The Boston Bruins were awfully quiet entering draft weekend until they managed to swing a trade for JJ Peterka. But it appears they’re not done just yet.
Per Boston Globe insider Kevin Paul Dupont, the Bruins appear to be willing to do business with the Edmonton Oilers to solve the Pacific Division heavyweights’ biggest problem.
Bruins Ready To Trade Mason Lohrei for Oilers Locker Room Leader
Last week, reports emerged claiming that Boston is looking to move Mason Lohrei’s contract. The 25-year-old left-shot defenseman is owed $3.2 million next season and is on track to be a restricted free agent once his current contract runs out.
But it looks like there’s a deal to be made with the Oilers.
Dupont reports that there were some rumors during draft weekend that the Oilers are looking to trade Darnell Nurse to Boston in exchange for Lohrei. The Oilers would be willing to “share the difference in AAV (approx $6 million spread),” he added.
“I could see the Bruins moving from Lohrei’s 3.2M AAV to something around $6.5M AAV for Nurse.”
Murmurings during draft weekend out of EDM that Oil could be down for a Nurse-Lohrei swap, with Oil willing to “share” the difference in AAVs (approx $6M spread).
I could see Bruins moving form Lohrei’s $3.2M AAV to something around $6.5M AAV for Nurse.— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) June 30, 2026
Dupont’s reporting indicates conversations have been had with Edmonton about retaining some of Nurse’s $9.25M AAV.
On Monday, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers also had discussions with the Pittsburgh Penguins over moving Nurse’s contract. However, those talks hit a roadblock over Edmonton’s reluctance to take on a bad contract in return.
Nurse is rumored to have submitted a three-team trade list that includes Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, though all three teams will need to move out some money even if the Oilers retain part of Nurse’s salary.
NHL Trade Rumors: Bruins Fielding More Enquiries
While Boston would be willing to trade Lohrei, especially after keeping him out of the action in the final three games of their first-round series against the Buffalo Sabres, they may face a fight to keep Pavel Zacha in town.
The Montreal Canadiens are rumored to be lurking if the Bruins ever signal that they’re open to moving the Czech center.
Zacha was Boston’s No. 2 goal scorer in 2025-26 after Morgan Geekie, which means a deal won’t come cheap. The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa reports that the asking price could start at multiple picks, including a first-rounder.
Considering he has one year remaining at $4.75M, the Bruins could also look to extend his contract, though the floor would likely come in at $8M AAV, courtesy of a ballooning market for centers.
