( Photo Credit: Chris Tanouye / Getty Images )

By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter @BlackAndGold277

New England Hockey Journal and NHL.com contributor Mark Divver reported today that the American Hockey League Providence Bruins have signed Boston Bruins prospect Brett Harrison to an Amateur Try-Out contract. The 6′-2″ 185-pound Harrison was Boston’s 2021 third-round selection and recently finished his second full season with the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. Harrison’s 2021-22 OHL season ended on May 1st, 2022, when the Kingston Frontenacs beat Oshawa 5-4 in overtime to capture the first-round playoff series in six games, 4-2.

In two seasons with the Oshawa Generals, Brett appeared in 123 career OHL games, posting 48-50-98 numbers. The 2021-22 regular season was a career-high for the talented work-in-progress center when he contributed 27-34-61 in 65 games. Last season Harrison took 214 shots on goal and was one of a few powerful weapons on the Generals powerplay, notching 12 goals.

Harrison is an 18-year-old forward, so this ATO signing makes him eligible to play in the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs game two tonight on the road in Bridgeport, Connecticut, against the host Bridgeport Islanders. This path to pro hockey via the ATO signing allows the young forward to play and be around the professional environment learning how things work on the ice and off. Harrison could sign an Entry-Level contract over the offseason, but due to his age and Canadian Hockey League and NHL agreement, Brett would most likely be returned to Oshawa in the fall after Bruins rookie and NHL Training camp.

Per the agreement, a CHL player who’s selected in the National Hockey League entry draft and is between the ages of 18 to 20 cannot report to the AHL. It’s either make the NHL roster or be returned to his respected CHL Junior team. Having Harrison in the OHL for another two seasons will only benefit the player and NHL Bruins organization.