On July 9, 2012, Hanson signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Boston Bruins. The contract paid Hanson $600,000 if he played in the NHL and $105,000 while playing with the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Hanson spent the entire duration of the 2012–13 season with Providence and contributed 29 points in 67 games.