Kaspars Daugavins isn’t a name that comes up often in Boston these days, but for Bruins fans with sharp memories, he’s a familiar blip on the radar from the 2012-13 season. He suited up for just 12 games between the regular season and playoffs during that lockout-shortened campaign - a brief stint that almost ended with a Stanley Cup ring.
Almost. Boston came up short in the Final against Chicago, and Daugavins’ contribution - one assist over those 12 games - didn’t exactly etch his name into Bruins lore.
Still, Daugavins' hockey journey didn’t end there. In fact, it’s come full circle in a way that Bruins fans might find pretty compelling. Now 37, he’s set to captain Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he’ll also take on the role of mentor to one of Boston’s promising prospects, Dans Locmelis.
And this is where international hockey gets interesting. The powerhouse nations - Canada, the U.S., Sweden - tend to roll out lineups stacked with NHL stars.
But for countries like Latvia, it’s a mix of rising prospects and seasoned veterans, and that blend can lead to some unexpected and fascinating combinations. In Latvia’s case, it’s the grizzled Daugavins paired with the up-and-coming Locmelis, a player Bruins fans should be keeping a close eye on.
For Daugavins, this will be his fourth Olympic Games - a testament to his longevity and commitment to the national program. Since his last NHL appearance with Boston in 2013, he’s carved out a long and productive career in Europe, currently playing with the EC Kassel Huskies in Germany’s second-tier league. That kind of experience - especially on the international stage - is invaluable for a young player like Locmelis.
And make no mistake, Locmelis is no stranger to the big stage. He’s already made a name for himself with Latvia, most recently putting up six points in seven games at the World Championships. That kind of production, especially for a country that’s often punching above its weight in international play, is a strong signal that he’s next in line to carry the torch for Latvian hockey.
But there’s still a gap to close. Daugavins has logged 169 international games and racked up 107 points along the way - impressive numbers for a player from a nation that rarely gets the spotlight. That’s the kind of resume Locmelis is chasing, and having a mentor like Daugavins by his side at the Olympics could be a key step in that journey.
The Olympics always offer a different kind of hockey story - not just about medals, but about the passing of the torch, the blending of generations, and the pride of representing your country. For Latvia, the Daugavins-Locmelis connection could be one of the more intriguing subplots to watch. And for Bruins fans, it’s a chance to see a prospect grow under the guidance of a former Bruin - even if his time in Boston was short and, well, not exactly legendary.
Just don’t expect Daugavins to be giving lessons on how to finish in overtime during the Stanley Cup Final. Some lessons are better left untaught.