Don Sweeney’s drafts have been much maligned over the last few years, but the narrative might be changing, particularly in the later rounds. UMass forward Dans Locmelis is a fourth-round draft pick who has risen up the Bruins prospect charts, and Providence Bruins defenseman Frederic Brunet is an offensive threat who might be a fifth-round steal. The Bruins seem to be getting value in the later rounds of late. Another young player from the fourth round in 2022 is making strides at Minnesota-Duluth.
Forward Cole Spicer was the 117th overall pick and was projected to be a defensive forward who needed some offensive development. Last season, Spicer had just three goals and three assists in 32 games for the Bulldogs. But the 5-foot-10, 175-pound center is blossoming in his sophomore season with the same three goals and three assists in just seven games.
Spicer is a defensively conscious forward who finishes checks, wins puck battles, and plays a good two-way game. The Grand Forks, North Dakota native has been a bright spot for Duluth, along with fellow Bruins prospect Quinn Olson who was drafted by Boston in the third round in 2019. Olson has a goal and seven assists on the young season for the Bulldogs, who are 3-2-2 so far.
Spicer played two seasons (2020-22) with the U.S. National Team Development Program, represented the United States, and won gold at the 2021 U18 Five Nations Tournament. The 19-year-old had three goals and two assists in the World Junior Championships in 2021-22, playing with many top NHL prospects.
The Bruins selected three centers in 2022. Matt Poitras who is on the Bruins roster now, Spicer, and then Locmelis two picks later. The draft seems to be a solid one so far, with defensemen Frederic Brunet and Jackson Edward also progressing as late-round finds.
Minnesota-Duluth will play a home and home with the University of Minnesota on November 3 and 4.
