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 10 to 6.
10 – Dean Letourneau – Forward – Boston College (NCAA)
Letourneau was the first-round draft pick of the Bruins, 25th overall, in the 2024 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-7 center has enormous potential (pun intended) and will be able to show off his talents with the preseason number-one team in Hockey East at Boston College. The questions surrounding Letourneau involve playing against top competition. There should be an adjustment period at the start of the season, and look for the big forward to play some wing for the Eagles as the season begins.
9 – Dans Locmelis – Forward – UMass-Amherst (NCAA)
Locmelis was drafted in the fourth round in 2022 and has climbed the list of Bruins prospects since. The Latvian has already played almost 80 international games for his native country and enters his sophomore year at UMass. This season, Locmelis will be a focal point of the Minutemen offense. The 20-year-old is earmarked for a big season in Amherst.
8 – Andre Gasseau – Forward – Boston College (NCAA)
Gasseau was a seventh-round pick who has blossomed into a legitimate pro prospect. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound center scored 12 goals with 17 assists last season for the Eagles and plays on a line with fellow prospect Oskar Jellvik. The Garden Grove, California native is poised for a big season with BC and could sign with Boston after this junior year.
7 – Oskar Jellvik – Forward – Boston College (NCAA)
Jellvik has become one of the most intriguing prospects for Boston. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound winger totaled 42 points in 41 games with Boston College last season and is now a top player in Hockey East. The 21-year-old is a prime candidate to sign with Boston after this season. The Swede will play with Gasseau again this winter and is a prospect to watch.
6 – Jackson Edward – Defenseman – Providence Bruins (AHL)
Edward is a “violent” player who plays physically and crosses the line at times. Edward had a breakout season last year with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League and led the team to the Memorial Cup final. Offensively, Edward’s game has come along as well and the 6-foot-3, 195-pounder will now experience the pro game which will give fans an idea of what they can expect from Edward. It will be interesting to see how his progression will evolve.
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 are playing college hockey and are eligible to sign with the Bruins after this season potentially. The Top 5 article is coming soon! Tune into the Bruins Benders Podcast on the Inside The Rink Youtube Channel!
