The Boston Bruins came out of the Labor Day weekend swinging — Captain’s Practice kicked off, the club unveiled its rookie camp roster for later this week, but the biggest news was announcing a seven‑year, $50.4‑million extension to Fraser Minten – set to begin with the 2027‑28 season.
According to PuckPedia, here’s how the deal breaks down: Because he isn’t eligible for trade protection until his UFA years, the contract carries no restrictions until the 2032‑33 season, when a 16‑team no‑trade clause kicks in. In the final year of the deal, that shifts to a 10‑team no‑trade clause. The deal eats two-years of UFA years.
The money breaks down like this:
| Season | Salary | Signing Bonus | Total |
| 2027-28 | 3,400,000 | 4,000,000 | 7,400,000 |
| 2028-29 | 5,000,000 | 3,000,000 | 8,000,000 |
| 2029-30 | 7,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 9,000,000 |
| 2030-31 | 5,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 7,000,000 |
| 2031-32 | 5,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 7,000,000 |
| 2032-33 | 5,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
| 2033-34 | 5,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
The cap hit is $7.2 million per season.
There’s been some pushback on the deal across social media, but this is simply the reality of the modern NHL — teams are locking up their young core as early as possible. A segment of the fan base still seems unsure about how rapidly the cap is expected to climb, but in time, the broader picture will make a lot more sense.
I try not to dismiss those reactions, and I can absolutely understand why some fans feel that way. There’s always a degree of risk baked into a signing like this. But if there’s one thing nearly six decades of following the game has taught me, it’s that patience usually serves you well — letting things unfold before rushing to judgment. It’s not always easy, but it’s often the smartest approach.
Here’s what the cap situation looks like for 2027-28:
Captain’s Practice also got underway Tuesday, with one notable absence: Matthew Poitras, who remains without a contract extension. It’s not unusual for players in his situation to take part in these informal, non‑team‑run skates — Jeremy Swayman did the same while awaiting his own deal, participating in captain’s practices before sitting out once camp officially opened.
Poitras had arrived in Boston early to begin working out, so it came as a surprise that he wasn’t present on day one.
The Bruins also rolled out their rookie camp roster, with sessions beginning this week and culminating in the Prospects Challenge against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday and Monday — both games available via stream on the team’s website.
As expected, James Hagens will be part of the group — mirroring what the Bruins did with Minten last year, a move that proved beneficial for both the organization and the player.
Dans Locmelis is fully recovered from the surgery that cut his season short last year, and he’ll be focused on getting back up to game speed as quickly as possible. Two draft picks currently on AHL‑only deals — Jake Schmaltz and Ty Gallagher — will be aiming to make a strong impression and push for NHL contracts.
Cole Chandler and Cullen McCrate — drafted in 2025 and 2026, respectively — are coming off strong preseasons in their leagues and will look to carry that momentum into camp.
If you’re wondering why the European players aren’t here, it’s because their seasons are already underway in Sweden and Russia, making them ineligible to participate. As for the NCAA group — all thirteen of them — once classes begin, they’re no longer permitted to take part, which is why they’re absent as well.
As in past years, the Bruins will need to round out the roster with a handful of junior players from the USHL and CHL. The most intriguing name to keep an eye on this time around is Niko Tournas of the Moncton Wildcats, who should draw plenty of attention throughout camp.
For players who still have draft eligibility, NHL clubs can sign them as undrafted free agents up until their junior seasons officially begin. Once signed, the team can return the player to junior, and the contract will “slide” — delaying its start — until the player turns pro.
The Bruins last did this on October 3, 2017 with Kyle Keyser, right after the Vegas Golden Knights claimed Malcolm Subban from them on the waiver wire.
–
