The Boston Bruins unveiled their rookie camp roster today, and as expected, nearly a dozen invitations were extended. This is largely because NCAA players cannot take part now that classes have started.
I considered that the Bruins might take Matthew Poitras to the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo this weekend, wanting him to gain some playing time prior to main camp after being sidelined for a while due to his surgery. There’s still a chance he could join the team, but we will have to wait and see what happens.
I’m not going to spend time here discussing the prospects already in the Bruins system. If you are a regular reader, then you are up to date on them. You can also follow our prospects podcast for in depth coverage. Instead, I’m going to go over a couple of the camp invites.
It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes players invited to NHL rookie camps do so well, they will earn a contract.
First up is Charlie Hilton who plays for the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s. The 6’5”, 205-pound left wing turns 18 on September 15 and became eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on the last day. He will re-enter the draft in 2025 but he is eligible to sign as an undrafted free agent if that contract comes before the OHL season begins Hilton has impressive size and knows how to use it effectively. Additionally, he is skilled in puck handling and possesses above-average playmaking abilities from the wing.
Tomas Cibulka, a 6-foot, 186-pound offensive defenseman from Czechia, has spent the past three seasons in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Since he has aged out of the draft, he is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team. The Bruins’ interest in him makes sense, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Evan Gold signed him to an AHL contract, allowing him to start his professional career with the Maine Mariners in the ECHL.
Markus Vidicek played for the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL and has aged out of the draft, making him an unrestricted free agent. He is known for his offensive skills, having achieved back-to-back seasons with 80 or more points each in the QMJHL, which has made him a player I find exciting to watch. Standing at 5’10”, he doesn’t fit the typical profile the Bruins have pursued in recent years. Nevertheless, his talent is undeniable, and he is likely to attract the interest of fans, team management, and opposing players alike.
Connor Hvidston was selected by the Anaheim Ducks during the 2022 NHL Entry Draft but did not sign with the team. He is now an unrestricted free agent after aging out of the draft. While playing for the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League, he caught the attention of the Bruins, especially since he was a teammate of former Bruins draft pick Reid Dyck. Hvidston is a strong two-way right winger who elevates his performance in important games.
If there is any chance of a contract coming to any of the players invited to camp, these are those players and it will almost certainly be an AHL deal. With the exception of Holton, who can only sign an NHL contract.
Dom - Hockey 