Latest news with #MasonLohrei
New York Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Bruins' Mason Lohrei, a $6.4 million contract and that minus-43
The number that is difficult not to notice on Mason Lohrei's stat line is minus-43. The NHL may someday classify plus-minus as a statistical fossil from a blurrier era. Until then, it will remain a dubious marker, specifically for a defenseman such as Lohrei, who led the category at the wrong end. Plus-minus's inaccuracy, however, can be summed up as such: On Monday, the winner of what is informally known as the NHL's green jacket signed a two-year, $6.4 million extension with the Boston Bruins. Advertisement In 2024-25, both Jim Montgomery and Joe Sacco thought highly enough of Lohrei's offensive firepower that they regularly deployed the defenseman in late-game situations. Opponents pumped pucks into the Bruins' vacated net on 14 of those occasions, pulling Lohrei's plus-minus deeper into the NHL's trough. 'The Bruins, to their credit, did not use that as the only thing they were thinking about, either. We all understand that,' said Brian Bartlett, Lohrei's agent. 'On paper, it wasn't pretty. But if you dig into it, it wasn't nearly as egregious as it looks.' According to Bartlett, negotiations began several weeks following the conclusion of the regular season. Both employer and employee concluded a bridge deal was the best solution for the 24-year-old, whose entry-level contract was expiring. It gives the Bruins time to determine who Lohrei can become. Lohrei, in turn, will have two windows in which to re-enter the market: after July 1, 2026, with a year left on the deal, or sometime in 2027 at or near the contract's expiration. In either instance, he could have better numbers with which to make his case. He will remain a restricted free agent after this contract. 'We're still very bullish he's got a lot more growth in his game, both offensively and defensively, to round out as a top-four defenseman,' Bartlett said. 'So we weren't really in a rush to do anything long term unless it was at one of those salary numbers where you kind of jump ahead and project him as that guy already. So in our conversations with Boston, when they didn't feel quite ready to make that long-term, big-dollar commitment, we started focusing on what a bridge would look like.' Mason Lohrei gets in on the goal scoring! 4-0 🇺🇸@NHLBruins | @usahockey | #MensWorlds — NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) May 9, 2025 As for Lohrei's $3.2 million yearly payday, his average annual value follows the bridge-deal template of Evan Bouchard ($3.9 million), the Edmonton Oilers' offensive defenseman with a first-round pedigree. One of the differences is that Bouchard had two 40-plus-point seasons on his resume before he signed his two-year, $7.8 million second contract. In comparison, 2024-25 was Lohrei's first full NHL season. It's harder to say with Lohrei, then, whether his five-goal, 33-point output represents an initial foothold toward an offensive ascent or more of a baseline of what he will become. Lohrei's next step will be to gain new coach Marco Sturm's trust with stouter play in the defensive zone so he can earn more offensive opportunities. Advertisement 'I want to be a guy that plays in every single situation,' Lohrei said Tuesday following a training session at Culver Military Academy, his former prep school before he advanced to the USHL. 'I know I can get there. It's just about putting in the work and continuing to learn and grow. I want to start games, finish games, play against the other teams' top players, play a lot of minutes, power play, penalty kill, all that stuff. That's what I want to be.' Lohrei averaged 19:32 of ice time per game. It was probably more than the Bruins expected him to log. But Lohrei took on extra shifts after Hampus Lindholm suffered a season-ending patella injury on Nov. 12. The 2020 second-rounder became a first-unit PP fixture partly because of Charlie McAvoy's shoulder injury and infection at the 4 Nations Face-Off. In particular, Lohrei had to assume more matchup assignments than the Bruins would have preferred. The Bruins allowed 2.65 expected goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, per Natural Stat Trick, with Lohrei on the ice. It was the highest xGA per 60 of any team defenseman. Sturm will have options. He could use Lohrei on the No. 1 pair with McAvoy. If Sturm prefers a shutdown tandem with McAvoy and Nikita Zadorov, he could roll Lohrei on the No. 3 duo. In any case, Lohrei projects to play less than Lindholm and Zadorov, who are better equipped for matchup duty. Lohrei's strengths lean toward offense. 'What the market looked like last year might be very different from what it looks like in two years,' Bartlett said. 'That's a risk we're willing to take based on Mason's faith in himself and our faith in him. The communication with the Bruins is if Mason turns into that guy we all hope that he does, they'll also be happy to pay him whatever the market rate is at that point.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Boston Bruins Lock Defenseman Mason Lohrei to a Two-Year, $6.4 Million Deal
Image Via Twitter (Boston Bruins Lock Defenseman Mason Lohrei to a Two-Year, $6.4 Million Deal) While the NHL offseason was heating up, the Boston Bruins had taken a few proactive measures in keeping one of their rising stars. Lohrei has signed a two-year extension with the Bruins at age 24, cementing his place in the club's plans; with his strong two-way game and ever-growing role, he has already shown that he is more than just a prospect. This contract will ensure the services of Lohrei while simultaneously serving as an expression of confidence from the organization in his further development and value to the defensive corps. Mason Lohrei 's Game Has Earned Him a Spot in the Bruins' Defensive Plans — HockeyJoseph10 (@HockeyJoseph10) Recognized now as a burgeoning top-four defenseman with a $6.4 million contract, this has been a reward for Windsor-NHLNtern second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, who has somehow gained respect and has become a cornerstone of the Bruins' defensive corps since skipping out on restricted free agency. His 2024-25 season was thus far his breakout season, with Lohrei tallying five goals along with 28 assists for 33 points, all career highs. Not only during even-strength situations, but Lohrei was also the top defenseman offensively for the Bruins last season. Among defensemen, he led power-play scoring with 16 points, thanks to his high hockey IQ and good positioning in the offensive zone. Moreover, the fact that he logged nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game (19:32) only goes on to show that the coaching staff trusts him in every single situation. In all, Lohrei has appeared in 118 regular-season NHL games, garnering 46 points. In the playoffs, he has added one goal and three assists in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games, indicating that he can raise his level of play even in the big moments. The Bruins appear intent on betting on that upside and securing a lock for their defensive corps as they transition through roster changes toward future contention. With the team being in a constant state of transition from veterans to youth, this mix of skill, stability, and upside is the very ingredient Lohrei adds to the Bruins. Lohrei's new deal is a win-win for both parties, a chance for him to put this team on his back and lead the Bruins' blue line over the next few years. Also Read: Matt Duchene commits to Dallas Stars with new four-year, $18 million deal Signing Mason Lohrei was a key move for the Bruins to further strengthen their defense depth while investing in a promising young player. The deal signifies confidence and places the centrality of Lohrei as a paramount consideration for Boston's long-term set-up on defence. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Reuters
2 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Bruins sign D Mason Lohrei to 2-year extension
June 23 - The Boston Bruins on Monday signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year, $6.4 million contract extension through the 2026-27 season. The 24-year-old Louisiana native was selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft and was due to become a restricted free agent in July. Lohrei appeared in 77 games in 2024-25 and registered 33 points (five goals, 28 assists). He was second on the Bruins in power-play points (16) and fourth in blocks (103). He has 46 points (nine goals, 37 assists) and 34 penalty minutes in 118 career games since making his NHL debut in November 2023. --Field Level Media
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Boston Bruins sign defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year, $6.4 million contract extension
BOSTON — The Boston Bruins on Monday signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $3.2 million. Lohrei, 24, scored five goals with 28 assists last season and has totaled nine goals and 37 assists in 118 career games with the Bruins. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defenseman led Boston defensemen in assists, points and power play points last season, when top defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Elias Lindholm missed time with injuries.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Boston Bruins sign defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year, $6.4 million contract extension
FILE - Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Dec. 31, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, file) BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins on Monday signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $3.2 million. Lohrei, 24, scored five goals with 28 assists last season and has totaled nine goals and 37 assists in 118 career games with the Bruins. Advertisement The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defenseman led Boston defensemen in assists, points and power play points last season, when top defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Elias Lindholm missed time with injuries. ___ AP NHL:
