Just as I was preparing my NCAA free agent shopping list, the Boston Bruins announce this:
General Manager Don Sweeney announced that the Bruins have signed 24-year-old right shot defenceman and free agent Drew Bavaro to and Amateur Try Out Agreement for the remainder of the season and a 1-year, 2-way Entry Level Contract for the 2024-2025 season.
While it looks like the defensive core for the big club is set for next season, there appears to be some work to be done in Providence. Enter the 6’3”, 202-pound Bavaro.
Bavaro spent two seasons with Bentley University compiling 11 goals and 28 assists in 52 games over those two seasons. He transferred to the University of Notre Dame for the 2022-2023 season scoring 6 goals and 13 assists in 37 games. This season he scored 10 goals and added 10 assists in 35 games but his best season was his last one with Bentley where he had 9 goals and 18 assists in 36 games.
So, what are the Bruins getting?
Defensively, he has an active stick, keeps his opponents contained with good gaps, is effective at keeping plays to the outside and is a superb shot blocker. With his excellent size and the strength to go with it, he can win battles in front of his net and along the walls. He is a very good skater with good edgework and mobility. He can start the transition with a good pass, but has shown he can skate it out to.
Offensively, Bavaro knows when to join the rush and has a superb shot from the point. He has good vision, but here’s the thing if I’m being honest: I don’t think his hockey sense is at a level high enough to be a consistent offensive option at the pro level.
There is nothing to prevent Bavaro from carving out a pro career as a defensive defenceman. And maybe his offence will translate to the next level. Only time will tell, but I do like this signing.
Bavaro attended the Ottawa Senators development camp in 2023 and Detroit Red Wings in 2022.
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Dom - Hockey 
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