Bruins top 5 promising defensive prospects for 2023-24 season
The Boston Bruins head into the 2023-24 season with a solid defensive lineup, boasting a group of seasoned players that have proven their worth.
With the departure of Connor Clifton to the Buffalo Sabres and Dmitry Orlov to the Carolina Hurricanes, the team returns their core five defensemen while adding the experienced Kevin Shattenkirk from the Anaheim Ducks in free agency.
One thing that works in the Bruins' favor is that they don't have to rush their defensive prospects to the NHL this season. Players like Jakub Zboril, a promising seventh defenseman, will have the opportunity to develop further in the American Hockey League (AHL) or with their junior teams.
This patient approach to player development allows the Bruins to nurture their young talents properly.
Let's take a closer look at the top five defensive prospects that the Bruins have in their pipeline:
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A seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Jackson Edward fits the mold of a classic Boston Bruins defenseman. Standing tall at 6-foot-2 and weighing 194 pounds, the 19-year-old from Newmarket, Ontario, brings a physical presence to the blue line.
His willingness to stand up opponents at the blue line and his growth in offensive production make him an exciting prospect. Edward will return to the London Knights for the upcoming season to further develop his game.
Often, late-round draft picks can pleasantly surprise their teams, and Ty Gallagher could be one of those for the Bruins. Selected in the seventh round of the 2021 Draft, the 20-year-old defenseman from Clarkson, Michigan, has been showing promise at Boston University.
In his first two seasons with the Terriers, Gallagher displayed a good offensive game, with strong defensive zone exits and excellent vision on the ice. His continued development at Boston University might earn him an entry-level contract next year.
Jonathan Myrenberg came to the Bruins last October in a trade involving Jack Studnicka. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks, the 20-year-old defenseman showcased his skills in the Allsvenskan league last season.
He demonstrated good skating ability, a simple playing style, and a willingness to be physical on the ice. Myrenberg will now play for Linköping HC in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he will continue to develop his game.
Frederic Brunet, a fifth-round pick in the 2022 Draft, had an outstanding 2022-23 season, making him an emerging prospect for the Bruins.
Excelling in both Rimouski Oceanic and Victoriaville Tigers in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), the 19-year-old left-shot defenseman displayed strong skating skills, good vision, and a physical presence on the defensive end.
While Poitras may get the headlines from the 2022 draft class, Brunet is rapidly gaining attention within the Bruins organization.
Leading the pack as the Bruins' top overall prospect, Mason Lohrei has shown immense potential during his time at Ohio State University. After two solid seasons, the 6-foot-4, 209-pound left-shot defenseman signed his entry-level contract.
His impressive play earned him a few appearances for the Providence Bruins, where he showcased his offensive skills and NHL-ready body. While he'll need to impress during training camp, Lohrei is not far from making a significant impact as a nightly NHL blueliner.
In conclusion, the Bruins' defensive prospect group is relatively young compared to their forward prospects. Mason Lohrei stands out as the most NHL-ready among them, but there is plenty of promise in this group as they continue to develop and grow.
The Bruins have wisely taken the time to nurture their defensive talent, which should pay off in the long run.
