Jonathan Aspirot’s Journey from AHL Grinder to Bruins Mainstay: “A Heck of a Story”
Inside the Bruins locker room at TD Garden, Jonathan Aspirot stood in front of his teammates, lineup sheet in hand. The 26-year-old defenseman, a new addition to Boston’s roster this season, was doing more than just reading names-he was living out a dream.
Just hours earlier, Aspirot had signed a two-year contract extension with the Bruins. And in that moment, surrounded by cheers and stick taps, it became real.
“It is a full dream come true,” Aspirot said. “I was able to play my first NHL game and signing two more years with Boston - I couldn’t ask for more.”
This wasn’t a story of a top draft pick ascending the ranks with ease. Aspirot’s path was the long road-the kind paved with grit, patience, and a whole lot of bus rides in the AHL. Undrafted and largely under the radar, Aspirot spent six full seasons in the minors before finally getting his shot.
That opportunity came in October, when injuries on Boston’s blue line opened the door. He was recalled on October 26, made his NHL debut two days later, and hasn’t looked back since.
“He took advantage of the opportunity,” said Bruins assistant coach Marco Sturm. “And with the new coach and the system we play, it just fit him perfectly.
He’s become a big, pleasant surprise for this hockey team. We’re glad we locked him in for a couple more.”
Aspirot’s game isn’t flashy-but it’s effective. He plays a simple, physical style that’s quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates.
Through 29 games, he’s posted 49 hits, 38 blocked shots, and three points (two goals, one assist), all while averaging over 16 minutes of ice time per night. His +21 rating leads the team.
That kind of impact doesn’t go unnoticed-especially when you’re playing next to Charlie McAvoy on the top pairing.
“He’s been unreal,” Aspirot said of McAvoy. “He talks to me a lot, helps me a lot.
And he’s a great player, too. It’s really fun to play with him.”
McAvoy, now a veteran presence on the Bruins’ blue line, has seen firsthand how Aspirot has settled into the NHL pace and pressure.
“I feel like Charlie actually feels very safe when [Aspirot] is right beside him,” Sturm said. “Usually, it’s the veteran taking care of the younger guy.
But now, slowly, you can see he’s like, ‘I got your back, Charlie. You can do whatever you want.’”
That trust doesn’t come easy-especially not at this level. But Aspirot’s commitment to the details has made a difference. He spends time with assistant coach Jay Leach breaking down game film, looking for the subtle edges that separate NHL regulars from call-ups.
“Lots of video,” Aspirot said. “We look at players on the other side, what their habits are, what they usually do or try to do against you.
Always adjustments. Little things to adjust: stick position and footwork.”
It’s that willingness to learn and adapt that’s helped him thrive. And it’s not just coaches and teammates who’ve noticed. His family has been along for the ride, too.
Aspirot’s older sister, Krystel, joined him during the Bruins’ recent road swing through Chicago and Dallas as part of the team’s siblings trip.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said. “I am so happy to be here, and it’s a great chance to travel with him. We don’t really have a lot of chances to travel together.”
The Aspirots hail from Mascouche, Quebec, just under six hours from Boston. The family has made the trip to TD Garden three times since November, supporting Jonathan as he lives out the dream he’s chased since childhood.
“I was so happy for him because he worked so hard his whole life for this,” Krystel said. “It was his dream. I think he fits perfectly here.”
And while Bruins fans are getting used to seeing No. 52 lay the body and block shots, there’s another side to Aspirot that’s a little less visible.
“Jonathan loves spending time in the woods,” Krystel shared. “He enjoys fishing, hunting.
He crafted his own knife and other hunting stuff. You can find him far away from the city in his old Tacoma truck in the suburbs.”
But right now, you’ll find him right where he belongs-on the Bruins’ blue line, holding his own next to one of the league’s best.
For McAvoy and the rest of the locker room, watching Aspirot’s rise has been a reminder of what it takes to make it-and stay-in the NHL.
“I am just so proud for him,” McAvoy said. “It’s a heck of a story, right?
Talk about paying your dues and keep pushing for the dream. I know a lot of guys that played a lot of years in the AHL, and they were quick to go to Europe, maybe or somewhere else.
That’s a guy who just showed up and continued to get better.”
Aspirot didn’t take the easy route. He took the one lined with setbacks, long nights, and relentless work. And now, with a two-year deal in hand and a spot in Boston’s top four, he’s proving he belongs.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt-anybody that’s watched him-the appreciation that we have for him in here,” McAvoy said. “He’s an NHL hockey player.”