With the NHL trade deadline only hours away, teams across the league are scrambling to finalize last-minute moves. The Boston Bruins, currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, are among the teams looking to strengthen their roster for the playoff push.
However, one rumored New Jersey Devils star target may not be as realistic for the Boston Bruins as it initially appeared.
Bruins Trade Rumors: Pursuit of Devils D-Man Hits a Snag
Recent speculation linked Boston to New Jersey defenceman Simon Nemec, who’s in the final season of his three-year, $2.75 million contract. He is slated to become a restricted free agent this summer.
Nemec has put together a solid campaign, recording nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 48 games. He has also contributed defensively with 69 blocked shots, showing the two-way ability that makes him an attractive piece for teams seeking help on the blue line.
With the Devils sitting near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and their playoff hopes fading, reports suggest the team has at least been willing to listen to offers for some of its players.
Still, the idea of Boston landing Nemec appears unlikely.
NHL insider Jimmy Murphy addressed the speculation, suggesting the Bruins are not a strong candidate to acquire the defenseman. “Exactly what I’ve heard and why I don’t see the #NHLBruins as a strong candidate to land Nemec,” Murphy wrote on X.
Exactly what I’ve heard and why I don’t see the #NHLBruins as a strong candidate to land Nemec. https://t.co/07M31cfLcU
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) March 6, 2026
Murphy’s view is largely tied to the New Jersey Devils’ asking price, as the team would likely only consider moving Simon Nemec if they received a young top-six forward who could make an immediate impact in return.
In other words, the asking price would be significant. For a trade to happen, a team would likely need to part with a comparable young forward, something that may limit the number of realistic suitors.
Bruins Exploring Other Options
Nemec isn’t the only Devils defenseman connected to Boston. Reports have also suggested the Bruins have looked into Johnathan Kovacevic as another possible option.
Kovacevic is in the first year of a five-year, $20 million contract, making him a potential long-term addition to Boston’s blue line. Although injuries delayed the start of his season, he didn’t debut until Jan. 11, but he is known as a steady, shutdown-style defenseman.
Meanwhile, Don Sweeney has also been searching for a top-six forward, in addition to a top-four right-shot defenseman, ahead of the trade deadline for the Bruins.
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With the clock ticking toward the deadline, it remains to be seen which direction Boston ultimately goes.
