BREAKING: Bruins sign defenseman prospect to entry-level contract

The Boston Bruins announced on Thursday that they’ve signed defenseman to a three-year entry-level contract with an annual cap hit of $860,000.

Selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Johansson has played 15 games this season with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, recording one goal and four assists. Standing 6-foot-3, the 18-year-old defenseman was among the Bruins’ first training camp cuts and was reassigned to the QMJHL. Last season, he played in Sweden for AIK’s U-20 team, where he tallied 13 points (five goals, eight assists) and posted a +5 rating over 33 games.

Known for his size and physical presence, Johansson has been described by Elite Prospects as a “stay-at-home defender,” albeit with some areas for improvement. He’s noted as a technically sound skater with solid mobility, though not exceptionally fast. Johansson impressed with his physical play in Sweden’s second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan league, where he didn’t hesitate to challenge opponents.

However, his offensive game remains limited, as he lacks high-end playmaking instincts. Despite his attempts to join offensive plays, he often struggles to create effective scoring chances. Additionally, Johansson’s defensive positioning could use refinement, particularly with his tendency to give too much space in the neutral zone when defending one-on-one.