The Boston Bruins are looking to inject some youth into their roster for the 2025-26 season after a disappointing end to the 2024-25 campaign. With several roster spots potentially up for grabs, a few players from their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, have a legitimate shot at making the NHL roster. Here are two players who could make the jump:
Fraser Minten: Acquired by the Bruins in a trade that sent Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Minten is a promising young forward with a well-rounded game. The Maple Leafs drafted him 38th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. While he may not project as an elite top-line center, he has the potential to develop into a solid second or third-line option for the Bruins.
Minten possesses a high hockey IQ and above-average defensive abilities. He gained some NHL experience with the Maple Leafs, playing 21 games and not looking out of place. The Bruins' bottom six is not set in stone for next season, and Minten will compete for a spot with players like Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Marat Khusnutdinov. His existing NHL experience gives him a slight edge. Since joining the Providence Bruins, Minten has continued to develop his offensive game while maintaining his responsible defensive play. He has the versatility to play both center and wing, which could further increase his value to the Bruins.
Michael DiPietro: After a standout season with Providence, DiPietro could be vying for a backup role in Boston for the 2025-26 season. DiPietro was named to the AHL First Team and won the Baz Bastien Award as the AHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender after posting a 26-8-4 record with a 2.05 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. He has proven he can be more than just a backup.
DiPietro's stellar performance has significantly raised his stock within the Bruins organization. If the Bruins decide to trade one of their current NHL goalies, DiPietro could find himself in an excellent position to secure a roster spot. His strong numbers and consistent play in the AHL have demonstrated that he is ready for a bigger challenge. While it remains to be seen what the Bruins' goaltending situation will look like, DiPietro has undoubtedly put himself in the conversation.
Other potential Bruins prospects to keep an eye on include Dans Locmelis, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick who is developing into a promising player. He signed his entry-level contract and joined the Providence Bruins and is expected to be with Providence at the start of the 2025-26 season and could get a chance to make his NHL debut at some point next season. Also, Ty Gallagher, a defenseman, agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Providence Bruins.