( Photo Credit: Steven Ellis / DailyFaceoff.com )

By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44

This afternoon, the Boston Bruins announced that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Loke Johansson on an entry-level contract. Johansson signed a three-year deal with the B’s, and the contract will carry an annual cap hit of $860,000.

A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Johansson was selected by the Bruins #186th overall in this summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. Johansson plays for the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. So far this season, Johansson has registered five points in 15 games, while the Wildcats are currently first in the league’s Eastern Conference standings.

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Johansson donned the Spoked-B at this summer’s prospect challenge against prospects from the Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Johansson was also invited to the Bruins training camp. He also has some professional experience, having suited up for 19 games with AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan, registering one assist.

Next season will likely be Johansson’s first as a pro in North America. Whether that will be with the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League or the Maine Mariners in the East Coast Hockey League remains to be seen. At 6’3″ and 214 pounds, Johansson is known for his strong skating ability and stark defensive play. Those two traits should help him make the transition from junior hockey to the professional level. For now, Johansson will continue to chase a Memorial Cup with the Wildcats, before making the jump to the Bruins’ organization.