The Boston Bruins have signed their third undrafted college free agent in recent weeks with the signing of University of Minnesota captain Jaxon Nelson on Tuesday to a one-year, entry-level contract worth a salary cap hit of $870,000. Nelson will report to the Bruins’ American Hockey League affiliate Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the season.
Nelson is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-shot center who appeared in 39 games with the Golden Gophers during the 2023-24 season and registered 19 goals and 12 assists. Nelson skated in 169 total collegiate games from 2019-24 and recorded 42 goals and 47 assists. The 24-year-old forward showed a strong two-way game and leadership qualities that impressed Boston’s management team.
Nelson is the third undrafted college free agent to sign with Boston this spring. Notre Dame defenseman Drew Bavaro and goaltender Ryan Bischel both signed with the Bruins previously. Bavaro inked a one-year, entry-level deal worth $867,500 and Bischel signed a one-year AHL contract. Both players will be teammates of Nelson in Providence.
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