Bruins Make Eye-Opening Roster Decision on Henri Jokiharju
The Boston Bruins sent a clear message during their final roster decisions: experience alone won’t guarantee a spot.
Boston placed veteran defenseman Henri Jokiharju on waivers Sunday, with the intention of assigning him to the AHL’s Providence Bruins if he clears. The move comes just days before Boston opens its regular season against the New York Rangers.
What makes the decision particularly notable is Jokiharju’s contract.
A Veteran Left on the Outside
The Bruins acquired Jokiharju at the 2025 trade deadline and later rewarded him with a three-year, $9 million contract extension.
Last season, the defenseman appeared in 41 games, recording two goals and 13 assists.
Despite that experience and investment, Jokiharju didn’t make Boston’s initial roster.
Instead, rookie Frederic Brunet earned an opportunity.
Brunet entered training camp with just one NHL appearance, but his performance apparently gave Boston’s coaching and management group enough reason to keep him around.
Brunet Takes Advantage of His Opportunity
The Bruins had already made it clear that roster spots would be determined by performance.
General manager Don Sweeney previously indicated that Brunet’s waiver status could potentially work in his favor if he played well enough to deserve an extended look in the NHL.
Boston ultimately chose to follow through on that approach.
Sweeney had emphasized that the organization wanted the best players to earn their positions, particularly during competitions involving young players such as Brunet and Matt Poitras.
That philosophy has now produced one of the more surprising decisions of training camp.
The situation was also influenced by Charlie McAvoy’s six-game suspension, which creates an immediate opening on Boston’s blue line to begin the season.
Brunet took advantage of that opportunity and forced himself into the conversation.
Jokiharju’s situation is different. After returning from an undisclosed injury last season, he played in only 16 of Boston’s final 40 games, which may have contributed to the organization’s decision.
If he clears waivers, the Bruins can send him to Providence and retain him as experienced defensive depth.
More Moves Before Opening Night
Boston also assigned Dans Locmelis and Riley Duran to Providence.
Meanwhile, Poitras is expected to begin the season on injured reserve because of a lower-body injury.
There was, however, some positive news on that front.
Head coach Marco Sturm said Sunday that Poitras is feeling better each day, offering the Bruins some encouragement as they prepare for the regular season.
The Jokiharju decision ultimately reinforces the message Boston delivered throughout camp: roster spots have to be earned, regardless of experience or contract status.
And Brunet appears to have done exactly that.
