/p>\n

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