By: Neil Simmons | Follow me on Twitter / X: @NSimmz
Another member of the Boston Bruins’ 2021 Draft Class is headed out the door. After rumors circulated that Andre Gasseau was looking to test free agency this summer, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney effectively confirmed that the former seventh-round draft pick will be playing elsewhere next season.
“In all likelihood we’ll find a trade opportunity for [Gasseau] between now and August, but he controls that at this point in time,” Sweeney told the Boston Globe’s Jim McBride at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo. “We wanted to sign Andre. Our development guys have done a fabulous job in communicating with him, worked with him for six years, so it’s disappointing organizationally, but the player has this decision to make, and he’s made it. You have to respect that.”
The news was not entirely unexpected within Bruins circles. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported in his April 32 Thoughts column that Gasseau was headed to free agency in August. Mark Divver of the New England Hockey Journal added that Gasseau was rumored to be looking for NHL ice time right away.
Gasseau concluded his four-year career with Boston College this past March, having recorded 43 goals and 111 points (43-68-111) in 135 career games and serving as co-captain during his senior season. His decorated career on Chestnut Hill included two Hockey East regular-season titles, one Hockey East tournament title, a national championship game appearance, and the program’s first Beanpot title in a decade.
Whether he departs by trade or free agency, the Garden Grove, California, native will be the fifth member of his seven-player draft class to depart the organization. His former BC linemate Oskar Jellvik also recently elected to enter free agency rather than sign with the Bruins, joining Rogle BK in his native Sweden on a two-year contract. As of now, only Fabian Lysell and Ty Gallagher remain from the 2021 Draft, with Lysell set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
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