NHL News: Bruins Sign Playmaking UMass College Forward

The Boston Bruins have signed University of Massachusets forward Dans Locmelis to a three-year entry-level contract, locking up one of their recent draft picks.

Locked up Locmelis 🔒

The #NHLBruins have signed Dans Locmelis to a three-year, entry-level contract.

📰: https://t.co/6GtId3RmBG pic.twitter.com/yWeuR4wIxj
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 1, 2025

The 21-year-old Locmelis registered eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points in 41 games this season for UMass. The Latvian-born center was drafted by the Bruins in the 4th round (#119 overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

He was playing junior hockey in Sweden at the time, and went on to record a 25-goal, 34-assist, 59-point season in 44 games in 2022-23.

He came Stateside after that, and played the last two years with the Minutemen.

#NHLBruins prospect Dans Locmelis has some silky mitts

Had a decent season for UMass
8G, 25A in 40 games for the Bruins 4th rounder
pic.twitter.com/VxqAH4SB7T
— Drop the Mitts Hockey (@dropmittshockey) March 30, 2025

Locmelis has also signed an ATO (amateur tryout contract) with Providence in the AHL to make his pro debut as they wind down their season.

He's also had plenty of high-level international exposure, playing for Latvia at the World Junior Championships from 2022 through 2024, as well as at the 2023 and 2024 IIHF World Championships for Team Latvia. Last September, Locmelis was part of his country's team at the Olympic Qualifying tournament, helping them earn a berth for the 2026 Olympics.