The Boston Bruins signed Newmarket native Jackson Edward to a three-year entry-level contract last week.
Edward, a defenseman, was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Bruins with the 200th pick. His three-year contract is worth $2.58 million with an average value of $860,000.
Upon being drafted by the Bruins, Edward posted on social media that it was a "dream come true" and had hundreds of comments of support. Bruins fans have since commented on the post, excited to see him on the ice at TD Garden.
Described by NHL scouts as a physical defenseman who is not afraid to use his body and size to defend the blue line, Edward was ranked as one of the Bruins' top prospects heading into the season by various NHL websites after a strong developmental camp where “prickliness” was on full display.
The 19-year-old had been playing with the London Knights of the OHL, who he’d been with since the 2021-22 season, when the Bruins signed him.
A six-foot-two, 193-pound defenceman, Edward had totalled 38 points and 161 penalty minutes with a plus/minus of 16 in 130 regular games with the Knights.
Prior to being selected in the second round, with the 22nd pick, of the 2020 OHL Draft by the Knights, Edward played AAA hockey for the York-Simcoe Express and Richmond Hill Coyotes.
In the 2019-20 season, he was the alternate captain for the Express and finished with 30 points in 33 games.
