Ahcan (5-foot-8, 179 pounds) could be the next in a wave of smaller defensemen making an impact in the NHL.
Providence has churned out Boston-bound defensemen for years, and the 23-year-old rapidly has won the trust of coach Jay Leach. Through eight games for Providence (6-2-0-0), Ahcan has scored six points (one goal, five assists).
Ahcan, who was not selected in the NHL Draft, signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins on March 27, 2020, after playing four seasons at St. Cloud State University. He scored 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 33 games last season and was named to National Collegiate Hockey Conference Second All-Star Team for the second consecutive season. He scored 103 points (21 goals, 82 assists) in 144 NCAA games.