The Boston Bruins have added a nice piece to their organization by signing forward Dalton Bancroft from Cornell University. The team announced the move on Thursday and one of college hockey’s best under the radar prospects.
Bancroft, 24, signed a one year entry level deal that begins next season. The deal is worth $950,000 in the NHL. For the rest of the 2024-25 season he will join the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) so he can get used to pro hockey.
Who is Dalton Bancroft?
6’3” 207 lbs. Bancroft brings size, skill and versatility to the Bruins system. In three seasons with the Big Red at Cornell he had 36 goals and 79 points in 103 games. This season he had a career high 15 goals in 36 games. He showed his offensive upside.
In 2023-24 he had a breakout year with 31 points in 34 games. He was a key contributor to Cornell winning the ECAC championship and making the NCAA Tournament.
Before Cornell he dominated the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with the Aurora Golden Hawks. He was the league scoring champion in 2021-22 with 92 points in 54 games and was MVP.
Why the Bruins Are Betting on Bancroft?
The Bruins are clearly betting on Dalton Bancroft to be the next big thing. That decision was sealed last summer at Warrior Ice Arena, where Bancroft attended the Bruins’ development camp. He made a lasting impression there—and not just on the ice.
The Madoc, Ontario native joins a talented group of college standouts—Ty Gallagher, Jake Schmaltz and Dans Locmelis—signed by Boston in the spring. What sets Bancroft apart is that he wasn’t drafted. That makes his signing all the more impressive.
What the Bruins see in Bancroft is a combination of size, scoring ability and leadership qualities that could translate very well to the pro level. If that happens, he could become a valuable asset—or even more than that—for the organization. That potential is what makes his signing so noteworthy.
What’s Next for Bancroft?
For now, Bancroft will play for the Providence Bruins on an ATO, so he can get some pro hockey and the organization can see if he’s NHL ready.
Providence head coach Ryan Mougenel will be a big part of his development. The AHL is a physical, fast paced league which will help Bancroft get his game in shape before he potentially makes the jump to Boston next year.
Bruins Continue to Focus on College Free Agents
The Bruins have long been fans of college free agents as a way to add to their pipeline. Players like Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith, both un-drafted, have shown that undrafted talent can make a big impact.
By signing Bancroft, the Bruins are doubling down on their strategy of finding gems outside the draft. His experience, production and leadership skills make him a low risk, high reward addition to the system.
Leave a Reply