The Boston Bruins have reached one-year extensions with both Cameron Hughes and Joona Koppanen for the 2021-22 season. Both contracts will be two-way and carry an NHL salary of $750K.
Hughes, 24, was outstanding for the Providence Bruins this season, scoring 21 points in 25 games. He only got into one NHL game (taking his career total to two) but should get a chance to compete for a bottom-six spot in 2021-22. The Bruins have been trying for years to get some additional offense out of the bottom of the lineup, and though Hughes doesn’t scream difference-maker, he may be a useful piece to move in and out.
Even if he does get that NHL opportunity, this is likely the last season before unrestricted free agency for Hughes. Unless he plays in 78 games with Boston, he’ll qualify as a Group VI UFA next summer as a 25-year-old. That means this is an important year for the former Wisconsin star, and could lead to a potential one-way deal next time he hits the open market.
In Koppanen’s case, things are a little different. A fifth-round pick in 2016, he split this season between two levels in Finland and Providence, recording just six points in his 21 AHL games. A depth piece at this point, he does bring some size and upside, but more likely for a minor league role. He will be a restricted free agent again next summer.