Jack Ahcan

April 2023 – Ahcan showed his offensive upside this season in Providence, putting up five goals and 31 assists in 68 games. It could be considered a step back that Ahcan didn’t get any games in Boston this season after getting some time the last two seasons, but being one of the main guys in Providence should prove to be good in the end. Ahcan is a UFA at the end of the season, but it could be a good move for him to return to Boston once free agency opens. There are rumors that the Bruins could be losing some depth on the left side, with Dmitry Orlov unlikely to resign and Matt Grzelcyk being a possible name to be moved to make some cap room. These are some big shoes to fill for Ahcan, but it’s hard not to make comparisons in his game to Grzelcyk, with upside in the offensive zone and his ability to start the breakout in the defensive end. It’s hard to predict whether the Bruins will see Ahcan as a cheap replacement for Grzelcyk if they do move on from him, but if so, Ahcan could be a sneaky fantasy option next season. Nate Duffett

June 2021 – Ahcan ultimately had a very successful first pro season, spending most of his time in the AHL, but also suiting up in three NHL games for Boston. The undrafted college free agent managed 10 points in Providence, with five of them coming on the man advantage. His game has transitioned well to pro hockey, and he could be an effective powerplay quarterback for the Bruins in the not-too-distant future. Chris Mazza

March 2021 – Ahcan had a successful NHL debut, firing three shots on net, blocking two more, and moving the puck with confidence in just under 18 minutes of ice time. He has also had a good start to his AHL career, with seven points in 12 games for Providence. His poise with the puck has transitioned smoothly from college to pro hockey and could earn him a permanent spot in the NHL as early as next season. Chris Mazza

April 2020 – Ahcan signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Bruins after his final college season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He had an exceptional four-year career at St. Cloud State, where he amassed 21 goals and 103 points, was named to the NCHC All-Rookie team, broke the team record for career assists by a defenseman, was named team captain in his senior season and played in 127 consecutive games from 2016-17 through 2019-2020. Ahcan is an offensive dynamo who excels in getting pucks on net from the point, but he can hold his own from a defensive standpoint as well (as evidenced by a career rating of plus-13 with the Huskies, including a remarkable plus-30 achievement in 2018-19). His easiest comparable would be Torey Krug, who followed a similar path as an undrafted collegiate free agent. Like Krug, Ahcan will likely spend all of his first pro-season in the AHL as he looks to prove he holds true NHL potential. Chris Mazza