By: Neil Simmons | Follow me on Twitter / X: @NSimmz
The Boston Bruins have officially entered the college free-agent market, signing Cornell forward Dalton Bancroft to a one-year NHL contract on Thursday morning. Bancroft, an undrafted free-agent, opted to forgo his final year of eligibility and sign with the Bruins following the Big Red’s NCAA tournament elimination against Boston University over the weekend.
Bancroft, a native of Centre Hastings, Ontario, set a new career high in goal scoring this past season and finished with a final line of 15-12-27 in 36 games, playing on the top line with Bruins draft pick Ryan Walsh. For his career, Bancroft recorded 36-43-79 in 103 games.
The 6’3”, 207lb winger plays a heavy, physical brand of hockey that is emblematic of Cornell under Head Coach Mike Schaefer and fits right in with the ethos of the Boston Bruins. He can create scoring chances, fire the puck on net, doesn’t shy away from contact, and is responsible defensively. In addition to finishing second behind Walsh in points and goal scoring, Bancroft led the Big Red in shots on goal and shorthanded goals, while skating at a +10 rating.
Bancroft has been on Boston’s radar for some time. He attended the Bruins development camp last summer alongside Walsh, and as Mark Divver reported on X, Boston had representatives in Toledo ready to negotiate with Bancroft if Cornell had lost their opening game to Michigan State. Bancroft will report to Providence on an Amateur Tryout (ATO) to finish the 2024-25 season.
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