Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils connected by NHL star defenceman trade rumor amid intriguing offseason discussions

The Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils are teams to watch in the latest NHL trade rumours. The chatter in the league surrounding New Jersey defenseman Simon Nemec has brought back some of those discussions as both organisations are now preparing for important offseason decisions ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

While reports have been split on Nemec’s desire to leave New Jersey, a handful of outlets have continued to connect the young blueliner to Boston. There has been a lot of speculation around the league about a possible move as the Bruins look to improve defensively.

Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils consider Simon Nemec defensive NHL upgrade options

Simon Nemec is being evaluated by the Boston Bruins as a possible addition to bolster their defensive corps.

Multiple reports say the New Jersey Devils could have decisions to make on the 21-year-old defenseman, who is set for a new contract. James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now has disputed the claim that Nemec wanted a trade, but league sources still consider him a player of interest around the league.

Speculation has been fuelled by Boston's need for a more dynamic right-shot defenseman. The Bruins struggled to generate offence from the blue line in their first-round playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres, and that’s a position that may need to be addressed this offseason.

Nemec, chosen second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, scored 11 goals and 26 points in 68 games, averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time. He's got skating, he's got puck-moving ability, and he's one of the up-and-coming defensemen in the league.

Another talking point is whether Mason Lohrei could be part of a trade package. Reports have indicated that the New Jersey Devils could seek to acquire young assets and more draft capital should they decide to move Nemec.

The Boston Bruins will not be the only team monitoring the situation. The Slovak blueliner has also been connected to a handful of contenders and the New York Islanders, so the competition could heat up should he officially become available.

One of the more interesting storylines as we head into free agency and the 2026 offseason is Simon Nemec’s future, and one of the NHL news roundup stories that continues to develop.