Now that the Bruins have finalized a deal-making with Jim Montgomery, the 29th head coach in franchise history, they can begin to focus on the NHL Entry Draft and free agency. This year’s draft will kick off with the first round on July 7th, before rounds two through seven commence on July 8th.
The Bruins do not own a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, as they shipped it to the Anaheim Ducks to acquire Hampus Lindholm at the trade deadline. The Bruins’ first pick of the draft won’t come until day two on July 8th, as they are slated to make their first pick in the second round at number 52 overall. Boston has made a handful of picks in the 50s, drafting Mason Lohrei at No. 58 in 2020, Jack Studnicka at No. 53 in 2017, and Ryan Donato at No. 56 in 2014.
The biggest question the Bruins will face in this draft is do they pick the best player available or base their pick off a team need like center?
There is a case to be made for both options as it would be most ideal for general manager Don Sweeney to select a center, but when you start getting further back in the draft, selecting the best available talent may be the best option in the long run.
If the Bruins do decide to go the center route with the 52nd overall pick, some names could still be available that will peak the Bruins’ interest.
Jack Hughes- United States
Many will see this name and automatically think of the New Jersey Devils center, but this is another Jack Hughes with no relation. This 18-year-old may not have the same talent as the man he shares a name with but should one day make it to the NHL. He had seven goals and nine assists with Northeastern University this season. He’s ranked from 29th to 73rd overall by professional prospect scouting.
While he may not be the future first or second-line center fans were hoping for when reading this, acquiring a potential third-line center of the future in the second round can be just as important for building the foundation of the future.
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
”Skilled playmaker who plays a mature two-way game. His upside may be limited but his floor is relatively high and he should grow into an impactful third line NHL centre at the very least.”
“Hughes is more of a playmaker than a shooter and he prefers to drive the net off-puck to drive defenders back and create space for his teammates than to drive the net with the puck. He does have the ability to pull off highlight-reel plays, often due to his creativity and handling ability, but he is not an offensive dynamo.”
Filip Bystedt- Sweden
The big-bodied 6’4″ 205-pound center from Sweden has ranked anywhere from 34th to 70th by scouting reports. This past season he played 40 games for Linköping HC J20, where he scored 16 goals and 33 assists for 49 points before adding another one goal and nine assists during eight playoff games.
He would bring size to a Bruins team that is clearly lacking a big body down the middle. Bystedt will have become more physical and learn to use his size to his advantage to make a serious impact.
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
”Skilled playmaker who plays a mature two-way game. His upside may be limited but his floor is relatively high and he should grow into an impactful third line NHL centre at the very least.”
“Being 6-foot-4, Bystedt is typically one of the larger players on the ice. Despite the clear size advantage, there is work to be done with Bystedt’s physicality level. His playmaker role prioritizes creating space rather than charging into congested areas on the ice. However, with a middle-six ceiling, he would benefit from adopting a slightly more physical play style.”
Cameron Lund- United States
Lund recorded 25 goals and 25 assists in 62 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL in the 2021-22 season. He’s committed to Northeastern University next season and is ranked anywhere between 43rd to 107th.
The 6’2″ 192-pound Lund is great-sized the Bruins could use down the middle. Lund would make a great addition to the Bruins organization as he can potentially make a serious impact at the NHL level one day. If he is still available at 52nd overall, there is an excellent chance the Bruins will select him as he checks all the boxes.
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
”Large-framed, skilled scoring forward who plays with pace – much better with the puck than without. Compete level needs to improve to become a top-six forward at the NHL level.”
“Lund is an exciting offensive talent with good size and skating ability. He is a scoring threat off the rush, not only because of his great release that can beat goaltenders cleanly but because of his ability to execute skilled moves at high speed.”
Ludwig Persson- Sweden
Persson had one goal and one assist in 13 games with Frolunda HC of the SHL (Sweden’s highest pro league) and is ranked anywhere between 30th and 101st.
He is known mainly for his offensive ability as he visibly lacks the same instinctual behavior as he does on offense which leads to frequent positioning errors. What he lacks on defense, he surely makes up on offense with his plus speed and scoring ability. His speed is his best asset as he possesses a quick first step and acceleration.
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
“His competitiveness in the offensive zone is evident, especially with his forecheck. Persson is strong and aggressive, which in addition to his skating makes him a force in the offensive zone, no matter the play type.”
“Smooth skating offensively-minded forward. Needs to round out the rest of his game to earn opportunities to let his offense shine but possesses legitimate upside as a scoring threat at the NHL level.”
Honorable Mentions
Luca Del Bel Belluz:
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
“can score from the outside with a hard and accurate shot but he also has the skill to create his own opportunities around the net. Although he lacks speed, he is a tenacious forechecker and isn’t afraid to get physical. He has succeeded at center thus far but may end up higher up the lineup as a winger at the pro level.”
David Goyette:
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
“Furthermore, his hands are crafty, and he’s able to activate them while performing at those top speeds. He’s a duel threat producer and offensively speaking, should bring top-six upside with an obvious home on the powerplay.”
Hunter Haight:
According to Dobber Prospects Scouting Report:
“Two-way forward who can play in all situations. Has a decent release and good vision in the offensive zone, showing decent producing potential.”
