The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday that they have secured forward Ivan Ivan with a one‑year, two‑way contract that guarantees a league‑minimum NHL salary of $850,000 and a $150,000 rate in the American Hockey League.
Why the Two‑Way Deal Makes Sense
Ivan, 23, arrived in Boston after three seasons within the Colorado Avalanche system, where he posted 12 goals and 31 points in 67 AHL appearances for the Colorado Eagles and added eight points across 40 NHL games, averaging just over ten minutes of ice time per contest.
The deal was brokered by agent Allan Walsh of Octagon Hockey, a firm that has represented the young forward throughout his professional development.
Boston’s management sees Ivan as a versatile depth option who can contribute both at the NHL level and for the Providence Bruins, the team’s AHL affiliate, while also providing a ready‑made call‑up for the upcoming training camp.
The structure of the contract reflects a calculated gamble: a modest NHL guarantee paired with a higher AHL figure signals the Bruins’ confidence that Ivan can earn a permanent spot on the big roster, especially after his 15‑point burst in 17 playoff games for Colorado.
If he fails to crack the NHL lineup, the $150,000 AHL salary ensures he remains a productive asset for Providence, where his offensive instincts could be fully unleashed.
The move also underscores the Bruins’ ongoing effort to blend youthful talent with established veterans as they look to rebound from a competitive Atlantic Division season.