Boston Bruins reportedly extend key piece to defense

After making a few small moves over the past couple of weeks, the Boston Bruins have finally done something big as they have reportedly locked up a key piece to their defensive core. Per Joe McDonald, the B’s and 24-year-old defenseman Brandon Carlo have reached a long-term deal.

This news is the exact opposite of what we heard just hours earlier as veteran defenseman Kevan Miller decided to hang up his skates and retire from the NHL. Locking up Carlo is a great move if he can stay healthy. Despite being 6-foot-5, Carlo can move and has the ability to push the puck up ice while also being very good in his own zone.

However, this move is a bit of risk. As we saw this past season, Carlo has a concussion history. Just this season alone, Carlo was out because of two different concussions. However, when healthy, Carlo is a key piece to Boston’s defensive corps.

Brandon Carlo should only get better.

A former second-round pick by the Bruins in 2015, Carlo has only gotten better. He made his debut at just 20 years old and instantly made an impact and secured a spot in the lineup. In four of his five seasons, he has averaged over 19 minutes a game, and over 20 minutes a game in three of them.

Carlo has solidified himself as the Black and Gold’s No. 2 right-handed defenseman behind Charlie McAvoy, and the No. 3 defenseman on the team behind McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk. While he doesn’t play on the powerplay, he’s a key part to the B’s very good penalty kill and their success at even strength.

Details of the contract have not been released as this is only a report right now. But long-term would make me guess at least three years long. My guess for payment is between $3.5 to $4.5 million. A decent pay raise from his previous $2.85 million.

Once the details are released I will update this article.

UPDATE: Per Conor Ryan , the deal is six years with an annual cap hit of $4.1 million.