Mason Lohrei is back in trade chatter as Marco Sturm prepares the Bruins for camp with a crowded blue line and a real roster decision.
The timing matters. Boston opens training camp September 16, and rival teams are once again checking on Lohrei as the Bruins sort through an overloaded group of NHL-experienced defensemen.
The interest is tied directly to Boston's depth on the left side. One NHL executive described why other clubs are watching the situation so closely.
"With their surplus of left-shot D, lots of teams are looking at them and wondering who will be the odd man or men out."
It's clear that he's being shopped right now, and by the seasons start in just two weeks time, it's likely he starts the year on a new team.
Boston's blue line has become even more crowded after the additions of Will Borgen, Connor Clifton and Jordan Harris. The Bruins now have 10 defensemen with NHL experience competing for space.
Don Sweeney also hasn't closed the door on further changes. That leaves Lohrei in a spot where a strong camp may not completely quiet the trade discussion surrounding him.
Lohrei gives Boston an attractive trade chip
Lohrei isn't the only Boston defenseman generating calls. Henri Jokiharju has also been identified as available, giving Sweeney several ways to reshape the group before the regular season begins.
But Lohrei carries a different level of appeal for teams looking for a younger puck-moving option. Rival executives continue to view him as a player Boston would consider moving if the return makes sense.
The Bruins aren't described as actively pushing Lohrei out the door. They're listening, which keeps his name alive as clubs work through their own roster needs before puck drop.
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This isn't a new situation either. Lohrei surfaced in trade discussions during Boston's pursuit of Rasmus Andersson in January, and questions about his availability continued through the offseason.
His versatility also complicates the decision. Lohrei has played his natural left side but has also handled minutes on the right beside Hampus Lindholm, giving Sturm another possible way to fit him into the lineup.
Still, Boston can't dress every defenseman. Camp will force decisions on pairings, scratches and roster spots, and Lohrei's trade value gives management an option that could solve the numbers problem another way.
That's why his name keeps coming back. Until Boston settles its blue line, every call on Lohrei gives Sweeney another decision to weigh before the season starts.
Should the Bruins trade Mason Lohrei before opening night?
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