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Boston Bruins Sign Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson to Entry-Level Contract

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Apr 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston University Terriers surround forward Cason Hohmann (7) after his goal against the Providence College Friars during the second period in the championship game of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; The Boston University Terriers surround forward Cason Hohmann (7) after his goal against the Providence College Friars during the second period in the championship game of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Bruins and Prospect Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson Have Agreed to Terms on a Contract

The Boston Bruins have officially signed forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson to an entry-level contract. A two-way, right-handed centerman lauded for his defensive ability. Selected with the 45th overall draft pick by the Boston Bruins and standing 6 foot 1 and roughly 190 pounds. If this player sounds like Patrice Bergeron, it’s because it basically is. The young forward had two solid seasons at Boston University with the Terriers and is now ready to turn pro.

Known for his strong two-way game and ability to impact plays with or without the puck, the prospect known affectionately as “JFK” by those in Boston is officially an NHL player. Selected in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Forsbacka-Karlsson could step into the Bruins lineup immediately in a bottom-six role and make an impact. Whether it’s providing the team with extra manpower on the penalty kill or a solid third liner at five-on-five, the Bruins have options for their newest player.

Solid Play at Boston University

While playing with the Terriers, Forsbacka-Karlsson was incredibly consistent from his rookie season to his sophomore season. In 39 games in his rookie year in 2015-16, JFK scored 10 goals and 30 points in 39 games. It was then that the comparisons to Bergeron really started to pick up steam. The similarities, however, were already well known prior to him even being drafted by the Bruins. In his second season at BU, the Stockholm-native scored 14 goals and 33 points in 39 games and was a big part of the Terriers season. He logged big minutes with the team too, manning their top line center role for much of the year.

Related Story: Charlie McAvoy Signing Could be Delayed

Making his intentions known earlier in the season, it should come as no surprise that Forsbacka-Karlsson inked this deal. Once his season at Boston University concluded, he was eligible to sign his entry-level deal with the Bruins. There was some uncertainty, however, when the Bruins showed some signs of hesitation in handing an NHL contract to the 20-year-old, opting to extend him an ATO instead. One of three talented prospects the Bruins were interested locking up this season, the Bruins have also signed their first round pick from the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and Forsbacka-Karlsson’s teammate at Boston University, Charlie McAvoy to an ATO. Additionally, they’re interested in signing forward Anders Bjork from Notre Dame, a former fifth-round draft pick of the Bruins in 2014.

Next: Bruins Fight Back Into Playoff Position

The Bruins are looking to make the postseason this year. While they currently hold a playoff spot, they will need every player to do their job.  After missing the playoffs for two straight seasons, the city of Boston is losing patience. While Forsbacka-Karlsson won’t be the difference between winning the Stanley Cup or not, he could help solidify the team’s depth.

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