This week, the Bruins bolstered their lineup by acquiring a sizable forward, enhancing the depth of their youthful skater cohort.
On Tuesday, Boston inked a one-year entry-level contract with former Minnesota Golden Gophers forward, Jaxon Nelson, as confirmed by general manager Don Sweeney in a press release. Nelson is set to begin with the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season.
Sweeney highlighted Nelson’s attributes in the press release, emphasizing his stature as a big, right-handed, two-way center with leadership qualities honed as captain of a highly successful college team. The Bruins view Nelson’s consistent progression during his tenure at the University of Minnesota positively and eagerly welcome him into their fold.
During his six-season stint with the Golden Gophers, Nelson participated in 169 games, amassing 42 goals and 47 assists for a total of 89 points. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 220 pounds, Nelson immediately becomes one of the largest forwards in the Bruins’ organization. Only Justin Brazeau, at 6 feet 5 inches, surpasses him in height among Boston’s forwards, while Providence’s J.D. Greenway and Joona Koppanen also share this one-inch height advantage.
Nelson’s contract carries an NHL cap hit of $870,000.