Who is Matej Blumel?

There was mixed reaction to the Bruins signing of Tanner Jeannot, Sean Kuraly, Michael Eyssimont and others as well as the trade for Viktor Arvidsson. But one signing I am excited about is Matej Blumel.

Matej Blumel: From Tábor to the AHL – The Rise of a Czech Sniper

Matej Blumel’s hockey journey is a testament to perseverance, development, and the quiet confidence of a player who has steadily climbed the ranks from Czech junior leagues to the doorstep of NHL. Born on May 31, 2000, in Tábor, Czech Republic, Blumel has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in recent years, culminating in his 2025 signing with the Boston Bruins. His story is not just about goals and assists—it’s about what may yet come.

Early Life and Family Roots

Blumel grew up in Tábor, a historic town in southern Czechia known for its medieval charm and strong sporting culture. His father, Petr Blumel, was a respected linesman in Czech hockey, which gave Matej early exposure to the sport’s intricacies and culture. His father’s involvement in the game likely played a pivotal role in shaping his discipline and understanding of the sport from a young age.

Matej began his youth career with HC Pardubice, one of Czechia’s most storied hockey clubs. He joined the organization at just 13 years old and progressed through all junior levels, showcasing a natural scoring touch and a relentless motor.

North American Transition and Draft Journey

In pursuit of higher competition and exposure, Blumel made the leap to North America, joining the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL for the 2017–18 season. His first year was modest—eight goals and 18 points in 50 games—but he exploded in his second season, tallying 30 goals and 60 points in 58 games. That breakout year caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in 2019, the Edmonton Oilers selected him 100th overall in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft.

Despite being drafted, the Oilers never signed Blumel, and his rights expired in 2022. Rather than dwell on the missed opportunity, Blumel returned to Czechia and made his professional debut with Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga. Over three seasons, he steadily improved, recording 61 points in 129 regular-season games and gaining valuable experience in playoff hockey.

Breakout in the AHL and NHL Debut

In June 2022, Blumel signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars. He began his North American pro career with the Texas Stars in the AHL and quickly made an impression. His rookie season saw him notch 44 points in 58 games, and he earned a brief NHL call-up, scoring his first NHL goal against the Philadelphia Flyers on November 13, 2022.

The 2023–24 season was even more impressive. Blumel recorded 31 goals and 62 points in 72 games, followed by a dominant 2024–25 campaign where he led the AHL in goals with 39 and finished second in overall scoring with 72 points in 67 games. His playoff performance was equally strong, adding 16 points in 14 games. These efforts earned him the Willie Marshall Award as the league’s top goal scorer and a spot on the AHL First All-Star Team.

Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham praised Blumel’s versatility and chemistry with linemates: “There’s a little bit of everything. They all work well below the goal line, they all can make plays through the neutral zone, and frankly, there’s a little bit of different dynamics, both offensively and defensively, that round each other out”.

Signing with the Boston Bruins

On July 1, 2025, Blumel signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with the Boston. The deal is a one-way contract, signaling the Bruins’ intent to give him a real shot at cracking the NHL roster. According to reports, Blumel was choosing between Boston and Pittsburgh, but it was fellow Czech and Bruins star David Pastrnak who reached out and convinced him to join the Bruins.

The two, along with David Krejci, played together representing Czechia at the 2022 World Championships.

While Bruins GM Don Sweeney hasn’t publicly commented on Blumel’s signing in detail, the move fits the team’s strategy of adding depth and upside during a transitional phase. Sweeney’s free agency spree included several depth signings, and Blumel stands out as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.

International Success

Blumel has also made his mark on the international stage. He represented Czechia at the 2021 IIHF World Championship, scoring one goal in five games. In 2022, he returned to the tournament in Finland and played a key role in Czechia’s bronze medal run, tallying four goals and eight points in 10 games.

Scouting Report

Blumel is a 6-foot, 205-pound winger who shoots left and plays both right and left wing. His game is defined by:

Speed and Forechecking: Blumel is a swift skater who excels on the forecheck, pressuring defenders and creating turnovers.

Scoring Touch: With 70 goals over his last two AHL seasons, he’s proven to be a reliable finisher with a quick release and strong positioning.

Defensive Growth: In 2024–25, he significantly improved his defensive play, earning penalty kill minutes and showing commitment to backchecking.

Versatility: He can play up and down the lineup, and his ability to contribute on both special teams makes him a valuable asset.

Personal Life

Blumel is in a relationship with Adéla Hübnerová, and while he keeps his personal life relatively private, his social media presence shows a grounded and humorous personality. He’s known to share moments from his travels and downtime, offering fans a glimpse into the life.

Looking Ahead

This is a no-risk, mid level reward signing by the Bruins. His projection is that of a third line winger who can provide secondary scoring and play on both specialty teams. At the bottom end, he is an AHL player who can help Providence with plenty of scoring.

But with Pastrnak taking him under his wing, anything is possible.