Bruins Sign 2022 Fourth-Round Draft Pick To Entry-Level Contract

A Boston Bruins prospect will make the jump from college to the pros.

General manager Don Sweeney announced in a press release Tuesday that the Bruins signed forward Dans Locmelis to a three-year entry-level contract with an annual NHL cap hit of $860,000. The Latvian forward will report to Providence on an amateur tryout.

The Bruins drafted Locmelis in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He played two seasons at UMass, where he recorded eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points this season. He made a standout play for the Minutemen in the NCAA tournament to help them knock out Minnesota. Locmelis skated in 70 career games in Hockey East, totaling 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points.

Locmelis also represented Latvia in the World Junior Championships from 2022 to 2024. He also appeared in the 2023 and 24 IIHF World Championships, helping his home country win the bronze medal in 2023. Locmelis also helped Latvia secure a spot in the 2026 Olympic Games.

The forward prospect is the first UMass product to sign an entry-level contract with the Bruins since Frank Vatrano.