Many hockey experts have the Boston Bruins as the 32nd-ranked prospect pool in the NHL. That is dead last, and the Bruins have been at or around that mark for a few years. Former prospects Matt Poitras and Mason Lohrei have NHL experience under their belts and should become solid players in the league, but the next group of young players seems to be several years away from making any type of impact in Boston. Here is a look at the 2024 Bruins’ draftees and how they are progressing this season:
Dean Letourneau
18-year-old center, first round, 25th overall – Boston College (NCAA)
Zero goals, two assists, and a plus-5 in 26 games
Letourneau was widely regarded as a project when he was drafted by the Boston Bruins. At 6-foot-7, Letourneau has the size Boston covets and, with more experience, could be a real steal late in the first round. The raw forward, who turns 19 years old on February 21, was a late commit to Boston College in the fall and has struggled to produce on the number-one team in the nation. However, Letourneau is playing in the bottom six and has time to grow, with next season being an important sophomore year.
Elliott Groenewold
19-year-old defenseman, fourth-round, 110th overall – Quinnipiac University (NCAA)
Four goals, four assists, and plus-2 in 24 games
Groenewold has had a good freshman season at Quinnipiac with flashes of offensive flare and solid defensive play. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound blueliner has two game-winning goals and leads the team with 55 blocks. Groenewold also performed well at Boston Bruins Training Camp and shows good potential.
Jonathan Morello
18-year-old center, fifth round, 154th overall – Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Four goals, 11 assists, and a plus-8 in 40 games
Morello is still adjusting in the USHL. The 6-foot-4 center has just four goals but does have 71 shots on net. His shooting percentage is just 5.6 percent. However, the young forward has shown a high-end skating ability and good defensive awareness. Morello decommitted from Clarkson University and will play for the Boston University Terriers next year.
Loke Johansson
19-year-old defenseman, sixth round, 186th overall – Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)
Three goals, 13 assists, and plus-28 in 47 games
Johansson has been a real surprise this season. The 6-foot-3, 218-pound defenseman plays a physical style and has 50 penalty minutes on the season, which is second in the league. Defensively, Johansson has been rock steady with a plus-28 and has shown more offensive ability than advertised, with 86 shots on goal.
Season 4. Episode 20. Sackless Goof – Bruins Benders Podcast
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