The Carolina Hurricanes closed out 2025-26 on Sunday. The Boston Bruins would like to incorporate the Hurricanes’ smothering defense and relentless attack. That would require a continued overhaul to build upon this season’s one-and-out playoff run.So how will the Bruins attack the offseason? Subscribers had plenty of questions.(Note: Some questions are edited lightly for length and clarity.)Is Henri Jokiharju a bad fit for Marco Sturm’s defensive style? He seemed to struggle during the year but was an All-Star at the World Championship. He’s signed for two more years at $3 million without trade protection. What’s his value? — Tim D.You’re right about the scarcity of right-shot defensemen. One of the issues with Jokiharju is that you’re never sure what he is. Physical? No. Puck mover? At times. Defensive defenseman? On occasion. Offensive contributor? Not really. So far, it looks like a missed contract forecast. The trade value is a mid-round pick because of what remains on his deal.With the Evan Gold situation (possibly being named general manager for Vancouver and two or more Bruins front office staff joining him if so), will there be some friction within the organization going forward? — Mike O.Gold will get his opportunity eventually. There’s always a chance that some of his current colleagues go with him then. Meanwhile, it’s in his interest and that of his coworkers to do their best for the Bruins and put themselves in position for advancement. So no, no friction.What do you think Don Sweeney will do with Joonas Korpisalo? We can’t afford to lose Michael DiPietro just like we lost Brandon Bussi. — Bobby L.I expect Korpisalo to be moved for a late pick.Will there be any change in the coaches that oversee special teams? — Brian O.The team is pleased with how Steve Spott ran the power play. Perhaps Matt McIlvane will have a say in the penalty kill. Thoughts on the player leadership that’s currently in place? I like Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak, but compared to Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, I feel like the team is lacking a true captain. Any ideas on someone they could look to bring in, similar to how they brought in Z? — Stuart M.It is very hard to expect McAvoy and Pastrnak to be like their predecessors. You’re talking about Hall of Famers and generational leaders in Chara and Bergeron. I think either McAvoy or Pastrnak would be fine captains in their own ways. They would not consider bringing in someone new to be the next captain. How far is Dean Letourneau from playing professional games? What’s his floor and his ceiling? Is he likely to fade into oblivion in a few years? — Michael B.He’s very likely to play for Providence in 2026-27 after his junior year at Boston College. His floor is an AHL scorer and ceiling is a top-six NHL forward. He has a good shot and singular size. I think it was good for his mindset to struggle his freshman year and persevere. It could have been very easy for Letourneau to transfer. He’ll have to watch his pace and competitiveness in pro, but there’s a lot of potential there.What are realistic trade returns for Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt? Since the Bruins don’t have the assets to get any of the big fish, they realistically aren’t going to be contenders next season. Wondering if they can try to parlay these guys into more assets so they can go after younger, buy-low opportunities like Mason McTavish and Simon Nemec. — Robert K.Zacha would bring a first-round pick and a prospect. Multiple contenders would love to have him because of his game and current contract. I do not see a first-rounder as part of a Mittelstadt return.Letourneau is mentioned as a trade chip. Is he highly thought of by Bruins management? Or more Justin Brazeau than Tage Thompson? — John F.More the latter than former.Do you keep Zacha, devote trade assets to right-shot defense and decide later in the year to re-sign him or flip him for a need? Or include him in a package for someone like Ryan O’Reilly, who is a 1C close to retirement on a non-playoff team but who could mentor the young guys and wouldn’t block them when they’re ready. — Tom D.Do not see the second scenario happening. As for the first, I think they extend Pavel during the season.Why won’t they give James Hagens a legitimate shot to play center? — Mark S.Marco wants to break him in at wing because of the defensive responsibilities required at center. It’s a tough ask at Hagen’s age and experience level to start in the middle. It will happen at some point.Why do you insist Sweeney has successfully executed a retool, considering the Bruins’ expected goal differential was 27th? — John W.They made the playoffs, hired a very good coach, became a more competitive team and began reconstructing the prospect pool. That is a good first step after how 2024-25 went.