Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced on June 15 that the Bruins signed defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, of Charlestown, to a two-year contract through the 2019-2020 season with an annual cap hit of $1.4 million.
“It gives me a little bit more confidence now going into next year, so I’m just really excited,” said Grzelcyk. “I don’t think I want to be too comfortable, and I want to make sure that I’m earning everything I get. It does help, just from a peace of mind standpoint, not having to look over your shoulder as much, but there’s still a lot of competition at camp, things like that. Just looking forward to getting another good summer, being healthy and then coming into next year and earning my ice time.”
Grzelcyk also said he would be hitting the weight room in the off-season to bulk up and add strength for endurance through the season.
Grzelcyk joined the Bruins out of Boston University when he signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the club on April 1, 2016.
He competed in his rookie season in 2017-18, playing in 61 games and totaling three goals and 12 assists for 15 points. Grzelcyk skated in 11 postseason games, picking up one assist.
The 24-year-old recorded his first career point on an assist versus the New Jersey Devils on November 22, 2017. Two days later, he notched his first career goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 5-foot-9, 174-pound defenseman won a gold medal in the 2012 U18 World Junior Championship and competed in the World Junior Championship in 2014, scoring two goals and adding four assists for six points in five games.
The Charlestown native was originally selected by Boston in the third round (85th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.