3 right-handed NHL defenseman the Boston Bruins can target in the summer

Q: Who are the top right-handed defensemen the Boston Bruins can target this summer?

The Boston Bruins can target Rasmus Andersson from the Vegas Golden Knights, among others, to strengthen their defense.

Q: What position do the Boston Bruins need to fill in their roster for the upcoming season?

The Bruins need to fill the position of a top-four right-shot defenseman to enhance their roster.

Q: How did the Boston Bruins perform in the 2025-26 NHL season?

The Boston Bruins had a successful 2025-26 season, bouncing back significantly from a disastrous 2024-25 campaign.

3 right-handed NHL defenseman the Boston Bruins can target in the summer originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Bruins have had a successful 2025-26 season, given how disastrous the 2024-25 campaign was for them. They have proven a lot of their doubters wrong and have been one of this season’s top stories because of it.

Given how this season has gone for the Bruins, it would not be surprising if they look to continue strengthening their roster during the off-season. One of their biggest needs is another top-four right-shot defenseman.

Due to this, let’s look at three defensemen whom the Bruins would be wise to target during the summer.

Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights

It is no secret that the Bruins made a major push to acquire Rasmus Andersson before the Calgary Flames moved him to the Vegas Golden Knights. As a result of this, the Bruins will likely be one of the teams pushing hard to sign him if he hits the free agent market this offseason.

If the Bruins signed Andersson in free agency, he would be a perfect fit for their second pairing with Hampus Lindholm. In addition, he would be a clear choice for both their power play and penalty kill if successfully signed.

MORE: 3 NHL centers the Red Wings can target this offseason

Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning

Darren Raddysh is another defenseman whom the Bruins should strongly consider signing this summer if he does not re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 30-year-old defenseman is having a spectacular season with the Lightning and would have the potential to be a strong pickup for Boston’s lineup.

In 72 games this season with the Lightning, Raddysh has set new career highs with 22 goals, 48 assists, and 70 points. With numbers like these, he would give the Bruins a high-impact offensive defenseman to bolster their top power play unit. He would also upgrade their second pairing.

MORE: NHL Free Agency: How Breakout D-Man Darren Raddysh Compares To Other Pending UFAs

Rasmus Ristolainen, Philadelphia Flyers

The Bruins were one of the teams connected to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen leading up to the deadline. With this, it would make sense if they kicked tires on the 6-foot-4 blueliner during the off-season as well.

Ristolainen offers less offensive upside than Andersson and Raddysh, but he would still give the Bruins a solid shutdown defenseman for their top four. He would also provide the Bruins with another blueliner who kills penalties and plays physically.