The Boston Bruins just saw a primary trade target vanish from the board as head coach Marco Sturm prepares his squad for the final stretch.

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, defenseman Zach Whitecloud is now likely to stay with the Calgary Flames. The shift in status comes on the heels of the Flames trading MacKenzie Weegar to the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night.

Calgary has already stripped down its blue line significantly after moving Rasmus Andersson in January.

Retaining Whitecloud provides the Flames with much-needed stability and veteran leadership for their rebuilding defensive corps. For Don Sweeney, it's a frustrating development in a season-long hunt for a right-shot defenseman.

The Bruins have been linked to the 29-year-old since he arrived in Calgary.

Whitecloud carries a team-friendly $2.75 million cap hit through 2028, making him an ideal long-term solution for Boston's top four. He brings the gritty, shot-blocking style that fits the traditional Bruins identity perfectly.

But the Weegar blockbuster changed the math for Flames GM Craig Conroy.

With two major pieces already out the door, the Flames aren't in a position to gut the entire right side of their defense. Whitecloud has been a solid fit in Calgary, and the organizational need for bodies on the blue line now outweighs the return in draft picks.

Boston is running out of time and high-quality options before the deadline.

Pivot time for Don Sweeney

The search for a defensive anchor must now turn toward other names like Justin Faulk or Rasmus Ristolainen.

While the Bruins have the cap space to make a move, they lack the elite prospect depth to outbid teams for the remaining premier targets. Missing out on Whitecloud means the price for the remaining available defenders will likely skyrocket.

The market is thin and the clock is ticking.

Sweeney has to decide if he's willing to overpay for a consolation prize or stand pat with the current group. For a team with championship aspirations, doing nothing feels like a massive risk.