By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter / X @BlackAndGold277
The Boston Bruins’ seventh-round pick in the 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Cullen McCrate, is beginning his next chapter north of the border, suiting up for his first season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brampton Bulldogs. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound defenseman from Michigan is already turning heads as he transitions from the American junior ranks to one of Canada’s premier developmental leagues.
McCrate, a product of the renowned Little Caesars AAA program, spent the 2025-26 season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Fargo Force. There, he played all 61 games, posting a solid 10 goals, 20 assists, and 49 penalty minutes while establishing himself as a reliable, physical presence on the blue line. His steady play and upside earned him a selection by the Bruins in the late rounds of the draft, and he followed up with an impressive showing at Boston’s annual Development Camp at Warrior Ice Arena. The camp, held over Fourth of July week in Brighton, Massachusetts, saw McCrate display the blend of size, skating, and hockey sense that caught the eye of the Bruins’ scouting staff and fans in attendance.
Following development camp, McCrate carried his momentum into the Prospects Showcase in Buffalo, New York, where he suited up against the Sabres’ top young talent. He recorded multiple assists over two games, but more importantly, demonstrated his poise and mobility along the blue line. His ability to survey the offensive zone and get pucks through traffic set up several scoring chances for his teammates, highlighting his potential as a modern, right-shot defenseman.
Brampton Bulldogs head coach Michael Babcock Jr.—son of current Edmonton Oilers bench boss Mike Babcock—expressed excitement about McCrate’s arrival during an interview on The Sheet Hockey Podcast with Jeff Marek. “Cullen brings physical tools and a reliability we value on our blue line,” Babcock Jr. noted. In the early stages of the 2026-27 OHL campaign, McCrate has already appeared in two games, acclimating quickly to the pace and physicality of major junior hockey.
Brampton Bulldogs family group leader Spencer Hyman gave the quote below in the official Cullen McCrate signing article, which can be seen HERE. The Hyman family, which includes brother and Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman along with the pair’s father, has owned the OHL franchise since the league officially announced the transfer of ownership, a process that was completed in January of 2025.
“Cullen McCrate is a tremendous addition to our organization.” said Hyman. “He brings size, strength, and a physical presence that every team covets, while also being a dependable two-way defenceman who can impact the game in all situations. He competes hard, defends with authority, moves the puck well, and plays the game with an edge. Just as importantly, Cullen is a high-character young man who fits the identity and culture we’ve built in Brantford. We’re thrilled to welcome Cullen and his family to the Bulldogs and look forward to seeing him make an immediate impact on our club. Welcome to Brantford, Cullen!”.
Looking further ahead, McCrate is committed to returning to his roots in Michigan, having pledged to join Michigan State University for the 2027-28 NCAA season. For now, however, Bruins fans and the Bulldogs faithful alike have reason to be optimistic as the young defenseman takes important steps in his development journey—showcasing a game built on steadiness, physicality, and an emerging offensive touch.
So far, in three games with Brampton, McCrate has started his OHL career off on the right foot, seemingly getting accustomed quickly to the Brampton system orchestrated by first-year bench boss Babcock. The B’s defensive prospect also has two assists in those three OHL contests and carries a +3 plus/minus in this early 2026-27 regular-season campaign.
Per a scouting report from the great folks over at EliteProspects.com, “McCrate is a game manager, the type of defenceman who limits the risk and keeps play moving up the rink. He’s a fluid skater and a steady rush defender, and brings some physicality to keep opponents honest. His puck game is most evident in short-range outlets, making quick passes through the forecheck with occasional evasive moves.”
If you’d like to watch Bruins prospect defenseman Cullen McCrate and his rookie year in the OHL, please click HERE for ways to purchase a streaming package from the folks at FloHockey. The website is running a great deal on annual and monthly subscriptions and is an amazing way to watch so much hockey at every level.
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