The Boston Bruins held their 4-day development camp at Warrior Ice Arena from July 1-4. The camp wrapped up on Independence Day with the prospects competing in a full-ice scrimmage. Most of these potential Bruins will head back to college, their respective junior leagues in Canada, or overseas to play in Europe before they can join the NHL club in the coming years. Here are five players that stood out during the four-day camp in Brighton:
Matthew Poitras
It was a surprise that he was at camp in the first place. Poitras played 33 NHL games for the Bruins, the young center is coming off a shoulder injury that has required a lengthy rehab. Poitras is just now getting back up to speed, so to see him on the ice is a positive step for the 20-year-old Ontario native. Poitras showcased his elite hands and stickhandling ability while being elusive on his skates in the drills during the first three days of camp. Poitras added 8-9 pounds of muscle to his slight frame this off-season, which was one of the main concerns about him going into last season. Adam McQuaid and the Bruins Development Staff didn’t want Poitras to compete in the scrimmage on the last day of camp, as there was no reason to risk injury. The young Bruin doesn’t have anything to prove in this setting. The only thing left to prove for Poitras is if he’ll earn a roster spot on the Bruins in training camp.
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Dean Letourneau
All in attendance couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of the tall 6-foot-7, 2024 first-round pick and he did not disappoint. He was as massive as advertised with a smooth skating stride, great hands, an impressive shot, and an ability to protect the puck as he drives the net that seems advanced for someone only 18 years old. Letourneau has been compared to Tage Thompson by many, and some of the goals he scored during drills show why those comparisons are valid. Letourneau is still young and has a lot to work on – he’ll need to get stronger and continue to fine-tune his skating and puck possession game as he lost a few battle drills in camp to smaller players. There is a bright future ahead for this giant pivot from Braeside, Ontario and fans can see that future start to take shape just down the road at Boston College this fall.
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Oskar Jellvik
Speaking of Boston College, Oskar Jellvik will be heading into his Junior Year in Chestnut Hill and will be counted on as one of the leaders on another great Eagles team. Jellvik had been an under-the-radar name in the Bruins’ prospect pool until last year when he had a breakout year for BC with 42 points in 41 games. The 2021 5th-round pick doesn’t wow you with any particular attribute – he’s not tall (5-foot-10), he’s not heavy (179 pounds), but he’s quick, plays fast, and gets to the dirty areas. He beat defenseman Mike Mastrodomenico to the front of the net and banged home a loose puck during the scrimmage. Plays like that will get you noticed by the Bruins brass. Jellvik should sign his professional entry-level contract with Boston when his college season finishes this spring.
Riley Duran
The Massachusetts native and 2020 6th-round pick was all over the ice at development camp. The 6-foot-2 center is a menace, using his big frame and speed to create havoc on the forecheck. He’s the Energizer Bunny, his motor is non-stop, his legs are always moving, and he competes hard every shift. Duran showed some great hands and finish scoring a couple of beautiful goals while driving the net during drills. Duran’s ability to use his speed, physicality, his hard, heavy shot, and his big frame are assets that could see him push for an NHL job in Bruins training camp in the fall.
Dans Locmelis
Locmelis had a strong development camp. The University of Massachusetts forward had a highlight reel play as he won a puck battle from first-round pick Dean Letourneau along the boards, took the puck to the net, and roofed a filthy backhander for a goal. Locmelis started slowly at UMass but the 4th-round pick in the 2022 NHL Drafts’ game blossomed in international competition and seemed to find his confidence. Locmelis scored 5 points in 5 games as he captained the Latvian squad at the World Junior Championship. The Bruins development staff feel the 21-year-old center will have a similar breakout to follow prospect Oskar Jellvik. The two European skaters have similar builds and play styles as they find ways to get to dirty areas to be productive. Locmelis has adjusted to the North American game and will need to continue to get stronger and work on all areas of his game. The young Latvian’s hockey IQ and ability to make plays could see him crack the Bruins NHL roster in a few years.
