By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Boston Bruins wasted little time getting their newest top draft pick inked. The team announced on Sunday that they’ve signed defenseman Axel Andersson, the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 draft, to a three-year entry-level contract.
Andersson, 18, will bring a cap hit of just $825,000 with the deal. He played the past two seasons with Djurgardens IF J20 in the Swedish SuperElit league, but now he’s likely to suit up for the Providence Bruins for the coming season as he gets his first taste of professional action.
The young blue liner brings a mix of smooth skating and puck-moving ability that made him an attractive pick for the Bruins, and a defenseman with the kind of skill set that could succeed in the modern NHL. He told reporters at rookie development camp that he models his game after Charlie McAvoy … so if he even approaches that level, the B’s have themselves a great young prospect.
It’ll still be at least 2-3 years before Andersson gets a crack at the NHL roster, but it speaks to the Bruins’ confidence in the prospect that they wanted to have him in the backyard working with the minor-league team right away.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.