As the 2024-25 season approaches, the Boston Bruins have created competition for a few roster spots. Second-line right-wing and fourth-line forwards are needed, and several players will compete to crack the lineup on opening night. Training camp will also showcase several prospects in the Bruins’ system as the organization looks to replenish a recently depleted prospect pool. The Bruins Benders Podcast has ranked the top 30 Bruins’ prospects, and here is the countdown, beginning with the bottom ten rated from 5 to 1.
5 – Frederic Brunet – Defenseman – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Brunet was a fifth-round draft pick by Boston in 2022 and has blossomed into a solid prospect. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defenseman is a good offensive defenseman who totaled 73 points in 66 games with Rimouski and Victoriaville in the QMJHL during the 2022-23 season. Last season, Brunet did not provide as much offense, with 12 points in 48 games in the AHL during his first pro season. Look for Brunet to advance his game with a year under his belt and be a factor with Providence with an eye on a potential Bruins roster spot for 2025-26.
4 – Brandon Bussi – Goaltender – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Bussi signed a one-year deal as a restricted free agent with Boston and will most likely start the season in Providence. The college free agent has sparkled in the AHL and posted a 2.67 goals against average and a .913 save percentage last season. While splitting time with Michael DiPietro, the two formed a solid pairing in net for Providence. With Joonas Korpisalo now with Boston, it might be difficult for Bussi to find time in Boston, at least to start the season. The 26-year-old is still a top prospect and could be used as a trade target as well.
3 – Riley Duran – Forward – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Duran has shot up the prospect list for Boston as a sixth-round pick. The Woburn, Massachusetts native plays a physical, aggressive style that the Bruins love. There is an outside shot that the 6-foot-3 forward could make the Bruins roster out of training camp. However, expect Duran to begin the season as a top-six forward with the Providence Bruins with a potential call-up mid-season.
2 – Fabian Lysell – Forward – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Lysell is the wild card this season for Boston. The 2021 first-round pick has excellent offensive skills and has improved his overall defensive game. There is a need for a second-line right wing in Boston and in a perfect world, Lysell assumes that role with an excellent camp. The 21-year-old has all the tools and ability. Injury issues caused some inconsistency in his availability and play last season. The Bruins need a year of good progress from Lysell to prove that the talented winger can play in the NHL.
1 – Georgii Merkulov – Forward – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Merkulov appears to be the best candidate to make the team out of all the prospects on this list. After a 30-goal season in Providence, the 24-year-old seems to be ready to build off a 4-game cup of coffee in Boston last season. Rumors persist that Merkulov was talking to KHL teams about potentially leaving for Russia at some point down the road. You have to wonder if that could happen sooner if Merkulov does not make the team out of camp.
The Bruins have dipped into the college free-agent pool recently as they have been without high-level draft picks. There are a few intriguing players towards the top of their prospect group as the 2024-25 hockey season begins. Many of these prospects will try to make the Bruins roster during training camp. Tune into the Bruins Benders Podcast on the Inside The Rink YouTube channel during the season! Weekly episodes and live postgame reactions!
