With the 154th pick the Bruins selected Jonathan Morello from the Ontario Junior Hockey League. For me, he was a top-100 player in the draft and the third best skater.
Morello is a well-rounded player who excels in all areas of the game, particularly in his commitment to defensive duties. Positioned like a third defenseman in front of the net, he adeptly blocks out opponents and clears the way for his goaltender to maintain focus on the puck.
Morello excelled as a penalty killer in the OJHL, utilizing his strong skating ability to both apply pressure when needed and contain opponents to the outside. He effectively disrupts passing lanes with his active stick and demonstrates proficient shot-blocking skills similar to an experienced defenseman.
Morello dominates offensively, maintaining control when in possession of the puck during 5-on-5 play and powerplay situations. He demonstrates excellent vision, anticipation, and the ability to read the game effectively. Morello poses a threat near the opponent’s goal and excels at finishing, showcasing a strong shooting ability.
Skating is excellent. He has a lot of speed, strong edgework and is strong on his blades. He uses that ability to get in on the forecheck and he likes to make contact when doing so. In transition, he has the ability to create odd man rushes with his speed.
The issue, and there are always issues is consistency. On the defensive side of the puck, it is okay, but offensively you are sometimes left wanting more. He’s heading to Clarkson University for the 2025-2026 season. In the meantime, he will spend the upcoming season with Dubuque of the USHL where they helped bring along Beckett Hendrickson and Chris Pelosi.
Dom - Hockey 
How common is this level in someone’s draft year?
To me, it seems like Sweeney is looking for players who might not be in your traditional developmental path, but at the same time have projectable skills up a round or two.
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Plenty of players have been draft from Canadian Junior A from Chris Chelios to Jack McBain. Kyle Turris played Junior A and was the top ranked NA skater on central scouting’s list in 2007. Plenty of players played the year before their draft year in Junior A. Mitch Marner is an example.
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I worded that poorly. I am wondering if the Bruins feel like there may be untapped value from players at lower levels than CHL or USHL players. Maybe I’m reading more into, but they have seemed to gain some value in players who haven’t gone through more established channels.
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I would hope they would believe there is, because there is. But the Bruins haven’t been very successful with them. Quinn Olson and Dustyn McFaul are two recent examples of players that didn’t make it. But I am in support at taking a chance at those types of players where they were chosen.
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I was reading too much into Pelosi spending a good portion of his draft eligible year in the NAHL and Lohrei not playing much in his first draft eligible year in Green Bay. It does feel like the Morello pick is much in the same mold. He looks damn good on the you tube tape, but I will readily acknowledge most draft eligible kids show tools. It’s why we appreciate you providing your insights on them.
I will watch these kids and see what I want. I acknowledge that’s my bias.
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