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Ex-Calgary Flames AHL defenceman being tasked with massive playoff role for the Bruins

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Apr 27 2026, 4:22 pm
Ex-Calgary Flames AHL defenceman being tasked with massive playoff role for the Bruins
Russell LaBounty/Imagn Images

Despite being with the Calgary Flames organization as recently as last season, many fans won’t remember the name Jonathan Aspirot.

The 26-year-old defenceman spent two seasons with the Flames organization, logging a combined 131 games with the Calgary Wranglers. There weren’t many talking about Aspirot at the time, as most believed he was nothing more than an AHL player. He’s quickly proving that to be incorrect.

Aspirot agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins this past offseason, and it’s turned out to be the best decision he’s made in his career. He was not only able to make his NHL debut in 2025-26, but suited up for 61 games on the Bruins’ blue line.

The regular season saw Aspirot score three goals and 13 points while averaging 16:44 in ice time. That in itself is impressive, but it’s his role in the playoffs that is really starting to garner some attention.

Over the second half of the regular season, Aspirot began seeing some time on the Bruins’ top pairing alongside Charlie McAvoy. That’s continued in the playoffs, as he’s become a key part of their back end.

Despite the Bruins trailing the Buffalo Sabres 3-1 in their best-of-seven series, Aspirot has continued to impress with two helpers thus far.

“I didn’t know Aspy before this year. It’s just been really fun to play with him, to get friendly with him. I think we’ve played great hockey together all year long,” McAvoy told reporters last week. “Just so many amazing things for him. I’m just really happy for him. Now he’s getting to experience NHL playoff hockey, and he’s playing amazing.”

This doesn’t appear to be some sort of one-off for Aspirot, either. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has clearly liked what he’s seen, as he chose to sign the journeyman defenceman to a two-year, $1.775 million extension back in January.

Aspirot and the Bruins certainly have their hands full against this young and talented Sabres bunch, but they will look to keep their season alive in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

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