Done deal!!: Bruins Shut Down Contract Talks, Signed UMass Forward. The Boston Bruins have officially signed one of their top forward prospects from Hockey East.
On Tuesday afternoon, the team announced that they have inked UMass forward Dans Locmelis to a three-year entry-level contract, with an annual NHL cap hit of $860,000. The 21-year-old’s contract will begin next season, and he is expected to finish the current season with the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout contract.
Locmelis, selected by Boston in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, has spent the past two seasons with the UMass Minutemen, totaling 47 points in 70 games.
In his sophomore year, Locmelis tallied 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists) in 40 games.
“During his two years at UMass, Dans’ game has improved significantly, largely due to his dedication and discipline in training,” said Greg Carvel, UMass head coach, in a statement. “Dans has become a well-rounded player, and he’s as complete as any player I’ve had here. He has all the qualities to be an NHL player, and his time at UMass has prepared him well.”
Locmelis also boasts extensive international experience, having represented Latvia at the World Junior Championships (2022, 2023, 2024) and the IIHF World Championships (2023, 2024). He is also expected to play for Team Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I have a lot of respect for Dans and the way he conducted himself during his time at UMass,” said Carvel. “A young player from Latvia with English as his second language, he grew in every way possible, and as a coach, that’s incredibly rewarding to witness. We hope to see him playing for the Bruins soon.”
Bruins Coach Explains Fabian Lysell’s Absence Against Capitals
BOSTON — After appearing in four consecutive games for the Bruins, Fabian Lysell was a healthy scratch in Boston’s game against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old first-round draft pick is still searching for his first NHL point, but his lack of offensive production wasn’t the reason for his absence from the lineup.
When asked why Lysell didn’t play, Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco responded, “You saw the game up there, right? It was more of a decision based on who we were playing tonight. But Fabian’s fine. It’s just one game. He’ll be back in at some point. He’ll continue to build his game… Tonight was more of a lineup choice based on the opponent.”
Sacco mentioned Jeffrey Viel, who was recalled on an emergency basis that morning, as the reason for Lysell’s absence. Viel played in Lysell’s place, primarily due to the size of the Capitals.
“We’re playing a big, heavy team tonight,” Sacco explained. “That’s why we decided to go with Viel tonight.”
While Viel didn’t register any points, his fight with Capitals defenseman Dylan McIlrath late in the second period energized both the crowd and his teammates.
Lysell could return to the lineup as soon as Thursday night when the Bruins face the Montreal Canadiens in an Original Six matchup at the Bell Centre. Since being recalled on March 18, Lysell has been averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time per game. In Providence this season, Lysell tallied 11 goals, 23 assists, and a plus-11 rating in 51 games.
