Mason Lohrei – McKeen's Hockey

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – BOSTON BRUINS – Team Preview/Player Profiles/Predictions

Josh Bell — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:56:19 +0000

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 06: Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) eyes a shot during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Calgary Flames on February 6, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

To say things went sideways last season is putting it lightly. The Bruins went from having 109 points and finishing second in the Atlantic Division in 2023-2024 to dead last in the Eastern Conference and 76 points in 2024-2025. They fired coach Jim Montgomery only to see him join the St. Louis Blues and rally them to the playoffs while interim Joe Sacco couldn’t help pull the Bruins out of the hole they dug themselves. That led to seeing general manager Don Sweeney pull the plug and trade captain Brad Marchand to Florida and defenceman Brandon Carlo to Toronto at the trade deadline. While David Pastrnak continued to be brilliant and Morgan Geekie had a big season, No. 1 goalie Jeremy Swayman struggled all year after he missed training camp while he awaited a new contract. Injuries to defencemen Charlie McAvoy (50 games played) and Hampus Lindholm (17 games played) for a bulk of the season made matters that much worse and if they could burn the tape of the whole year, they would. Unfortunately, they’ll have to take a long look in the mirror to figure out if this is something they can turn around or if a rebuild of some kind is needed.

What’s Changed?

Marco Sturm is back in Boston and this time he’ll be behind the bench as a first-time NHL head coach. He replaces Sacco who had the unfortunate task of trying to turn things around midway through last season. Sturm comes over from the Ontario Reign in the AHL where he led them to the playoffs in each of his three seasons. Previously to that, he was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings under Todd McLellan. On top of the new coach, the Bruins expect to have McAvoy and Lindholm back on the blue line. Free agency was quiet, however. They brought back forward Sean Kuraly and added forwards Michael Eyissmont and Tanner Jeannot and defenceman Jordan Harris. Adding Viktor Arvidsson via trade from Edmonton gives them a guy with a history of scoring on the wing. Being near the cap ceiling has its downsides and having to budget signings was a big part of that for Boston. Fans that wanted big roster additions were dealt a hard dose of reality.

What Would Success Look Like?

The bar is set differently for Boston and getting back to the playoffs is a priority given they have one of the league’s elite scorers in his prime in Pastrnak (43 goals and 107 points last season). A return to form from Swayman and healthy seasons from McAvoy and Lindholm will have the Bruins back in a place where they can be more back to normal for them. If Geekie can replicate what he did last season when he scored 33 goals while getting stronger seasons from Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt, they can be right back in the hunt for the playoffs. The Bruins don’t lack talent; they lack depth and depth of talent which means injuries and slumps are their worst enemies. It also puts enormous pressure on Sweeney to shore things up.

What Could Go Wrong?

If Swayman’s erratic performance last season was less a factor of not having a training camp and more about his play coming back to Earth, that would be a worse-case scenario. What helped make Boston so good in previous years was being able to split time with two goalies who could stay fresh and pick each other up. When Swayman struggled, Joonas Korpisalo couldn’t always pick up the slack as the backup. Should Geekie be unable to replicate his offensive output and McAvoy and Lindholm struggle coming back from injury, the Bruins’ season will be a slog for them to keep up while the rest of the Atlantic Division throw haymakers at each other to get to the playoffs. It’s the NHL’s toughest division and any kind of slip up can end a season prematurely.

Top Breakout Candidate

The biggest factor in becoming a breakout player is the opportunity to do it and that’s what Marat Khusnutdinov will have. The Bruins acquired the forward from Minnesota in March for Justin Brazeau and at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, he’s got the size and skills to get in and out of trouble with ease. In 91 career games he’s got six goals and 10 assists, but if he can take advantage of the opportunity he’ll have in Boston to get ice time, the 2020 second-round pick will have the opportunity to take a big step forward with his game.

FORWARDS

David Pastrnak

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	45	58	103	1.26

In the past four seasons, Pastrnak has scored 191 goals, putting him third in the NHL, behind only Auston Matthews (202) and Leon Draisaitl (200). Pastrnak has reached that total with a solid foundation – he leads the NHL with 1,420 shots on goal over that period of time. As the Bruins move through what appears to be a period of transition, Pastrnak is clearly the most talented player on the team and, as he showed last season, he can produce at an elite level no matter what the situation is with his supporting cast. So, even as the Bruins faded from playoff contention, in his last 38 games, Pastrnak put up an astonishing 64 points (26 G, 38 A), pushing him past 40 goals and 100 points for the third consecutive season. He was runner-up for the Hart Trophy in 2022-2023, when he scored 61 goals, but it might take a little while for the Bruins to bounce back into a suitably competitive level that will get him those kinds of accolades, but his performance in recent seasons warrants that kind of respect. Having heaped this praise upon him, it would still be helpful if the Bruins could improve the quality of talent around Pastrnak so that he doesn’t have to carry such a heavy load. As it is, Pastrnak has a superb wrist shot and has improved his ability to put the puck on net. He remains one of the few players in the league with a legitimate chance to score 50 goals and 100 points and that should be where expectations sit for him going into the 2025-2026 season.

Morgan Geekie

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	38	27	65	0.79

Following a couple of seasons of steady progress, Geekie erupted last season with career highs of 33 goals and 57 points. Geekie tallied 29 even-strength goals, which was tied for eighth in the NHL. As encouraging as that might be, he also scored on 22 percent of his shots and that will be extremely difficult to duplicate. Nevertheless, Geekie was given the opportunity to play an offensive role and made the most of it, playing mostly with Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha. Playing with quality linemates allowed Geekie to be featured as more of a finisher and he did an excellent job finding open ice and being ready to fire the puck at a moment’s notice. Geekie also uses his 6-foot-3 frame effectively around the net, shielding the puck from defenders and creating just enough room to knock in rebounds or finish off passing plays when he is in-tight. The question now is whether this is indeed the level to which Geekie should be expected to produce, and the answer probably lies in whether he is going to keep playing with Pastrnak. Since last season brought unprecedented production, Geekie is a somewhat risky proposition going into 2025-2026. He is likely to skate on Boston’s first line, but it’s not like he has the track record to believe that he must be in that spot all season, so enthusiasm should be tempered at least a little. As such, 25 goals and 45-50 points is a fair expectation.

Elias Lindholm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	21	37	58	0.71

The Brujns probably held out hope that they would get more offence from Lindholm, who managed 47 points in his first season in Boston, scoring just three goals in his first 32 games. He needed nine points (4 G, 5 A) in his last seven games to even reach that relatively modest point total. In his best years with the Calgary Flames, Lindholm was a premier two-way center who could contribute offensively, recording a career-high 82 points (40 G, 42 A) in 2021-2022, while also providing responsible defensive play and he finished as the Selke Trophy runner-up in that 2021-2022 season. What has happened since, however, is a more watered-down version of that player. Lindholm can contribute offensively, but not as much, and his defensive play is solid-to-strong rather than outstanding. If Lindholm is holding down a second-line center spot, he would be a quality option but, on this Bruins team, they could certainly use more from him – the first-line center job is there for the taking! Last season, Lindholm’s most common linemates were Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Charlie Coyle, two of whom are no longer in Boston, so there is an opportunity for Lindholm to move between Geekie and Pastrnak on the top line, but it’s hardly a guarantee. With that uncertainty, Lindholm could be expected to score 20 goals and 50 points but, if he somehow manages to spend a whole season alongside Pastrnak, then those numbers could get significantly better.

Pavel Zacha

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	16	32	48	0.60

In three seasons with the Bruins, Zacha has been a steady contributor, though last season’s 14 goals counted as his lowest total since 2019-2020. He earned that, unfortunately, with a declining shot rate. His all-situation shot rate of 5.1 shots on goal per 60 minutes was his lowest since his rookie season in 2016-2017 and it’s difficult to generate offense consistently with so few shots on goal. Over the course of those three seasons, the Bruins have controlled 48.9 percent of shot attempts and 49.1 percent of expected goals during five-on-five play with Zacha on the ice, yet the Bruins have earned 58.4 percent of the goal share, so he is riding some favorable percentages in that respect. Zacha does offer versatility in that he can play both center and wing and move up and down the lineup as needed. That his most common linemates last season were Pastrnak and Geekie reflects just how desperate the Bruins are down the middle of the ice and if he ends up as the first line center, it might be good for Zacha, but it’s probably less than ideal for the Bruins. A fair expectation, based on what he has done in three seasons with the Bruins, is for Zacha to score 15-20 goals and 50 points.

Casey Mittelstadt

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	16	33	49	0.61

After being a highly touted prospect, drafted eighth overall in 2017, Mittelstadt took quite a while to make his mark with the Buffalo Sabres but he did record a career-high 59 points (15 G, 44 A) in 2022-2023 and had 47 points (13 G, 34 A) in 62 games the following season before getting traded to Colorado. Since then, Mittelstadt has managed 50 points (19 G, 31 A) in 99 games with the Avalanche and Bruins. He has the hands and offensive instincts to tease teams, but it has been a challenge for him to generate consistent offense. To be fair, upon arriving in Boston last season, his most common linemates were Vinny Lettieri and Cole Koepke, so maybe that was not the ideal situation to maximize his scoring contributions, but it would seem worthwhile for the Bruins to put more focus on that objective in 2025-2026. Mittelstadt tends to be passive on the ice and has not done enough in his career to earn even the level of trust that players like Lindholm and Zacha experience, so Mittelstadt is going to have to battle for his role as a center in Boston. He does, however, have some upside because of his puck skills so 15 goals and 45-50 points is not an unreasonable expectation for the 2025-2026 season.

Viktor Arvidsson

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	18	24	42	0.56

Coming off of an injury-shortened 2023-2024 season, Arvidsson looked like a good buy-low option for the Edmonton Oilers, figuring that his tenacity and scoring ability would be a good fit in their middle six, but it was not the right fit and he finished with 27 points (15 G, 12 A) in 60 games, his lowest points per game production since his rookie season in 2015-2016. He also played just under 15 minutes per game, which was also his lowest since his rookie season, and his on-ice shooting percentage was a meagre 6.4 percent, so it was not a season that was built for Arvidsson to have success. He is a five-time 20-goal scorer and has twice exceeded 30 goals in a season, so he has offensive credentials and the Bruins ought to be motivated to give Arvidsson the ice time to show what he can do. Arvidsson is the only established forward on the Bruins who will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-2026 season, so if the Bruins are not in playoff contention, he would be a prime trade candidate but would also bring more in trade if he has a productive season. When he is on his game, Arvidsson is a high energy winger who excels on the forecheck and is not shy about launching shots towards the net, with varying degrees of accuracy. He is a consistent play driver and that is reason enough to like his chances to bounce back in Boston. Even allowing that Arvidsson may miss some time with injuries, because that has been his trend lately, he should still have a shot at 15-20 goals and 40 points as a complementary offensive contributor in Boston.

Matthew Poitras

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
28	4	8	12	0.43

A second-round pick in 2023, Poitras has played 33 NHL games in each of the past two seasons, producing a total of 26 points (6 G, 20 A) in 66 games. He did have 41 points (17 G, 24 A) in 40 AHL games last season, which is very encouraging production for his 20-year-old season. Poitras is a young and developing player and his offensive game has not yet broken through in the NHL, but his defensive play has been quite strong in this relatively small sample size. As a result, his Corsi and expected goals percentage both ranked second on the Bruins, so if his AHL production can translate to the next level, then he could turn into a valuable player for the Bruins as they move into a new era. The main area of concern for Poitras is that he has yet to establish his status as a bona fide NHL player, so while there is a world in which he secures a regular spot in the Bruins’ top nine, and that would make sense, there is also the possibility that he ends up on the roster bubble. If he does spend the full season in the NHL, 35 points is a fair expectation for Poitras in 2025-2026.

Tanner Jeannot

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
77	9	12	21	0.27

One of the more controversial free agent signings this summer, Jeannot received a five-year, $17 million contract from the Bruins, a significant commitment for a player who has struggled on his way to 20 goals and 45 points – total – across the past three seasons. It’s a far cry from his rookie season, in 2021-2022, when he put up 41 points (24 G, 17 A) and for the money they are investing, the Bruins have to hope that there is a path to Jeannot recapturing that scoring touch. He can have an impact on the game beyond scoring, as he tends to play a reliable defensive game, is one of the strongest players in the league, and can be an imposing physical presence. Across the past four seasons, he has recorded 1,030 hits and 401 penalty minutes, ranking sixth in both categories. The Bruins would probably like Jeannot to offer some version of what they used to have with Milan Lucic, a physically intimidating presence who could also put the puck in the net. Maybe there is a way for Jeannot to provide that but, based on the past three seasons, double-digit goals and anything more than 20 points would have to be considered a relative victory.

Michael Eyssimont

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	13	12	25	0.31

A late bloomer who didn’t reach the NHL as a regular until he was 26, Eyssimont is a lunch bucket type of player who shows up, works hard, and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty. Although he managed a modest 16 points (9 G, 7 A) last season, split between Tampa Bay and Seattle, Eyssimont was an effective player who helped drive play in the right direction. His teams controlled 52.4 percent of shot attempts and 54.3 percent of expected goals during five-on-five play with Eyssimont on the ice, making him very effective relative to his role on the lower end of the depth chart. Despite not being especially big, listed at 6-feet-0, 191 pounds, Eyssimont has recorded more than 100 hits in three straight seasons and he’s not afraid to drop the gloves if the situation warrants it, too. He is also an exceptional shot generator. Among the 424 forwards to play at least 300 minutes of five-on-five play last season, Eyssimont ranked second (behind Brady Tkachuk) with 10.55 shots on goal per 60 minutes. The unfortunate part for Eyssimont is that he is a low percentage finisher, with a career shooting percentage of 6.0 percent, and that limits his overall effectiveness. Given his ability to generate chances, if Eyssimont could just score on 10 percent of his shots it would surely secure him a bigger role. It’s fair to expect 20-25 points from Eyssimont, which is not a lot, but his hits and penalty minutes could make him more relevant for those in banger leagues.

DEFENSE

Charlie McAvoy

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
70	6	29	35	0.50

A standout blueliner, McAvoy delivers consistently excellent defensive play and was doing so last season, as expected, when he was injured at the Four Nations Face-Off and ended up missing the rest of the season when his shoulder injury got infected. Without McAvoy and after dealing some veterans prior to the trade deadline, the Bruins went 6-15-4 in their last 25 games. The Bruins outscored opponents 34-30 during five-on-five play with McAvoy on the ice, extending his streak to eight consecutive seasons of the Bruins outscoring opponents with him on the ice. Through those eight seasons, the Bruins have outscored opponents by 138 goals during five-on-five play with McAvoy on the ice. He is a punishing hitter whose physical play is a cornerstone of his all-around effectiveness even while facing top opponents on a nightly basis. While McAvoy is a solid puck-handler and strong passer, he does not have a consistent impact on the power play. Among the 55 defencemen who played at least 50 five-on-four minutes last season, McAvoy ranked 54th with 1.49 points per 60 minutes (ahead of only Brent Burns). Mason Lohrei started to get more power play time for Boston as a result, even before McAvoy suffered his season-ending injury. If McAvoy has some role on the power play, he should be able to get back over 40 points, a threshold that he had crossed in three straight seasons prior to 2024-2025.

Hampus Lindholm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	5	23	28	0.37

An excellent two-way defenceman who has been underrated for much of his career, Lindholm was limited to just 17 games last season due to a knee injury suffered in November. He was very effective in the games that he did play, with the Bruins outshooting and outscoring opponents with him on the ice. A strong skater with a 6-foot-4 frame, Lindholm can be an elite shutdown defender when healthy. In three seasons with the Bruins, he has benefitted from strong goaltending but has also been on the ice for 1.72 goals against per 60 minutes during five-on-five play. Among defencemen to play at least 2,000 five-on-five minutes across those three seasons, the only defencemen with lower rates of goals against were Nate Schmidt, Colin Miller and Dylan Samberg, all of whom spent at least one season with the Winnipeg Jets, playing in front of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. In any case, if the Bruins get healthy seasons from McAvoy and Lindholm, they will have a much better chance to be competitive in 2025-2026. Lindholm could produce more than 30 points, but he has the potential to have a much greater all-around impact than his point total might suggest.

Nikita Zadorov

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	4	20	24	0.29

A towering presence on the Boston blueline, Zadorov led the NHL with 145 penalty minutes last season and recorded more than 200 hits for the first time since 2018-2019. He averaged a career-high 20:37 of ice time per game and given his relative effectiveness, the Bruins would prefer that he not be tasked with the enforcer role. He can still be that intimidating hard hitter on the blueline, but with Jeannot joining the Bruins, that gives the team another option when it comes time to drop the gloves. Zadorov tends to have limited contributions with the puck, but it’s not like he is completely hopeless. He scored 14 goals for Calgary during the 2022-2023 season and had eight points in 13 playoff games for Vancouver in 2023-2024. That is not the level at which he can be expected to sustain production, but those contributions showed that this huge defender could still contribute offensively. He has recorded at least 20 points in four consecutive seasons, so that is the baseline of expectations heading into 2025-2026, and there is not much likelihood that he will stray too far from that output. For fantasy managers, the hits and penalty minute totals make Zadorov relatively appealing in banger leagues.

Mason Lohrei

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	6	24	30	0.37

A second-round pick in 2020, Lohrei is a 6-foot-5 blueliner who emerged as an offensive contributor in his second NHL season. He started to get a bigger role on the power play and 16 of his 33 points were scored with the man advantage. While that power play production was encouraging, last season also showed that Lohrei had some trouble handling a bigger role on the Boston blueline, particularly with Lindholm and McAvoy missing so much time with injuries. There were 138 defencemen to play at least 1,000 five-on-five minutes in 2024-2025 and Lohrei ranked 137th with 3.48 goals against per 60 minutes, ahead of only Chicago’s Alex Vlasic (3.55). While Lohrei’s defensive game could certainly improve, he did have some bad luck contributing to those numbers, as his on-ice save percentage was .881, which was the third lowest among those defenders. It was not goaltender Jeremy Swayman’s finest season, and it had an impact on Lohrei’s defensive results. Looking ahead to 2025-2026, Lohrei should have a more manageable role on the Boston blueline, where he can fill a supporting role as well as getting regular power play time. He should be expected to produce at least 30 points and if he tightens up his defensive game, then Lohrei will go a long way towards securing his place on the Bruins’ depth chart.

Goal

Jeremy Swayman

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
51	20	23	6	3	.902	3.12

Fans could almost feel the moment that the Boston Bruins decided that they were going to strip down and start over last season, and - unfortunately - that included more than just roster moves. Just one season after coming in seventh in Vezina voting, starter Jeremy Swayman picked up a new, uglier league-leading stat last year when he earned the distinction as the goaltender who allowed the most pucks past him over the regular season campaign. His 176 goals allowed were nearly double the average he typically allows in a single season - and while he played in around fifteen more games than is optimal for his best performance, that workload-volume increase certainly didn't account for all of his abysmally poor performance. He was one of the NHL's worst goaltenders in 2024-25, forced to shoulder a harder workload with a weaker tandem partner in Joonas Korpisalo while the skating roster in front of him was slowly but surely shipped out ahead of the trade deadline.

Boston still has a few key core pieces left in their lineup, and Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and David Pastrnak are all still at points in their career where the team could choose to retool and redevelop their lineup to push back into Wild Card contention if they wish. And the good news is that Korpisalo, who started off the season looking lost positionally for the Bruins, started to settle in from a technical standpoint as the year wore on - so he might be able to shoulder more minutes to give Swayman a bit of a break. But where there used to be one of the most formidable tandems in the league, things look relatively bleak in Boston - and unless Swayman comes back looking ready for action, this could be a tough year in net.

NHL: 20 FANTASY POINTS – 4 Nations fallout – Tkachuk, McAvoy, Harley, Bennett, Theodore plus Kadri, Danault, Donato and much more!

Scott Cullen — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:41:48 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 15: Team Canada forward Sam Bennett (9) plays the puck against Team USA defenseman Charlie McAvoy (25) during a 4 Nations Face-Off game between Team USA and Team Canada on February 15, 2025, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, fallout from the 4 Nations Face-Off, including Matthew Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Thomas Harley, Sam Bennett, and Shea Theodore plus Nazem Kadri, Phillip Danault, Ryan Donato and much more!

#1 Coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk could be missing some time. He played just 6:46 against Canada in the final game of the tournament, and given the emotional stakes involved, it seems fair to expect that he will miss some NHL regular season action. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, Tkachuk had been playing his best hockey of the season, piling up 16 points (8 G, 8 A) in his last eight games before the 4 Nations. If Tkachuk is out, someone like Eetu Luostarinen could find his way up to the Panthers’ top six to fill in.

#2 The other issue related to a Tkachuk absence is that he typically skates on the wing of centre Sam Bennett, who had an excellent showing in the final games of the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring a goal and leading Canada with six shots on goal. Bennett is a difficult player to project coming out of that tournament because he has established that he can turn up his game in the big moments, performing better in the playoffs than in the regular season, so it’s not like he can automatically be assumed to be ready to shred the NHL after his impressive play for Canada and even more so if Tkachuk is going to miss time. While Bennett had seven points (4 G, 3 A) in his last 12 games before the tourney, he also recorded 59 shots on goal in that time. If he is putting up nearly five shots on goal per game, production will follow.

#3 A pleasant surprise for Team Canada at the 4 Nations, Stars defenceman Thomas Harley was called to action when Shea Theodore was injured, and Cale Makar was sick. Prior to the tournament, Harley was already pushed into a bigger role on the Dallas blueline because of the lower-body injury suffered by Miro Heiskanen and Harley had six points (2 G, 4 A) in five games after Heiskanen was injured. Harley has 29 points this season, but only five points on the power play. With Heiskanen out, Harley does have a bigger role on the Dallas power play and the 23-year-old blueliner could be even more confident after his success playing in a best-on-best tournament.

#4 Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy suffered a shoulder injury for Team USA at the tournament and the ensuing infection should keep him out on a week-to-week basis, which is a big loss for the Bruins, obviously. While McAvoy is the number one defenceman in Boston, he has not been the primary blueliner on the power play. That role has gone to Mason Lohrei, who does have 10 power play assists this season, but has just one goal and six shots on goal in his past nine games.

#5 Team Canada lost defenceman Shea Theodore to an injury in its first game against Sweden. Theodore will be out week-to-week with an upper-body injury and that should open the door for Alex Pietrangelo or Noah Hanifin to get more power play time. Hanifin may be the better option right now as Pietrangelo skipped the 4 Nations so that he could be healthy for the stretch run and has not recorded a power play point all season. With 25 points, Pietrangelo ranks second among defencemen for the most points without a power play point all season. Colorado’s Devon Toews has 27 points to lead, while Damon Severson (22), Gustav Forsling (21), and Simon Edvinsson (21) round out the top five.

#6 Even players who were not involved in the 4 Nations could bring injury news during the break and that happened with Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, who is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Demko has not had a great season, even when healthy, managing a .891 save percentage in 17 games, but now the Canucks will lean on Kevin Lankinen, who has a .905 save percentage in 34 games. The workload could become an issue, as Lankinen has never played more than 37 games in an NHL season, but Vancouver doesn’t have much choice but to run with him and maybe spot in Arturs Silovs when they can.

#7 Journeyman Chicago Blackhawks winger Ryan Donato is enjoying the best season of his career, with career highs of 19 goals and 37 points in 53 games. He has 13 points (6 G, 7 A) while averaging more than 16 minutes of ice time per game in his past 10 games, finding a good groove on a line with Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. Tread carefully on adding Donato, though, because with an expiring contract, he is a prime candidate to get traded at the deadline and he almost certainly would not receive the same quality of ice time on a contending team. That could mean that Donato’s fantasy appeal is only for a couple more weeks, unless he signs a contract extension to stay in Chicago.

#8 Keeping the Calgary Flames in the playoff hunt, centre Nazem Kadri has produced 11 points (4 G, 7 A) and 30 shots on goal in his past 10 games. He ranks second on the Flames with 40 points, one behind Jonathan Huberdeau. Kadri has an on-ice shooting percentage of 5.5 percent, which ranks 304th out of 310 forwards that have played at least 500 five-on-five minutes. That would represent a career low percentage for Kadri, whose on-ice shooting percentage last season was 9.8 percent, so he could be a prime buy-low candidate who is due for positive regression. As a bit of an interesting statistical side note, Kadri has won 47.9 percent of his faceoffs in 219 games with the Flames, after winning 52.5 percent in 178 games for Colorado. Were his Avalanche wingers that much better at helping to gain possession off the draw?

#9 Skating on a line with Kadri and Huberdeau, second-year right winger Matt Coronato has been making the most of his opportunity. He has six points (3 G, 3 A) and 13 shots on goal in his past six games and has played more than 20 minutes twice in that six -game span. That’s a threshold that Coronato has crossed just five times all season, so he is ascending and playing with two proven performers does give him a better chance to keep this going through the end of the season.

#10 Although he has just five goals this season and his offensive production has not been up to previous levels, the Kings’ Phillip Danault does have five points (1 G, 4 A) in his past four games. He continues to be an excellent possession player, with a 57.4 percent Corsi, and the Kings are outscoring opponents 31-23 during five-on-five with Danault on the ice, so he is going to keep playing in the range of 18 minutes per game. He could present a bit of a buy-low option since he has scored on just 6.4 percent of his shots this season, which would be his lowest since his rookie season in 2015-2016.

#11 To be kind, it has been an uneven season for Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Newhook, who has just 18 points (10 G, 8 A) in 56 games after finishing last season with 34 points (15 G, 19 A) in 55 games. His ice time is down by 1:41 per game and he is a terrible shot generator, managing 74 shots on goal in 56 games. Newhook had five points (1 G, 4 A) in five games before the 4 Nations, but still only managed three shots on goal, so it’s difficult to get excited about his chances of sustaining his point production until his shot rate improves.

#12 Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kent Johnson has thrived during a breakout season, tallying 36 points (17 G, 19 A) in 42 games. He has 12 points (6 G, 6 A) in his past 12 games and has averaged 1.50 goals per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, which ranks third among NHL players, behind only Buffalo’s Tage Thompson (1.77) and Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen (1.51).

#13 Veteran Winnipeg Jets centre Vladislav Namestnikov can get taken for granted because he is a flexible player who can move around the roster as needed. Sometimes, he is on a scoring line, but at other times, he might even be on the fourth line, and he’s savvy enough to be effective in both roles. While the Jets might still be looking for an upgrade before the trade deadline, Namestnikov has been thriving as the second-line centre, skating between Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti. In his past eight games, Namestnikov has nine points (1 G, 8 A) with 18 shots on goal. The Jets have also outscored opponents by a margin of 27-17 with Namestnikov on the ice during five-on-five play.

#14 New York Islanders winger Maxim Tsyplakov has found his way into the top six and went into the break with six assists in his last six games and played 18:00 in his last game before the 4 Nations, his most ice time in a game in two months. For as long as he can keep a spot alongside Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri, Tsyplakov might hold some fantasy appeal.

#15 Utah Hockey Club rookie right winger Josh Doan is pushing his way into a regular role. He put up 26 points (11 G, 15 A) in 28 AHL games and was recalled to the big club on January 10. He has four points (1 G, 3 A) in his past three games and has a solid opportunity in Utah’s top nine, skating with Jack McBain and Lawson Crouse both at even strength and on Utah’s second power play unit.

#16 Florida Panthers blueliner Aaron Ekblad has been quietly productive, contributing six points (1 g, 5 A) and 18 shots on goal while playing more than 23 minutes per game in his past eight games. Nine of his 26 points this season have come on the power play, and he is the Panthers’ top defence option with the man advantage, especially after they waived Adam Boqvist, who was claimed by the Islanders.

#17 A focal point on the Anaheim Ducks’ power play, defenceman Jackson LaCombe is quick to pull the trigger on point shots. Lacombe’s role was expanded earlier in the season and since the beginning of December he has 20 points (7 G, 13 A) with 77 shots on goal while playing more than 22 minutes per game in 31 games. There are 67 defencemen that have played at least 50 minutes with a five-on-four advantage this season and only the Islanders’ Noah Dobson (16.62) has a higher rate of five-on-four shots per 60 minutes. LaCombe is at 15.43, followed by Dougie Hamilton (15.24), Zach Werenski (14.18), Brent Burns (12.36), and Vince Dunn (12.33).

#18 Tampa Bay Lightning right winger Gage Goncalves watched linemates Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel play key roles for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but Goncalves had five assists and 11 shots on goal in the last six games before the break in the schedule. He has toiled for quite a while in the American Hockey League, putting up 163 points (48 G, 115 A) in 226 games. The 24-year-old had just two points (1 G, 1 A) in his first 27 games for the Lightning this season, but his sudden scoring surge makes him worth keeping an eye on.

#19 Utah Hockey club defenceman Sean Durzi is set to make his return after suffering a shoulder injury on October 14. While Mikhail Sergachev remains the quarterback on Utah’s top power play unit, Durzi has established that he can run a power play, recording 41 power play assists in 216 career games, and he had two points in four games before getting hurt. Durzi’s return to action could cut into power play time for second-year blueliner Michael Kesselring, the second-year defender who ranks seventh on the team with 22 points (6 G, 16 A) in 56 games.

#20 Ottawa Senators right winger Drake Batherson has managed five points (2 G, 3 A) while registering 27 shots on goal in his past 11 games and three of those five points happened in a 6-0 rout over Minnesota. This relative slump highlights Batherson’s poor luck during five-on-five play as he has an on-ice shooting percentage of 5.4 percent, far below the 8.7 percent that he recorded during the 2023-2024 season. Batherson’s most common linemate this season has been Josh Norris, who is currently injured, so Batherson is lined up with Ridly Greig and David Perron while also holding a spot on the Senators’ top power play unit.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Tric

NHL: CULLEN – Laine making the most of his power play time, Schmaltz, Hertl and Nelson are hot, Jones thriving since returning to lineup, and much more!

Scott Cullen — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 23:24:57 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - DECEMBER 07: Patrik Laine (92) of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the third period of the NHL game between the Washington Capitals and the Montreal Canadiens on Dec 07 2024, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC(Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, Patrik Laine has made the most of his power play time in Montreal, Nick Schmaltz, Tomas Hertl and Brock Nelson are hot, Seth Jones is thriving since returning to the Chicago lineup, and much more!

Here is this week’s edition of 20 Fantasy Points:

#1 It is not like the hockey world forgot what Patrik Laine could do when the puck hit his stick, but he has been playing sporadically in recent seasons, so the evidence wasn’t quite so evident. After joining the Montreal Canadiens, however, Laine has shown that he is still a lethal shooter. In 20 games with the Habs, Laine has 18 points (12 G, 6 A) with 54 shots on goal. He is scoring on 22.2 percent of his shots, which is a higher rate than he has finished in any previous season, but he is also quite specifically a power play threat, with 10 of his 12 goals coming with the man advantage. Laine has 10.35 goals per 60 minutes of power play time, which ranks first among players that have played at least 30 minutes on the power play this season. Victor Olofsson (6.48), Pavel Dorofeyev (5.76), Michael Bunting (5.22), and Brayden Point (4.82) round out the top five in power play goal-scoring efficiency.

#2 Veteran Utah Hockey Club right winger Nick Schmaltz has established his credentials as a quality point producing forward but had been off to a relatively slow start prior to embarking on what is now a seven-game point streak, during which he has nine points (3 G, 6 A). Schmaltz has consistently played alongside Clayton Keller, but the duo has recently added second-year centre Logan Cooley to the top line and Cooley has been cooking, putting up 30 points (12 G. 18 A) in his past 28 games.

#3 Barrett Hayton, who has played quite a bit with Schmaltz and Keller in recent seasons, has moved to a line with Matias Maccelli and Josh Doan and continues to have success, tallying seven points (3 G, 4 A) in his past four games. Hayton’s ice time is down this season to 15:24 per game after playing more than 17 minutes per game in the previous two seasons, but he has also improved his work in the face-off circle, winning 54.2 percent of his draws. Given Cooley’s offensive upside, it probably makes more sense for Hayton to slot in as the No. 2 centre in Utah.

#4 Vegas Golden Knights centre Tomas Hertl had been relatively inconsistent early in the season, but he might be turning the corner. He is riding a seven-game point streak, putting up 11 points (6 G, 5 A) with 25 shots on goal in those seven games. That elevated shot rate is an important factor because Hertl was averaging 2.24 shots per game through the first 41 games of the season. Taking that up to 3.57 shots per game is a strong indicator for a player sustaining is production.

#5 New York Islanders centre Brock Nelson is finding his name in trade rumours as the Isles are sitting in last place in the Metropolitan Division. He is helping to keep his value high, scoring seven points (3 G, 4 A) with 18 shots on goal while playing more than 20 minutes per game in his past six games. A 6-foot-4 centre who has scored more than 30 goals in three straight seasons, Nelson is obviously appealing for a team looking to boost its offense.

#6 Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Seth Jones is starting to heat up. He had missed five weeks with a foot injury, but has delivered 10 points (2 G, 8 A) in 14 games since getting back into the lineup. Jones has recorded 10 of his 20 points on the power play, and with 7.87 points per 60 minutes on the power play, he ranks third among defencemen, behind only Zach Werenski (8.11) and Neal Pionk (7.91).

#7 Seattle Kraken centre Chandler Stephenson had been on a good run before getting injured Thursday night. In his past 11 games, including Thursday, Stephenson has contributed 10 points (5 G, 5 A) but there is a bona fide concern with his low shot rate. He has 46 shots on goal in 48 games, which is a shockingly low amount for a player who logs more than 19 minutes of ice time per game. With Yanni Gourde also injured, Stephenson’s absence could create more playing time for Shane Wright, who is making progress. In his first 23 games of the season, Wright had seven points (4 G, 11 A), but in the next 23 games, he has contributed 15 points (4 G, 11 A).

#8 Looking for a buy-low winger? Consider Kevin Fiala of the Los Angeles Kings. In 11 games since the holiday break, Fiala has a modest five points (2 G, 3 A) but he also has 40 shots on goal. That shot rate is encouraging, but there is also the matter of Fiala’s low on-ice shooting percentage this season. During five-on-five play, the Kings are scoring on just 5.8 percent of their shots when Fiala is on the ice, which is his lowest since his rookie season in 2016-2017.

#9 Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman can fly under the radar a bit but when he is contributing offensively, that makes his fantasy contribution quite strong. In his past 17 games, Coleman has 15 points (5 G, 10 A) but he also has 36 hits and that combination makes him quite appealing for fantasy managers. Coleman is unlikely to match last season’s career highs of 30 goals and 54 points, but already has 92 hits in 46 games, so if the point production continues, Coleman’s all-around contribution is solid.

#10 On a similar level, Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie has picked up his production a bit, with eight points (5 G, 3 A) in his past 10 games, but he also has 25 hits in those 10 games. Be a little wary, though, since Geekie only has 16 shots on goal in those 10 games, his goal-scoring has been dependent on a high shooting percentage (31.3 percent in the past 10 games).

#11 Carolina Hurricanes rookie right winger Jackson Blake has found his way to the top line, skating with Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. Blake has played 15:27 per game over the past four, chipping in three points (1 G, 2 A) with nine shots on goal. It is probably too soon to jump on Blake in most fantasy leagues, but if he remains on that top line there is obvious scoring upside for a player who ranks third among rookies with 11 goals despite very limited ice time (12:02 ATOI). (Editors note – The Rantanen trade followed the publication of this article – the coach may want to spread the scoring around, but it is more likely Rantanen takes that spot on the top line)

#12 Toronto Maple Leafs centre John Tavares is out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury and for all of the criticism that Tavares takes, he remains a high-end point producer, with 42 points (20 G, 22 A) in 44 games before getting hurt. The challenge for the Maple Leafs is to get contributions down the middle of the ice behind Auston Matthews because, with Tavares out, the second line centre is Pontus Holmberg and the third line centre is rookie Fraser Minten. Holmberg has zero goals and one assist in his past 11 games while Minten has zero points in his past eight NHL games after starting with four points in his first five games.

#13 With the New York Islanders’ season teetering on the brink, they got bad news that standout defenceman Noah Dobson is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Dobson’s production has fallen off the pace he set last season, when he had a career-high 70 points (10 G, 60 A) in 79 games, as he has 24 points (6 G, 18 A) in 46 games this season, but the Islanders don’t have great options to replace him on the power play. Ryan Pulock has handled the role before and is noted for his heavy shot from the point, but has one power play point this season.

#14 New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom has suffered a sprained MCL, which will keep him out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks. Markstrom has been exactly what the Devils needed between the pipes, with a .912 save percentage and 10.0 goals saved above expectations in 36 games. With Markstrom out, Jake Allen will need to handle the starter’s role. Allen has a .901 save percentage and 4.04 goals saved above expected in 15 games this season, so he is a capable starting goaltender for the next month plus.

#15 The Boston Bruins are in a tough battle for a playoff spot, for the first time in a while, but that is made even more challenging when goaltender Jeremy Swayman and No. 1 defenceman Charlie McAvoy are sidelined with injuries. Defenceman Hampus Lindholm was already injured, so the current version of the Bruins is without its top two defencemen and top goaltender, and that is going to make it even more difficult. Swayman’s injury does not seem serious, so Joonas Korpisalo may only have short term value, but McAvoy has landed on injured reserve, which will keep him out for at least a week. This defensive weakening does make the Bruins more vulnerable, potentially worth targeting as opposition while the Bruins are missing Lindholm and McAvoy.

#16 Bruins defenceman Mason Lohrei has been making the most of his opportunity to quarterback the power play. He has six points (1 G, 5 A) in the past seven games and is up to 10 power play points. With 6.85 points per 60 minutes on the power play, Lohrei is tied for 15th (with Chicago’s Alex Vlasic) among NHL defencemen.

#17 Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin is considered week to week with a lower-body injury, and that leaves a large hole for the Avalanche. In 21 games, Nichushkin has 17 points (11 G, 6 A). His absence keeps Ross Colton in Colorado’s top six and while Colton has been held scoreless in his past four games, he is worth keeping tabs on as a player with potential upside because he thrived earlier in the season when given a big opportunity due to injuries.

#18 Ottawa Senators centre Josh Norris is out with an upper-body injury. Given his history with shoulder woes, Norris’ health is an area of concern, yet the thing is that he can still produce when healthy. In 47 games this season, Norris has produced 17 goals and 27 points. The Sens do get David Perron back in the lineup, so that should theoretically help alleviate Norris’ absence, but Perron has failed to record a point in 10 games this season, so expectations should be kept in check. Senators defenceman Jake Sanderson is out of the lineup with a lower-body injury, which elevates Thomas Chabot to the first power play unit.

#19 Norris’ absence from the Senators’ lineup should also open the door for Shane Pinto to step up. While Pinto has six points (2 G, 4 A) and 18 shots on goal in the past eight games, he is also averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time per game in that time, so it would be a prime opportunity for Pinto to lift his offensive production because with 16 points (8 G, 8 A) in 40 games, he has underachieved offensively.

#20 Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Darren Raddysh has elevated his game recently, producing six points (2 G, 4 A) with 13 shots on goal in the past five games, averaging 21:50 time on ice per game. With J.J. Moser and Erik Cernak injured, the Lightning certainly need Raddysh to take on more responsibility. In his first 18 games this season, Raddysh averaged 15:30 time on ice per game and in 20 games since then, has averaged 20:04 per game.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – BOSTON BRUINS – Team Preview

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:00:54 +0000

_{BOSTON, MA - APRIL 06: Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) drives past Florida Panthers right wing Sam Reinhart (13) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on April 6, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)}

With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci gone, Boston was expected to see a noteworthy decline in 2023-24, and while the Bruins did indeed have a drop off from their stunning 65-12-5 campaign in 2022-23, they still posted a dominant 47-20-15 record last year. That was thanks in no small part to the overwhelming goaltending of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark, who helped the team tie for fifth defensively (2.70 goals allowed per game), and another stellar offensive showing from David Pastrnak, who provided 47 goals and 110 points across 82 regular-season contests. In the playoffs, Boston managed to eke out a first-round seven-game victory over the Maple Leafs in the first round, but for the second straight year, Boston’s path was ended by the Panthers.

WHAT’S CHANGED? That goaltending duo that served Boston so well over the past three seasons is over. With just one season remaining on his team-friendly four-year, $20 million contract, Ullmark was dealt to Ottawa in exchange for enforcer Mark Kastelic, the 2024 No. 25 draft pick (Dean Letourneau) and a veteran goalie with a mixed record in Joonas Korpisalo. They also lost middle-six forward Jake DeBrusk to free agency. It wasn’t all subtraction, though. Boston made some big splashes on the unrestricted free agent market by inking defensive defenceman Nikita Zadorov and two-way center Elias Lindholm to long-term contracts.

WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? Adding Lindholm goes a long way toward solidifying Boston’s center group, which was a bit of a weakness of theirs last year. Ideally, he’ll gel with either Pastrnak or Brad Marchand after Lindholm was limited to just 44 points last season due in large part to him not quite working out following a trade from Calgary to Vancouver. Another good season out of Marchand, who is now 36, is also important for the Bruins’ attack. However, the most important thing is Boston needs either Korpisalo to be a solid contributor or for Swayman to play significantly more than his previous career high of 43 games. The former might be a tall order, because…

WHAT COULD GO WRONG? Korpisalo is coming off a disastrous campaign in which he posted a 3.27 GAA and an .890 save percentage across 55 contests with Ottawa. Some will blame playing for the mediocre Senators for that and expect him to improve with a contender like Boston. That argument is popular, but Ottawa’s xGA/60 last season was a respectable 2.97, and even above that of Boston’s 3.03, which suggests that the Senators’ skaters were playing responsible hockey and instead let down by their goaltenders, so the idea that playing for a better squad might help Korpisalo is on a shaky foundation. Outside of that, there are the concerns about Marchand’s age, and what to expect from Lindholm after his lukewarm showing in Vancouver.

TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Poitras only played 33 games with Boston in 2023-24 due to injury, but the rookie showed promise when healthy with five goals and 15 points. The addition of Lindholm pretty much locks Poitras out of a top six spot, so he’ll instead likely start the campaign as the third-line center. That’s a fair role for him and coupled with sprinkling of power-play ice time, he should prove to be a solid contributor for Boston this year.

Forwards

David Pastrnak

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	51	56	107	1.30

One of the premier goal scorers in the game, Pastrnak has buried 148 goals in 236 games across the past three seasons, which is tied for second with Leon Draisaitl, behind only Auston Matthews. His 4.67 shots on goal per game in those three seasons also ranks second, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon. Pastrnak is a stellar play driver, and the Bruins have outscored opponents by more than 20 goals with Pastrnak on the ice during five-on-five play in four of the past five seasons. The only exception was the 2020-2021 season, which was shortened by COVID, and in that case, the Bruins still outscored opponents by 15 with Pastrnak on the ice. On a Bruins team that is full of hard-working and smart players, Pastrnak stands out for bringing game-breaking skill to the table in a way that few others can. He has a lethal wrist shot that he can use to score from the top of the circles, especially if he is given time to step into the shot. Although Pastrnak does play an overly physical game, he has good size and is happy to use it to protect the puck so that he can create a more dangerous scoring chance. That Pastrnak continued to be so productive, even after Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, shows just how great he really is, able to produce essentially no matter who is dishing him the puck. That puts him in rare company and Pastrnak ought to be expected to score 45-50 goals and 100-plus points in 2024-2025.

Elias Lindholm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	25	45	70	0.85

After scoring a career-high 82 points with the Calgary Flames in 2021-2022, Lindholm saw his production fall off to 64 points in 2022-2023 then 44 points last season. Inconsistency was an issue for him last season, especially after getting traded to Vancouaver, where he struggled with just 12 points in 26 games but then he showed up in the playoffs with 10 points in 13 games. At his best, he looks like a solid No. 1 centre who can play effectively at both ends of the rink. When he is not at his best, Lindholm is not generating enough offence, and that can cause challenges throughout the lineup. Lindholm was a runner-up in Selke Trophy voting in 2021-2022, so he has credentials as a two-way performer, but he has not been able to approach those levels, either offensively or defensively, since. In Boston, Lindholm should have a chance to play with the best Bruins forwards and that should not only give him a chance to resurrect his offensive game, but also to deliver strong possession numbers because that has generally been a hallmark of Boston’s top forwards forever. Lindholm is excellent on faceoffs, too, winning 56 percent of his draws across the past two seasons. Looking at the 2024-2025 season, Lindholm should be expected to score 20-25 goals and 55-60 points in his first season for the Bruins.

Brad Marchand

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	28	41	69	0.84

Renowned for on-ice behaviour that can be deemed questionable, or worse, 36-year-old Marchand remains highly productive, even if that can sometimes get overshadowed by his antics. He has recorded 67 points in back-to-back seasons, making it eight consecutive seasons that he has reached that threshold. He also recorded a career-high 115 hits in 2023-2024. For years, Marchand has put up elite possession numbers, which was not a surprise when he was playing with Bergeron, but last season was Marchand’s first season falling below 50 percent Corsi, even though he was among the Bruins’ leaders. He remains a productive player at 36-years old and it becomes a delicate balance for players at this stage of their career. At some point, the production tails off, and Marchand’s is down from his peak performance, but he is a driven and competitive player, who does not look like he is going to drop off dramatically. What would affect Marchand’s production is how much he ends up playing with Pastrnak, who has the ability to elevate the production of his linemates. Considering his recent production, Marchand ought to still be able to produce 25 goals and 65 points, which is rare at his age. There were five players over the age of 35 last season that finished with 65 or more points: Sidney Crosby (94), Anze Kopitar (70), Evgeni Malkin (67), Joe Pavelski (67), and Alex Ovechkin (65).

Charlie Coyle

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	23	35	58	0.71

With Bergeron and Krejci retiring, Coyle was the Bruins centre who stepped up the most and he delivered career highs with 25 goals and 60 points while playing a career-high 18:04 per game. He also scored on a career-high 17.0 percent of his shots on goal, so a lot was going well for Coyle last season. Coyle is physically strong and can win puck battles and uses his size to be an effective net-front presence. The majority of Coyle’s 25 goals last season came from in-close, which is fine because he is a strong skater and consistently puts himself in that position and he also has good hands that allow him to make quick moves in-tight to create scoring chances. After the holiday break, Coyle went on a tear, contributing 24 points in 19 games but also managed just one goal and five points in 13 playoff games. While the counting stats were strong for Coyle last season, he had a 45.0 percent Corsi, and 47.4 percent of on-ice expected goals, neither of which represent the kind of play-driving numbers that the Bruins need from a top centre. Coyle did play a lot with Marchand in 2023-2024 so if he has that opportunity again, his offensive output should still be solid, along the lines of 15-20 goals and 45-50 points.

Pavel Zacha

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
82	18	34	52	0.63

In the two seasons since he was acquired from the New Jersey Devils, Zacha has set new career highs for points, hitting 59 in 78 games last season. He logged a career-high 18:06 per game and won a career-best 54.8 percent of his faceoffs. Zacha has been riding wildly high percentages in two seasons with the Bruins (104.8 PDO), and the Bruins have outscored opponents 121-72 during five-on-five play with Zacha on the ice. That does not quite fit with someone who has been below 50 percent in terms of goals and expected goals during five-on-five play. Zacha does provide versatility, able to play both wing and centre as well as moving up and down the lineup. His most common linemates last season were Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, and Danton Heinen, so Zacha is pretty much a plug-n-play option for Boston. He is a smart player who gets himself into good position to create chances. The challenge for Zacha is to be more aggressive shooting the puck. He scores in a variety of ways, so it’s not like he can only generate offence in one way, but even with more ice time in Boston, he is averaging less than two shots on goal per game, and it is difficult to maintain consistent offensive production with such a low shot rate. With the addition of Elias Lindholm in free agency, there is some uncertainty when it pertains to Zacha’s role. He could very well play on Boston’s top line, or he could move into the middle six somewhere. In any case, it’s fair to expect 20 goals and 50 points from Zacha in 2024-2025.

Trent Frederic

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	17	19	36	0.46

The 26-year-old power forward has made steady consistent progress in his career, reaching career highs in goals (18), assists (22), and points (40) last season. When he first entered the league, he was little more than a fourth-line bruiser, eagerly hitting and fighting to earn his spot. He delivered a career-high 204 hits last season, so Frederic is still capable of making his presence felt on the ice, but his ice time climbed to 13:45 per game and he had a more well-rounded contribution. He may not be climbing too much higher in the lineup, because his offensive skills are not ideal for a top six role, for example, but there is nothing wrong with being a third-line player who can contribute offensively and provide a physical presence. In fact, players who bring physicality like Frederic are in demand around the league. He has been dependent on high percentages in the past couple of seasons, which makes him a prime candidate for regression, so it is not likely that he will exceed last season’s totals. However, 15 goals and 35 points, with perhaps another 200 hits, does give Frederic some appeal for fantasy managers in deep leagues.

Morgan Geekie

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
81	22	24	46	0.57

Signed as a free agent by the Bruins after the Kraken did not give him a qualifying offer last summer, Geekie stepped into a bigger role with Boston and set career highs in goals (17), assists (22), and points (39), while playing a career-high 15:25 per game. He also recorded a career-best 137 hits. At 6-foot-3, Geekie has size and speed, but now appears to have gained confidence when it comes to making plays offensively. Among Bruins skaters to play at least 1000 five-on-five minutes, only David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk had higher rates of on-ice expected goals per 60 minutes. Geekie does get power play time, as 12 of his 39 points last season came with the man advantage. This is not to suggest that Geekie should be climbing further up the depth chart. Based on his results to this point in his career, the 26-year-old should be a third-line player for Boston and continue to make a solid contribution at both ends of the ice. Given his jump forward last season, there is a new normal for Geekie, one that puts him consistently in a top nine role. As a result, it’s fair to expect 12-15 goals and 35 points in 2024-2025.

Matthew Poitras

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
71	12	21	33	0.46

Only 19 years old at the start of last season, Poitras was a surprise to make the team out of training camp and he had 15 points in his first 28 games before falling down the depth chart and going scoreless in five games with limited ice time before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Poitras has good speed, sound instincts, and soft hands that serve him well around the net. Provided that he is healthy again, Poitras should have a spot in Boston’s top nine, which will give him an opportunity to contribute, though it could be challenging for the young centre to move up the depth chart in 2024-2025. Although his season was shortened by injury, Poitras showed enough to be excited about his potential. The Bruins controlled 54.3 percent of expected goals during five-on-five play with Poitras on the ice. James van Riemsdyk was the only Bruins player to play more than 300 five-on-five minutes to rank higher. As a young player, Poitras also has so much room to improve. He won 43.7 percent of his faceoffs as a rookie and generated only 1.21 shots on goal per game, which is far too low to sustain consistent offensive production. It would be reasonable to anticipate Poitras contributing 35 points this season, and he has potential for more if he somehow finds his way to a higher slot on the depth chart.

DEFENCE

Charlie McAvoy

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
77	7	35	42	0.55

One of the best all-around defencemen in the game, McAvoy tends not to get full credit for his play because his point totals are not as gaudy as some of the other top blueliners. Nevertheless, McAvoy continues to drive play in the right direction and has never had a season where the Bruins have been less than +10 against the opposition during five-on-five play with him on the ice. H has finished in the top five of Norris Trophy voting twice, though his defensive metrics like shots and expected goals against have climbed a little since then, knocking him further out of the race. McAvoy is a strong puckhandler and passer who is not at all shy about playing a physical game. He finished last season with matching career highs of 159 hits and 159 blocked shots. McAvoy recorded 34 even-strength points in 2023-2024, which left him tied for 21st among defencemen with Carolina’s Jaccob Slavin. McAvoy is still Boston’s No. 1 option on the point, and he quarterbacks the top power play unit, so it is not like he is left without opportunities to produce points. A fair expectation for 2024-2025 would have McAvoy contributing 10 goals and 50 points, with room for some upside if his power play numbers start to click.

Hampus Lindholm

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
78	4	21	25	0.32

After finishing with a career-high 53 points and finishing fourth in Norris Trophy voting in 2022-2023, Lindholm dropped to three goals and 26 points last season. In the 163 games that Lindholm has played with the Bruins, Boston has outscored the opposition by 61 goals during five-on-five play. This while starting more of his shifts in the defensive zone. Lindholm has good size and is an excellent skater, which allows him to attack offensively and quickly shut down opportunities on the defensive end. Lindholm appears to have the talent to challenge for Norris Trophies, but that is only going to happen when he is putting up numbers offensively and that is unlikely since he has surpassed 35 points in a season just once in his career. Last season, Lindholm’s shot rate dropped to 1.36 per game, the lowest mark of his career. If he is going to contribute offensively, launching more pucks at the opposing net is likely to help. While there are clear limitations to Lindholm’s offensive production, especially if he loses second unit power play time, he can go on streaks, too. Around midseason, he recorded 12 assists in a 15-game span. That kind of burst gives him a higher floor and Lindholm should still be capable of delivering 30-35 points for the Bruins.

Nikita Zadorov

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
79	9	18	27	0.34

A mammoth physical presence on the blueline, Zadorov is listed at 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, and he is not shy about using that size to make his mark on the game. He racked up a career-high 125 penalty minutes last season while delivering 177 hits, the seventh consecutive season that he finished with more than 170 hits. That ability to affect the game with size and aggressiveness is what made Zadorov in demand as a free agent, but it should be noted that he has never played 20 minutes per game for a full season in the National Hockey League. Over the course of his career, Zadorov’s possession numbers have tended to be slightly positive, and it’s enough to consider him a reliable contributor in that role, without necessarily wanting to feed him big minutes. In Boston, He might see a little more ice time, but there is a limit to what can be reasonably expected of him. Zadorov reached the 20-point plateau last season for the third straight season, then kicked it up a notch in the playoffs, scoring four goals and eight points in 13 games. It’s not fair to expect him to keep that pace over the long haul but that little sample, along with the 14 goals Zadorov scored in 2022-2023 suggests that there is some latent offensive ability that can be brought to the forefront from time to time. Zadorov’s fantasy appeal will lie in banger leagues where he delivers hits and penalty minutes, but he should be able to chip in 20-25 points in his first season with the Bruins.

Mason Lohrei

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
75	5	17	22	0.29

The rangy 6-foot-5 blueliner made his NHL debut last season and flashed potential that he could become a valuable contributor on the Boston blueline for years to come. A second-round pick in 2020, Lohrei played a couple of seasons at Ohio State and a total of 29 AHL (regular season plus playoff) games before getting called up to the Big Bruins. His results in 41 games were relatively uneven. He scored 13 points and, among the seven defencemen that played at least 500 five-on-five minutes for the Bruins last season, Lohrei ranked fifth in Corsi percentage (45.7 percent) and sixth in expected goals percentage (46.8 percent). That suggests he may be worth a longer look but hardly assures him of success at this level. In the playoffs, though, Lohrei contributed four points in 11 games and ranked second among Boston defencemen in Corsi percentage (48.2 percent) and fourth in expected goals percentage (53.9 percent). That postseason showing added a dose of optimism to Lohrei’s future as he and McAvoy started to show progress as defence partners. Lohrei does possess intriguing puck skills for such a big guy, skates well and uses his reach effectively, so the 2024-2025 season should be about securing his full-time spot on the Boston blueline. He is one of Boston’s more capable puckhandling defencemen, so 25 points is a reasonable expectation.

Andrew Peeke

Predicted Stats
GP	G	A	PTS	PPG
80	2	9	11	0.14

Acquired from Columbus at the trade deadline, Peeke has an opportunity for a fresh start in Boston. In the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, he was one of four defencemen to record both 350 hits and 350 blocked shots across those two seasons. (Brayden McNabb, Jacob Trouba, and Moritz Seider were the others.) Peeke is a warrior, a 6-foot-3 defenceman who does not hesitate to lay his body on the line, but the Blue Jackets cut his ice time by more than five minutes per game last season and made him a frequent healthy scratch. In Boston, Peeke was reasonably effective in the regular season, with the Bruins managing 52.7 percent of expected goals during five-on-five play with him on the ice. He was not as effective in the postseason and missed time with a broken finger, but there is a reasonable expectation for him to fit as a physical third-pair defender who can kill penalties. He has never had a major offensive impact and that doesn’t figure to change. Still, there might be fantasy appeal for managers in deep banger leagues that would appreciate 150-plus hits and blocked shots to go with maybe 15 points.

GOAL

Jeremy Swayman

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
59	32	20	6	4	0.912	2.60

Joonas Korpisalo

Predicted Stats
GP	W	L	OT	SO	SV%	GAA
23	13	8	3	1	0.302	2.88

It was the fault of neither Jeremy Swayman nor Linus Ullmark that the Boston Bruins once again bowed out early from the Stanley Cup chase this past spring. Nevertheless, the Bruins - perennially up against the salary cap and sitting on a wealth of goaltending talent - opted to make their biggest move of the offseason in net, sending Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators in a swap that brought a struggling Joonas Korpisalo into the fold to partner up with Swayman come October.

Korpisalo looked particularly vulnerable behind the Ottawa Senators during his 2023-24 campaign. He was goaded into moving out of position by opponents whenever the defensive line in front of him suffered any kind of breakdown, leaving him with an abysmal stat line and a fresh host of bad habits to pack up with him in his move to TD Garden. Luckily, he'll enter a much calmer environment in Boston with far less pressure on him specifically; the crease is now Swayman's primary domain, and the Bruins should see his workload uptick enough to possibly even give him that long-awaited attention in the Vezina conversation. Even during a season in which Boston seemed to struggle at times with re-establishing their identity post-Patrice Bergeron, Swayman's statistical proficiency and ability to settle into a good rhythm even after a bad goal or game served as a calming presence throughout the year. It feels a little surprising that the Bruins are sticking with Korpisalo as their number two, but ultimately the team made a strong statement with that choice: this is Jeremy Swayman's starting gig.

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – BOSTON BRUINS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #27

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 20:08:04 +0000

Top 20 Boston Bruin Prospects

BRIGHTON, MA - JULY 06: Boston Bruins forward Fabian Lysell (21) waits for his turn at a drill during Boston Bruins Development Camp on July 6, 2023, at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

1. Fabian Lysell

Lysell wasted no time after the Bruins selected him 21st overall in 2021. After hearing his name called, he decided to come to North America, where he has been extremely impressive so far. He spent his first season in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, leading the team in points with 62. Last season, he was just as impressive after having move up to the AHL. Lysell’s ability to generate offense has been on full display since coming overseas, highlighted by his ability to stickhandle like the puck is on a string as well as his high-end passing skill. He’s incredibly elusive and creative but needs to pick his opportunities better. There are also some consistency concerns in his game as he seems to lose confidence in himself on occasion. If Lysell can put the pieces together, and he did that very well last year as an AHL rookie, he could very well be a top six playmaker in the near future.

2. Mason Lohrei

After going undrafted in 2019, Lohrei has been making the Bruins look good. They surprisingly called his name 58th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft and he has since responded very well, earning USHL Defenseman of the Year honours in 2020-21, leading all defenders in goals (19), assists (40), and points (59). But he wasn’t done there. He joined Ohio State University the following season and was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team. Last season, his final one in the NCAA ranks, didn’t have the same lustre around it, but he was playing on a weaker team. Lohrei’s two-way potential is still there. He contributes at both ends, carrying the puck well in transition, showing promising mobility, playing physically, and being trusted to be on the ice in all situations. He’s still a bit of a project and there is a need for some refinement in his game if he’s going to succeed in the NHL, but he could be a reliable bottom-pairing defender.

3. Matthew Poitras

Looking at the type of player that the Bruins value, Poitras is the perfect fit. A coach’s dream, he never takes his foot off the gas, being dependable in all scenarios, and being patient in his play. He’s not a player who is going to be overly dynamic at the next level, but he’s capable of having flashes. A recent draftee, Poitras was selected 54th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft from the OHL’s Guelph Storm. He took a big offensive step forward last season, nearly doubling his offensive output from his rookie season and finishing second in the league in assists. This largely comes from his hardworking style of play, as the puck usually ends up on his stick, which won’t happen as much as he moves up. Tenacious players tend to make it against all odds, so you can bet on Poitras reaching the NHL in due time.

4. Reilly Walsh

After splitting his draft year between the USHL’s Chicago Steel and Prep school Proctor Academy, the Devils bet on Walsh and selected him 81st in the 2017 NHL Draft. He then moved on to the NCAA with Harvard University where he spent three years, playing consistent, productive hockey without shining too brightly. He signed with the Devils and jumped to the AHL in 2020-21 where he continued that trend of consistency. After being on the trade block this season, the Bruins acquired him in the offseason, for Shane Bowers, and are looking for him to take that next step. Walsh is an offensive defender who moves very well with the puck on his stick, isn’t afraid to jump up into the rush, and has a great shot. He has quick edges and a level of deception in his game. The defender likely caps out as a bottom-line defender, but a contributing one who could see time on the power play as well.

5. Brandon Bussi

In terms of trending prospects, it’s nearly impossible to ignore Bussi at this point. An undrafted goaltender, Bussi had been biding his time, waiting for an NHL team to bet on him. After his third NCAA season with Western Michigan University, the Bruins did just that, signing him to a one-year contract as a collegiate free agent. With a .910 save percentage over his NCAA career, expectations weren’t overly high, more in line with a “let’s see” approach. He jumped to the AHL last season and was remarkable in net. He took over the Providence crease as the number-one netminder and ran with it, sitting near the top of the league in all categories. He was even named to the AHL All-Star Classic and AHL All-Rookie Team. It remains to be seen how high Bussi can climb, but he’s still young at 24 and his size, positioning, and mobility all suggest that he’s well on his way to the next level.

6. Alec Regula

Acquired recently in the Taylor Hall/Nick Foligno swap with the Chicago Blackhawks, Regula is a hulking, stay-at-home defender entering his fourth season of professional hockey. The good news for Boston is that he will be eager for a fresh start and an opportunity to establish himself as an NHL regular. The bad news is that he is no longer exempt from waivers and the team already has an extremely deep pro blueline. What ultimately ends up happening with Regula at training camp will be interesting, but there is no question that he could be a steady, third pairing defender immediately. He’s got size. He’s got reach. He’s very mobile for such a large defender. He’s an intense physical competitor. The puck skills are relatively limited. Long gone are the days where he used to play the netfront, bumper position for the London Knights on the powerplay a-la Zdeno Chara (he scored 27 goals for London in 2020). However, he definitely has a projection of an NHL defender who can pair well with a more aggressive offensive type, especially given his right shot. Boston will have to make room for him, trade him again, or risk losing him on waivers to another NHL franchise for free.

7. John Farinacci

The captain of Harvard in the NCAA, Farinacci played out his NCAA eligibility in order to earn free agent status, opting not to sign with the Arizona Coyotes who had originally selected him. Almost immediately upon earning said status, Farinacci signed with Boston, gaining status as a potential roster option for this upcoming season. He plays a polished two-way game and can find success playing a heavy style, making him a suitable bottom six candidate to start with. How much upside does Farinacci have? That remains to be seen. His shot might be his best asset as a pro, although his patience and playmaking ability did improve during his senior year. Even if he tops out as a high end third line option, Farinacci would bring a ton of value to Boston as a free agent signing. He can kill penalties, play a variety of different roles, and should move quickly through the system, helping to fill the gaps left by some of Boston’s high profile exits.

8. Georgii Merkulov

After going undrafted and relatively unnoticed in his first year of draft eligibility back in 2019, playing with the MHL’s Kapitan Stupino, Merkulov made a change. He decided to head overseas, joining the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms where he spent two seasons, going undrafted both times. He next moved on to the NCAA and Ohio State University, where he spent just one year before the Bruins swooped in and signed him as a free agent. That’s been looking like a great move so far, as Merkulov was a top player on the Providence Bruins last season. He has an excellent shot, has a knack for creating separation, and is a strong playmaker as well. He struggles in the face-off dot and his defensive awareness and effort aren’t always there, but he’s well on his way to being a secondary scoring option at the NHL level.

9. John Beecher

When the Bruins drafted Beecher back in 2019, 30th overall, he was coming off a fine season with the USNTDP and heading to the NCAA’s University of Michigan. He spent three seasons with the Wolverines, where it seemed like his development stalled, never really taking the next step in his game. Now in the AHL, he has shown some improvement with his physicality and ability to get off the wall, even chipping in offensively fairly well, but there is still concern with his lack of consistency and failure to take over games or drive a line. He tends to sit back too often, letting the play come to him. Whether or not he makes the NHL as a consistent contributor is a real question, and it’s hard to see his ceiling as more than a bottom six role player, despite his physical gifts.

10. Riley Duran

A lesser known but promising piece of the Bruins’ pool is Duran. Selected in 2020 way down at 182nd overall out of high school, the forward made the shift to the USHL the following season but didn’t take off. In 2021-22, he jumped to the NCAA where he emerged as a real prospect of note with Providence College. So much so that he was named to Team USA at the 2022 World Juniors. He has strong positioning, plays with high energy, and isn’t afraid to jump into puck battles. His skill level isn’t overly exciting - he’s more of a reliable depth player. As the Bruins tend to prefer, Duran has good size at 6-foot-2 and will continue to build strength before he reaches the next level. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he seems like a player who could plug into a third- or fourth-line role while able to play up if needed.

11. Brett Harrison

Drafted 85th overall in 2021, Harrison’s shot is a bright spot, getting a great deal of weight behind a full arsenal of shots. He does well getting to the front of the net as well. His skating stride, shot selection, and overall consistency are red flags in his game though. His development has seemed to stall since being drafted. It's hard to see him as more than a depth piece but he could cut out a bottom six role for himself if everything goes to plan.

12. Dans Locmelis

2022-23 was a coming out party for the talented Latvian center. He was among the best players in the Swedish J20 league and visibly improved his skating to become a more dangerous and consistent offensive player. He will attend UMass this year and should have a good season.

13. Jakub Lauko

Even though the offensive production wasn’t terrific at the AHL level, Lauko filled in admirably with Boston last year to help offset injuries with the big club. This coming season Lauko is no longer exempt from waivers, so it is a big year for the speedy winger.

14. Marc McLaughlin

Don’t expect McLaughlin to ever be a big-time offensive contributor as that’s not his game, but with his work ethic and defensive awareness, he profiles perfectly as a fourth line center and penalty killing anchor.

15. Trevor Kuntar

After three years at Boston College, Kuntar is turning pro this year after signing with Boston. The big, power center is a capable goal scorer but it will be interesting to see how his skating and pace translates to the pro level.

16. Andre Gasseau

A big, two-way center, Gasseau was surprisingly fantastic as a freshman with Boston College last year, flashing more offensive upside than he was perceived to have. It will be interesting to see him grow with the program and continue to develop as an offensive play driver.

17. Frederic Brunet

Even though Brunet finished second in defensive scoring in the QMJHL last year, it looks like the plan might be for him to return as an OA this upcoming season as he is currently without an ELC. Training camp performance may dictate where they start the talented offensive blueliner.

18. Oskar Jellvik

Another player in the Bruins/Boston College pipeline, Jellvik is a skilled playmaking forward who just finished his freshman year after coming over from Sweden. He remains a long term project, but one with terrific offensive upside.

19. Ryan Mast

Even though the offensive production was adequate in the OHL, don’t expect Mast to be a big-time offensive contributor at the pro level. How his defensive game transitions to the pro level this year will dictate whether he can be a long term NHL fixture on the blueline.

20. Beckett Hendrickson

The son of long time NHL forward Darby Hendrickson, Beckett is coming out of the NTDP and will be playing with Sioux Falls in the USHL this year before heading to the University of Minnesota the following year. A lunch pail type, Hendrickson will be looking to prove that he has offensive upside.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #8 Buffalo Sabres

Josh Bell — Tue, 23 May 2023 21:47:50 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 8^th (1^st last year)

There is genuine excitement building in Buffalo following a really strong season, with some playoff aspirations for a time. They have arguably the most exciting group of graduates in the NHL in Owen Power, Jack Quinn, J.J. Peterka, Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Dahlin, and Mattias Samuelsson. Four of them were top 10 picks in their draft year. You can add Peyton Krebs, acquired in the Eichel trade to this group. At the 2022 Draft they had three first round picks in Matthew Savoie (#25^th ranked by McKeens), Noah Ostlund (#63), and Jiri Kulich (#18). The fact that they had so many graduates, and still rank this highly in organizational depth is a testament to their scouts and development team.

GM Kevyn Adams took over in June 2020, right before the draft, and has drawn good reviews as a steady hand. He was proactive in signing his two franchise centerman Tage Thompson (25-years-old) and Dylan Cozens (22) to long term deals at a reasonable AAV of $7.1 million that will benefit them for years. His biggest trade was moving Jack Eichel for a first and a second, hometown hero Alex Tuch, who is thriving, along with the former 17^th overall pick, Peyton Krebs. He has also successfully stepped into an NHL role. Adams brought in a lot of futures and changed the culture seemingly overnight in a high-pressure transaction. Eichel has gone on to thrive in Vegas, but the pieces Adams extracted are already fixtures in the line-up and Ostlund is a promising prospect. The Sabres are going to be competitive as soon as next season, and only get better as this group hits their prime. A reward to Buffalo fans who have been waiting 12 years for a playoff appearance and seen their share of dysfunction.

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 03: Rochester Americans right wing Jiri Kulich (25) on the ice during the first period of the American Hockey League game between the Rochester Americans and Cleveland Monsters on December 3, 2022, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

Jiri Kulich

While Matthew Savoie was the Sabres’ top-10 selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, it’s been 28th-overall-pick Jiri Kulich looking more and more like the team’s top prospect. The Czech forward made the jump overseas this season, going straight to the AHL and fitting right in. The transition to the league wasn’t a difficult one for the centreman, having spent the previous season with HC Energie Karlovy Vary in the top men’s league in Czechia. He’s been a regular and a standout player on Team Czechia, most recently helping them to a 2023 World Juniors silver medal. Kulich plays hard, fast, and smart - the perfect trifecta for any NHL player. He’s a player that could be thrown into any role or situation and thrive. At this point, there’s little question of if he’ll make it to the NHL, but rather when.

2. Matthew Savoie

In terms of dynamic prospects, you’d be hard-pressed to find one better than Savoie. The Winnipeg Ice centreman has been tearing up the WHL for the past two seasons, eclipsing 35 goals and 90 points in both campaigns. He led all rookies in points last season and was rewarded by being selected ninth overall by the Sabres. He’s so difficult to defend due to his excellent edgework and impressive hands to match. He might just be one of the best skaters not in the NHL right now. Savoie’s a well-rounded, offensive threat, with a shot that will stand out in the NHL and strong playmaking with a knack for feeding the slot. He plays at a high pace and isn’t afraid to dive into battles, despite his 5-foot-9 frame. He has the talent to be a top-line threat and seems like a safe bet for the top six, at the very least.

3. Devon Levi

What a successful journey it’s been for Devon Levi. Starting with the CCHL’s Carleton Place Canadians in 2019-20, the goaltender has been MVP of the CCHL and 2019 World Junior A Challenge, Player of the Year in the CJHL and Hockey East, and on top of that, Top Goaltender of the NCAA and 2021 World Juniors. And that’s just the Cole’s note version of his extensive resume to date. While critics will be quick to point out his size, at “just” six feet, he has all of the aspects that should lead him to continued success in his career. He’s so quick and precise in his movement, using strong edges to maintain his positioning. His tracking is among the best of any goaltending prospect and his patience is elite. The wait for Levi to be an NHL regular shouldn’t be long, as the prospect has already signed his entry-level deal and made the jump to the NHL from Northwestern University.

4. Isak Rosen

Like Kulich, Isak Rosen is in his first season in North America and has wasted no time getting accustomed to the game. This should come as no surprise since the Swede spent the two seasons prior playing in the SHL with Leksands IF. The Sabres drafted him in 2021 at 14th overall, spending just one more season in Sweden before heading directly to the AHL. Rosen is such a fun player to watch, stemming from just how light he is on his feet and how quickly he can change directions, making him extremely unpredictable. He’s very patient and his intelligence shows with the puck on his stick, waiting for the opportune moment to make a move and create chances. Consistency and finding ways to break through to the middle of the ice appear to be the biggest hurdles for him right now, but he’s well on his way to being a productive middle-six winger.

5. Noah Ostlund

Sticking with the top Swedes in the prospect pool, Noah Ostlund is the third prospect on this list from the Sabres’ ridiculous first round in the 2022 NHL Draft. Ostlund was the second taken, 16th overall. Ostlund may take some more time than Rosen to make the jump though, playing just 11 SHL games last season, without recording a point. He has been playing in the HockeyAllsvenskan this season with Djurgardens IF, where he’s been getting used to playing against men. The centreman brings a promising two-way presence combined with very agile feet. He can tend to be outmuscled on the puck rather often, so there is some concern about how that will translate coming overseas. This complicates his projection, but he does the talent and work ethic to be a contributing middle-six forward. Another year in Sweden, plus some time in the AHL will be beneficial.

6. Prokhor Poltapov

The Sabres have shown in recent drafts that they’re going to bet on skill and all the rest will fall into place. That seems to be the thought process behind selecting Russian forward Prokhor Poltapov 33rd overall in 2021. The forward also fits a Sabres mould in his energy level, playing like a wind-up car when he’s on the ice. He has the potential to pull off highlight-reel plays but that isn’t always on display. That makes him a player to always keep an eye on though, as you never know when he’s going to go off. After spending the 2021-22 season bouncing between the MHL, VHL, and KHL, he’s carved out a role for himself in the KHL this season, granted in an extremely limited role. His ceiling isn’t overly high, especially due to some inconsistency, but he’s signed in Russia until 2024-25, so he has some time to develop.

7. Ryan Johnson

The first and only defender in the Sabres’ top 10, Ryan Johnson could easily be higher on this - but that’s a testament to the team’s system right now. Drafted 31st overall in 2019, Johnson was coming off a one-and-done USHL season where he was named to the All-Rookie Team. He then jumped to the NCAA’s University of Minnesota where he’s been a huge part of the program. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s still the No. 1 defender on the NCAA’s top team. His reliability, excellent mobility, and his ability to dictate the play all stand out as highly coveted, easily translatable traits. There’s likely not a ton of offensive upside to his game, but there’s also not a lot of downside to his game. He’s in his senior year and doesn’t seem far off from stepping into an NHL role - potentially the top four.

8. Aleksandr Kisakov

While there’s often a waiting period for Russian prospects after they’ve been drafted, Aleksandr Kisakov didn’t take much, spending just one more year in the MHL before signing and coming over to the AHL. In Russia, he showed off his ability to play a quick, high-pace game, noticeably standing out with his speed and offensive talent. He’s extremely creative and unpredictable with the puck on his stick. He’s struggled to find that consistent offensive magic since he joined the Rochester Americans though, adjusting to the improved speed and strength of the AHL. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to get back to that level or if he’ll end up as more of a depth piece in a lineup. There’s a high ceiling and low floor here to keep an eye on but either way, he’s a longer-term project. Expect a few more years in the AHL to get him comfortable.

9. Olivier Nadeau

Selected in the 2021 NHL Draft, 97th overall, Olivier Nadeau provides the Sabres’ farm system with a bigger, strong piece for the future. While the majority of their top prospects are high-skill, high-ceiling pieces, Nadeau is more of a high-floor, low-ceiling prospect. Imagining him as a bottom-six forward seems like just a matter of time and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him crack the top-six. He has a big body that protects the puck so well and navigates to the middle of the ice very well. He does have promising offensive ability too and should be a contributor at every level, at least in a secondary-scoring role. His skating looks to be the biggest hole in his game right now, so much so that he may struggle to adjust to the AHL level. Still, he’s been a top player in the QMJHL that looks ready to take the next step.

10. Lukas Rousek

After being passed over in the NHL Draft twice, the third time was the charm for Lukas Rousek who was selected 160th overall in 2019 by the Sabres. At that time, he was already in his second season in the top men’s league in Czechia. Post-draft, he spent two more seasons with HC Sparta Praha taking noticeable steps forward each season. After an ACL reconstruction surgery to start the 2021-22 season, he played just 19 games that season but came on strong in the playoffs. This season, he’s become a top player for the Amerks, highlighted by his excellent playmaking and work ethic. He’s a strong skater who seems to always know where to be on the ice. Seeing how easily he’s transitioned to the AHL, it looks like Rousek could be a middle-six winger, who looks like a very safe bet to be a regular at this point.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #24 Boston Bruins

Josh Bell — Sat, 13 May 2023 15:19:42 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 24^th (27^th last year)

A record-breaking season with 135 points and the President’s Trophy, ended in heartbreak with a first round lost to last season’s President’s Trophy winner, the Florida Panthers. With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci possibly in their final season, the Hollywood script was written. GM Don Sweeney (since 2015) made some widely praised trade deadline deals moving out his 2023 and 2024 first round picks, plus a 2023 third, a 2025 second and fourth for Tyler Bertuzzi (from Detroit) and Garnet Hathaway and Dmitry Orlov (from Washington). All players well suited to the style of play in the playoffs and solid fit with the Bruin system and culture. Having acquired Hampus Lindholm in the previous season for three picks (one first, two seconds), plus two prospects, the well is not surprisingly dry for prospects on the cusp. They are one of two teams with no graduated prospects from the last five drafts.

It is a testament to the scouting and development team that they find themselves with four prospects (Lysell #33, Lohrei #93, Poitras #155, Bussi #166 – 10^th among goalies) in the top 200 and the 33^rd ranked Fabian Lysell. After a successful rookie season in the AHL, and as Lysell’s confidence grows, he may find himself in a top six role before too long. The Bruins have only five regular forwards from their line-up that are not UFA’s, so an opportunity awaits. The defense is more set going forward. Despite that they have cap issues. GM Sweeney has many questions to answer with his veterans, and how to approach the coming season. No doubt some of those will be tied to the decisions that Bergeron and Krejci make on retirement. Not much left on the shelf to sell, it will be an interesting offseason.

220814 Landon Slaggert of USA and Fabian Lysell of Sweden during the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship group stage game between USA and Sweden on August 14, 2022 in Edmonton.
Photo: Joel Marklund / BILDBYRÅN / kod JM / JM0358

Fabian Lysell

Fabian Lysell wasted no time after the Bruins selected him 21st overall in 2021. After hearing his name called, he decided to come to North America, where he’s been extremely impressive so far. He spent the first season in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, leading the team in points (62). This season, he’s been just as impressive in the AHL. Lysell’s ability to generate offense has been on full display since coming overseas, highlighted by his ability to stickhandle like the puck is on a string and his high-end passing skill. He’s so elusive and creative but needs to pick his opportunities better. There are also some consistency concerns in his game as he seems to lose confidence in himself. If Lysell can put the pieces together, and he has been doing that very well so far in AHL rookie season, he could very well be a top-six playmaker in the near future.

2. Mason Lohrei

After going undrafted in 2019, Mason Lohrei has been making the Bruins look good. They surprisingly called his name 58th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, and he responded very well, earning USHL Defenseman of the Year honours in 2020-21, leading all defenders in goals (19), assists (40), and points (59). But he wasn’t done there. He joined Ohio State University the following season and was named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team. His current season doesn’t have the same lustre around it, but he’s playing on a weaker team. Lohrei’s two-way potential is there. He contributes at both ends, carrying the puck well in transition, showing promising mobility, playing physically, and being on the ice in all situations. He’s still a bit of a project prospect and there’s a need for some refinement in his game if he’s going to succeed in the NHL, but he could be a reliable bottom-pairing defender.

3. Matthew Poitras

Looking at the type of player that the Bruins value, Matthew Poitras is the perfect fit. He’s a coach’s dream, never taking his foot off the gas, being dependable in all scenarios, and being patient in his play. He’s not a player that’s going to be overly dynamic at the next level, but he’s capable of having flashes. He’s a recent draftee, being selected 54th overall in the recent 2022 NHL Draft from the OHL’s Guelph Storm. He has taken a big offensive step forward this season, projected to nearly double his offensive output from his rookie season and is among the league leader in assists. This largely comes from his hardworking style of play, as the puck usually ends up on his stick, which won’t happen as much as he moves up. Tenacious players tend to make it against all odds, so you can bet on Poitras reaching the NHL in due time.

4. Brandon Bussi

In terms of trending prospects, it’s nearly impossible to ignore Brandon Bussi at this point. An undrafted goaltender, Bussi had been biding his time, waiting for an NHL team to bet on him. In his third NCAA season with Western Michigan University, the Bruins did just that, signing him to a one-year contract in college free agency. With a .910 save percentage over his NCAA career, expectations weren’t overly high, taking more of a “let’s see” approach. He jumped to the AHL this season and has been remarkable in net. He took over the crease as the number-one netminder and has run with it, sitting near the top of the league in all categories. He was even named to the AHL All-Star Classic. It remains to be seen how high Bussi can climb, but he’s still young at 24 and his size, positioning, and mobility all look like he’s well on his way to the next level.

5. Georgii Merkulov

After going undrafted and relatively unnoticed in his first year of draft eligibility back in 2019, playing with the MHL’s Kapitan Stupino, Georgii Merulov made a change. He decided to head overseas, joining the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms where he spent two seasons - still going undrafted. He then moved on to the NCAA and Ohio State University, where he spent just one year before the Bruins swooped in and signed him as a free agent. That’s been looking like a great move so far, as Merkulov is a top player on the Providence Bruins this season. He has an excellent shot, has a knack for creating separation, and is a strong playmaker as well. He’s struggled in the face-off dot this season and his defensive awareness and effort aren’t always there, but he’s well on his way to being a secondary scoring option at the NHL level.

6. John Beecher

When the Bruins drafted John Beecher back in 2019, 30th overall, he was coming off a fine season with the USNTDP and heading to the NCAA’s University of Michigan. He spent three seasons with Michigan, where it seemed like his development stalled, never really taking the next step in his game throughout his time there. Now in the AHL, he has shown some improvement with his physicality and ability to get off the wall, even chipping in offensively fairly well, but there is still concern with his lack of consistency and failure to take over games or drive a line. He tends to sit back too often, letting the play come to him. Whether or not he makes the NHL as a consistent contributor is a real question, and it’s hard to see his ceiling as more than a bottom-six role player.

7. Riley Duran

A lesser-known but promising piece of the Bruins’ pool is Riley Duran. Selected in 2020 way down at 182nd overall out of high school, the forward made the shift to the USHL in the following season but didn’t take off. In 2021-22 he jumped to the NCAA where he took off with Providence College. So much so that he was named to Team USA at the 2022 World Juniors. He has strong positioning, plays with high energy, and isn’t afraid to jump into puck battles. His skill level isn’t overly exciting - he’s more of a reliable depth player. As the Bruins like, he has good size at 6-foot-2 and will continue to build strength before he reaches the next level. His ceiling isn’t overly high, but he does seem like a player that would plug into a third- or fourth-line role but be able to play up if needed.

8. Brett Harrison

Drafted 85th overall in 2021, Brett Harrison already had one OHL season under his belt and was expected to take a big step forward in 2020-21. Instead, the OHL season was cancelled and the centreman headed overseas to the U20 SM-sarja for seven games. Combined with an Under-18s gold medal with Team Canada, that was enough for the Bruins to bet on him. He’s been a productive forward in the OHL since then, but his development has noticeably slowed, if not stalled. His shot is a bright spot, getting a great deal of weight behind a full arsenal of shots. He does well getting to the front of the net as well. His skating stride, his shot selection, and overall consistency are red flags in his game though. It’s hard to see him as more than a depth piece but could cut out a bottom-six role for himself if everything goes to plan.

9. Marc McLaughlin

Yet another player in the Bruins’ system that came up through the NCAA, Marc McLaughlin is another prospect that doesn’t garner a ton of attention. But he does seem to be the mould of a Bruins player. He came up through the USHL, serving as the captain in his final year with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Jumping to Boston College, he eventually earned the “C” again and was a point-per-game player in his final two seasons. The Bruins signed him as a free agent, in a big year for him as he also dressed for Team USA at the Olympics. He’s a strong skater, who plays a very intelligent, defensive-leaning game. He’s not going to be the most offensive player, but this season in the AHL has shown that he’ll be a contributor. A bottom-six role, with a role on a first penalty kill unit, seems very realistic and not too far off.

10. Jakub Lauko

Jakub Lauko looks to be graduating from this list soon, after a long path since being drafted 77th overall back in 2018. Drafted out of Czechia, he then joined the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies where he had a strong season, including a QMJHL and CHL Memorial Cup Championship. He then jumped to the AHL, but in the shortened season. In 2020-21, he headed back to Czechia until the AHL season kicked off and he’s been with the P-Bruins since. This season, he’s seen time in the NHL, but if he sticks is a real question. He’s mainly a call-up as needed but has some work to do if he’s going to be a regular. Despite his intelligence and awareness, he tends to be more of a passenger when he’s on the ice. At this point, he’s never going to be an overly offensive threat and he may be close to his ceiling.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – BOSTON BRUINS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Ethan Hetu, Arlo Schulz, Dylan Krill, Zack Szweras — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 14:56:12 +0000

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 24: Boston Bruins center Jack Studnicka (23) carries the puck during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 24, 2022, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Fabian Lysell RW

It was a successful transition to North American hockey for Lysell, who came across the pond to play for the WHL’s Giants in 2021-22 after being drafted in the first round by the Bruins. Lysell didn’t disappoint, posting 62 points in 53 games as he adjusted to the smaller ice surface. Where he shined though, was in the playoffs, breaking out for 21 points in just 12 games as the underdog Giants barely grabbed the final playoff spot but proceeded to shock the top-seeded Everett Silvertips in the first round and then put up a six-game fight against the Kamloops Blazers, largely on the back of a strong power play that featured Lysell’s distributing abilities. A great playmaker, Lysell is known mostly for his skating abilities, drawing comparisons to Pavel Bure and Connor McDavid with his first step and ability to change directions or switch lanes to find open ice. He sees the ice well and is adept at creating passing lanes. A weapon on the rush with his puck handling, Lysell is also strong on the cycle and adapted to the North American game well. He is a weapon on the powerplay working off the half wall, and his defensive game is surprisingly advanced for his age. It’s easy to see why the Bruins made Lysell unavailable in trade talks last year, as he possesses all the skills to be a top-line winger in the NHL. Lysell’s shot is underrated but he could stand to use it more, and he needs to add strength as he still gets pushed off the puck too easily at times. He’s likely headed back to the WHL for one more season. - AS

2 - Mason Lohrei D

The Boston Bruins aren’t flush with talented prospects, and part of the reason their system is growing a bit thin is the lack of high-end picks GM Don Sweeney has been able to make. The side-effect of the team’s chase of a second Stanley Cup in the 21st century has been the team’s scouts have often been without many of their high picks, and as a result, the team’s farm is lacking in truly dynamic talents who set themselves apart from the pack. They do have a few players who fit that billing, though, and Mason Lohrei is definitely one of them. The 21-year-old blueliner was the Bruins’ top pick at the 2020 draft, getting selected 58th overall. As an overage pick, many wondered if Lohrei was the most prudent pick for a team badly in need of slam-dunk quality prospects. Speaking now after his freshman season as an Ohio State Buckeye, it seems clear that the Bruins’ selection of Lohrei, who was ranked outside of the top 125 by NHL Central Scouting, was smarter than it initially seemed to be. Lohrei was one of the best first-year defensemen in the NCAA, flashing incredible amounts of raw offensive talent. You can put Lohrei’s skill with the puck on his stick up against any other NCAA blueliner. He is a legitimate offensive generator out of the back end, and that’s not exactly common. With that being said, though, there are real questions about Lohrei’s game that cause concern. First and foremost, the major question to Lohrei’s profile is if his impressive size (six-foot-four) is a benefit or detriment to his game. His size gives him more ways to provide value, and more tools to work with in case he needs to adjust his game. But on the other hand, one wonders if Lohrei’s size contributes to his lackluster mobility, and if his style is better suited for a different body type. Lohrei has enough talent to become an impactful NHL defenseman, but his game and his tools will need to evolve if he wants to be the same defenseman he is in college when he turns pro. - EH

3 - Jack Studnicka C

The reality is that this upcoming season will be the most critical of Studnicka’s young career. The former OHL’er and highly touted second round selection was an AHL All Star and a member of the All-Rookie team in 2020. Since then, his development has plateaued as he has been unable to get over the hump to become a full time NHL player. The difference this year is that he will require waivers to be sent down to Providence, potentially exposing him to other NHL teams should he not crack the Bruins roster out of training camp. The problem is, the Bruins brought back David Krejci and additionally brought in Pavel Zacha to an already crowded forward group. That means Studnicka is going to need to beat out the likes of Tomas Nosek, Trent Frederic, and fellow prospect Oskar Steen for a spot. At his best at center, would Studnicka be able to handle a transition to wing at times? The heady two-way pivot is not a dynamic offensive player. However, he is versatile, excels as a playmaker down low, and is a strong defensive presence. The key for him has always been whether he can improve his skating enough to play that high energy role at the NHL level. There is still a chance that Studnicka develops into a dependable third line center for the Bruins; it is too early to give up on him. However, time is off the essence. - BO

4 - Matthew Poitras C

The 54^th overall selection in the 2022 NHL Draft, Matthew Poitras was apart of a young Guelph Storm team last year and will be ready to take a step forward as a leader of the group. Poitras was the 12^th overall selection in the 2020 OHL Draft, but due to the Covid-19 shutdown, was forced to miss his first OHL year. Fortunately for Poitras, he didn’t lose his game and quickly adapted to the OHL in his first season. Poitras finished the OHL season with 50 points (21G,29A) in 68 games for third in points on his team, and also four points (1G,3A) in five playoff games, tied for first on his team. Poitras has a style of game that fits the Bruins very well. A highly competitive forward who makes smart decisions with and without the puck consistently and also has the tools to contribute offensively. Already being a driving force for his team, Poitras will have the ability to once again have a big year and take a step forward in his development. Poitras’ best assets are his competitiveness and his hockey sense, more specifically his positional awareness. He has the understanding of where and when to be at all times in all three zones, being a step or two before his opponents, being very effective for his team to contain puck possession. Going into the next season, Poitras will be one of the top players on the Storm and will be looking to push farther in the playoffs than previously. You could expect Poitras to have a jump in point production and still remain an effective 200-foot player. - DK

5 - Georgii Merkulov C

Georgii Merkulov went undrafted, and he’s a name many might not recognize on a list of top prospects. He had only a single season of college hockey under his belt before he signed with the Bruins, and he has just nine professional games to his name. He simply hasn’t had the chance to get in front of many hockey fans, especially the ones who don’t follow Big Ten hockey or the USHL very closely. But if there’s one thing to say about Merkulov as a prospect, it’s that those who haven’t been paying attention have been missing out. Merkulov, who led the Ohio State Buckeyes in scoring last season, is an extremely gifted offensive prospect. He has all the skill you want to see from a player in his role. Merkulov has puck skills galore and can make difficult passes look easy. Looking at those parts of his game, Merkulov looks to have clear top-six upside. But looking at just the positives would give an incomplete picture of Merkulov’s game. He possesses a great degree of offensive talent, that much is undeniable, but it’s largely unrefined offensive talent. The best creators of offense in the NHL are the ones who have found ways to remain positive contributors to an attack both with and without the puck. Merkulov can contribute to an offense in spades, but he wants to do it on his terms. He can create space for himself with the puck on his stick but is far too passive when his linemate is the one attracting attention. Overall, Merkulov’s game when he isn’t handling the puck is simply passive, and while that can work at lower levels it’s likely to infuriate NHL coaches. If Merkulov’s time in the AHL can get him to develop a more refined, balanced offensive approach, he can be a strong NHL forward, but if he continues to simply rely on his skill alone, he’ll have trouble breaking through. - EH

6 - John Beecher C

John Beecher, the Bruins’ first-round pick at the 2019 draft, had a difficult time at the University of Michigan, never quite finding a way to be a go-to forward on Wolverines teams that were filled with top prospects during his three years there. Beecher’s freshman year was perhaps his most promising campaign as a Bruins prospect, as after that point he stagnated and saw his level of importance in the Michigan forward group decline. There are aspects to Beecher’s game that make it clear why he was a top pick at the 2019 draft. He has a combination of size and speed that NHL front offices typically trip over themselves to acquire. Beecher has a big six-foot-three frame that he’s filled out well, and he skates better than most players of that size and weight profile. When Beecher is engaged, he’s that rare prospect that can play a sort of throwback-style power forward game at a modern-day fast pace. But those moments of strong engagement where he flashes top prospect upside came too infrequently for him to solidify a place as a scoring forward at Michigan, and by the end of his collegiate career he had settled into more of a third-line shutdown role for the Wolverines. Beecher looked promising when he had an 11-game run with the AHL Providence Bruins, and he will likely return to Providence next season with the hope of becoming a top player there. Next season will go a long way towards determining if Beecher’s offensive struggles at Michigan were due to opportunity rather than ability, although, like with most things, the reality is probably somewhere in between. If he can have success at the AHL level, Beecher could become a useful middle-six player who offers a unique blend of size and speed. - EH

7 - Oskar Steen RW

A former selection of the Bruins in 2016, Steen has slowly progressed into an NHL prospect and, perhaps, even an NHL player. Patience is a virtue and the Bruins have been very patient with Steen. In 2019, Steen had a breakout performance in the SHL that prompted Boston to sign him to his ELC. Since then, across three AHL seasons, he has steadily improved as a North American pro. This culminated with a long look at the NHL level last year, where Steen scored his first two NHL goals and subsequently earned a two-year contract extension (on a surprising one-way deal). It is clear that the Bruins feel Steen can be a highly productive and useful member of their bottom six forward group for this upcoming season. The key to Steen’s success is his high work rate. He may not be tall (5’9), but he is built like a fridge. His strong skating ability and tenaciousness make him such a tough player to win one-on-one battles against. He competes for every puck in all three zones, supports his linemates by working the wall and retrieving pucks, and is a generally intelligent two-way player. The offensive upside is not significant. In all likelihood, Steen tops out as a third line hustler. However, that’s not bad for a former sixth round selection. - BO

8 - Marc McLaughlin C

One of the ways the Bruins have made up for the trades that have cost them many draft picks is through the aggressive recruitment of NCAA free agents. The Bruins, as the NHL’s lone franchise in Boston, are uniquely situated to evaluate and pluck from the college ranks, thanks to Boston being the home of quite a few of college hockey’s top programs. McLaughlin was one of the team’s marquee college signings last season, and his immediate jump to the Bruins’ NHL roster is evidence of that. McLaughlin, who was selected for the United States’ team at the Beijing Winter Olympics, plays the sort of game that looks tailor-made for NHL coaches. He’s responsible. As the former captain of the Boston College Eagles, he brings leadership and a strong work ethic. He’ll rarely take a shift off, and even more rarely find himself out of the lineup due to injury. He’s always available, and the play he puts forth is extremely consistent. The 23-year-old McLaughlin chips in on both ends of the ice, and his polished two-way game is what gives him the chance of sticking as a center in the NHL. He’s smart enough defensively to handle the immense burdens placed upon NHL pivots, and he could eventually see time as a penalty killer. Offensively, McLaughlin’s best tool is his shot. He was a 20-goal-scorer in his senior season in the NCAA and has a shot that could make him a secondary goal-scoring option in the NHL. If he can continue to grow and maintain the consistency he’s displayed so far as a pro, McLaughlin can have a long career as a third or fourth liner who coaches regularly rely on to play difficult minutes and keep the locker room together in the face of the inevitable challenges an NHL season presents. - EH

9 - Brett Harrison C

The 85th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Draft, Brett Harrison continues to show improvements year after year, finding ways to impact the game in anyway he can. The former 16th overall selection in the 2019 OHL Draft quickly adapted and was very effective in his rookie year, finishing with 37 points (21G,16A) in 58 games. During the 2020-2021 season while the OHL was shutdown due to Covid-19, Harrison made the trip to Europe like some others and played seven games in the U20 SM-sarja and 1 game in the Mestis, finishing with 9 points (4G,5A) in the seven U20 games. Harrison also got the opportunity to play in the U18 World Championship. During the 2021-2022 season, Harrison took another step forward and finished the year with 61 points (27G,34A) in 65 games, which was 2nd on the team for points, 2nd on the team for goals and 3rd on the team for assists. Harrison’s best assets are his competitiveness and hockey sense. He has the understanding of how to use his body and stick to consistently win puck battles, protecting to puck with his size and out-battle opponents with his high motor and active stick. Harrison is always in the play because he has great awareness and positioning, reading and anticipating plays in all three zones. He has the ability to be a great complementary player. Going into the 2022-2023 season, Harrison will look to have another big year in the OHL, being a leader on and off the ice for the Generals. You could expect an increase in points. - DK

10 - Oskar Jellvik LW

Jellvik was selected in the 5^th round, 149^th overall in the 2021 NHL draft by the Boston Bruins. Like many prospects, his opportunities for development in his draft year were significantly diminished by the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of J20 games were cancelled because of the pandemic, limiting Jellvik to 13 J20 games. In that time, he was able to show promising offensive skill with 6 goals and 12 points. He was also given a small chance in the SHL, with three games in a limited role. Although there was little information on him, the Bruins still took a flyer on him in the 5^th round. This past season, Jellvik showed good reason as to why the Bruins used draft capital on him after playing a full season in the J20 with Djurgårdens, with whom he posted 55 points in 41 games, finishing 7^th in points in the league. He continued his offensive performance with 9 points in 6 playoff games. Jellvik’s best attributes are his skating and puck handling abilities. His skating stride is close to textbook, with good extensions, crossovers and ankle flexion. He will be making the transition from Swedish hockey to North American hockey as he is committed to play the 2022-23 season with Boston College. As a Boston draft pick, this will allow the Bruins to keep a close eye on his performance as well as allow their development staff to work with him throughout the season. It will be intriguing to see how Jellvik fairs with this transition from the Swedish junior league to college hockey. - ZS

11 - Riley Duran

A strong skating and competitive forward, Duran was surprisingly excellent at Providence (NCAA) last year as a freshman. His performance at the recent World Junior Championships was very encouraging.

12 - Brandon Bussi

The Bruins signed the massive netminder out of Western Michigan University this offseason and he was immediately solid for Providence (AHL) after turning pro. Bussi could be a diamond in the rough for Boston as they build depth at the goaltending position post Tuukka Rask.

13 - Ryan Mast

The Sarnia Sting defender made positive strides in the OHL this past season, especially from an offensive perspective. The key for him will be to continue to improve his four-way mobility.

14 - Cole Spicer

A key depth piece on the U.S. NTDP this past season, Spicer is an intelligent playmaking pivot. He will attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth this coming year.

15 - Reid Dyck

One of our pre-draft favourites, Dyck is a highly athletic netminder with Swift Current of the WHL. He was excellent for Canada at the U18’s and should blossom as the Broncos become one of the CHL’s top teams over the next two seasons.

16 - Kai Wissmann

Fresh off an extremely impressive performance at the World Championships for Germany, the Bruins inked the 6’4, right shot defender to an NHL deal. His progression in the DEL the last few years has been rapid, and he could be one to watch.

17 - Trevor Kuntar

A competitive, power center, Kuntar had a better sophomore year with Boston College. The goal scoring center needs to continue to upgrade his quickness.

18 - Matias Mantykivi

A well rounded and intelligent playmaking forward, Mantykivi is coming off of a breakout campaign in Liiga on a strong Ilves team. If he can take another step forward this year, he will be a rapid riser in the Bruins’ system.

19 - Kyle Keyser

The former Oshawa Generals star finally broke through as a full time AHL player last season, his third as a pro. An excellent athlete in the crease, Keyser will look to show further improvement this season to stay in Boston’s long-term plans.

20 - Philip Svedeback

The Swedish netminder came to play in the USHL last year, performing well for Dubuque. Now he will take his talents to Providence (NCAA).

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: BOSTON BRUINS – RANK: #25 – TIER V

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:10:03 +0000

Boston Bruins

#25 Boston - Can't blame the class of 2015 for this. Blame the classes of 2018-21. Bruins simply haven't drafted enough high upside players.

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 16: Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) stares down a shot during a game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Islanders on April 16, 2021 at TD garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Fabian Lysell - RW

There are many players out there with great feet and many others with great hands, but only a handful who combine speed in all limbs as well as Lysell. He is electric in transition, constantly forcing defenders back into their heels as he gains the zone with speed, His hands are soft and creative. He can change direction faster than many of his peers can skate in a straight line. Additionally, he will look to play the middle lane, not content to stick to the outside like many players of his ability and stature would. Without question, he has as much upside as any forward taken in 2021, and that is why the Bruins chose him at 21st overall.

There are certainly some perceived concerns over his selfishness on the ice and his overall awareness and ability to consistently get the best out of his skill set, one of the reasons he fell to Boston. However, he is a long-term commitment. Lysell has signed with Boston and intends to play in North America this year. Whether that is in the AHL or in the WHL with Vancouver, remains to be seen. However, if his development goes according to plan, Lysell could develop into a high-end top line forward for the Bruins. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jeremy Swayman - G

Tuukka Rask is an unsigned free agent and recuperating from hip surgery that will keep him from playing until January or February, at the earliest. Jaroslav Halak, the practically ideal backup netminder, moved on to Vancouver as a free agent. Boston brought in Linus Ullmark through free agency, but he is no more proven as a starter at the NHL level than Swayman. Long story short, we may be looking at the new Bruins’ starting netminder right here, or at the very least, an equal share tandem goalie.

In his first professional season, Swayman was stellar at both AHL and NHL levels, pitching three shutouts in 19 combined regular season games, making a seamless adjustment after winning the Mike Richter Trophy as the top collegiate goalie the year prior. He has ideal size, moves very well, and is impressively calm in the face of a heavy opposition attack. A full season in the NHL will challenge him more than he has ever been challenged before, but he has yet to show weakness on the ice, dating back to his time at the U14 level in Anchorage, Alaska. Florida’s Spencer Knight gets all the hype for the Calder this year, but we strongly advise you not to sleep on Swayman. He could be special. - RW

John Beecher - C

There were a lot of prospects who were happy to see the end of the 2020-21 season and Beecher may have been the leader of that group. The headline disappointment was surely his being forced to miss the WJC because of a late COVID exposure that also forced his roommate, San Jose prospect Thomas Bordeleau, to miss out. Digging even a little bit deeper, we see that maybe Beecher should not have gone to the WJC anyway, COVID, or no COVID. Where he once was reasonably looked at as a unicorn, with massive size and world class skating speed, and just enough latent skill to dream on a unique top six center, through two seasons with Michigan, his offensive game has stagnated, with him not even looking like he could crest the 0.5 PPG mark.

To make matters worse, he is not putting his great size to use like he could and should. Of course, Beecher is still heavily involved in his own zone, and a future shut-down center is both possible and likely, but he simply doesn’t put any of his strength into working the puck, as he seems to be able to win far more puck battles than he does, and that he should at least make more of an effort to get involved in those puck battles in the first place. Until he adds that grit to his game, he will have a hard time reaching his projected ceiling. - RW

Jack Studnicka - C

After a very strong first pro season in Providence in 2019/20, Studnicka really put himself on the map as a considerable prospect. He was an AHL All-Star and named to the All-Rookie team. The workhorse, two-way center continued that momentum to last season, as he split the year between Boston and Providence. With the Bruins, Studnicka showed promise in a bottom six role, even killing penalties for Boston.

The best part of Studnicka’s game is his awareness at both ends of the ice and his overall IQ with the puck. A safe player, Studnicka has worked hard to improve his ability to play with pace, which includes improving his explosiveness and ability to make plays at top speed. His calling card as an NHL player will likely be his ability to kill penalties, take key faceoffs, and work as a playmaker down low to open up space for his linemates. This upcoming season, Studnicka will look to secure a 3rd or 4th line center role for the Bruins and establish himself as a full time NHL player. As he continues to improve his skating, he has a chance to play higher in the lineup and should have a long NHL career. - BO

Mason Lohrei - D

Taking a big chance in his second year of draft eligibility, Boston saw enough of Lohrei to call out his name in the second round in 2020. He had great size, and skated well enough, but the consistency was not there, and it did leave some scratching their head after the pick. This past season, the Ohio State commit showed a ton as he took massive steps forward in nearly every developmental area. As the USHL’s defenseman of the year, he would take over shifts with his plus speed, mature composure, and impressive vision in the neutral and offensive zones.

Defensively, he was near dominant as well, with tight gaps, clever use of a very lengthy stick, and the trust of his coaches to play in the most difficult of situations. He is not a very physical player, despite his size, because he allows his stick to do the heavy lifting for him. If there are concerns remaining, it is that Lohrei’s great work last year came as a 20-year-old, while most of the more talented players he faced off against were 17 and 18 years old. Our assessment of his true ceiling will depend on how he acclimates to the Big Ten this year. - RW

Jakub Lauko - C

This past season, for Jakub Lauko, was all about getting healthy and regaining his confidence as an offensive player. The speedy Czech forward missed a good chunk of his first pro season in North America (2019/20) after suffering an MCL injury at the World Juniors. However, the injury appears to be in the rear-view mirror as Lauko re-established himself as one of Boston’s top young players in 2020/21. A successful start in the Czech league was followed by an even more successful conclusion with Providence that saw him finish second in scoring for Boston’s AHL club.

For Lauko, his game is built around his ability to generate chances with his aforementioned speed and ability to play with pace. The knee injury did not slow him down one bit, and he looks every ounce of the dangerous attacker that he did previous to it. Lauko is also a dedicated two-way player who can succeed when placed in a variety of different roles. This versatility makes him a very valuable player. It is possible that he sees some action with Boston as early as this coming season and his projection is that of a high-end middle six forward. - BO

Urho Vaakanainen - D

It seems like forever ago that the Bruins selected Vaakanainen with their first-round pick because he has already played three seasons in North America. The mobile stay at home blueliner has not been terrible, splitting time between Boston and Providence, but the lack of development in his offensive game does suggest that his potential impact at the NHL level may be limited.

The 22-year-old defender has already proven that he can handle defensive assignments at the NHL level and that he can excel on the penalty kill. He takes away space well with his feet, even if he doesn’t have elite reach or size. However, he remains tentative to play with the puck and still has not yet developed the confidence to use his plus mobility to skate himself out of trouble in the defensive end. Vaakanainen is still exempt from waivers for another year, however there is a chance that he secures a third pairing role this season for Boston. Even with the Bruins bringing in Derek Forbort this offseason, the number six spot is up for grabs, and it could have Vaakanainen’s name on it. - BO

Brett Harrison - C

A big, goal scoring center, Brett Harrison is the kind of player who has a really strong understanding of how he needs to play to be successful. This is not a young man who struggles with his on-ice identity; support puck carriers, keep plays alive, and get to the front of the net so that he can use his soft hands to score. However, he also projects as a two-way center because of his anticipation and awareness. At the U18’s, Harrison may not have done himself any favors, as his lack of power and grace in his skating stride prevented him from making a consistent offensive impact. This in turn caused him to be used sparingly at even strength. As he continues to improve his explosiveness, he could reasonably develop into a solid NHL player given that his style of play and skill set should translate well to the NHL level.

A third-round selection by Boston this year, Harrison will return to play in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals this coming season, after playing sparingly in his draft year due to the OHL hiatus (he went to Finland to get ice time). Look for him to be an offensive leader for the Generals. Simply put, Harrison is a real intelligent player who is currently somewhat limited by his skating deficiencies. With some work, Harrison has a chance to be a long-time pro. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Jack Ahcan - D

Overlooked three times at the draft, once each as a high school phenom, a USHL point man, and a collegiate whiz kid with a pedigree that included a regular role for a Gold Medal winning Team USA at the WJC, Ahcan nonetheless continued to excel with St. Cloud State, finishing his time on campus third all time for points among all Huskies’ defenders. The Bruins signed him as an undrafted free agent immediately after his senior season, and he acclimated to the pro game rather well. Although Ahcan played a few games in the ECHL, he produced as an offensive defender with Providence, and played in three NHL games to boot, with over 20 minutes of ice time in two of those contests.

His lack of size will always be an issue, but the rest of his game – the things he has control over – has always held up well, without any glaring weaknesses that could hold him back. He is a solid puck mover and prone to making good decisions with the puck. He may not be an elite skater, but he has nothing to be ashamed of concerning his mobility. Ahcan will be in tough to earn a regular role on the Boston blueline this season, with a few young players higher on the Bruins’ pecking order, but if any falters, Ahcan will be one of the first guys up. - RW

Trevor Kuntar - C

Boston’s third round pick last year, Kuntar was a second-year wrecking ball across the USHL, often the only player worth watching on his moribund Youngstown side. The offense he generated with the Phantoms didn’t quite come so easily as a freshman with Boston College, although he still flashed just enough to suggest that the offense will increase over time. What stayed with Kuntar was his crash-and-bang approach, as he showed zero hesitation to get involved in the dirty areas against collegians.

The Bruins have tended towards lower upside players in the draft for many of their picks in the past few drafts, and Kuntar may be one of those, although his floor is higher than a number of others, in that there isn’t much else that we would want to see from him, outside of additional comfort at the collegiate level, before we would feel that he is ready to ascend to his rightful place in a bottom six role. He has enough skill to even double his scoring output in college, and the versatility to fill in any role asked of him. He will be loved by fans more than fantasy hockey players, but either way, he should provide positive value on an entry level deal for his team within a few years. - RW

Brady Lyle - D

Turned a strong AHL season with Providence into an ELC with Boston and is really making waves in the Bruins organization. Lyle can really shoot the puck and his instincts at both ends are sound. With another year at the AHL level, he could be pushing for a third pairing spot.

Zachary Senyshyn - RW

It seems like forever ago that the Bruins passed up on Barzal to select Senyshyn (among others). His development has not gone according to plan, but he is coming off of his best AHL season to date and earned an eight-game look with the Bruins. This is probably his final season in the organization to show that he can be an NHL player.

Oskar Steen - RW

Undersized, but strong skating center who loves to attack and push the pace. Entering his third pro season in the organization and looks like a potential bottom six forward for the Bruins within the next season or two.

Ryan Mast - D

A recent selection by the Bruins, Mast was rated highly by us in our 2021 Draft Guide, and we are sticking to our guns here. He has the potential to be a high-end defensive defender at the NHL level and will look to resume his development with Sarnia of the OHL this coming year.

Curtis Hall - C

Hall is a big (6’4, 216lbs) two-way center who just completed his first pro season with Providence after two good years at Yale. The upside may not be significant, but it is easy to see him as an NHL player in some capacity down the line.

USHL: 2020-21 Playoff Preview – Expect Entertaining Hockey with Chicago a Clear Favourite

Ryan Wagman — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:27:15 +0000

If there is an exception to the across-the-board negative impact of COVID-19 on the world of hockey, it may rest in the USHL. As north of the border, the three leagues of the CHL were in disarray – at best – the USHL, played a fairly “normal” year.

Sure, the league proceeded without the participation of the Madison Capitals (regional COVID restrictions) or the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders (a Derecho huffed and puffed and blew the arena down), but the rest of the league played (an approximately) 54 game schedule with rather few disruptions.

Not only that, but in terms of quality, the league was better than ever, as a number of players who had expected to suit up for Canadian teams – both CHL and Jr. A – were given an opportunity to play for various USHL teams as their regular leagues were delayed indefinitely, or outright cancelled. Those bonus players included some that were drafted already, including Cross Hanas, Bear Hughes, and Danil Gushchin*. Other drafted players came in from the Ivy League schools, who did not play a hockey schedule this year. In addition to the likes of Henry Thrun, Jack Malone, and Austin Wong coming to the USHL after some time in college, others like Sean Farrell and Alex Laferriere, who had intended to start collegiate life this year, were forced to stay back for one more year in the Midwest.

*Gushchin, who had played the previous two seasons with Muskegon, was expected to play in Ontario with Niagara for the 2020-21 season, but with the OHL in permanent statis, he was loaned back to the Lumberjacks, where he put up his best season yet.

And then there were the draft-eligible ringers who unexpectedly joined the league and played so well that they have legitimate first round consideration at the end of it. I am thinking, of course, of Cole Sillinger, who joined Sioux Falls, before it was known when, or if, the WHL would get going, and Ayrton Martino and Jack Bar, who had played in Ontario last year and had been planning on playing in the BCHL this year before Canadian restrictions pushed them to the USHL, with Omaha and Chicago, respectively.

Of course, there were many other unexpected players in the league this year, with those mentioned only scratching the surface of the most famous names.

So, before we preview the postseason, which begins this Friday (Apr. 30), let’s pour one out for the six teams that didn’t make, and give a word to the top 1-3 draft eligible players from those squads.

Team USA

One point behind Dubuque for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference – although far further back via points percentage (.510-.481), the USNTDP team that would have played in the USHL playoffs had they made it would have been the U17 team. The best of that group – Rutger McGroarty, Isaac Howard, Ryan Chesley, Lane Hutson, Charlie Stramel and others – are playing with the U18 team in Texas at the WU18 tournament. No draft eligibles but remember those names for next season.

Youngstown Phantoms

By points percentage, easily the weakest team in the league. The aforementioned Jack Malone, a Vancouver draft pick, was far and away the top performer on the team, which is to be expected from a player with a year at Cornell under his belt. Among first year draft eligibles, Japanese import Yusako Ando was the most notable, although his second year in the league was worse than his first. He can create for others, but he doesn’t skate well enough to make up for his slight 5-7” frame. The only other draft eligible who ever made a positive impression on me from this roster was blueliner Austen May. The Providence commit is on the small side, but he is really fleet of foot and shows decent attention to detail off the puck.

Des Moines Buccaneers

Despite the presence of three drafted players – Alex Laferriere (LA), Noah Ellis (Vgk), and Lucas Mercuri (Car), the Buccaneers struggled this year, particularly in terms of putting the puck in the net. The drafted guys were all solid, but too few of the rest of the roster could match their output. Perhaps things would have been different if Paul Davey hadn’t of left mid-season for a stint back home in Connecticut. Davey and Scout Truman were the two most notable first time draft eligible on the roster, but neither really put their stamp on the season. If there are to be any Buccaneers drafted this year, they will be among the redraft candidates. To that end, file away the names of Matt Choupani and Remington Koepple. Choupani is a forward who lacks much in the way of physical tools but can play the puck well. Koepple is a goalie who had decent numbers in his first year in the league, although he has only average size and athleticism and he chocked in the BioSteel game, hurting his standing for some.

Lincoln Stars

The Stars went heavy on the ringers partway through the season. Cross Hanas was already mentioned, but he was just one of four players brought in from the WHL Portland Winterhawks, joining Clay Hanas (no relation), Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan, as well as Charles-Alexis Legault from West Kelowna in the BCHL and Michael Mastrodomenico from AAA hockey in Quebec. Simply put, the shuffled team never gelled, and the newcomers couldn’t get into the swing of the USHL.

O’Brien was the biggest disappointment. There was some expectation that he could be a high round pick this year, but one goal and six assists in 23 games ended that sentiment. Blueliner Legault didn’t hurt his stock too much, as he still has great size and skates well and shoots from his right side. Stefan, son of former first overall pick Patrik Stefan, had enough moments to maybe convince some team to call his name in the late rounds. A kind word also to big bruising winger Gleb Veremeyev. Veremeyev isn’t an offensive threat, but one of the top PIM players in the league is a threat, nonetheless. The USHL is not a very physical league, and when a player has that size and plays with that snarl, he sometimes gets drafted, such as we saw with Nick Capone last year and Martin Pospisil in 2018.

Waterloo Black Hawks

Generally contenders, the Black Hawks find themselves out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014-15, and only the second time in 14 seasons for which there were playoffs. Fielding one of the smaller and least experienced lineups in the league, this just wasn’t their year. Their one drafted player, Toronto’s Wyatt Schingoethe, regressed heavily from his strong draft year. The team cycled through goalies, with three seeing significant minutes. Remember the name of Emmett Croteau, the best performing of their netminders, as he won’t be draft eligible until 2022.

Among players eligible this year, the most impressive were second time eligible defenseman Cooper Wylie, a USHL rookie, who can play the puck and skate well enough to make his ornery game effective, if not spectacular. He could be drafted. On the other hand, David Gucciardi, acquired in an early season trade from Youngstown, will be drafted. His game is raw, and his mistakes are often critical, but he has tools, and his instincts are good enough to think he can be a good one if he relies on his instincts all the time.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The Western Conference bottom feeders are a mystery. In the last USHL playoffs, the Stampede took home the title. In addition to their usual solid team, this year they brought in the highest profile ringer in Cole Sillinger, who didn’t disappoint, with a team leading 46 points despite only playing in 31 games. He is a sniper with an NHL style game who will be back in the WHL next year. The USHL rarely sees a player of his caliber, whether talking about skill or about reading the game, yet he couldn’t drag the Stampede upwards on his own. I would be surprised if he isn’t the first player from this year’s USH: crop to play in the NHL.

Defender Brent Johnson was one of the better draft eligible defenders in the league as well. A power play specialist with good wheels and an ornery side, his season ended right before the BioSteel All American Game due to a shoulder injury, but could hear his name called in the 50-80 range of the draft if his medicals hold up.

Although not as high profile, I also have time for second time eligible, defenseman Nate Schweitzer, who can do a lot well, but nothing spectacularly, and winger Mike Citara, who can skate and shoot. I don’t expect either to be drafted, but I wouldn’t be surprised if either was.

The Playoffs

The format this year is simple. The top four teams from each conference made it in. All series are best-of-threes. Top seed plays the fourth seed, and second seed plays the third seed. All games are hosted by the higher seed. One series per weekend until one team lifts the Clark Cup. Let’s go!

Western Conference

Jack Peart. Photo Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Tri-City Storm vs #4 Fargo Force

The Western Conference was incredibly tight at the top with the playoff picture not being settled until the final weekend of the regular season. The points percentage difference between Tri-City and Fargo (32 percentage points) was less than between Fargo and fifth place Des Moines (34 percentage points).

Fargo was the third best defensive team in the league, although Tri-City was the best at keeping the puck out of its net. Neither team is known for filling their opponents’ nets either, but both had generally done enough to walk away with points more often than not. In fact, they are quite evenly matched. The difference in these three games (outside of home ice advantage) is likely to rest in special teams. Fargo was mediocre on both the power play and the penalty kill, while the Storm were strong with the man advantage and almost impregnable on the penalty kill, leading the league with a breathtaking 88.3% kill rate. To Fargo’s credit, they have played far more of their season at 5-on-5 than Tri-City. And they will have to do that again this weekend to keep their season alive.

Beyond the expected close games, another reason to watch this series is the head-to-head matchup between two very interesting and talented draft eligibles. On Fargo, that would be Tristan Broz, a two-way center with a good motor and the vision to be a power play weapon. The Minnesota commit ran away with the scoring lead on his team. His numbers would be even more impressive if he had more talented teammates to play with. On Tri-City, the man of the hour is Matthew Knies. Knies started his season painfully slow, but ended it on fire, with 20 points in his final 11 games. Knies has heavier feet, but a very mature build and at his best, can take over the game. He will join Broz with the Golden Gophers next year.

Knies and Broz are not the only intriguing draft eligible players in this series. In fact, Fargo blueliner Jack Peart has a very good chance to be the highest drafted player in this series. The St. Cloud State commit split his season between Fargo and Grand Rapids High School (Mn). He is a good skater with a very strong first few steps, who plays with preternatural poise. He controls the puck like a much older player and plays a strong 200-foot game. Had Peart spent the entire season in Fargo, the final standings may have looked very different. For Fargo, also keep an eye on Aaron Huglen, a Buffalo draft pick who returned from over a full year on the sidelines after around a third of this season was done and has played a skilled game ever since.

On Tri-City, Knies is joined by a pair of intriguing draft eligible players in Hunter Strand and Carter Mazur, the latter of whom is a second time eligible player. Strand is a USNTDP alum, whose late birthday prevented him from being drafted last year. The Alaska native is a great skater and plays a patient game with the puck. Mazur has more of an East-West style game, helped along by plus edges. He can play the pest role as well and retains utility off the puck. Strand and Mazur both outscored Knies this year, but Knies already had a big reputation through his big pre-draft year and his run to end the year keeps him top of mind.

Prediction: Fargo in three. A mild upset to be sure. The return of Peart helps Fargo just as much as the loss of top blueliner Guillaume Richard hurts Tri-City. Richard is currently representing Team Canada at the WU18s in Texas. Neither team has stellar goaltending, but Fargo’s Brennan Boynton should be able to roughly match Tri-City’s Todd Scott.

#2 Omaha Lancers vs #3 Sioux City Musketeers

Both Omaha and Sioux City put up 63 points in 53 games, but their paths to getting there could scarcely have been more different. Consider that Omaha’s goal differential was a mediocre +13, while Sioux City outscored their opponents on aggregate by 35 goals, with the league’s best – by far – defense.

The two teams are both led by high end goaltending, each starting one of the three drafted netminders in the league. For Sioux City, that man is the Swiss Akira Schmid, a New Jersey prospect, while Montreal draftee Jakob Dobes, from Czechia, mans the pipes for Omaha. Dobes was a true workhorse for the Lancers, playing in 47 of the team’s 53 games, while Schmid played roughly two-third of the time for Sioux City, as his back up was more reliable.

Schmid will need to be at his best in this series, however, as Omaha has one of the biggest offensive weapons in the league at their disposal in Ayrton Martino. Martino joined the club shortly after the calendar flipped into 2021 and took the league by storm, with the fifth best points-per-game ratio in the USHL (1.47). A great skater with a fantastic shot, Martino did not let his slight frame prevent him from dominating, and his playmaking game is just as strong as his finishing ability. If Sioux City can shut Martino down, the Lancers don’t have too many other weapons at their disposal as their secondary scoring is largely in the hands of USHL veterans like Ryan Lautenbach, Nolan Renwick and Zach Dubinsky. The Omaha roster is one of the oldest in the league.

Sioux City, on the other hand, has a few more weapons at its disposal. Detroit draft pick Chase Bradley and New Jersey pick Ethan Edwards were both in the team’s top four in scoring, while Buffalo pick Matteo Costantini showed well after joining the league mid-season. Although the Musketeers don’t have a draft eligible player the likes of Martino, don’t sleep on defenseman Shai Buium. A USHL rookie out of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s program, he combines quick hands with smooth, if not quick, feet. He plays a strong two-way game and if he were a better skater (he isn’t bad, but he isn’t great), we would be hearing more people call for him as a first round type of talent. As is, he has enough raw skill to dream on a big, late-blooming future. I am also keeping an eye on redraft candidates defenseman Daniel Laatsch and center Justin Hryckowian. Laatsch is a USNTDP alum who has great size and some burgeoning skill, but is still raw, while Hryckowian has a fun skill game, but an injury-filled history and a sub-optimal build.

Prediction: Sioux City’s depth overcomes Martino’s solo skill in three games.

Western Conference Final Prediction: Sioux City over Fargo in three games. Sioux City is just too difficult to score against and has enough offensive weapons to get the job done.

Eastern Conference

Matthew Coronato. Photo by Dan Hickling, Hickling Images

#1 Chicago Steel vs #4 Dubuque Fighting Saints

By all accounts, this should be a washout. Chicago is, by great lengths, the top team in the USHL. They enter the postseason on an eight-game undefeated streak, and won 38 of 54 games this year, often by wide margins. Their goaltending has been shoddy at times, but far more often than not, they were able to outscore their troubles and their total of 265 goals scored was 24 more than the runners-up. Dubuque, on the other hand, won only 24 of 51 games, securing the final playoff spot in the east thanks to a win in their final game coupled with a loss from the U17 USNTDP squad.

If Dubuque is to have a hope in this series, look to their defensive players. Goalie Lukas Parik, a Los Angeles draft pick, struggled since joining the team, in late-January from the Czech second division, but shut out Green Bay in his final game, reminding us of what he is capable. On the blueline, fellow LA pick Braden Doyle teams up with Anaheim draft pick Henry Thrun to give the Fighting Saints a pair of weapons. Up front, Dubuque has a balanced attack, but the man to watch is Robert Cronin. While too old to be drafted this year Cronin is a late bloomer with speed and skill who will be a good follow next year once he joins the University of New Hampshire. The boy to watch, on the other hand, is Matthew Savoie. The 17-year-old is a 2022 draft eligible, who should have been playing in the WHL, but the uncertainty in that league led him to Dubuque, where he immediately played a central, and at time dominating, role. He’s going to be really fun to watch next year.

Looking at draft eligibles for this summer, keep your eyes on Connor Kurth and Andrei Buyalsky. Buylasky is actually the same age (born three days later) as Cronin, but as he is considered a foreign player (this is his first season in North America), the Kazakhstani forward is draft eligible while the American Cronin is not. Buyalsky is an impressive skater with impressive finishing ability. Kurth, on the other hand, has no particular big attributes to his game, but he finds a way to put up good numbers. He has a very stocky build but moves well enough regardless.

Moving on to Chicago, almost every skater on the roster is worthy of mention. Start with Montreal draft pick Sean Farrell, a USNTDP alum who would have been with Harvard this season had the Crimson actually played. Instead, he put up a breathtaking 101-point season for the Steel. His playmaking ability is simply unfair to most opponents on most nights. Then there is Matthew Coronato, a likely first round pick, who scored 48 goals in 51 games. Sure, it helps to have Farrell playing on your team, but the two actually rarely played together at even strength. Coronato is an offensive dynamo, who is content to cycle on his own for multiple full loops of the offensive end before he sees a seam to exploit.

Then there is Jack Bar, a late add to the roster from the BCHL. After a brief period acclimating to the league, he began to dominate. The defenseman likes to get deep into the offensive zone but is also a physical and committed defender. He has some first round upside. Of course, I also have to mention Mackie Samoskevich, who at one time was seen as a better draft prospect than Coronato. Samoskevich struggled somewhat after a midseason injury but is another gifted playmaker and a fantastic skater to boot.

I don’t want to get into the weeds too much, but I also expect Josh Doan (son of Shane), Ryan Ufko, and Jackson Blake to be drafted this summer, and Jack Harvey being drafted wouldn’t surprise me either. Anaheim draft pick Ian Moore has been impressive in his first season in the USHL, and 2023(!!) eligible forward Adam Fantilli is a burgeoning superstar. As good as everyone else already mentioned on this roster is, Fantilli’s upside is the highest. I am talking top three in the draft upside.

Prediction: Chicago in two, barring a complete breakdown in net. Chicago in three if the goalies stumble.

#2 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs #3 Green Bay Gamblers

A testament to how tight the West is, the Muskegon-Green Bay series is the second most lopsided duel after Chicago-Dubuque, with .040 percentage points separating the Lumberjacks and the Gamblers. Muskegon plays an up-tempo, high-event game with red lights going off at both ends. Green Bay is best when they keep goals to a minimum, and actually ended the season with the fewest goals allowed in the conference.

Green Bay’s chances are led by a pair of Boston Bruins’ draft picks in defender Mason Lohrei and center Jake Schmaltz. The latter is a two-way forward, who after three seasons in the USHL, has figured out how to be a factor offensively. He does a lot of little things well but lacks any dynamic elements. Lohrei was a surprise second rounder last season but has grown his game even more this year. He is big, skates very well, has a big point shot and plays a tough game at all ends. The Gamblers will go as far as he can take them. Vancouver draft pick Jackson Kunz and Vegas pick Jackson Hallum are also on the roster, and while both have shown the ability to provide secondary offense, neither can make things happen on their own. 2022 eligible Ryan Greene is an interesting player, but if there is a wild card in Green Bay, it is Camden Thiesing. The Tennessee native combines skill with grit, finishing third in the league in PIMs. He will work to make things happen on his own, and when he stays out of the penalty box, he is dangerous.

Led by San Jose draft pick Danil Gushchin, Muskegon is incredibly entertaining. Gushchin is a dynamo, who is not the most consistent player, but when he is involved and engaged, is one of the top handful of forwards in the league. He is joined by a deep roster of talented players, a few of whom should be drafted this summer, many of those in their second year of eligibility. The best of that secondary bunch is center Cameron Berg. Berg finished last year hot after a slow start and didn’t miss a beat coming into this year. He has a high-end wrist shot and knows how to create space for himself to rip one off. Winger Quinn Hutson is another second-year eligible forward who made waves this year. The type of player to get to the right spot at the right time, he knows how to finish what his linemates create. On the blueline, there are a trio to watch. The offensive blueline is Jacob Guevin, a power play specialist, whose production overshadows his average tools. Alex Gagne and Hank Kempf are bigger, more physical blueliners who make life difficult for attacking forwards. I could see all three drafted this summer.

Prediction: Muskegon in three games.

Eastern Conference Final prediction: Chicago in three games over Muskegon. This would be an immensely entertaining series.

Clark Cup Final Prediction: Chicago over Sioux City in three games. It’s really hard to bet against the Steel this year.