Boston Bruins Sign Free Agent Offensive Defenseman

The Boston Bruins have dipped into the free agent pool to sign an undrafted collegiate defenseman, agreeing to terms on a one-year entry-level deal with Drew Bavaro out of Notre Dame.

The #NHLBruins have signed defenseman Drew Bavaro to a one-year, entry-level contract.

📰: https://t.co/1jyB1uhrUZ pic.twitter.com/a7IjlaiVNR

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 12, 2024

The deal begins next season, and sports an an NHL cap hit of $867,500. In the meantime, he'll join the Bruins organization by finishing out the season with the team's AHL affiliate in Providence on an amateur tryout (ATO).

Bavaro, 6-foot-3, 202 pounds, has strong offensive and skating skills from the backline, recording 78 points in 124 NCAA games. This year, with Notre Dame in the Big-10, he had 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 35 games. He's a right-shot D, but has played both sides. 

Drew Bavaro, signed by BOS, blasts a one timer from the point against UMich the other day. He’ll report to Providence on an ATO for the rest of the year. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/AElDX9iC1X

— Robert Chalmers (@IvanIvanlvan) March 12, 2024

The 23-year-old, out of Bradenton, Florida is familiar with playing in the New England area, having played at Cardigan Mountain, Lawrence Academy, River Rats, and Bentley before transferring to the Fighting Irish.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports