The Boston Bruins added another promising piece to their pipeline, winning a competitive race for Cornell power forward. The 24-year-old forward officially inked a one-year, entry-level deal with the Bruins, carrying a cap hit of $950,000 that will kick in for the 2025-26 season. Until then, he will suit up for Providence on an amateur tryout agreement, giving Boston fans an early look at one of college hockey’s most intriguing undrafted players.
He had reportedly drawn strong interest from multiple NHL clubs, with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers both making a serious push to sign the 6-foot-3, 207-pound winger. In the end, the Bruins’ vision—and perhaps the chance to reunite with former Cornell teammate and Bruins draft pick Ryan Walsh—won Bancroft over. The big-bodied forward had a productive season for the Big Red, netting 15 goals and 12 assists in 36 games while playing a physically imposing brand of hockey that seems tailor-made for the pro game.
Hailing from Madoc, Ontario, Bancroft’s journey has taken him from the OHL to the Ivy League, where he tallied 36 goals and 43 assists for 79 points over 103 career games. His size, scoring touch, and two-way effort made him a standout in college, and NHL teams clearly took notice. At 24, he arrives with a more mature, well-rounded game than many younger prospects, and he could quickly rise up the ranks in Boston’s organization.
For the Bruins, this signing is more than just a depth move—it’s a calculated bet on upside. With Bancroft’s blend of grit, skill, and experience, he could become a valuable addition to the roster in the near future. Fans in Boston and Providence alike will be watching closely as he takes his next steps in professional hockey.