The Bruins will give 2021 third-round pick Brett Harrison a chance to make the varsity this fall.
They signed the 19-year-old center, drafted 85th overall and coming off a strong year in juniors, to a three-year entry-level contract that pays an average value of $859,167 if he makes the NHL.
Harrison put up 27 goals and 61 points in 65 games with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals last year, with 4-3—7 totals in six playoff games. If he cannot use his frame (6 feet 2 inches, 185 pounds) and two-way abilities to the Bruins’ liking, he would report back to Oshawa for a third full season.
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He nearly lost the 2020-21 year when COVID led to an OHL shutdown, but instead skated for KOOVEE in the Finnish Under-20 league (4-5—9 in seven games). As a rookie and one of the younger players in the OHL in 2019-20, he put up 21-16—37 in 58 games.
Harrison, who skated at Bruins development camp in Brighton last month, is expected to travel with the team’s rookies to the Buffalo tournament in September.
Matt Porter can be reached at matthew.porter@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyports.