Boston Bruins fans remember the 2025 Rookie Camp fondly, as it was the first time they realized just how good of a player they had received from the Toronto Maple Leafs in return for Brandon Carlo. Fraser Minten showed flashes of being a solid player in the six games he played in the 2024-25 season after the trade, but it was nothing compared to what he showed in last year's training camp to steal a spot.
Ironically, Minten is one reason this year's story with Dans Locmelis may not follow the same script. The Bruins had accounted for Minten potentially making the team out of camp last season, but there weren't many spots available when he did because of the depth of forwards Don Sweeney had signed. If one player had outplayed Minten in last year's camp, he likely would've ended up in Providence, and his career arc would've taken a much different turn.
Locmelis will be in a similar position this season, but no matter how well he plays at camp, there may not be room for him to make it for opening night. That doesn't mean he won't find a way to get up there at some point during the season, but he might have greater obstacles than Minten.
Dans Locmelis' tough road ahead in Bruins training camp
Luckily for Minten and the fans, there were fewer obstacles, and despite the limited opportunities, Locmelis has put himself in the exact same position after just one Rookie Camp game. With all eyes on Locmelis and James Hagens, the Latvian Olympian stole the show with three points in the first half of the game and a dominating presence in each shift. When he was on the ice, the puck was always around him, and he was dictating the pace of the game.
Dans Locmelis after day one of the Prospects Challenge. I asked how his shoulder is feeling, said it feels really good.
— Jake Ferraro (@18Jxxx18) September 13, 2026
"Wasn't even thinking about it."
Also said that he wasn't feeling any pressure after not playing for months #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/qjevACtWc5
It wasn't just Locmelis' offensive presence with the three points that made him steal the show. He was a solid two-way presence, so much so that the Sabres' side of the broadcast was drawing comparisons to Alex Tuch.
That might be the higher end of his ceiling, but the comparison should certainly make fans excited for what the future could be. Not only is it a good sign for Locmelis, but that style of player also sounds like the type of individual who could steal a spot when the brain trust consists of Sweeney, Cam Neely, and Marco Sturm.
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