The Boston Bruins secured a highly sought-after undrafted free agent, Dalton Bancroft, after outbidding several NHL teams for his services. Bancroft, a standout forward from Cornell University, signed a one-year contract with the Bruins on Thursday. His official NHL deal, valued at an annual cap hit of $950,000, will commence during the 2025–26 season.
Before then, Bancroft will join the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, where he will complete the current season under an amateur tryout agreement. Among the other franchises vying for his signature were the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers, both of whom reportedly had strong interest in the talented forward.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 207 pounds, Bancroft brings size, strength, and offensive skill to the ice. During the 2024–25 collegiate season, he tallied 15 goals and 12 assists across 36 games for the Cornell Big Red. While at Cornell, he played alongside Ryan Walsh, a Bruins draft pick who led the team with 17 goals and 14 assists. Their on-ice chemistry and Bancroft’s strong two-way play made him an attractive prospect for several NHL organizations.
Now 24 years old, Bancroft hails from Madoc, Ontario. Before attending Cornell and competing in the NCAA, he played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Over the course of his college career, he accumulated an impressive 36 goals and 43 assists, totaling 79 points in 103 games. His consistent production, physical presence, and ability to contribute in all zones of the ice caught the attention of NHL scouts and executives alike.
The Bruins’ ability to land Bancroft despite heavy competition reflects their commitment to bolstering their organizational depth with mature, NHL-ready talent. By signing him ahead of other suitors, Boston gains a promising power forward who could potentially transition quickly to the professional ranks and contribute at the NHL level in the near future. With his combination of size, skill, and experience, Bancroft could become a valuable asset for the Bruins as they look to strengthen their roster for upcoming seasons.