Boston Bruins trying to trade $9 million defenseman, per Elliotte Friedman
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The Bruins are trying to trade Henri Jokiharju after he cleared waivers, Elliotte Friedman reports. The defenseman carries a $3 million cap hit through 2027-28.
The Boston Bruins are trying to move defenseman Henri Jokiharju.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports the club is looking to find the 27-year-old a new home after he cleared waivers, and the update landed in his Tuesday 32 Thoughts column.
"Boston is trying to find a new home for Henri Jokiharju, who cleared waivers."
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Boston put Jokiharju on waivers Sunday while cutting down to its opening night roster.
No team put in a claim, so he is free to report to AHL Providence unless a trade comes together first.
Why the Bruins moved on
The move was no shock. Marco Sturm had a crowded blue line coming out of camp, and rookie Frederic Brunet earned a spot.
Boston also added Connor Clifton and Will Borgen this offseason, which squeezed Jokiharju further.
Even Charlie McAvoy's six-game suspension to open the year could not get him into the lineup.
Jokiharju arrived from the Sabres at the 2025 trade deadline in exchange for a fourth round pick.
He signed a three year, $9 million contract that summer, which leaves a $3 million cap hit on the books through 2027-28.
What a new team would get
Last season he finished with two goals, 15 points, a plus-2 rating and 37 blocked shots for Boston.
He also made Finland's Olympic team in February, and Chicago originally picked him 29th overall in 2017.
A $3 million price tag for a depth defenseman is something other clubs will have to weigh.
The fact that nobody claimed him on waivers suggests teams are not exactly rushing in, so Boston may need to be flexible on the return.
Boston's season opener against the Rangers came on Tuesday, and Jokiharju's status will be worth tracking as the first weeks of the season play out.
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