The Boston Bruins have made it clear they're hunting for speed and skill this summer. But if they want to contend deep into the playoffs, they'll need to address a glaring hole on the right side of their defense—a priority that can't be overlooked.

At the heart of the blue line stands Charlie McAvoy, the team's defensive anchor. Coming off a career-best season with 50 assists, 61 points, and 23 power-play points, McAvoy's role isn't changing anytime soon. He's the pillar the Bruins build around, but he can't do it alone.

Right now, Henri Jokiharju is the only other NHL right-handed defenseman under contract for next season. Jokiharju's season was a mixed bag—he played just 41 games and found himself scratched after returning from injury in January. Still, he represented Finland at both the Olympics and World Championships, hitting the goals he set for himself. General Manager Don Sweeney acknowledged the situation at the end-of-season press conference, crediting coach Marco Sturm for putting together the best lineup nightly and noting Sturm "doesn't dislike" Jokiharju. Sweeney added, "It's allowing a coach to make his own assessments... and on Henri to respond to that. From a capable standpoint, a lot of it's still on the player to provide what the coach is looking for."

The bigger concern? Andrew Peeke, who logged valuable minutes on the right side this season, is on an expiring contract. At the trade deadline, Sweeney said he did his "due diligence" on pending UFAs but ultimately believed the group deserved to stay together. Had the Bruins been out of the playoff picture, Peeke would have been a prime trade target for teams seeking defensive depth. Now, the Bruins risk losing him for nothing if he walks this summer.

For a team that prides itself on structure and grit, the right-side defensive depth is a puzzle that needs solving. Speed and skill are great—but a championship-caliber roster needs balance, and right now, that balance is tilted.