It’s time to start Daily Faceoff’s second annual NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown, examining the top prospects from all 32 teams. We’ll spotlight each franchise’s top 10 prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and more.
To qualify as a ‘prospect,’ players generally must have participated in 50 or fewer NHL games last year or spent more time outside the NHL than in it. Skaters over 23 years old and goaltenders over 25 are excluded. Today, we focus on the Boston Bruins.
Despite debuts by players like Matthew Poitras, Mason Lohrei, and Johnny Beecher last year, the Bruins, while aggressive in free agency, fell short in the playoffs to eventual Stanley Cup champions Florida. Their pipeline remains among the weakest in the NHL. The addition of Dean Letourneau in the first round was promising, but subsequent picks were limited, with just two in the first four rounds for 2025. GM Don Sweeney remains optimistic about the future.
I excluded Poitras from the top 10 prospects list due to his extensive NHL play last year, expecting him to continue uninterrupted before his injury. Lohrei, meanwhile, fluctuated between the NHL and AHL, making him a borderline inclusion. Although Lohrei played more NHL games than Poitras, he still spent a third of his season in the minors, contrasting Poitras who was unlikely to return to Guelph. If you still count Poitras as a rookie, having played slightly over 30 games, that’s permissible. The Bruins will prioritize near-term success, and rightfully so. From the prospects below, I’m confident Lohrei will continue to progress and play a pivotal role in Boston’s future. However, my concerns extend to Letourneau and Fabian Lysell, the only other prospects with better-than-even odds of becoming full-time NHLers.
The team’s strength lies oddly in its surplus of centers, a rare advantage. While many could transition to wings if they make the NHL, depth at this position is never unwelcome. The Bruins also boast several promising goaltending options: Jeremy Swayman as the clear No. 1, with 26-year-old Brandon Bussi and Michael DiPietro showing potential, though now aged out of prospect status.
Yet beyond Lohrei, Lysell, and Letourneau, few prospects show NHL potential. While Georgii Merkulov has promise, his brief NHL stint at 23 raises doubts, while Oskar Jellvik’s improved scoring may owe much to collegiate partnerships. Beyond these, the roster mostly comprises depth players, albeit crucial inclusions. These prospects lack the confidence for sustained NHL tenure, but the Bruins’ strategy supports this.
Top 10 Prospects:
1. Mason Lohrei, LHD, 23 (Boston Bruins): Originally an unlikely NHL candidate, Lohrei impressed with Ohio State and accumulated 13 points in 41 NHL games last season. Though not a long-term top-pairing option, he could excel as a third-pair defender.
2. Fabian Lysell, RW, 21 (Providence, AHL): Progressing from 37 to 50 points in the AHL last season, Lysell continues to refine his game, focusing on playmaking and muscle development.
3. Dean Letourneau, C, 18 (Boston College, NCAA): At 6-foot-7, Letourneau stands out for his physicality and versatility, yet his transition to NCAA poses challenges for the Bruins.
4. Georgii Merkulov, C/LW, 23 (Providence, AHL): After a solid AHL rookie season, Merkulov seeks to secure full-time NHL duty in his contract’s final year.
5. Oskar Jellvik, LW, 21 (Boston College, NCAA): Jellvik’s versatility and scoring prowess make him a rising star, enhancing his NHL prospects.
6. John Farinacci, C, 23 (Providence, AHL): Versatile and capable, Farinacci showcases two-way prowess despite his age, reflecting potential as a role player.
7. Brett Harrison, C, 21 (Providence, AHL): Harrison’s defensive game and penalty-killing expertise highlight his potential as a bottom-six contributor.
8. Frédéric Brunet, LHD, 20 (Providence, AHL): Brunet’s transition to professional play is marked by defensive acumen, though offensive strides may be necessary for NHL readiness.
9. Elliott Groenewold, LHD, 18 (Quinnipiac University, NCAA): Groenewold’s aggressive play style and mobility could prove valuable, despite his size.
10. Philip Svedeback, G, 22 (Providence College, NCAA): Svedeback’s consistency and composure in goal offer promise, underscoring his potential in high-pressure situations.
