The Boston Bruins have an overflow of depth forwards who are going to be in training camp when things get underway next month at Warrior Ice Arena. Despite there not being much turnover with the forward grouping in Boston, the same can't be said about the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL).
There has been and will be noticeable turnover when the AHL season kicks off in the fall. Gone are some popular names, including forwards Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov, both of whom are part of the Colorado Avalanche's organization. Lysell was traded in late June, while Merkulov signed as a free agent in July. Lysell was re-signed in July as well.
Bruins assistant general manager and former P-Bruins GM Evan Gold left the organization on Aug. 1 to join the New York Islanders. However, that hasn't stopped Providence from adding to its roster, and for a second straight season, they are taking a flyer on a former Texas Stars forward.
Providence Bruins add forward depth from the Dallas Stars
Last summer, the Bruins took a chance on former Texas Stars forward Matej Blumel, but it didn't work out. Now, for the second straight summer, the P-Bruins are signing a Stars free agent, Cross Hanas to a one-year contract.
This past season, Hanas had his best season as a pro. For the Texas Stars, he had a breakout season with 15 goals and 23 assists in 56 games. That came after three seasons with the Grand Rapids Winterhawks, where he had 26 goals and 24 assists over 146 games in three seasons. Hanas was picked in the second round, 55th overall, in the 2020 Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.
There are likely going to be some other subtractions from last season's P-Bruins roster this upcoming season. Matthew Poitras and James Hagens, who played in just a few games, are going to compete for a roster spot in Boston, while defenseman Frederic Brunet and netminder Michael DiPietro will also likely hang around in Boston. It wouldn't be surprising if Boston adds more players to the Providence roster in the coming weeks.
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