--- title: "Bruins lock in four AHL-bound forwards with two-way deals" description: "Boston adds depth and development with Gaunce, Halonen, Guenette, and Patera for Providence’s 2026-27 push." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruins-sign-four-players-to-two-way-contracts-54e631b0 published: 2026-07-03T09:10:52.032+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T09:10:52.032+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Bruins lock in four AHL-bound forwards with two-way deals > Boston adds depth and development with Gaunce, Halonen, Guenette, and Patera for Providence’s 2026-27 push. The Boston Bruins have signed four players to two-way contracts, with the expectation that the majority of their playing time will be spent with the AHL’s Providence Bruins in the 2026-27 season. The moves underscore Boston’s commitment to strengthening its development pipeline and bolstering the roster depth of its top affiliate. Brendan Gaunce, a 30-year-old veteran forward, returns to the Bruins organization after previously skating for Providence during the 2022-23 campaign. Gaunce brings NHL experience, having appeared in 327 games with Vancouver, Florida, and Ottawa. His two-way deal allows flexibility for call-ups while anchoring Providence’s forward group. The signing signals Boston’s willingness to blend proven NHL minutes with AHL leadership—a tactic that often accelerates younger players’ development by surrounding them with experienced voices. Gaunce’s veteran presence could also ease the transition for Providence’s younger forwards as they adapt to the physical demands of the AHL. Brian Halonen, 25, joins Boston after splitting last season between the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) and the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL). Halonen logged 12 NHL games in 2023-24, totaling 25 points in 50 AHL contests. The left wing’s grit and offensive instincts fit Providence’s identity under head coach Steve Cooper. His ability to play both wings adds tactical flexibility, a trait that could force his way into NHL consideration if he replicates his AHL production in Providence. Halonen’s versatility also allows Providence to deploy him in different situations, whether it’s killing penalties or driving offensive zone entries, which is critical in a league where special teams often decide tight games. Maxence Guenette, 23, arrives from the Utica Comets organization, where he posted 11 points in 47 games last season. A right-shot defenseman, Guenette adds mobility and shutdown capability to Providence’s blue line. His two-way contract reflects Boston’s emphasis on transitioning young defensemen through the AHL, a system that has produced NHL regulars like Hampus Lindholm and Brandon Carlo. Guenette’s development timeline aligns with Boston’s need for a mobile, puck-moving defenseman capable of logging heavy minutes. The AHL’s emphasis on speed and defensive responsibility makes Guenette’s skill set particularly valuable in a league where transition play dictates success. Jiri Patera, 22, completes the quartet after a breakout 2023-24 in the AHL with Lehigh Valley, where he tallied 14 goals and 34 points in 68 games. The Czech forward’s production and skating make him a candidate for Providence’s top-six, with NHL upside under Boston’s development model. Patera’s contract structure—structured as a two-way deal—suggests Boston views him as a potential call-up asset if he continues to produce at a point-per-game pace in the AHL. His offensive profile could also help Providence address power-play deficiencies, a recurring issue for the franchise in recent seasons. "These signings reflect our belief in developing NHL-caliber talent within the organization," said Bruins GM Don Sweeney. "Providence is a critical step for these players, and we’re committed to building a competitive AHL team that supports our big-league roster." What's next: Providence opens its 2026-27 AHL campaign on October 11 at home against the Hershey Bears. The Bruins will monitor each player’s progress during training camp and in-season evaluations, with potential NHL call-ups tied to performance and roster needs. The quartet will compete for roles in Providence’s top-nine forward group and defensive rotation, with Gaunce likely serving as a mentor while Halonen, Guenette, and Patera vie for increased responsibilities as the season progresses. The development of these players will be closely watched, as their performance could influence Boston’s decisions on roster construction for the 2027-28 NHL season. ## Why this matters The Bruins’ investment in Gaunce, Halonen, Guenette, and Patera signals a strategic push to fortify the AHL pipeline, a proven pathway to NHL readiness. Providence’s competitiveness in the division directly impacts Boston’s ability to field a deeper, battle-tested lineup. These signings also reflect a broader trend among NHL teams prioritizing AHL depth as a cost-effective talent incubator. By locking in players with NHL experience or high-end AHL production, Boston is hedging against roster attrition while building a pipeline that can quickly supply the big club when injuries or underperformance strike up front or on the blue line. The quartet’s collective experience and upside further illustrate how the AHL serves as both a proving ground and a strategic asset for NHL organizations seeking to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term development. ## Frequently asked ### What is a two-way contract? A two-way contract pays a player different salaries depending on whether they play in the NHL or the AHL. The NHL salary is typically higher, incentivizing performance at both levels. ### How many NHL games has Brendan Gaunce played? Gaunce has played 327 NHL games across stints with Vancouver, Florida, and Ottawa. He provides Providence with a proven veteran presence. ### Which AHL team will these players join? Brendan Gaunce, Brian Halonen, Maxence Guenette, and Jiri Patera are expected to spend most of the 2026-27 season with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s primary AHL affiliate. ### What was Brian Halonen’s production last season? Halonen split time between Cleveland (AHL) and Columbus (NHL), posting 25 points in 50 AHL games and appearing in 12 NHL contests. ### Where did Maxence Guenette play last season? Guenette skated for the Utica Comets in 2023-24, recording 11 points in 47 games as a right-shot defenseman. ### What is Providence’s 2026-27 AHL season opener date? Providence is scheduled to open the 2026-27 AHL season at home against the Hershey Bears on October 11. ## Sources & Citations - [Bruins sign four players to two-way contracts](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/boston-bruins-ahl-signings-nhl-free-agency-gaunce-halonen-guenette-patera) — Daily Faceoff (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Bruins lock in four AHL-bound forwards with two-way deals. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/bruins-sign-four-players-to-two-way-contracts-54e631b0