LATEST NEWS: The Bruins have inked a deal with a sizable defenseman, securing him on an entry-level contract.

The Bruins have bolstered their defensive lineup ahead of the final stretch of the regular season, recognizing the importance of depth on the blue line. General manager Don Sweeney revealed on Tuesday that the team has signed defenseman Drew Bavaro to a one-year contract with an NHL cap hit of $867,500. This entry-level deal will see the 23-year-old join the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout for the remainder of the 2023-24 season.

Bavaro arrives fresh from a productive season at Notre Dame, where he amassed 10 goals and 10 assists for a total of 20 points during the 2023-24 campaign. His performance placed him first in goals, third in assists, and tied for first in points among all defensemen at Notre Dame.

Adding to his appeal, Bavaro has local ties, having spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Bentley University from 2020 to 2022. With a stature of 6-foot-3 and 202 pounds, the defenseman brings physical presence to the ice. Having participated in 124 collegiate contests, Bavaro now looks forward to making his debut as a professional player.

While the Bruins may not currently require Bavaro’s services for the remainder of the ongoing season, the unpredictable nature of injuries in hockey means his presence could become crucial at any moment. A single injury among the team’s defensemen could swiftly propel Bavaro into contention for a spot on the roster. Thus, his signing provides valuable insurance for the Bruins, ensuring they have additional depth on the blue line should the need arise.