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  • Jakub Lauko Explains Why David Pastrnak Should Be in Hart Trophy Talks

    Jakub Lauko Explains Why David Pastrnak Should Be in Hart Trophy Talks

    The Boston Bruins 2024-25 season will end on April 15 and it’s been a season to forget as they miss the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. While the team has been terrible, one player has been great: David Pastrnak .

    In what’s been the best hockey of his career, Pastrnak is making noise not just for his individual numbers but for his Hart Trophy case. Playing on a team with no other high end talent, Pastrnak is still putting up numbers and leaving teammates like Jakub Lauko in awe and even sparking debate about his MVP candidacy.

    Pastrnak Joins Elite Franchise Company

    On Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils David Pastrnak made Bruins history by becoming only the third player in franchise history after Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito to score three 100 point seasons in a row .

    This is a cruel joke for Pastrnak who is having career numbers on a team that is going to finish last in the league. So the questions are: Should Pastrnak be considered for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player?

    Teammate Jakub Lauko Backs Pastrnak’s Hart Case

    Jakub Lauko didn’t beat around the bush when talking about Pastrnak’s season.

    “I saw some stats, like he has the most 5-on-5 points and primary [points], which is nuts,” Lauko told Boston.com. “I think he should be in the Hart—because I don’t know where we’d be without him. And I think that’s the definition of Hart, right? The most valuable player for the team.”

    Lauko said Pastrnak isn’t just carrying the Bruins—he’s doing so while making those around him better.

    “And I think he’s still one of the most important players, not just for our team, but maybe in the whole NHL,” Lauko said. “There’s a couple other guys you can say the same about. But just look at his stats and what he’s doing. Like, he should be up there.”

    Why Pastrnak’s Hart Case Faces Challenges?

    Pastrnak’s numbers are impressive but he’s got competition from Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay) and Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton). Those guys have more points and are leading their teams into the playoffs which is a big factor for Hart Trophy voters.

    Historically playing on a non-playoff team has been a big hurdle for MVP candidates. Take Erik Karlsson’s 2022-23 season for example. He had 101 points and his team was last in the league. He got minimal Hart Trophy votes. Instead, he won the Norris Trophy, a testament to his defensive play rather than his value as an MVP candidate.

    For Pastrnak, it feels like the same situation. Despite his heroics the Bruins not making the playoffs may overshadow his individual numbers when awards season comes around.

    Pastrnak’s Stats Speak for Themselves

    What makes Pastrnak’s season even more impressive is the context. Unlike his previous 100-point campaigns, which came on stacked rosters, this year’s Bruins lack depth and star power. Yet, Pastrnak has thrived regardless.

    • League-Leading Stats:
      • 62 points at 5-on-5, four ahead of second-place Nikita Kucherov.
      • 51 primary points (goals + primary assists), tops in the NHL.
    • Dominance Over Teammates:
      After Tuesday’s three-point performance, Pastrnak now holds a staggering 47-point lead over Boston’s second-leading scorer, Morgan Geekie.
    • Historic Feat:
      Pastrnak became just the fourth player in NHL history —and the first since 1999—to have a hand in 13 consecutive goals for his team, joining legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr.

    Even on a Bruins power play that ranks 29th in the league with a dismal 15.3% success rate , Pastrnak has found ways to produce.

    A Leader On and Off the Ice

    Beyond the numbers, Pastrnak’s leadership has grown exponentially this season. Lauko pointed out how Pastrnak’s presence is felt throughout the room.

    “Normally he’s a couple of levels above us,” Lauko said. “The last few games he’s just making us look like Sunday beer leaguers just hanging around. He definitely took his game to a whole other level with the way he’s playing, especially the last couple of games—it’s been something.”

    Lauko continued: “You’re sitting on the bench and you’re looking at him and you just say—‘Holy [expletive].’ Some of the things he’s doing are insane. … But even in the locker room you can tell he’s got a little bit of a different vibe around him. Like when he says something it’s got more weight to it, you know? So yeah, he’s definitely a big leader in the room and especially on the ice.”

  • Bruins’ Offensive Struggles Highlight Need for Major Changes

    Bruins’ Offensive Struggles Highlight Need for Major Changes

    The Bruins’ top line—Pastrnak, Lindholm and Geekie—really showed up for the second game in a row on Sunday night. Lindholm and Geekie scored in the first period. Pastrnak set up Casey Mittelstadt for that power-play goal in the second.

    But that was about it for the rest of the lineup. And that’s been the problem since the trade deadline. The Bruins fell 6-3 to the Buffalo Sabres. That defeat laid bare just how much work this team still needs to do.

    Top Line Carries the Load, But It’s Not Enough

    That top line has been a beacon of hope. Pastrnak in particular has been playing at an elite level. He’s kept the Bruins in games—literally—scoring or setting up 13 of Boston’s last 15 goals over six games. That’s a franchise record. And largely because of him, the Bruins have been competitive.

    But one line isn’t sustainable. Outside of Pastrnak and his wingers, the Bruins have zero offense. In their last three games every goal has involved Pastrnak. This lack of depth is a major problem for the future.

    Mittelstadt’s struggles show second line issues

    The Bruins are counting on Mittelstadt to be their second line center next season but his recent play hasn’t inspired confidence. Before scoring Sunday’s tap in goal from Pastrnak’s pass, Mittelstadt had gone six games without a point.

    Playing with Pavel Zacha, the duo has shown no chemistry. Over the weekend the Bruins were outshot 19-5 with Mittelstadt and Zacha on the ice. If this combination is going to work it will require a significant wing upgrade.

    Free agency offers some options like Mitch Marner but he’ll cost upwards of $14 million a year. It’s a lot to pay but without a top six addition the Bruins are stuck in the middle.

    Prospects Show Promise, But Not Ready Yet

    The Bruins’ young guns have some promise, but none of them are quite ready to step into those top-nine roles just yet.

    Take Marat Khusnutdinov, Matt Poitras and Fraser Minten. You know Khusnutdinov for his speed and tenacity, but he’s only got one point in his last 10 games. Poitras, who was sent to Providence earlier this month, hadn’t scored a goal in 23 games before that. Minten, with his size and two-way smarts, has zero points in his last 12 NHL games.

    These prospects may develop into impact players, but they’re not the solution for next season.

    The fourth line is another area of uncertainty. Mark Kastelic might be the only lock to return next season. As for the others—Johnny Beecher, Cole Koepke and Jakub Lauko—they’re all pending free agents. The Bruins could decide to move on from all three. Even if they bring one or two back, it’ll likely be to fill out the bottom of the roster.

    A Forward Group in Need of Major Rebuilding

    That leaves you wondering how many forwards are locks to make the Bruins’ opening night roster next season. Assuming they re-sign Geekie, the answer is six—at best, barely half a forward group. Defense will get a boost with Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm returning, but the Bruins desperately need upgrades up front. They need at least one top-six forward who can really deliver. Two or three reliable top-nine contributors wouldn’t hurt either. Ideally, a future No. 1 center through the draft would be a nice bonus.

    GM Don Sweeney has his work cut out for him this offseason. Free agency, trades and prospect development will all play critical roles in reshaping this roster. And that’s just the beginning.

  • Bruins Fall Apart in Third Period, Lose Ugly Game to Sabres

    Bruins Fall Apart in Third Period, Lose Ugly Game to Sabres

    The Boston Bruins suffered yet another gut-wrenching collapse on Sunday night. That collapse came at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres, who beat them 6-3 at KeyBank Center. What started as a promising first period quickly fell apart. Boston took that early lead and then just… gave it up. Six unanswered goals later, the Bruins were reeling. That was the 14th time this season they’d allowed six or more goals in a game. That tells you all you need to know about their ongoing defensive struggles—and their inability to keep that momentum going.

    A Promising Start Turns Sour

    Boston came out firing in the first period, scoring twice to set the tone. But the Sabres just wouldn’t let up. They flipped the script entirely in the second and third periods.

    “We just weren’t good enough in the second,” Elias Lindholm said after the game. “And in the third, we were just soft.” He summed it up pretty well. “It’s not good enough. That’s it. We’ve been pretty bad in the second period. Usually we get off to a good start and then fall apart a little bit in the second. It’s tough to win games when that happens.”

    That inability to sustain that first-period momentum has become a real issue for the Bruins. Opponents have been capitalizing on that weakness all season. They turn early deficits into late-game rallies that leave Boston chasing the scoreboard.

    Third-Period Collapse Seals the Loss

    Third-period collapse seals the loss—and the Bruins’ hopes. Interim head coach Joe Sacco acknowledged the team’s struggles, but he also knows mental toughness is what separates winners from losers in those high-pressure situations.

    “We didn’t like giving up that two-goal lead in the second period. Being tied at 3-3 going into the third on the road—well, that’s not a bad spot to be in. Even if you didn’t have a good second period. And then in the third, it’s just about staying focused and keeping the game in front of you,” Sacco said.

    Fatigue and bad decision-making really caught up with the Bruins in that final frame. Breakaways and defensive lapses just snowballed—and Joonas Korpisalo was back out there for an empty-netter in the final seconds.

    Korpisalo’s Struggles Continue

    Korpisalo faced 36 shots from the Sabres. He let in five goals. Over his last two games, that’s 11 goals he’s surrendered. His save percentage against Buffalo this season is now .895.

    “That was a back-to-back for both teams,” Korpisalo said, “and I think in the second period we spent a lot of time in our own zone. I don’t know what to say about that.” Despite that tough outing, Korpisalo remains a key part of Boston’s lineup as they navigate the final stretch of this disappointing season.

    Silver Linings in the Dark Clouds

    While the Bruins’ defense was a mess, there were a few bright spots. Center Morgan Geekie extended his point streak to 7 games, scoring his 5th goal in that span. He also had 8 assists and 3 power play points in that stretch, showing off his offense.

    On the other side, Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is still Boston’s kryptonite, finishing the season 3-0-0 with a .897 save percentage. He made 17 saves Sunday night.

    Playoff Hopes All But Gone

    With Sunday’s loss, the Bruins are 31-38-9 and 11-12-1 in their last 24 games. They have 4 games left and playoff hopes are all but gone.

    The Bruins will try to regroup Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Puck drop is 7 p.m. , pregame coverage starts at 6 p.m. on NESN+.

  • Boston Bruins Add Undrafted Cornell Free Agent to Roster

    Boston Bruins Add Undrafted Cornell Free Agent to Roster

    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.

  • Boston Bruins’ Leaders Sound Off on Team’s Struggles

    Boston Bruins’ Leaders Sound Off on Team’s Struggles

    The Boston Bruins’ struggles got even worse Thursday night as they lost 4-1 to the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre, their 10th in a row. They played well in the first period but fell apart in the second, allowing Montreal to control both the puck and the scoreboard. Here’s what went wrong and what Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm have to say about the team’s slide.

    Bruins Collapse in the Second Period

    The Bruins started strong, outshooting the Canadiens 8-7 in the first period. But the game turned 40 seconds into the second when Christian Dvorak scored his 11th of the season. From there, Montreal took over, outshooting Boston 14-0 before the Bruins got their first shot on goal with 6:28 left in the period.

    Defenseman Nikita Zadorov was blunt when asked about the collapse.

    “Everything,” Zadorov said in Montreal. “We didn’t win any battles. Couldn’t get out of our zone. We got one shot, and two shots on the net in the last five minutes of the period. The other teams are better than us. They want to win more. That’s it. We’re not hard on the puck. We’re easy to play against.”

    Zadorov said the Bruins haven’t done anything right during their losing streak.

    “We lost 10 in a row. I don’t think there are a lot of things going well out there. I don’t know what’s the most important. There’s a lot of things that’s important.”

    Swayman Keeps Bruins in the Game, But It’s Not Enough

    Boston’s Jeremy Swayman was one of the few positives for the Bruins last night. He made 27 saves in the loss. That included a real showstopper of a glove save on Alexandre Carrier. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s defensive woes. Swayman is now 0-7-0 in his last seven starts.

    Elias Lindholm scored Boston’s only goal late in the third period. He was frustrated, as you might expect. “We always seem to find a way to beat ourselves,” he said. “And right now, we’re losing a lot and turning over the puck way too often. Sway kept us in it, gave us a good third period—but there were a lot of things that just didn’t go right.”

    What Needs to Change?

    When asked about the way forward, Lindholm emphasized what he thinks the team needs.

    “A 60-minute effort,” he said. “We haven’t had that in a long time. I think the last time we won a game, we actually had that kind of effort for a full 60 minutes. We play one period pretty well, and then… fall apart. Get outplayed. To win right now, we need 60 minutes of good hockey—that’s just how it is.”

    Notes from Thursday’s Game

    • Season Series: Bruins win the season series 2-1-0 after taking the first two games in Boston. They outscored Montreal 12-7 in those games, including a 6-3 win in the Centennial Game on December 1.
    • Playoff Picture: Not mathematically eliminated but would need to win all 6 remaining games and get help from teams above them to make the playoffs. Montreal is 2nd in the wild card in the East. If the playoffs started today, Boston would miss for the first time since 2015-16 and Montreal would make for the first time since 2020-21 bubble season.
    • David Pastrnak is a Beast: Pastrnak had the primary assist on Lindholm’s goal and has 20 goals and 22 assists in 32 games against Montreal in his career. This season he has 89 points (37 goals, 52 assists) in 89 games.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    The Bruins are back at TD Garden Saturday night to face the Carolina Hurricanes. NESN coverage starts at 6 p.m. ET. With the season slipping away, every game is a must win for Boston.

  • Which Bruins Are on the Bubble? 10 Players to Watch in 2025

    Which Bruins Are on the Bubble? 10 Players to Watch in 2025

    With just seven games left in the 2024-25 season, the Boston Bruins are at a critical juncture—and that’s where the real story begins. While some key spots are all but locked up for next season, there’s still a lot on the line for players vying for those remaining roster spots.

    Interim coach Joe Sacco has dropped a few hints that changes could be coming, even as the season winds down. “We’ll discuss that after every game,” Sacco said Wednesday. “We may get the chance to see a couple more players from Providence come up,” he added. “I wouldn’t rule anything out—because why would you?” That’s the kind of attitude that gets players—and fans—excited.

    Those players on the bubble are feeling the heat now. With roster spots up for grabs in 2025-26—and some of those spots likely to be filled by free agents in July—the pressure is really on. Here are some of the players who might be sweating bullets right now—and what they need to do to stay in the Bruins’ plans.

    Forwards Feeling the Pressure

    Johnny Beecher (73 games: 3-8–11)

    Beecher, the 2019 first-round pick, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Despite his speed and size, he hasn’t been a game-changer offensively. That changes this summer, though: his entry-level deal is expiring and he’s got arbitration rights. Based on those three pro seasons, it’s a pretty even bet whether the Bruins will extend him beyond a one-year deal.

    Cole Koepke (66 games: 9-7–16)

    Koepke has enjoyed his best NHL season so far this year. But he’s hit a bit of a wall lately, with just 0-2–2 in his last 10 games. A strong finish could still get him that affordable contract he wants—but he’ll need to push harder in these final games.

    Marat Khusnutdinov (11 games: 2-1–3)

    Khusnutdinov showed some flashes of speed and skill after coming over in the Justin Brazeau trade. But results haven’t followed. With his deal expiring and arbitration rights, he needs to start producing more points if he wants to stick around.

    Jakub Lauko (11 games: 0-2–2)

    Lauko hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in his second stint with the Bruins. But his energy and physicality (33 hits since returning) make him a candidate for a depth role. If Boston doesn’t extend him, he’ll find work elsewhere.

    Vinni Lettieri (20 games: 3-1–4)

    Lettieri is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He’s got solid AHL credentials, but hasn’t done enough at the NHL level. A few more points down the stretch could help his case for a return in a break-glass-if-needed role.

    Fabian Lysell (5 games: 0-0–0)

    Lysell finally got his call-up this season. But he hasn’t shown much yet. With another year left on his deal, he’ll likely be back unless the Bruins decide to move him in the offseason.

    Defensemen on Thin Ice

    Henri Jokiharju (11 games: 0-1–1)

    Jokiharju was acquired from Buffalo at the deadline and brings legit NHL skills. But, his $3.1 million cap hit could price him out of Boston if the UFA market drives his value up.

    Parker Wotherspoon (48 games: 1-5–6)

    Wotherspoon has been a reliable depth guy, but is UFA. He’s done enough to get a one year deal but someone might offer him two.

    Ian Mitchell (12 games: 0-1–1)

    Mitchell is a RFA with arbitration rights and hasn’t made a case to stay. Unless, he impresses in these last games his future with the Bruins is uncertain.

    Goalies: Joonas Korpisalo’s Fate

    Joonas Korpisalo (25 games, 12-9-3, 2.89 GAA, .893 save%)

    In many ways, that future is tied to the Bruins’ goaltending prospects. Korpisalo has been a steady presence in net, but he’s not getting any younger.

    If one of those prospects is ready to take over, the Bruins could free up some cap space and give themselves some breathing room. That’s a decision that will likely come down to whether Korpisalo is still the goalie the Bruins want to build around.

  • Ryan Leonard Arrives Just in Time for Alex Ovechkin’s 891st Goal

    Ryan Leonard Arrives Just in Time for Alex Ovechkin’s 891st Goal

    The Washington Capitals added a new face to the lineup on Tuesday night as Ryan Leonard, the 8th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, made his pro debut against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. The night was already special for Leonard but it got even more memorable when Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal, moving closer to Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894.

    Leonard didn’t get a point in the 4-3 win but his presence on the ice and contributions to big moments made his debut one to won’t soon.

    A Warm Welcome from Friends and Family

    Before the puck dropped, Leonard skated onto the ice for warmups without his helmet, smiling from ear to ear as the crowd erupted in cheers. A bunch of friends, family, and former Boston College teammates were in attendance for his NHL debut.

    “It was pretty cool,” he said after the game. “My first lap, I looked to my right, and there were a few of my teammates on the glass. They told me they’d be there, but I didn’t really believe them until that first lap.”

    Leonard’s journey to this moment started just days ago. Last week, he was suiting up for the Eagles in college hockey. Now, he’s wearing the Caps’ uniform and in the spotlight on the biggest stage in hockey.

    Leonard’s Impact on His First NHL Shifts

    Leonard started the game on the blue line for the national anthem, taking in the NHL arena atmosphere—a far cry from his college days, even though he had played in this building before during Beanpot tournaments. His first shift lasted 32 seconds and his only shot attempt in the first period was wide. But he showed he belonged quick.

    Late in the first period, he laid a big hit on Bruins forward Jeffrey Viel in the neutral zone and the crowd gasped. It was a reminder of Leonard’s fearless style of play, which has been a part of his game since day one.

    “I thought he was great,” Capitals Coach Spencer Carbery said. “He had a bunch of different plays, was a big part of the goal that was going to be the game winner. Liked his plays through the neutral zone… To step into a game two days after his college season ends and play the way he did is pretty impressive.”

    Ovechkin Closes In on History

    While Leonard stole some of the show, the night belonged to Alex Ovechkin who scored his 891st career goal to put Washington up 2-0 in the 1st. The goal came off a nice feed from center Dylan Strome who found Ovechkin sneaking to the doorstep.

    Captain Ovechkin is now 4 goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. With each milestone the anticipation grows among fans and teammates.

    “What is it, 4 now? Getting close,” Carbery said after the game. “You can feel it. You can definitely feel it.”

    A Back-and-Forth Battle Against the Bruins

    The game was a wild ride. After taking a 2-0 lead into the second period, the Caps struggled to hold on. Vinni Lettieri cut the lead to 2-1 mid 2nd and David Pastrnak tied the game late in the period.

    The turning point came early 3rd when Leonard helped set up Dylan Strome’s go ahead goal. His puck recoveries and smart passes kept the play alive and eventually led to a rebound opportunity that Strome buried.

    Later, Tom Wilson extended the lead to 2 goals with a fluke deflection off a Bruins defender. But Pastrnak responded seconds later with his 2nd of the night and it was a 1 goal game again.

    With under 2 minutes left the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker. Ovechkin had an empty net chance but missed wide and left the door open until the final buzzer.

  • Epic Fight by Bruins Forward Energizes Fans in Second Period

    Epic Fight by Bruins Forward Energizes Fans in Second Period

    The Boston Bruins started to take control in the second period of Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals thanks to Vinni Lettieri’s third goal of the season. But it wasn’t just the scoreboard that got the fans up—Jeffrey Viel and Dylan McIlrath went toe to toe and stole the show.

    The Epic Fight That Stole the Spotlight

    Late in the second period Viel and McIlrath dropped the gloves for a big time fight that had everyone at TD Garden going wild. Both skaters were punching with their helmets on but McIlrath got the early jump by ripping off Viel’s helmet. Despite losing his lid Viel didn’t back down—he got his helmet back on and landed a good shot.

    The fight lasted about a minute before both players slowed down and the refs stepped in. Head ref Wes McCauley made the call: “Five minutes for fighting!” The crowd erupted in cheers. They loved the old school hockey.

    How the Fight Energized the Bruins?

    Viel’s energy spread to his teammates right away. Just a minute later David Pastrnak tied it up 2-2 with a power play goal – his 36th of the season. The goal got the Bruins bench even more pumped up and sometimes a little bit of physicality can go a long way in turning a game around.

    Who is Jeffrey Viel?

    This wasn’t Viel’s first time dropping the gloves in a Bruins uniform. He did it in his debut on November 18 against the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Olivier. Tuesday was his 5th game with the Bruins this season, and while he’s still looking for his first point with the Spoked-B, he’s already earned respect from teammates and fans.

    Before joining the Bruins, Viel played with the San Jose Sharks, where he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 53 games. He may not be lighting up the scoreboard yet, but his willingness to stand up for his team and deliver moments like Tuesday’s fight shows why he’s a good addition to the roster.

  • Dans Locmelis Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract with Bruins

    Dans Locmelis Signs Three-Year Entry-Level Contract with Bruins

    Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today that the team has signed forward Dans Locmelis to a three year entry level deal. The deal is worth $860,000 AAV. Locmelis will report to the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout (ATO) agreement.

    A Promising College Career at UMass Amherst

    Locmelis is 6’0” and 175 pounds. He finished his collegiate season at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In 2024-25 he played in 40 games, scoring 8 goals and 25 assists for 33 points. He was 2nd on the team in assists and 4th in points. He showed his playmaking ability and hockey IQ.

    Over two seasons at UMass Locmelis had 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points in 70 NCAA games. He was a consistent and leader on the ice and was a big part of the Minutemen’s success and will be an NHL asset in the future.

    Impressive International Experience

    Before UMass, Locmelis played in Sweden for Lulea HF J20 in the J20 Swedish Hockey League during the 2022-23 season. In 44 games, he had 25 goals and 34 assists for 59 points and was +28. He was a dominant player in junior hockey and showed his offensive and two way abilities.

    Locmelis has also played for Latvia on multiple international stages. He played in the World Junior Championships in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with 6 goals and 4 assists in 16 games. He played for Team Latvia in the 2023 and 2024 IIHF World Championships and helped Latvia win bronze in 2023. Most recently, Locmelis played in the 2026 Olympic qualification and had 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 games.

    Why the Bruins Are Excited About Locmelis?

    The Bruins took Locmelis in the 4th round (119th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft as a forward who can play both ways. He’s got speed, vision and scoring ability so he’s a nice addition to the org. He’ll start in Providence but his development could have him in Boston sooner than later.

    General Manager Don Sweeney on Locmelis: “Dans has a dynamic skill set and a strong work ethic. We’ll see how he develops with our staff in Providence.”

  • Boston Bruins Prospect Re-Assigned to Maine Mariners

    Boston Bruins Prospect Re-Assigned to Maine Mariners

    The Boston Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, made a move on Monday, reassigning defenseman Jackson Edward to the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. They did this just after securing a spot in the AHL playoffs, so the organization is focused on development even in the stretch run.

    Edward, 21, was drafted by the Bruins with the 200th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. His rookie AHL season has been good, but he’ll now get more ice time and experience with the Mariners as they wind down their ECHL season.

    Edward’s Performance in Providence This Season

    Edward’s 31 games with the Providence Bruins this season have shown us just how much he has to offer—and just how much he has to work on. He’s managed a single goal and six assists, with a minus-5 rating that suggests he’s still learning the ropes. That’s not a bad start for a player with growth potential. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Edward brings the size and physicality to the blue line that the Bruins will be looking to hone further.

    That three-year entry-level contract he signed last October, with an annual cap hit of $860,000, was a vote of confidence from the organization in his long-term potential. Now, with one year left on that deal after this season, Edward will need to keep developing if he wants to secure a spot in the Bruins’ future plans.

    A Stepping Stone to Success: Edward’s Journey So Far

    Before turning pro, Jackson Edward played three seasons with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he was an assistant captain in his last year. His leadership and steady progression on the ice made him an interesting prospect for the Bruins who saw two-way potential in him.

    But going from junior to pro is never easy. For Edward, the move to the ECHL is an opportunity to play more and get confidence. The Maine Mariners are 28-33-4 and 11th in the Eastern Conference and not playoff bound but they are a place where Edward can get big minutes and work on his game.

    What This Means for Edward’s Future

    Re-assignment to the ECHL doesn’t mean the Bruins don’t believe in Edward—he’s the opposite. They’re giving him a chance to develop in a less intense environment while still within the organization.

    With his contract up after next season, Edward will be a restricted free agent if he doesn’t make the NHL roster by then. This stint with the Mariners could be the deciding factor in whether he’s ready for the next step in his career.

    Maine Mariners’ Role in Player Development

    The Maine Mariners have been a developmental haven for Bruins’ prospects for years, giving players like Edward a chance to grow under consistent coaching and competition. They may not be contending for a championship this year but their role in developing young talent is huge for the Bruins pipeline.

    For Edward this is about proving he can adapt and succeed at every level. If he can make an impact in the ECHL it could set him up for a bigger year in Providence next year and maybe even a shot at the NHL roster down the line.