On Tuesday afternoon, Boston announced the signing of UMass forward Dans Locmelis to a three-year, entry-level contract with an annual NHL cap hit of $860,000. The 21-year-old Latvian forward’s contract will take effect next season, but he is expected to finish this year with the Providence Bruins on an amateur tryout deal.
Selected by the Bruins in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, Locmelis has spent the past two seasons at UMass, tallying 47 points in 70 games. In his sophomore year, he recorded 33 points (eight goals, 25 assists) across 40 games.
“During his two short years at UMass, Dans’ game improved dramatically, largely due to his incredible commitment and discipline to his training,” said UMass head coach Greg Carvel in a statement. “He has really rounded out his game and is as complete a player as I’ve had during my time at UMass. … He has all the tools to be an NHL player, and I have no doubt his time at UMass has prepared him well.”
Locmelis also boasts extensive international experience, having represented Latvia in the World Junior Championships (2022, 2023, 2024) and the IIHF World Championships (2023, 2024). He is also expected to compete for Team Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I have great respect for Dans and how he conducted himself at UMass,” Carvel added. “A young kid from Latvia with English as his second language, he grew in every possible way, and that’s always rewarding for a coach to witness. We hope to see him playing for the Bruins in the near future.”