Don Sweeney Boston Bruins GM (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Bruins Improving Depth With NCAA Standouts

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Brandon Share-Cohen | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 8:55 AM ET

The Boston Bruins continued mining the NCAA for talent this week. On consecutive days, the Bruins signed Merrimack’s standout goaltender Max Lundgren to an entry-level deal and University of Connecticut forward Ryan Tattle to a one-year AHL contract, both starting during the 2026-27 season.

The 24-year-old Tattle played in 38 games with UConn, scoring 13 goals and 32 points for the Huskies. This marked the second consecutive season Tattle scored 32 points, though he scored 18 goals the season prior and played one more game. It was a solid collegiate career for the left-shot winger, earning him an opportunity to showcase his game at the AHL level next season in a Bruins organization that should continue benefiting from an influx of talent over the next few years.

Tattle wore an ‘A’ for the Huskies, a distinction voted on by his teammates. It never hurts to get players with solid intangibles who have demonstrable leadership traits. Whether he eventually becomes an NHL player or not, there’s essentially no risk in signing Tattle. Bringing him into the organization simply gives the Bruins the closest look at whether he might one day earn an NHL contract. The Bruins have done this in the past with players like Justin Brazeau and Kevan Miller, making this a tidy piece of business for management.

Lundgren’s deal carries a bit more intrigue. While Tattle signed an AHL deal, Lundgren’s contract is a one-year deal that carries a $952,500 cap hit at the NHL level. The soon-to-be 24-year-old had a stellar season with Merrimack, posting a 21-16-2 record with a very impressive 2.55 goals-against average and .920 save percentage. His 21 wins were the most among all Hockey East goalies, and he would top the NCAA in saves with 1,134.

Bruins Continue Building Organizational Depth

There’s a tremendous amount of depth in the Bruins’ system at the goaltending position, but it never hurts to accumulate talent and develop them into potential NHL mainstays. The Bruins have arguably the best goaltending development in the NHL, courtesy of goaltending coach Bob Essensa and goaltender development coach Mike Dunham. Lundgren gets a chance to join a system that can greatly increase his chances of turning into a success story, while the Bruins get a big, talented goalie to further boost organizational depth.

The Bruins are in a unique spot this season as they are firmly in the mix for a playoff spot despite the team trading off a bulk of their core last season. The moves were done strategically to maximize near-NHL-ready talent who could come in and make a difference sooner than later, but the retool has already paid dividends even without them. Despite so many exciting names set to join the Boston and Providence Bruins over the next few seasons, the team shouldn’t get complacent and stop trying to find diamonds in the rough wherever and whenever they can.

The team would also sign 2025 seventh-overall pick James Hagens to an amateur tryout agreement last week, opening the door for him to potentially join the Bruins during this regular or postseason run.

Will Lundgren or Tattle eventually make the NHL? That’s anybody’s guess at this point. Is there any risk associated with signing them and giving them a chance to prove their value? The answer to that question is a resounding “no.” Free assets are good assets, and the Bruins have long made a habit of scouring the NCAA for talent.