Ranking Bruins Prospects 20-11: The Future of Boston Hockey
Ranking Bruins prospects 20 to11. The future of Boston hockey. The Boston Bruins prospect pipeline. Once a quiet backwater is now teeming with potential stars. After a flurry of trades and a promising draft hall, the Bruins have amassed a deep pool of young talent that could reshape the team in the coming years. As the 2025 development camp comes to a close, it’s time to dive into our annual ranking of the top 20 prospects in the Bruin system. To keep things focused, we’re excluding players who’ve already lost significant NHL time like Matthew and Michael Callahan, as well as recent free agent signings who might see more ice time in 202526 such as Mate Blamel and Alex Steves. Here’s a closer look at prospects 20 to 11 with the top 10 to be revealed later. Starting at number 20 is Riley Duran, a Woo native who brings a smart physical style to the ice. After a successful college career at Providence College, Duran made the leap to professional hockey in 2024. While his offensive output dipped slightly in the AAL, his work ethic and willingness to play a tough, gritty game make him a solid candidate for a bottom six role. If the Bruins depth chart opens up, Duran could be a dark horse to secure a roster spot. At number 19 is Dalton Braftoft, a 24-year-old forward who the Bruins aggressively pursued as an undrafted college free agent. Bra’s value lies in his pugnacious style and his willingness to mix it up physically. With three seasons of college hockey under his belt, including 36 goals and 79 points, Braftoft is ready to translate his aggressive play into the pros. He even plans to work with former enforcer Aaron Downey this summer to hone his fighting skills. Ryan Walsh, a 6’1 forward selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL draft, rounds out the top 20. Despite missing development cha due to shoulder surgery, Walsh has shown promising college hockey, scoring 29 goals and 53 points in his first two seasons at Cornell. His smart and steady play could make him a valuable asset for either the Bruins or Providence in the future. Vasac Blenar, a 2025 fourthround kick, is an intriguing prospect with a lot of potential. Standing at 6’4, Blenar is an offensive force on the blue line, but his rawness and risk-taking style mean he’ll need time to develop. The Bruins are willing to take a chance on him, seeing him as a potential gamebreaker. However, patience will be key as Blenar continues to play in the Swedish Junior League. Andre Gassau, a 2021 seventhround pick, has exceeded expectations since joining Boston College. Standing at 6’4 and weighing 218 lbs, Gasso has scored 37 goals and 88 points over three years. While he’ll need to improve his skating, his size and scoring ability make him a solid candidate for a bottom six role. Lo Johansson, a 6’3 defenseman drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL draft, is already sewing promise. He signed an entry- level deal with the Bruins shortly after being drafted and has been a key player for the Montton Wildcats, winning the QMJHL Championship this season. Johansson’s pro ready frame and reliable play make him a valuable prospect. Coover Simpson, a 2025 third round pick, is another high-skilled forward with potential. At 18, Simpson led all Minnesota high schoolers with 49 goals in 31 games and added 34 assists. While his high school stats are impressive, he’ll need to prove himself at higher levels. Simpsons goalcoring ability could make him a valuable addition to the Bman’s lineup in the future. Elliot Groenwald, a 2024 fourthround pick from Vermont, is a steady blue liner with a strong frame. Standing at 6’2 and weighing 201 lbs, Growinwald can both transport the puck and defend effectively. While he may not be an offensive dynamo, his reliability makes him a solid prospect for a second or third pairing role. Oscar Yelvic, a fifthround pick in the 2021 NHL draft, is a shifty, cerebral player who puts himself in prime scoring positions. After a strong sophomore season at Boston College, Jelvic struggled in his junior year before suffering a season ending injury. With a reloaded BC team, Jelvvic could be poised for a bounceback season. Rounding out the top 11 is Michael DPro, a 26-year-old goalender who has shown stellar play in the AHL. Acquired from Vancouver in 2022, DPro dominated as Providence’s top opposite between the pipes in 2024-25, earning the AHL’s goalender of the year award. While the Bruins currently have a backup goalender and Yonis Corposal, DPro could be a viable option if a trade clears cases. What do you think? Are there any prospects you’re particularly excited about? Let us know in the comments. Boston Bruins 32 and 32 summer series offseason insights and top prospects. 32 and 32 summer series Boston Bruins. A new era begins. The Boston Bruins are turning the page on an era that saw them appear in three Stanley Cup finals and take home the grand prize once. Just two seasons removed from setting the record as the best regular season of all time. The organization’s decline continued into 2024-25, pushing them out of the playoff picture. But with a new head coach in Marco Sturm and a surprise pick at seventh overall in the draft, the Bruins are poised for a comeback. NHL draft recap. James Haggins C. A steel at seventh overall. Haggins has the potential to be a blue chip center for the Bruins. His game-breaking speed and incredible puck control bode well for his future with the team. William Moore, center, a good swing for the Bruins. Moore has great shooting and distributing instincts. He has the toolkit of a strong offensive middle six forward. Liam Peterson, defense. A toolsy player with a large 6-2 frame. Person has the potential to be a second pair number four defenseman with some power play upside. Cooper Simpson, leftwing, a premier trigger man. Simpson has the unique opportunity to reestablish some of his dynamism in the NCAA this fall. Vashek Bonar defits. A hulking 6-4 defenseman, Blaar has decent offensive numbers and could become a bottom pair defender who can match with opponents supporters. Cole Chandler C. An absolute worker B of a player. Chandler loves to pursue the puck and get into the dirty areas of the ice. A full offseason and proper training could help him regain his form. Carol Yamelonov C. Constantly involved in the play and a driver for his line. Ylonov attacks oncoming attackers in the neutral zone to teal momentum in transition. Offseason moves. The Bruins overhauled their system and depth making themselves deeper organizationally. Incoming players include Victor Sodestrom, Victor Arvittson, Tanner Jano, Shan Carali, Michael Eisimont, Alex Ces, Jordan Harris, Mate Bluml, Riley Tuy, Jonathan Asparat, and Luke Cavlin. Outgoing players include Jackablco and Parker Wtherspoon. In the system, risers George E. Marlo, Matthew Pitus, Freezer Minton, fallers, Fabian Lysel, Dean Letterno. Likely to see NHL action, Fraser Minton, Matthew Pitus, Fabian Lysel, Marat Kasnutinov, Georgie Merkel, Alex Steve Mass Blue. Top 20 prospects. One, James Haynes. Two, Fabian Lysel. Three, Matthew Pitus. Four, Fraser Benson. Five, William Moore. Six, Moratus Nudinov. Seven, Georgie Merkel. Eight, Cooper Simpson. Nine, William Zellers. 10, Matte Blumil. 11, Alex. 12, Brett Harrison. 13, Liam Patterson. 14, John Ferinati. 15, Cole Spicer. 16, Victor Sodestrom. 17, Frederick Brunette. 18, Jonathan Mel. 19, Roman Ball. 20, Loa Johansson. Final thoughts. While the Bruins are coming off their worst season in a long time, they are well positioned to rise over the next few seasons with superstars David Posternok, Charlie Nakavoy, and an emerging stud between the pipes in Jeremy Swayman. With veteran additions down the lineup, the team will certainly be competitive in 2025-26. But with rising tides in the Atlantic division, it remains to be seen if what Don Sweeney did this offseason was enough to get them back to the postseason.
00:00 – Ranking Bruins Prospects 20-11: The Future of Boston Hockey
05:03 – Boston Bruins 32-in-32 Summer Series: Off-Season Insights & Top Prospects
1. Ranking Bruins Prospects 20-11: The Future of Boston Hockey
Join us as we dive into the Boston Bruins’ prospect pool, ranking players 20-11. Discover the potential stars of tomorrow, including hard-hitting forwards and promising defensemen. Learn about their journeys, strengths, and what they bring to the Bruins’ future. Don’t miss out on the insights from the 2025 Development Camp and what it means for the team’s depth. Perfect for Bruins fans and hockey enthusiasts!
2. Boston Bruins 32-in-32 Summer Series: Off-Season Insights & Top Prospects
Join us as we dive into the Boston Bruins’ off-season moves, including the hiring of new head coach Marco Sturm and key player acquisitions. We’ll explore the team’s draft picks, highlighting the potential of James Hagens and other top prospects. Discover the risers and fallers in the Bruins’ system and what this means for the team’s future. Don’t miss out on the latest updates and analysis on the Bruins as they look to bounce back from a challenging season!
