The Boston Bruins organization and fans alike will have to wait another year for the chance to see the Bruin’s top blueline prospect go pro. Mason Lohrei announced the other day that he would be returning to Ohio State University for his second season for the Buckeyes instead of signing his entry-level contract.
Lohrei was drafted in the second round 58th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. When Lohrei does decide to go pro, he is projected to slide into the Bruin’s top four when he is ready for the NHL level. At 6’4″ and 194 lbs. the left-shot defenseman has plenty of talent, especially as a puck mover as Lohrei looks to control the zone and make plays for his teammates on the breakout. In his first season at Ohio State, he excelled as he was second in scoring for Ohio State with four goals and 25 assists for 29 points. He trailed only newly signed Bruin Georgi Merkulov, who had 34 points and signed as an undrafted college free agent with the Bruins.
While many expected Lohrei to make the big step to the pros, Lohrei realized that another year in college might be better for his development. Whenever he decides to go pro, the Bruins will be ready to get their top defensive prospect into their development program. They look to add him to an already impressive core that features Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy on the top pairing and Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo on the second pairing. Bringing in young talent with that kind of size and skill set will be important in building the future foundation of the team moving forward.
