The Boston Bruins have yet to sign a college free agent this spring, but odds are that the organization will be active without a first-round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney has succeeded with the college free agent route with the signings of former Ohio State center Georgii Merkulov, former Boston College captain Marc McLaughlin, and former Western Michigan University goaltender Brandon Bussi. There is a substantial list of candidates for the Bruins to choose from as more college teams wrap up their seasons. One intriguing player is still playing in the NCAA Tournament.
Western Michigan University senior forward Jason Polin is drawing interest from many NHL teams after a terrific season in which the 23-year-old right-shot winger led NCAA Division 1 hockey with 29 goals in 38 games. Polin is Bussi’s former teammate and roommate, currently playing with the Bruins’ American Hockey League affiliate Providence Bruins. New England Hockey Journal writer Mark Divver tweeted recently that Polin could be someone on the Bruins’ radar once his Junior season is complete. Western Michigan plays Boston University in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday at 2 pm Eastern Time.
The Holt, Michigan native played three seasons in the United States Hockey League for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and improved his offensive production every year. In his first season with Cedar Rapids, the 6-foot, 200-pound forward scored 30 goals with 20 assists in 59 games. In 2019-20, Polin committed to Western Michigan and, in four seasons, has played 131 collegiate games with 59 goals and 36 assists. The team captain set a National Collegiate Hockey Conference record with his 29 goals this season.
The nation’s leading goal-scorer, Polin, had a breakout senior campaign for the Broncos and is now a top-ten finalist for the Hobey Baker Award given to the nation’s top collegiate player. Polin is on the cusp of the 30-goal mark and has keyed the offense for one of the top-five scoring teams in the country.
The Bruins will be scouring the free-agent list to potentially find another gem to add to their prospect pool. Merkulov has been a top player in the AHL this season, and his teammate Bussi is a top goaltender. McLaughlin has already had a taste of the NHL and will be sure to compete for a roster spot next season. Other players to keep an eye on for Boston are OHL player James Hardie, Minnesota State defenseman Jake Livingstone, and Providence College forward Parker Ford.
