The Maine Mariners and Boston Bruins have agreed on a three-year affiliation agreement to carry them through 2027-28 season. Maine and Boston are entering their fifth season as ECHL and NHL affilates. During their four years as Boston’s ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners had made the Kelly Cup Playoffs in the first three seasons, all which ended with first-round exits. The two sides have had previous history as well as the Mariners severed as the Bruins AHL affiliate from 1987-1992 before the Bruins moved their AHL affilate to Providence. This should also help the Bruins, who are currently rebuilding and will be able to utilize the three-tier system for their up-and-coming prospects.
Looking ahead at the 2025-26 season, the Providence Bruins have already signed forward Brooklyn Kalmikov and defenseman Zachary Massicotte to AHL contracts for next season. I would expect goaltender Luke Cavallin or Simon Zajicek to see time in Maine this season after signing entry-level deals with the Bruins this summer. Last season forward Jimmy Lambert, along with defensemen Mason Millman and Jackson Edward all saw time at the AHL and ECHL level last season. Goaltender Nolan Maier also saw one game at the Providence Bruins, while spending most of the season with the Mariners.
“We are excited to extend our affiliation agreement with the Boston Bruins and Providence Bruins,” said Mariners Owner & Governor Dexter Paine. “It is an important step for our franchise as we align the Mariners with these two historic franchises. Stabilizing and growing the partnership with both Boston and Providence was a priority of mine after purchasing the team last fall. I want to thank Cam Neely, Don Sweeney and Evan Gold, and we look forward to many great years as part of the Bruins development pipeline.”
Maine Mariners Owner & Governor Dexter Paine on the affiliation extension (Via Maine Mariners Press Release)
This deal also keeps the Boston Trifecta in Portland with the Portland Sea Dogs and Maine Celtics both being located in the area. This puts the final touches for the Mariners who have a re-vamped hockey operations staff with the Rick Kowalsky taking the reins behind the bench and Brad Staubitz becoming the new Director of Hockey Operations. It’s been a successful offseason so far for Dexter Paine who took over the team last September.
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