The Boston Bruins have a new face in their lineup: 25-year-old Czech forward Matej Blumel. After being called up from the AHL's Providence Bruins on November 17, 2025, Blumel is eager to make a lasting impression with the NHL club.
Blumel's journey to the Bruins organization began on July 1, 2025, when he signed a one-year, $875,000 contract as a free agent. Prior to joining Boston, Blumel played in the Dallas Stars' system, where he showcased his scoring ability in the AHL. In the 2024-25 AHL season with the Texas Stars, he led the league with 39 goals in 67 games, earning the Willie Marshall Award as the top goal scorer. He also finished just one point behind the league leader in total points and was named a First Team All-Star. Despite his AHL success, Blumel struggled to secure a consistent role with the Stars in the NHL. He has played 3 seasons in the NHL for the Stars and Bruins, recording 2 goals in 14 games.
During the Bruins' 2025 training camp, Blumel's debut caught attention. Although he didn't make the team out of camp, the Bruins were relieved when he cleared waivers. With recent injuries impacting the Bruins' roster, Blumel received his opportunity to join the team.
Bruins coach Marco Sturm has expressed confidence in Blumel's abilities. Initially, Blumel joined the second line with Pavel Zacha and Alex Steeves. Due to losses in the first two games of Blumel's tenure, Sturm adjusted the lines and placed Blumel on the first line alongside fellow Czech countrymen Zacha and David Pastrnak.
Blumel's journey to the NHL wasn't without its challenges. Born in Tabor, Czechia, he developed through the HC Pardubice system before transitioning to North America to play for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League (USHL). During the 2018-19 season, he scored 30 goals and 60 points in 58 games for the Black Hawks. Despite being eligible for the 2018 draft, Blumel went undrafted but continued to develop his game.
Internationally, Blumel has represented the Czech Republic, including at the 2021 and 2022 IIHF World Championships. In the 2022 tournament, he contributed four goals and eight points in 10 games, helping the Czech Republic win their first medal in 10 years, a bronze.
Blumel recognizes the significance of playing alongside Pastrnak and Zacha. "You come in the locker room and you see your name up there with those two, and morning skate with them, it is a really cool moment," Blumel said. "When I signed here, it was kind of my wish to suit up for a game with those two".
Coach Sturm has also noted the bond between the Czech players, saying, "I can see it off the ice, they take care of [Blumel]. David and Pav, they take care of him. They even take him out for dinner and stuff like that on the road".
Blumel is focused on playing the Bruins' system and contributing offensively. "The whole organization is focusing on D-zone details," Blumel said. "Not making turnovers and stuff like that. I want to play the way they want me to play and also add some offense that I've been working on all my life".
