The Boston Bruins are back in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft as they have reacquired the 25th pick from the Ottawa Senators that the team originally used to obtain forward Tyler Bertuzzi. The draft pick is the key factor in the return for goaltender Linus Ullmark as the Bruins attempt to add to their thin prospect pool. On Friday, Boston will select 25th if General Manager Don Sweeney chooses to keep the pick, and here are five defensemen who could be available when it is the Bruins’ turn to pick.
Aron Kiviharju – Left Defenseman, HIFK (Liiga)
The Denmark native is great on the breakout and offensive-minded on the rush. The former forward is similar in makeup to Bruins’ defenseman Mason Lohrei and can make plays with his passing. Inside The Rink has the following scout: “Kiviharju showcases remarkable decision-making skills, whether about choosing the right moment for a pass or engaging in close-quarters play. Scouts recognize him as a proactive defenseman who effortlessly limits his opponents’ time and movement, displaying exceptional composure while directing plays across the entire rink. His ability to handle high-pressure situations in the defensive zone is impressive, skillfully maneuvering past forechecking opponents to move the puck forward swiftly. He delivers precise outlet passes that consistently reach his teammates’ sticks flawlessly”.
Cole Hutson – Left Defenseman, US National U18 Team
Hutson is headed to Boston University and is a Matt Grzelcyk-type with a little aggressive style. Hutson is smaller but solid in all aspects and described by ITR as “looking like a good bet to make the NHL down the road, but it will take some development time. At worst, he should become a top-six defenseman, but based on his current skillset and offensive potential, he looks more like a top-four defenseman down the line. It will be much easier to project Hutson’s ceiling after he has played a season in the NCAA”.
Henry Mews – Right Defenseman, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Mews is a 6-foot, 185-pound defenseman who is a smooth skater and passer. Mews possesses a lot of poise under pressure as well. ITR describes Mews as a player who “has honed his skating ability and demonstrates a fluid stride that helps him maintain possession of the puck. He’s mobile and crafty with his edgework, able to get into tight spots and shift directions quickly to move the puck to new lanes for his teammates. He’s used his skating ability to help him set up the first pass out of the defensive zone. As Mews continues to develop his strength and body build, he has the mechanics to continue to grow as a powerful skater”.
Charlie Elick – Right Defenseman, Brandon Wheat Kings (OHL)
Elick is physical and a menace with a good stick position and difficult to play against in his zone. At 6-foot-4, 203 pounds, Elick has pro size and retrieves pucks well. ITR gives the following praise: “Elick keeps things simple on both sides of the puck, rather than forcing plays, and is not afraid to sacrifice his body. It’s something every team looks for in a defensemen prospect. Elick is no stranger to throwing his body around. He has a strong base with room to fill out over the next few seasons and could be a very rewarding draft pick in a few years”.
EJ Emery – Right Defenseman, US National U18 Team
Another big, physical kid, and Boston seems to be trending that way on the blue line. Emery is a solid defensive-minded player who keeps it simple as well. Many believe the US-born player is a potential bottom-pair defenseman. Here’s ITR’s evaluation: “A good, solid defenseman, EJ Emery is an up-and-coming player who is still developing but has the chance to be a second-pairing star. The native of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, is effective at both ends of the ice and contributes offensively when he has the green light. He is more of a defensive defenseman who can control the play at the offensive end with solid puck-handling skills. At 6-foot-3 and 181 pounds, he has a solid frame capable of using that size to his advantage in the defensive zone”.
The NHL Draft is just hours away, and the Bruins have a draft pick that can jump-start the prospect pool. The likelihood is that Boston will choose offense, but stranger things have happened…
