Boston Bruins Top-10 prospects
It's common knowledge that the Boston Bruins have one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL. To be fair, that comes with the territory of being a contending team for over the last decade.
However, the Bruins do have some promising prospects that fans should be excited about. Let's take a look at Boston's top ten prospects prior to the 2022-23 season.
#10 - Mike Callahan (D)
AGE: 22
DRAFT: 2018 5th rd (142nd) ARI
2021-22: 3 G, 11 A in 38 GP with Providence College
Mikey Callahan showed a competitive two-way game in college. He isn't overly dynamic but will continue to develop his steady game in the AHL this season.
#9 - Mattias Mantykivi (C)
AGE: 21
DRAFT: 2019 6th rd (185th) BOS
2021-22: 12 G, 19 A in 51 GP with Ilves Tampere (SM-liiga)
Matias Mantykivi is a very slight forward who is skilled with the puck on his stick but doesn't have a ton of standout skills for an undersized guy.
#8 - Riley Duran (C)
AGE: 20
DRAFT: 2020 6th rd (182nd) BOS
2021-22: 10 G, 9 A in 38 GP with Providence College
Duran has climbed up the Bruins prospect rankings over the last year after an impressive season in Providence and being selected for the United States team at the 2022 World Junior Championships. Duran tallied five points (two goals, three assists) in five games for Team USA in Edmonton. He played very well at the tournament and showed the kind of offensive creativity the Bruins desperately need at centre long term.
#7 to #4
#7 - Matthew Poitras (C)
AGE: 18
DRAFT: 2022 2nd rd (54th) BOS
2021-22: 21 G, 29 A in 68 GP with Guelph Storm (OHL)
Matthew Poitras was the Bruins' 54th overall pick. He's a hard worker who can make things happen with the puck but lacks speed for an undersized guy.
#6 - Georgi Merkulov (C/W)
AGE: 21
DRAFT: N/A
2021-22: 20 G, 14 A in 36 GP with Ohio State University
Merkulov led the Buckeyes in goals last season and then made a smooth transition to the Providence Bruins, where he tallied five points (one goal, four assists) through eight games late in the 2021-22 campaign.
The Russian forward has a ton of offensive talent. In fact, it's possible Merkulov could be a top-six contributor at some point if he keeps developing at a steady pace. His scoring ability, as seen in the highlights below, is quite impressive.
#5 - Johnny Beecher (C)
AGE: 21
DRAFT: 2019 1st rd (30th) BOS
2021-22: 6 G,9 A in 34 GP with the University of Michigan
Johnny Beecher is big, fast, works hard to get pucks and has the strength to keep them. He has struggled to be an offensive driver at any level, though.
#4 - Brett Harrison (C)
AGE:19
DRAFT: 2021 3rd rd (85th) BOS
2021-22: 27 G, 34 A in 65 GP with Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Brett Harrison had a bit of an underwhelming draft+1 season. His offense didn't pop in the OHL, but he competes hard at both ends of the ice.
#3 to #1
Mason Lohrei had a giant breakout season in college. His skill and offensive game are excellent. His skating and defending are his downfalls despite having a 6' 4» frame.
#2 - Jack Studnicka (C)
AGE: 23
DRAFT: 2017 2nd rd (53rd) BOS
2021-22: 10 G, 25 A in 41 GP with Providence Bruins (AHL)
Jack Studnicka is a well-rounded player who has good speed and works his tail off. In his age-23 season, it is starting to become make-or-break time, although his AHL production was better this past season.
Will this finally be the year that Studnicka makes the NHL and sticks around?
#1 - Fabian Lysell (C/W)
AGE: 19
DRAFT: 2021 1st rd (22nd) BOS
2021-22: 22 G, 40 A in 53 GP with Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Fabian Lysell is a dynamic player. He has great speed, a dangerous shot, and good puck skills. There are some inconsistencies to his game, but the skill is there. He moved to the WHL after a single SHL season and was very impressive for Team Sweden at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships.
