Most intriguing addition
Pastrnak had a hand in getting fellow Czechia-born Matej Blumel to sign with the Bruins on July 1 after the latter led the American Hockey League with 39 goals in 67 games last season for Texas. On a Bruins team that could definitely use some extra scoring, signing Blumel was a move that could pay dividends, especially given that the cost was a one-year, $875,000 contract. The 25-year-old has proven that he can put up numbers in the AHL with 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 58 games in 2022-23, 62 (31 goals, 31 assists) in 72 games in 2023-24 and 72 points last season. If he can translate any of that to the NHL, it’s a score for the Bruins.
Biggest potential surprise
Dans Locmelis wasn’t a name that was high on anyone’s radar after his sophomore season at the University of Massachusetts, but between his end-of-season cameo in the AHL and his performance for Latvia at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, he’s getting more attention and could have a chance to make the Bruins roster. He earned high praise from World Championship opponent Sidney Crosby and Providence coach Ryan Mougenel after he had six points (four goals, two assists) in seven games of the tournament and 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in his six-game AHL debut. The 21-year-old forward was taken in the fourth round (No. 119) of the 2022 NHL Draft and was called a coach’s “binky” by Mougenel during rookie camp given how many things he does well.
Ready to contribute
Before Fraser Minten was acquired in the deal that sent defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, he played 19 NHL games over the previous two seasons. He got six more at the end of the season with the Bruins, a small insight into what Boston believes it has in the responsible, two-way center. Those numbers may jump this season. Minten is a top candidate for third-line center, a key position in the system Sturm is installing. The 21-year-old must prove himself during training camp, but it’s clear he will get a long look.