For Luke Cavallin, now a member of the Boston Bruins organization, it’s certainly been a memorable few months.
The 24-year-old from Ottawa was brilliant in backstopping the Trois-Rivières Lions to the ECHL Championship back in June. If that weren’t enough, he was also named the league’s playoff MVP, and a few weeks later, he signed his first NHL contract, agreeing to a one-year deal with the Bruins.
The Bruins were one of several NHL teams interested in Cavallin’s services, and with the ridiculous playoff numbers he just put up, why wouldn’t they be? In 20 postseason games, Cavallin went 15-5 with a 1.53 goals-against average, and a .948 save percentage.
Luke Cavallin, ECHL Playoff MVP and championship-winning goaltender with the Trois-Rivières Lions, signed his first NHL contract with the Boston Bruins this summer after a standout postseason performance. | Photography by Sean Sisk.
“It has been really hard to take everything in, and none of this feels real yet,” Cavallin said. “I have achieved two of my lifelong goals this summer. It’s still taking a bit to sink in. It’s been a mixed bag of emotions from gratitude, relief, and pure elation, it’s all a bit hard to grasp. I’m happy I’ve been able to share this with my teammates, family and friends.”
As he adjusts to his new reality, Cavallin has been able to enjoy a strong summer of training, but he’s also been able to find some time for roller hockey, fishing, golfing, barbecuing, and spending time with family. But next month, it’s off to Boston where a new opportunity awaits.
“I have actually gotten to experience three NHL training camps prior to this year with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens, so I have a bit under my belt to prepare myself for what to expect. I am excited to go into this with a new organization and a fresh opportunity. It is always an exciting time of the year with anticipation for the coming season, so I am looking forward to getting started.”
Cavallin’s formative years as a young goaltender came with the Nepean Raiders, Gloucester Rangers, Upper Canada Cyclones, and Kemptville 73’s. But before that, his father’s pro hockey career took the family all over the world. Mark Cavallin was also a goaltender and had pro stops in England, Germany, Italy, Ireland. He even had a stint with Canada’s National team.
We caught up with Luke during his offseason in Ottawa to reflect on his roots, his incredible championship season, and what it meant to sign his first NHL contract.
Your championship season with Trois-Rivières was incredible. What clicked for you and your team?
I think the biggest factor is that we had a really good room. I think each and every player would say that was the closest team anyone has ever played on. It was just a great group of people that came together to push for the same purpose; everyone played for each other. I would say that is the most important part of building a hockey team. I thought our coach did a really good job of putting the right people in that locker room.
What did it mean to you to be named the 2025 ECHL playoff MVP?
It was definitely an honour to receive that award, knowing you played a significant role in helping your team win a championship is extremely special and I’m super grateful for that opportunity. However, I would have been just as happy seeing anyone else on our team receive it also. I thought everyone played their part extremely well, you couldn’t have removed a single player and expected the same result of the championship. With that said, it means a lot having my name put beside many great players that have come before me.
How did the Bruins’ contract offer come about? What was that moment like for you?
I always focus on the task at hand so I really don’t pay much attention to it while I’m playing and especially not in the playoffs, but after the season there was quite a bit of interest from some teams. It was just about figuring out with my agent what would be the best fit and hopefully the best decision for my career.
What can you tell us about your family and their reaction to your success last season?
My family has been really supportive, especially throughout our championship run and everything that followed. I think they knew how much this meant to me and what an amazing experience this was so it really felt like a win for all of us. It was a special situation where everyone felt we were in the good times without having to realize it in hindsight, so we all tried to soak everything in as much as possible and stay present. It really meant a lot to me having them there to experience that with me and being able to share those moments as a family.
Finally, it’s off to Boston for camp next month. Have you had any conversations with the Bruins about their vision or expectations for you this season?
I think most of the expectations come from myself. I know what my goals are and how I need to get there. I have put in the work over this past summer and the last few years. My mentality is just to keep getting better everyday and to take small compounded steps toward my end goals.
For a young man who took such a big step this season, this may be just the beginning for Luke Cavallin.
