By: Andrew Patten | Follow me on Twitter/X @a_patten11
Through the first seven games of the 2026–27 National Hockey League season, the Boston Bruins have posted a solid 5–2–0 record and sit atop the Atlantic Division standings. While elite goaltending from Jeremy Swayman and primary scoring from front-line forward options like David Pastrňák have provided predictable stability, one key factor powering Boston’s strong start has been the dynamic offensive involvement of its defense corps.
Across the first two weeks of the new campaign, Boston’s defensemen have provided continuous secondary scoring, transition drive, and active blue-line activation in all zones. Marco Sturm highlighted this early in training camp, wanting his defensemen to “be more involved in the offensive game.” Seven games into the season, Sturm’s wish came true.
Last season, the Bruins ranked 14th in the NHL in total points by a defenseman with 181. A very respectable number, but perhaps a little inflated by Charlie McAvoy, who led all Bruins defenders with 61 points. Those points accounted for a third of Boston’s total last season. So far this season, the Bruins have 18 points coming from the backend, which ranks seventh in the league up to this point. While it’s a small sample size, it’s encouraging.
Leading the defensive output early this season is 26-year-old blueliner Mason Lohrei, who continues to make a case for his role as a premier offensive catalyst on Boston’s back end. Through seven games, Lohrei leads all Bruins defensemen in scoring with five points (two goals, three assists). His willingness to join the rush, slide into soft ice in the high slot, and handle the puck adds unpredictability to Boston’s offense. His game-to-game composure with the puck has turned early-season transition play into immediate high-danger scoring chances.
Behind Lohrei’s hot start, veteran blueliner Hampus Lindholm has also started well, points-wise. Lindholm sits close behind Lohrei with four points (one goal, three assists) through seven contests. Playing heavy minutes in all situations as Charlie McAvoy served his six-game suspension, Lindholm’s ability to walk the blue line, suppress opposing zone exits, and deliver crisp breakout passes remains central to Boston’s offensive rhythm at five-on-five.
Meanwhile, franchise cornerstone Charlie McAvoy returned to the lineup in San Jose and picked up where he left off last season. McAvoy scored his first goal of the 26-27 campaign against the Sharks on Tuesday night. There’s no question Boston will rely on McAvoy’s offensive impact with his ability to dictate speed, generate shot attempts from the point, and occasionally crash the net.
Boston’s offense from their defense core hasn’t relied solely on top-pair minutes; the depth blueliners have chipped in timely production to keep pressure on opponents. Will Borgen has delivered a steady punch from the right side, tallying three points (one goal, two assists) and a plus-ten rating, while bringing physical blue-line presence.
Nikita Zadorov has provided three assists, using his underrated skating, long reach, and powerful point shot to create rebound opportunities in traffic. Young prospect Frederic Brunet and veteran Connor Clifton have each chipped in with an assist during their rotational appearances, illustrating balance across all three pairings.
If the Bruins defense corps maintains this trajectory of dynamic puck movement and offensive engagement, it will continue to ease the burden on the top-six forwards and keep Boston firmly in the driver’s seat as the long NHL season unfolds.
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