By: Tim A. Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Samuel Asselin came to the Providence Bruins as an undrafted free agent before the 2019-2020 season. The young forward was coming off an incredible 2018-2019 season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QJMHL. In 68 games, he netted 48 goals while dishing out 38 assists for 86 total points. Those 48 goals led the league. The Bruins loved Asselin’s offensive ability and signed him to an AHL contract.
The speedy forward would spend most of the 2019-2020 season in the ECHL with the Bruins’ former affiliate, the Atlanta Gladiators. In 53 games with Atlanta, he found the back of the net 26 times while dishing out 26 assists for 52 points. His season would earn him ECHL All-Rookie team honors. Asselin also played in five games with Providence that season registering three points, all assists. Now let’s dig into his 2020-2021 season and how it went.
Samuel Asselin started 2020-2021, scoring one goal and dishing out two assists for three total points in his first six games. The young forward’s offensive ability shined through over his next ten games, netting four goals while dishing out four assists for eight total points. Overall, it was a successful season for Asselin; in 25 games played, he netted eight goals while dishing out eight assists for 16 total points. The young forward would progress nicely from his first to his second professional season. No matter what league he plays in, he seems to score. The Boston Bruins were so impressed with his play that they signed him to a two-year entry-level contract.
After a successful year in Providence, what is next for Samuel Asselin? The young forward will almost certainly spend the entire 2021-2022 season in the AHL with Providence. That’s not a knock on his play. I believe he’s a good player, but Asselin’s role in Boston would likely be a bottom-six forward. Between free agent signings and other prospects, the Bruins have a lot of depth at that position. It’s going to be tough for the young forward to crack that this season. The NHL season is long, and injuries happen, which means there’s always a chance Asselin makes it to the NHL; it’s just unlikely.
Beyond the 2021-2022 season, Asselin could crack the lineup as a bottom-six forward for Boston. A lot of that depends on which players are still in the system. I do believe that Asselin can be a good NHL player. I am just not sure his future is in Boston. There are other prospects in the system ahead of the young forward on the depth chart. This year will be a critical year as a prospect. If he takes a giant step forward, then he could leapfrog some other players. It should be an interesting AHL season. I look forward to seeing what happens next! I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying their summer. The AHL and NHL season are just around the corner! Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. As always, Go, Bs, Go!
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