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 forwards who could be available when it is the Bruins’ turn to pick.
Sacha Boisvert – Center, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
The Bruins need offensive skills, and Boisvert can provide that. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound center is committed to North Dakota this season and is ranked 20th in the Inside The Rink draft prospect rankings. The 18-year-old can score goals with an effective wrist shot. Inside the Rink gives Boisvert the following scout: “Boisvert is a goal scorer who does not favor any part of the ice. He can rip it from the blue line or slip it in from one of the dots. He can take advantage of a split-second opportunity by using his stickhandling skills to outmaneuver the opponent. He has the skills of a polished center with good size to make sure he is not pushed around by the other team. Boisvert was a point-per-game player last season, both scoring goals and making plays.” The Bruins would be fortunate to have Sacha Boisvert available at 25.
Cole Beaudoin – Center, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Beaudoin has a bigger frame at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, and can create havoc in front of the net. The 18-year-old is ranked 32 by Inside The Rink and had a good year, with Barrie scoring 28 goals with 34 assists this season. His size helps him win battles. Here is Inside The Rink’s take: “Beaudoin’s shot release is sneaky. He takes a lot of shots in stride, not giving the goaltender a chance to set up. His shot is not heavy but is quick and accurate, releasing them from various angles. His compact release comes off the rush and in tight, giving the defense little time to adjust and react. He dramatically increased his goal totals from eight in 2022-23 to 28 in 2023-24. Beaudoin could be an asset for a team looking for secondary scoring.”
Jett Luchanko – Center, Guelph Storm (OHL)
I really like Luchanko as a legitimate pro prospect who has an elite skill set and high hockey IQ. The 17-year-old replaced Boston’s Matt Poitras at Guelph and has a terrific 74-point season. He’s young, but that means a high ceiling for the 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward. Here is what Inside the Rink has to say about their 34th-ranked prospect: “Aside from his elite play-making ability and impressive speed, Luchanko displays a very impressive hockey IQ. He has fantastic vision and sees and understands the game at a very high level. He also has a fantastic motor and is an extremely hard worker. This is an extremely smart player with an excellent motor. Luchanko is a guy who is going to work harder than the competition night in and night out, which is an attribute that coaches and scouts alike value.”
Dean Letourneau – Center, St. Andrew’s College (Prep)
Letourneau is a big kid for sure. At 6-foot-7, 209 pounds, the massive forward can score goals, but has the skill to go with his size. The 18-year-old is a bit of a project and decided to go prep instead of play in the USHL. Letourneau has a heavy shot and can be a presence in front of the net. Improved skating will help Letourneau’s potential. Inside The Rink has Dean Letourneau ranked 37th in this year’s draft.
Marek Vanacker – Left Wing, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Vanacker is not a center, but a goal scorer is a goal scorer. The Bruins could use some in the prospect pool, and this 18-year-old can fill that void. This season, Vanacker scored 36 goals in 68 games and is a good back-checker who can turn people over and finish. He is further down the list at 47 by Inside The Rink but rated 28 by Bob McKenzie at TSN. This could be a sleeper pick for Boston. Here is what ITR says about Vanacker:
“Vanacker could be a second-line left-winger who has 30-goal-per-season potential. With the right organization and line-mates, he could be a consistent scorer every season. While he has the potential for a second-line role, he may see time in the middle-six. His ceiling is high, and, depending on where he goes, he could shine even above his potential. Vanacker could be in the 50-60 points a year range.”
The Bruins will certainly be searching for front-end offense in this draft and could have some choices available at pick 25 to make that happen. Here are a few possible selections that could make the Linus Ulllmark trade that much more appealing.
