One of the breakout stars of the Boston Bruins' prospect group last season was Frederic Brunet. The Providence Bruins defenseman was already on an upward trajectory in the organization. Still, his statement season in the AHL has fans dreaming of him potentially making the NHL roster this season. While the odds are stacked against him with how many players are vying for the final spots, it doesn't seem to be hurting his confidence.
Brunet on @nesn talking about his NHL readiness and being able to play either side:
— Bridgette Proulx (@bridgetteproulx) August 31, 2026
“Last year was a really good year for me, I was playing some big minutes and I was trying to improve my defense a lot, and I think it worked out in a good way...
"Last year was probably the… pic.twitter.com/VIujrHxvQy
Brunet played one NHL game to end the season in 2024-25, but didn't get an opportunity in 2025-26 with the team vying for a playoff spot down to the final games. There was a time when it seemed like he could be an upgrade to the defense with his puck-moving abilities, and it was definitely evident during the first round of the playoffs that the organization might've wanted to give him some experience during the regular season so they could use him.
Brunet's third AHL season came with an 11-point increase in four fewer games. While his offensive abilities are his calling card, he can also be more than capable of playing big minutes in the defensive zone. Unfortunately for one defenseman, Mason Lohrei, Brunet could be his eventual replacement, given he is a bit more well-rounded.
Where can Frederic Brunet steal a spot in the Bruins' lineup?
The obvious spot he could've taken was Lohrei's if the Bruins had found a way to trade him this offseason. However, it's looking increasingly likely that the 25-year-old makes it to training camp in Boston and keeps his spot on the team. With Lohrei, Hampus Lindholm, and Nikita Zadorov occupying the left side, Brunet will be in a battle to make the opening night roster, but there is one thing keeping him in contention.
Charlie McAvoy and Will Borgen will be the top two defensemen on the right side, but McAvoy's suspension will cause him to miss the team's first six games. With a fully available lineup, Brunet would've been fighting with Jonathan Aspirot, Henri Jokiharju, and Connor Clifton for that third-pair spot, but two of those players will get into the opening night lineup as a result of the suspension.
Aspirot may think he has the inside track because of how much he played last season and his ability to play the right side, and it'd be difficult to see Clifton not play on opening night after being one of the team's offseason additions. Jokiharju would get the nod as the seventh defenseman as the veteran, but Brunet would need to pass through waivers to go to the AHL. Don Sweeney's best bet might be to pass Jokiharju through waivers or find a trade.
The Bruins also don't want to see Brunet stay in Boston as the seventh defenseman. Aspirot was a good contributor last season, but ideally he becomes the seventh guy and possibly goes to the AHL once McAvoy returns. In that case, Marco Sturm could have Clifton and Brunet getting chances to play that third pair, and potentially move Lohrei out if Brunet proves he can be an every-night player.
The last thing the Bruins want is to lose Brunet through waivers. With the way his career has progressed, some team would take a chance on him, and after hearing his interview, it's not a guy you want to lose.
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