Boston Bruins 2024 Draft Preview

Entering draft week, the Boston Bruins had just three picks at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft: 122nd (round 4), 154th (round 5) and 186th (round 6). That is until the re-acquired their own first round pick back, 25th overall.

It would be simplest for me just to skip this preview, but I have created one each year. The slight possibility of most of these picks making it to the NHL will not discourage me. Additionally, most of my readers appreciate these previews so this is for them.

I will review the Bruins’ possible selections and share my picks for the players who should be included, and in my ranking order. I am well aware that some of the players listed are higher on many of the public lists but just to clarify, this is based off my own rankings.

I want to address the first-round pick in regard to player selection. The potential order of selection for players in that position could go in multiple different ways. While I do not prefer choosing based on team needs in the first round, I acknowledge the importance of being systematic when evaluating players of equal caliber and being cyclical.

It’s important to understand the Bruins’ prospect pool. They may not be able to choose a player from the USHL who is committed to college and may take 4 to 5 years to turn pro. This also applies to European players. If they do, they need to be certain that the player will be arriving sooner rather than later. Opting for the top CHL player available, who is only two years away from going pro, seems like a better choice since his arrival time is half of his counterparts.

Here is my list, once again based on my own rankings. I’ve listed two players for the first-round pick and five possible players for each of the other picks.

ROUND 1 – PICK 25

Cole Beaudoin

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’2”209CLOHLBarrie25th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23CanadaWHC U1773254
 BarrieOHL638122020+4
2023/24CanadaWJC U1872242+6
 BarrieOHL6728346227+2

Beaudoin’s skating has been criticized, with some claiming he is slower than he actually is. The main concern is his unusual skating stride, but this is an issue that can be addressed with improved coaching. In addition, he shows exceptional dedication and has a strong work ethic. Beaudoin’s body is well developed and he is one of the most physically strong players in his draft class.

Beaudoin can play all three forward positions and will be known for his above average playmaking skills rather than a goal scorer. He is a three-zone player who plays in any situation. He has played every position on the powerplay but the lack of a powerful shot makes him best suited on the half wall, net front or the bumper position. Defensively, he blocks a lot of shots and knows where he needs to be on the ice.

The fact that he can play all three forward positions and has excellent leadership qualities makes him the type of player the Bruins look for. He projects as a top six forward and probably best suited to play the middle.  

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Marek Vanacker

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”175LWLOHLBrantford17th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23CanadaWHC U1770332
 HamiltonOHL554121620-19
2023/24CanadaWHC U1861012+1
 BrantfordOHL6836468255+7

Vanacker demonstrates a fast-paced playing style, which, coupled with his speed, positions him as an outstanding player in a north/south direction. He possesses above-average puck-handling and possession abilities. Vanacker excels at executing plays at high speeds and exhibits excellent vision on the ice. He anticipates opposing team breakouts effectively and is skilled at disrupting their plays.

Vanacker is more than just a playmaker. He has the ability to score goals in various ways, with a range of shots such as the one-timer, wrist shot, snap shot, or backhand. He is skilled at driving to the net and scoring gritty goals. Additionally, he is adept at executing breakaways with finesse.

Vanacker projects as a middle six winger who can score, be a playmaker and play in all three zones while also bringing pace and energy.  

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
776667

ROUND 4 – PICK 122

Sebastian Soini

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’3”185RDRSM-LiigaIlves17th EuroFINLAND
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23Ilves U18SM-Sarja U181718926
 Ilves U20SM-Sarja U2028371012-3
 FinlandWHC U1771340
 KooveeMestis30004+1
2023/24Ilves U18SM-Sarja U1830332
 Ilves U20SM-Sarja U20100228-9
 IlvesLiiga60112+1
 KooveeMestis3208812-1

The 6’3” defender has several appealing qualities. His notable size is a standout feature, making him tough to handle individually. His skill in boxing out opponents and clearing the net is valuable. Additionally, he excels at delivering clean passes during transitions. With strong positioning, a long reach, and an active stick, he effectively disrupts plays.

Soini must improve in certain areas. His skating, compete level, and hockey sense are all average. His offensive skills have not developed as he advanced to higher levels of hockey. While he can shoot effectively from the point, usually with a purpose, his overall offensive game is limited. Soini faces challenges in the transition game and against a strong forecheck.

Certain problems with Soini can be resolved. A team must trust their development staff to maximize his potential, which could lead to discovering an NHL player. However, I have doubts that his defensive abilities at this point will be enough. I do believe there is more there than we’ve seen to this point.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
555565

Gabriel Frasca

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”170CLOHLKingston85th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2020/21MississaugaGTHL U162813223526
2022/23KingstonOHL5815193432-13
 Canada RedWHC U1720110
2023/24KingstonOHL4415173218-13

His top strength lies in his hockey intelligence, which allows him to excel as a versatile player when performing at his best. He excels in disrupting plays in the neutral zone and supporting his defensemen. Moreover, he demonstrates exceptional vision and playmaking skills, effectively navigating open spaces on the ice and showing a willingness to position himself near the net. He has powerful and accurate shot. Varying his release point would allow him catch goaltenders off guard more frequently.

As with any player, there are things to work on. Frasca spent too much time playing on the perimeter. Maybe missing a lot of the season because of offseason shoulder surgery had an effect on him. He is a technically sound skater but you could use to add some speed in his first steps and when tying to accelerate.

If things work out for Frasca, he has bottom six NHL potential. The issues he faces are fixable with developmental coaching. The fact that he will get a full offseason of training in should help him for next season.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
566655

Ollie Josephson

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”170CLWHLRed Deer40th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22South IslandBCEHL U182828255310
2022/23Red DeerWHL635141928-8
2023/24Red DeerWHL6812354725-4
 CanadaWJC U1870330+1

Josephson ranks among the top defensive forwards in the entire draft class, with a focus on excelling in that role at the professional level. He possesses sharp hockey instincts and consistently demonstrates strong work ethic on the ice. His positioning is nearly flawless, utilizing his stick effectively to disrupt plays in both the neutral and defensive zones. While he generates speed with a powerful and smooth stride, he struggles with initial acceleration and requires time to reach his maximum velocity.

It is reasonable to anticipate limited offensive contributions from Josephson at this stage. Although he excels in reading the ice and showcases creativity as a playmaker, particularly around the blue paint, he has yet to demonstrate consistent offensive performance in the WHL. Perhaps this could shift in the upcoming season with increased offensive chances, however, a decision must be made now.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
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Tomas Mrsic

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”170CLWHLMedicine Hat64th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22Delta Hockey U17CSSHL U172841579828
2022/23Medicine HatWHL589142320+3
 Canada RedWHC U1771120
2023/24Medicine HatWHL63233962320

Mrsic is a speedy skater who enjoys initiating the forecheck and excels in cycling play. With strong vision and passing skills, he can control the puck effectively with his above-average handling abilities. His greatest threat comes during powerplay opportunities, where he can capitalize on his time and space, particularly with his exceptional one-timer.

Mrsic possesses the necessary skills to be a driver, but this ability has not been prominently showcased in the WHL. Although he had a standout season, I believe he has the potential for further growth. Improvement is required in his defensive techniques, off-puck performance, and physical strength.

A team that excels in player development may see the upside in Mrsic and believe they can get plenty more out of him. The Bruins are one of those teams.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
666654

Lukas Matecha

HTWTPOSCatchesLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’3”187GLWHLTri-City3rd N.A. GCZECHIA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPWLOLGAASV%
2021/22HC DynamoCZE U172417702.39.927
2022/23HC DynamoCZE U2032141802.54.918
2023/24Tri-CityWHL35131913.42.901

I didn’t originally plan to add a goaltender to this list, but the Bruins may now be looking for one following Reid Dyck’s departure from the organization’s depth chart. He had a strong start to the season, but his performance took a steep decline after the Top Prospects Game.

He is a tall goalkeeper with strong skills but lacks consistency in his performance. There is room for improvement in his lateral movement as he tends to overextend and lose position. While he positions himself well for the initial shot and faces the shooter squarely, he sometimes struggles with second chance opportunities. He is considered a hybrid goaltender who does not exclusively depend on the butterfly or reverse RVH techniques. However, when he does utilize the butterfly, he may drop early at times. Despite facing challenges, he remains composed during gameplay and shows resilience under pressure.

Mike Dunham and Bob Essensa have the necessary resources to optimize goaltenders’ performance. They have the tools to work with here and areas to refine.

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ROUND 5 – PICK 154

Xavier Veilleux

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”190LDLUSHLMuskegon74th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22St FrancoisQMAAA U1839428326+3
2022/23St FrancoisQMAAA U18367263316+12
 Canada WhiteWHC U1761010
2023/24MuskegonUSHL623293242+21

Veilleux is a steady defenseman with very good defensive skills.  A key asset on the powerplay, he excels at directing the play and creating opportunities. He maintains good gap control and effectively forces players to the outside on rushes. He maintains good gap control and effectively forces players to the outside on rushes. He has a very active stick which he uses to intercept passes. While his skating is good, he sometimes struggles against opponents who can handle the puck.

Once highly touted, he faced challenges in the first half of the USHL season. However, as he gained experience and confidence, he demonstrated his skills effectively. He excels in protecting the puck to make space for his teammates and in delivering accurate passes. Additionally, he has a strong and precise shot from the point that consistently hits the target.

If scouts overlook his performance in the first half of the season, he may not be available at this stage of the draft. Nonetheless, if they harbor any uncertainties, then he is expected to be present. I am confident that he possesses the necessary skills to excel as a dependable number 4 defenseman.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
655666

Yegor Graf

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
5’11”160CLMHLSt Petersburg77th EuroCANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23St PetersburgMHL34811196-6
 St PetersburgMHL112240+5
2023/24St PetersburgMHL3913253812+25

He is a responsible two-way centreman with strong playmaking skills. An excellent skater with very good speed, Graf has the puck skills to maintain possession and create plays at top speed. He can also complete passes through bodies and sticks. His lateral movement is good which allows him to dissect the ice.

Graf possesses sharp anticipation skills and intelligence on the ice. Leveraging his impressive speed, he excels in defensive transitions. However, his shooting abilities have room for improvement, as he struggles to consistently hit the target. His tenacious attitude and unwavering determination make him a formidable competitor who never gives up on a puck.

Graf is smaller in size and must increase his strength and muscle mass. However, he possesses a solid defensive style and frequently employs his body to block shots.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
756657

Kasper Pikkarainen

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’3”198RWRLiigaTPS24th EuroFINLAND
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23TPS U18SM Sarja U18399152418
2023/24TPS U20SM Sarja U203412162828+14
 FinlandWJC U1851014-1

Clearly, Pikkarainen is notable for his size as a robust two-way winger with a strong competitive nature. He excels as a sturdy skater, although speed is not his strong suit. He prefers to play with pace in his gameplay, occasionally ramping it up, although he is not the primary driver of his line. Possessing deft hands, he is capable of executing precise tape-to-tape passes and demonstrates patience to wait for passing lanes to materialize when they are not immediately available.

He demonstrates solid hockey instincts in his zone, consistently positioning himself well, strong on his stick, and effectively dispossessing opponents. Moreover, he swiftly switches from defense to offense once he creates a turnover. Although there are worries regarding the power of his shot, I believe this issue will improve as he enhances his physical strength.

Teams are familiar with Pikkarainen’s strengths as a power forward with a strong defensive game, capable of consistently playing in the bottom six. The progression of his offensive skills will determine his potential for further growth. They’ll have to determine now what they feel that upside is.

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Jake Fisher

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’2”192CLUSHLFargo97th N.A.USA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22Cretin-DerhamUSHS-MN292329524
2022/23Cretin-DerhamUSHS-MN2934296332
 FargoUSHL121016-5
2023/24FargoUSHL512324476+15

This player is right up the Bruins’ alley, being an overage player overlooked in the 2023 Entry Draft. He excels in skating, speed, and edges. He consistently demonstrates exceptional work ethic on the ice, particularly enjoying the forecheck and utilizing his size to secure possession of the puck. His hockey intelligence shines through when he is in possession of the puck.

Fisher excels in various areas of the game without standing out in any particular aspect. He demonstrates proficiency in executing zone entries, controlling the pace of play, and swiftly assessing his choices. Additionally, he is capable of driving forward and taking on the offensive himself. Fisher boasts a strong shot with a subtly deceptive release. His skill set includes adeptly shielding the puck and creating opportunities for his teammates to maneuver. He possesses a keen ability to recognize open lanes and deliver precise passes promptly.

Fisher is headed to the NCAA and that is where his true value will come out. But as of now, he looks like he can develop into a third line center who can play on the second powerplay unit.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
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Marcus Kearsey

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
5’11”172DLQMJHLCharlottetown180th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22Rothesay SchoolAAA U18398192414
2022/23CharlottetownQMJHL686232924-6
2023/24CharlottetownQMJHL687424920-12

Kearsey is a nimble defenseman with strong puck-handling skills, utilizing his skating prowess to create opportunities for his teammates with precise passes. Possessing a keen offensive instinct, he effectively involves his teammates and demonstrates excellent vision on the ice, making strategic decisions to advance the play or distribute the puck swiftly to ignite the offense. Additionally, he exhibits patience in his decision-making process.

There is work to be done in the defensive zone. Although he has a quick and active stick, his reach is limited. While he has experience on the penalty kill in junior hockey, it is difficult to envision him in that role at the professional level. His defensive instincts are not as strong as his offensive ones, often leading to being out of position. Additionally, he struggles with physical battles due to his size and strength deficiencies.

It’s undeniable that Kearsey would be drafted for his offensive skills. He could potentially contribute as a puck-moving and playmaking defenseman on the third pairing, although he may require defensive sheltering. However, a team might believe in his potential for further development.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
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ROUND 6 – PICK 186

Jakub Milota

HTWTPOSCATCHESLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’2”168GLQMJHLCape Breton18th N.A. GCZECHIA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPWLOLGAASV%
2022/23HC OcelariCZE U171511401.43.947
 HC OcelariCZE U2098102.41.924
 CzechiaWHC U1740404.39.876
2023/24Cape BretonQMJHL33181112.82.905
 CzechiaWJC U1852303.05.902

Milota is a very athletic goaltender who is great on his skates. He’s able to get down into the butterfly and back on his blades in the blink of an eye. His movement from post-to-post is excellent and quick. He possesses solid edgework that can propel him to the top of the paint quickly. He plays his angles very well and can take away most of the net.

The primary issue is managing rebounds, as he has difficulty controlling the puck when it bounces off his pads, out of his glove, or off the blocker. He also faces challenges in absorbing the puck into his body. There may be a need for contact lenses, as he excels at tracking the puck closely and with bodies nearby, but struggles with longer distances.

There is plenty to like here and a lot to work with. The issues I’ve described can all be fixed.

ATHLETICISMTECHNIQUEPUCK SKILLSVISIONREBOUNDSCOMPETE
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Jesse Heslop

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
5’10”175C/WLWHLEverett136th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22Yale AcademyCSSHL U173136417738
 Yale AcademyCSSHL U1851234
2022/23EverettWHL6612294110+8
2023/24EverettWHL6119355412+11

Heslop possesses fascinating abilities in hockey, including Hockey IQ, vision, and playmaking. He is a smart player who anticipates the game unfolding ahead of others on the ice. With the ability to spot teammates using his peripheral vision, he efficiently identifies the best pass to deliver right on target. As his scoring opportunities are limited because of his shot, precise passing will be his main strength as he progresses.

Heslop is also one of the hardest workers. He rarely takes a shift off, he is willing to take a hit to make a play and surprisingly, he wins a lot of battles along the walls and in front of the net. However, skating is an issue. He uses a rather unorthodox technique and doesn’t have the speed you want a smaller player to generate.

Some time with a professional skating coach would be a bonus for him. Unfortunately, we have to decide now whether to take a chance on him as the time for that has gone by for this draft.

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Matyas Melovsky

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’0”183CRQMJHLBaie-Comeau80th N.A.CZECHIA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22HC ViktoviceCzech U202614163020+19
 CzechiaWJC U1860110-2
2022/23Baie-ComeauQMJHL596525828-4
2023/24Baie-ComeauQMJHL5318426027+42
 CzechiaWJC U207110114+3

Melovsky is a calm, mature, and intelligent three zone player. He excels at skating, utilizing his edges and stickhandling skills to navigate through traffic with precision. Adding first step explosiveness is a must at this point. He began the season with some hesitation, sticking mostly to the perimeter, but as the season progress, he showed a willingness to attack pucks and going to the middle of the ice.

His offensive strength lies in playmaking, where he leverages his passing abilities and skating, to generate scoring chances for his team. He demonstrates defensive prowess when needed, positioning himself well and obstructing passing lanes with his stick. He excels under pressure and exhibits promise in transitioning out of the defensive zone efficiently.

This will be his third draft and if we were looking at this as a seventh-round pick, I would say take a chance. In this spot, I give it serious consideration.

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Andrei Krutov

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
5’11”174WLMHLChaika Nizhny97th EuroRUSSIA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2022/23Chaika NizhnyMHL42861410+4
2023/24Chaika NizhnyMHL4121295012+22

Krutov is a dynamic winger, smart, patient, good skater and often overlooked for his strong defensive skills and high level of competitiveness. He navigates the ice well with solid puck-handling abilities and can maneuver through opponents. His passing skill is noticeable, able to make tape-to-tape passes even through sticks. With strong anticipation and strategic reads during gameplay, he effectively defends against opponents in the offensive zone.

Impressively, he excels in his defensive game, showcasing strength in penalty kills and applying significant pressure on the defense during the forecheck to force errors. His biggest issue is that he is not a line driver. But I wonder if he is better suited in the middle because he has shown to be excellent on faceoffs and his play is better suited for the middle.

Of course, it all depends on whether his game translates to the pro level and there are some concerns. But if he can, he could be a solid third liner who can provide secondary scoring, be strong defensively and kill penalties.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
666655

Owen Allard

HTWTPOSSHOOTSLGETEAMNHLCSNATION
6’2”201CLOHLSoo Greyhounds174th N.A.CANADA
SeasonTeamLeagueGPGAPTSPIM+/-
2021/22Soo GreyhoundsOHL6614102414-1
2022/23Soo GreyhoundsOHL143474+2
2023/24Soo GreyhoundsOHL5518264439+18
 CanadaWJC U2052132+2

He excels at skating and has good speed, enabling him to effectively forecheck, apply pressure to opponents, and create opportunities. He approaches each forecheck methodically, providing support during offensive rushes and positioning himself strategically. His smooth transitioning and direct playing style make him a valuable asset on the ice.

He is a strong all-around player, performing well in forechecking and attacking the center of the ice. He is also effective in penalty-killing situations. He might be a worthwhile choice as an older player selected late in the draft, potentially offering value as a fourth-line player.

I think Allard has an average hockey IQ. His main problem arises when he is the recipient of a play, and his difficulties are occasionally noticeable.

SKATINGSHOTSKILLSIQPHYSICALITYCOMPETE
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Published by Dominic Tiano

Following the Ontario Hockey League players eligible for the NHL Draft. I provide season-long stats, updates and player profiles as well as draft rankings.

4 thoughts on “Boston Bruins 2024 Draft Preview

  1. I was really intrigued by Emil Hemming at the Hlinka Gretzky. Big kid with solid skating who is engaged defensively. He displayed a nice shot on the powerplay, but less offensively present in 5 by 5. Curious how he fits in your model?

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    1. Honestly, there are dozen’s of players that are interchangeable in that spot. The one thing I would caution is to judge the entire body of work and not just one tournament. I had plenty of debates with people on the BIG-3 Finns in 2016 who were putting to much emphasis on the WJC.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I thought Cole Beaudoin was going to make it to the pick and he looked like he’d be the perfect Bruin prospect. Hope that Letourneau develops at BC. Curious to see how he looks there from a developmental standpoint.

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