Boston Bruins End of Season Prospect Report: Part One

Each preseason, I publish an article that utilizes a proprietary formula I developed to forecast a player’s projected performance for the upcoming season. Ahead of the 2024-2025 season, I applied this formula to analyze and predict player production. Today’s discussion focuses on evaluating the results—highlighting the players who met or exceeded expectations, as well as those who fell short of their projected goals.

Although some readers remain skeptical, the reality is that this model has demonstrated consistent success over the past few years. With that in mind, let us delve into the analysis, allowing you to evaluate its effectiveness firsthand. The 16 players have been separated into two groups, and I will provide my insights on the results following each group.

Jonathan Myrenberg – RD – Linkoping HC – SHL

Following the 2023-2024 season, during which Myrenberg recorded 2 goals, 9 assists, and achieved a plus-7 rating as a 20-year-old competing against older players, a modest increase in his performance, as projected by the model, appeared entirely reasonable. Unfortunately, a preseason injury sidelined him for the first 34 games of the season, and he struggled to regain his form in the final 18 games. Although he reported to Providence to practice with the Bruins—likely spending time with their medical staff—he subsequently returned to Sweden shortly thereafter. The Bruins now face a pivotal decision: whether to offer him a contract before the June 1 deadline or to part ways.

The Bruins did in fact walk away.

Ryan Walsh – C – Cornell – NCAA

Walsh successfully matched his projected goal total but fell just four assists short of his expected mark. This should be viewed as a significant achievement, particularly considering the skepticism some had surrounding how his offensive game would transition to the NCAA level. Moreover, his performance represents an improvement over his sophomore season, during which he recorded 12 goals and 10 assists. What stands out is Walsh’s notable progress in his all-around game—a development that did not come at the expense of his offensive production, a balance that many players struggle to maintain while refining other aspects of their play. Overall, it’s hard to find fault with the trajectory of a sixth-round pick from the 2023 draft. Looking ahead, the 2025-2026 season will be a pivotal year for Walsh as he continues to develop.

Mason Langenbrunner – RD – Harvard – NCAA

Langenbrunner’s season can be viewed as a tale of two stories. During the first half, he received limited ice time that arguably did not reflect his capabilities. However, in the second half, he earned a spot on the top pairings and saw frequent powerplay opportunities. While his 6 goals may not be extraordinary, they were three times his projected total. Conversely, his projected 9 assists were modest, yet he managed only half that number. That said, Langenbrunner’s game has always been centered around his role as a shutdown defenseman with proficiency in the transition game, where any offensive contributions serve as a welcome bonus. Recently named Captain for Harvard’s 2025-2026 season, his upcoming senior year will be pivotal, as the next steps in his hockey career await a decision. Note of interest: Players that play at Harvard rarely go on to play for the NHL team that drafted them.

Casper Nassen – C/W – Miami (Ohio) – NCAA

Having observed Nassen’s performance in the J20 Nationell and during his first full season in the NCAA, it is evident that he tends to be a slow starter—a trait that some might interpret as underachievement. Miami endured a challenging season, failing to secure a single win from November onward. Despite this, Nassen managed to meet his projected goal total of six but fell short of his anticipated 10 assists, recording just four. Factors such as the transition to North American hockey and playing on a struggling team may have impacted his performance. While entering the transfer portal could have been a strategic move, Nassen has opted to remain with a team that faces a steep road to competitiveness. With his versatility to play all three forward positions, how he is utilized next season could play a crucial role in his progression.

Dans Locmelis – C – UMass-Amherst – NCAA

There is no doubt about Locmelis’ playmaking abilities, as he has slightly surpassed the projections set by the model. However, his goal-scoring performance fell short of expectations during his collegiate career. One notable concern during his two years in college was his reluctance to shoot frequently. Since transitioning to professional hockey and joining Providence, Locmelis has shifted to playing on the left wing. This change has encouraged him to capitalize on his shot more effectively—a strategy that has already shown promising results. While it is unlikely that he will maintain his current pace, playing on the wing compels him to take more responsibility for generating offense and utilizing his shot, all while preserving his exceptional playmaking skills. This upward trajectory is expected to continue.

Oskar Jellvik – LW – Boston College – NCAA

Jellvik endured a challenging season, one he will want to put behind him. At the start of the campaign, Boston College experimented by shifting Jellvik from his usual position on the left wing to center for the first seven games. Unfortunately, this change proved to be unsuccessful. He then missed two games due to injury and, upon his return, was reinstated on the wing, where his performance showed improvement. However, recurring injuries sidelined him once again in November, leaving him unable to regain his prior form. Ultimately, his season was cut short on February 3 when he was unable to continue for the remainder of the year. I believe that, if not for his injuries, Jellvik would have made the transition to professional hockey at the conclusion of the season. Looking ahead, his focus will be on recovering during the offseason and entering the next season healthy, with hopes of making a significant impact once again.

Andre Gasseau – C/LW – Boston College – NCAA

Many anticipated that Gasseau would transition to professional hockey immediately following the conclusion of his season; however, this has not yet occurred. During Jellvik’s absence due to injury, Gasseau frequently played alongside elite talents such as Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault, or James Hagens. While he successfully achieved his projected goal totals, he fell short of meeting his expected assist numbers—a shortfall that one could argue should have been met given the caliber of his linemates. One area of concern regarding Gasseau is his skating. Despite strides made during his three years at Boston College, questions remain as to whether these improvements are sufficient for the Bruins to determine that the time is right for him to make the leap to professional hockey.

Dean Letourneau – C – Boston College – NCAA

Several fans have already deemed Letourneau a bust, and utilizing my model, the data seems to support this perspective. However, I must highlight that when assessing his transition from Canadian Prep School directly to the NCAA, I openly acknowledged that I lacked a structured formula to evaluate such a unique progression. Instead, I developed one on the fly without a solid foundation to support it. I have consistently emphasized that his production during his first year should not be a significant cause for concern, and I maintain this stance. Throughout the season, I observed notable improvements in certain aspects of his game, which reflect positive development. Nevertheless, it is critical that we witness a more substantial offensive contribution from him next season. Then, we will have a better read.

Jake Schmaltz – C/LW – North Dakota – NCAA

Schmaltz’s production remains a mystery. Despite strong performances during his time in the USHL and his freshman year at North Dakota, his statistical output declined over the following two seasons before experiencing a modest rebound this year. Interestingly, predictive models consistently anticipated improvement in his performance, which may reflect his underlying potential. Over the past three seasons, however, he has largely been utilized as a defensive forward. The Bruins have signed him to an AHL contract for the upcoming season, and he will concluded this season with Providence on an ATO.

Beckett Hendrickson – C/LW – Minnesota State – NCAA

Hendrickson has always been one of my favorite prospects, largely due to his relentless playing style. His high-energy motor never lets up, making every shift count. Alongside his linemates, he helped build one of the more effective fourth lines in the NCAA. When given the opportunity to move up in the lineup, he proved he could contribute alongside the star players. That said, his actual performance fell significantly below what the model had projected for him, which raises some concerns. However, it’s important to note that he wasn’t given many prime offensive opportunities. When he did manage to find chances, he capitalized on them. Next season will be a crucial indicator of his development and overall trajectory, but it is safe to say he will not be a big point producer at the next level.

Ty Gallagher – Colorado College – NCAA

Gallagher can be considered the comeback prospect of the year. After two strong seasons at Boston University, his performance declined in his third season, recording no goals and only five assists. Following this dip, he transferred to Colorado College, where he exceeded expectations by slightly surpassing his sophomore-year production, as predicted by the model. This resurgence was no coincidence. Gallagher joined Providence on an ATO for the remainder of the season and made an immediate impact, registering a goal and four assists in 11 games. With a two-year AHL contract set to begin next season, Gallagher’s performance has been impressive, particularly for a seventh-round draft pick.

Elliott Groenewold – D – Quinnipiac – NCAA

The decision by the Bruins to trade up and secure Groenewold in the fourth round of the 2024 draft has already proven to be a shrewd move. At 18 years old and a true freshman, Groenewold not only met expectations but demonstrated defensive prowess far beyond his years. Averaging an impressive 19:38 of ice time per game throughout the season, he consistently showcased his versatility by excelling in all situations. His ability to perform under pressure with two of his four goals being game-winning goals—underscoring his capacity to rise to the occasion. Groenewold appears poised for a breakout season. Based on his rapid development, it seems unlikely that he will complete a full four-year tenure at Quinnipiac.

Chris Pelosi – C – Quinnipiac – NCAA

Pelosi surpassed his projected goal total but fell slightly short in assists, ultimately delivering a performance in line with expectations overall. As a freshman, he enjoyed a standout season, highlighted by being named the team’s Rookie of the Year—a testament to his impact. Expectations are high for him to build on this success in the upcoming season. Looking ahead, it may be beneficial to see Pelosi transition to the left wing, given the organizational depth at center and the apparent need for skill on the wings. This adjustment could further enhance both his development and the team’s performance. Similar to Groenewold, it seems unlikely that Pelosi will complete all four seasons at Quinnipiac, given his potential and trajectory.

Loke Johansson – D – Moncton Wild Cats – QMJHL

The QMJHL is widely regarded as an offensively driven league, and while Johansson exceeded the modest production forecasted for him, his contributions are not centered around generating offense. This reflects his identity as a shutdown defenseman, excelling in transition, skating, and physical play. These elements of his game have translated exceptionally well to the North American style of hockey. Johansson’s performance has elevated further during the playoffs, demonstrating growth and even a notable uptick in offensive production. With an NHL contract already in place, Johansson is poised to make the transition to professional hockey next season with the Providence Bruins. It is likely he may also spend time with the Maine Mariners in the ECHL to fully acclimate to the rigors of the pro game.

Kristian Kostadinski – D – Dubuque Fighting Saints – USHL

Kostadinski has significantly exceeded goal expectations, doubling his projected goal total—an impressive achievement that underscores his shooting capabilities. However, his assist numbers remain notably low, which is concerning given Dubuque’s status as one of the top offensive teams in the USHL. His skating has long been a point of scrutiny, and as he transitions to NCAA hockey at Boston College, any technical deficiencies may become more pronounced. Addressing this area through dedicated offseason training will be essential for his continued development.

Jonathan Morello – C – Dubuque Fighting Saints – USHL

Disappointment is the only word that comes to mind. Morello fell well short of expectations, though his defensive play and work away from the puck stood out. He showed glimpses of high hockey IQ, excellent skating, and playmaking ability, but his performance lacked shift-to-shift consistency. He ranked fourth among Dubuque forwards in shots on goal but had the second lowest shooting percentage and his shot was a strength. Growth spurts in recent years may have affected his development, although his skating remained unaffected. Many independent scouting services placed him in the top 100 for the 2024 draft, some ahead of new prospect Will Zellers (and we know how his season played out). The Bruins selected him in the 5th round, and his next season at Boston University will be telling.