Bruins defensive prospect eligible to sign entry-level contract
When a Bruins draft pick plays college hockey in Boston, they deal with an added level of scrutiny and are under the constant purview of the organization they aspire to join. For 2021 seventh-round draft pick Ty Gallagher, this was the case during his three years at Boston University.
After a down year and reduced ice time with the Terriers in 2023-24, Gallagher transferred out of Boston to Colorado College. The defenseman turned his NCAA career around, becoming one of college hockey’s top players. He ranked No. 11 in the running for the Hobey Baker Award, according to College Hockey News’ CHIP Statistic.
So, now the question is if and when he will sign his entry-level deal with the Bruins. In college, Gallagher was a solid point-producing defenseman, with 68 career points, including 26 in 37 games in 2024-25. But it’s difficult to assess at this point how much that will translate to the NHL.
As a seventh-round pick, it seems unlikely that Gallagher would make a quick jump to the highest level. However, the Bruins could still sign him to his ELC and develop him in the minors, if only to replenish their pipeline of right-shot defensemen. The B’s would be at risk of losing Gallagher’s rights to unrestricted free agency if they don’t sign him (per Bruins Network), something that famously happened with 2016 Hobey Baker winner Jimmy Vesey.
Gallagher is not necessarily as high-impact of a prospect as Vesey was when he became a free agent. And although it seems unlikely Gallagher would make an immediate impact in the Bruins organization, he is only 22 years old, so still has plenty of time to develop after entering the pro ranks. The Bruins ultimately have plenty of reason to sign Gallagher and work with him.
Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore at Northeastern University studying communications and media studies. Read all his articles here, and follow him on X @LukeGraham05.
