Bruins make yet another free agent addition
The Bruins continued their flurry of movement within the college free agent world Tuesday, with University of Minnesota center Jaxon Nelson officially signed to a one-year, entry-level contract.
The deal, which has been confirmed by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney, will come with an $870,000 cap hit at the NHL level, and go into effect beginning next season. In the meantime, Nelson will join AHL Providence on an amateur tryout agreement for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.
“Jaxon is a big, right shot, two-way center with leadership qualities as captain of a very successful collegiate program,” Sweeney said in a statement confirming the transaction. “He has shown consistent growth throughout his time at the University of Minnesota and the Bruins are excited to have Jaxon join our organization.”
A five-year talent at Minnesota, the 24-year-old Nelson is coming off a campaign that included college career-highs in both goals (19) and points (31), and had a strong push during Minnesota’s NCAA tournament run.
Nelson, who attended development camp with the Capitals in 2022, put together a collegiate career that featured 42 goals and 89 points in 169 total games for the Golden Gophers.
More on the Bruins
– More from Boston’s win over the Capitals
– Another Bruins prospect is turning pro
– David Pastrnak had himself a big week for the Bruins
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds Nelson’s size immediately pops off the page. Whether or not that size can translate to pro-level speed from a skating and production standpoint will be the big test for Nelson upon his jump to the pro game. And while every prospect is different, the Bruins’ recent success with Justin Brazeau should inspire some hope when it comes to the B’s figuring out the perfect plan to maximize Nelson’s skillset for a bigger-bodied forward looking to grow in the pro game.
Nelson is the third college free agent signed by the B’s this year, joining a group featuring Notre Dame defenseman Drew Bavaro and goaltender Ryan Bischel. The Bruins were also interested in Quinnipiac’s Jacob Quillan prior to his signing with the Maple Leafs, and there’s been talk of the Bruins being interested in QU’s Collin Graf.
(Click here to subscribe to the Sports Hub Underground podcast.)
Matt & Ty are back with a whole new episode, centered around an eventful week of Bruins hockey.
(7:12) Various big-picture thoughts on the Bruins after a week of tough losses and momentous wins.
(34:18) A closer look at the Bruins’ huge win over the Florida Panthers and what went into it.
(42:18) Breaking down the breaking up of a key defensive pair for the Bruins.
(57:24) The guys pick their “Big 3” sports scoring methods.
Subscribe to the Sports Hub Underground wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple: https://apple.co/3AICTPR
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3j5ibDR
Google: http://bit.ly/38pPKIG
More options: https://bit.ly/3tSKABs
