The Boston Bruins have struggled early in the season, but now they've made a massive move as they have signed blue liner Loke Johansson to an Entry Level Contract after an impressive start to the season in juniors.
The Boston Bruins are looking to compete for a Stanley Cup in 2024/25 despite their early struggles, but after a solid 2024 NHL Draft, the future appears to be very bright as well. Now, they've made a surprise move on Thursday as they officially announce an Entry Level Contract for sixth-round pick Loke Johansson.
The 6-foot-3 defenseman was pick number 186 in the draft out of Sweden, and with high height and his overall physicality, he was a risk worth taking at that stage of the draft for General Manager Don Sweeney. Johansson is playing his first season in North America this year with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, and through 15 games he has one goal and five points, but with his physical size, it's easy to understand that his impact at the junior level goes way beyond scoring.
The deal carries an annual value of $860,000, and given the advancements in his defensive play this season, he is fast becoming one of the team's most valuable blue line prospects moving forward. Before coming to Canada, Johansson also notched 19 games in the Swedish top level, and at just 18-years of age, the future is very bright.
With Boston looking to compete for a Stanley Cup this season, it's unlikely that he will find a way to crack this roster anytime soon, but if he continues to improve as an offensive player along with his impressive size, there's no doubting that the team may have a future NHLer on their hands from the sixth round.
