Boston Bruins to make the acquisition of two defenseman following recent report
Photo credit: The Hockey News
The Bruins are still grinding through the first half of the 2025-26 season, and the playoff picture remains a long, winding debate.
One thing, however, is already clear: getting healthy fast will determine whether they stay in that conversation.
But even with months of hockey ahead, eyes are drifting toward the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Last June, the Bruins stunned the draft board when James Hagens who was once projected as the No. 1 pick, fell to them at No. 7.
That steal alone made Boston «the winners of the draft in the top 10,» and now they may find themselves in another strong position.
Boston currently projects to hold two first-round selections next June, though that could shift depending on standings and trades.
In his newest mock draft, Eric Cruikshank of The Hockey News predicts the Bruins will use both picks on defensemen to rebuild organizational depth.
Boston Bruins acquire two defenseman in recent mock NHL draft
Cruikshank calls 2026 «the Gavin McKenna draft,» noting the top pick is basically spoken for. For Boston, he projects selections at Nos. 11 and 13.
With the 11th pick, acquired from Toronto, he predicts the Bruins will take Prince Albert Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph.
Cruikshank writes,
«After Boston grabbed forward James Hagens last year, Rudolph could become the Bruins' foundational defensive prospect Rudolph is a smooth skater with great instincts and gap control, knowing when to pinch and keep plays alive with an uncanny ability to sift long-range shots through traffic.»
Rudolph, standing 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, has seven goals and 12 points in 25 WHL games - already matching his goal total from last season.
For the 13th pick, Cruikshank projects Boston will select Alberts Smits from Jukurit in Finland.
He notes,
«Smits has been one of the nicest surprises to come out of this class He's relentless in his drive to create offense Smits could skyrocket up NHL draft rankings if he continues to have impressive outings.»
The 6-foot-3 Latvian owns six goals and 12 points in 26 Liiga games, and his three-zone physical presence fits the Bruins' profile perfectly.
Previously on Boston Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 10 | 100 ANSWERS Boston Bruins to make the acquisition of two defenseman following recent report Should the Bruins target two defensemen in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft? | ||
| Yes absolutely | 37 | 37 % |
| Only one D | 31 | 31 % |
| Focus forwards | 7 | 7 % |
| Best player available | 25 | 25 % |
| List of polls | ||