Previewing the Bruins First Round Draft Options

The Boston Bruins have seven picks for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and here is where they will be selecting: Round 1 (7^th overall); Round 2 (51^st and 61^st overall); Round 3 (69^th overall); Round 4 (100^th overall); Round 5 (133^rd overall); Round 6 (165^th overall).

Kicking off a three-part series on potential Bruins’ draft targets, today’s focus is on their first-round selection at seventh overall. The second installment will highlight possible picks in the second round, while the final part will explore candidates from rounds three through six.

It’s nearly certain that Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa, and James Hagens will be the first three names called. That is of course, based on how I rank them. But in the unpredictable world of the NHL Draft, there are no absolute guarantees.

The next five picks—or possibly more—could unfold in countless ways. With several players closely matched in talent and potential, teams may shift their focus from selecting who they believe is the best available player to addressing specific roster needs. They are that closely grouped.

Let’s take a look at those in alphabetical order:

Caleb Desnoyers – Center – Moncton Wildcats – QMJHL

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Moncton	QMJHL	56	35	49	84	39	51

Caleb Desnoyers is one of the most polished and cerebral forwards available in this draft class—a highly intelligent, detail-oriented two-way center with elite vision and unselfish instincts that elevate everyone around him. His ability to read the ice and make high-level decisions consistently turns defense into offense, and he’s as effective disrupting passing lanes in his own zone as he is threading feeds through tight traffic in the offensive end.

Desnoyers thrives in all three zones thanks to his strong skating and refined hockey sense. He combines lateral agility with explosive acceleration, allowing him to close gaps defensively and shake defenders with subtle cuts offensively. He can create passing lanes through movement and timing, and while he’s more of a facilitator than a finisher, he’s capable of capitalizing from scoring areas when opportunities arise.

Although his physical frame still has room for development, he doesn’t shy away from contact. He finishes checks with intent and discipline, wears down opponents with tenacity, and competes with a level of intensity that should translate especially well to playoff hockey. His leadership presence is evident on and off the puck—he competes relentlessly, leads by example, and consistently makes the right play.

While his hands and shot may not be as flashy as some of his higher-ranked peers, Desnoyers’ offensive impact comes from his puck poise and his technical playmaking. His faceoff prowess supports strong possession metrics, and his commitment to backchecking and structure reflects a mature, pro-ready defensive game. Projected long-term as a center, he offers versatility across all forward positions and will be a seamless fit in virtually any lineup configuration.

With his hockey IQ, character, and complete game, Desnoyers is not just a safe pick—he’s the kind of foundational player you win with.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
7.5	8.0	6.0	6.0	6.0

Victor Eklund – LW – Djurgardens IF – Hockey Allsvenskan

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Djurgardens	ALLS	42	19	12	31	37	16

Victor Eklund is a relentless, high-tempo winger who combines elite skating ability, a fierce competitive edge, and sharp offensive instincts into a dynamic all-situations threat. He plays the game with unshakable energy and purpose—always in motion, always in the mix. Despite a slightly undersized frame, Eklund isn’t afraid to engage physically, finish checks, or spark post-whistle scrums. He battles along the boards and consistently emerges from scrums with the puck, a testament to both his tenacity and excellent edgework.

His greatest tools are his agility and quick-twitch acceleration, which allow him to cut through defenses and create separation with deceptive ease. Offensively, he thrives in transition and on the power play, where his aggressive approach and ability to manipulate defenders make him especially dangerous. As a dual-threat forward, Eklund has the vision to set up teammates and the shot to finish chances himself—his wrist shot is quick, accurate, and difficult to read.

Eklund reads the game at a high level, reacting swiftly to developing plays and routinely making the right decision under pressure. He often functions as the primary puck carrier and line driver, dictating pace and direction from the wing like a center would. While he’s not quite a game-breaking talent, his mature game, infectious motor, and ability to generate offense in multiple ways make him an ideal top-six forward at the NHL level.

There’s still room for growth—he’ll need to add strength to withstand heavier pro-level matchups, and refining his escape options when under pressure will elevate his game further. His defensive play is still a work-in-progress, but with his intelligence and work ethic, it’s likely to round out over time.

Ultimately, Eklund profiles as a highly effective, play-driving winger who can shift momentum, elevate linemates, and thrive in a fast-paced NHL system.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
7.5	8.5	7.0	6.5	7.0

Anton Frondell – Center – Djurgardens IF – Hockey Allsvenskan

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Djurgardens	ALLS	29	11	14	25	16	11

Anton Frondell emerged as one of the most intriguing forward prospects of his draft class following a dominant second half of the season in HockeyAllsvenskan and a strong showing at the U18 Five Nations in Ängelholm. Although injuries slowed his early-season progress, he hit his stride down the stretch, registering 22 points over his final 22 games and playing a pivotal role in Djurgården’s playoff push that secured promotion to the SHL for 2025–26.

Frondell plays a power-forward game built on size, strength, and a punishing physical presence. While not exceptionally tall, he’s a solidly built skater who plays “heavy” in every sense of the word—absorbing contact, finishing checks with force, and asserting himself on the forecheck, particularly on the penalty kill where he creates turnovers and disrupts breakouts.

His defining attribute is his shot, which ranks among the most lethal in the draft. Whether he’s uncorking a heavy one-timer or catching goaltenders off-guard with a deceptive rock-back wrister, Frondell is a constant scoring threat from anywhere in the offensive zone. His release is both powerful and precise, and his hand-eye coordination ensures he makes the most of limited time and space. He reads pressure well and can either find teammates in scoring areas or use slick hands to maneuver around defenders when needed.

Away from the puck, Frondell demonstrates high-end hockey sense. He excels at identifying and neutralizing opposing rushes before they develop, using keen anticipation and smart stick positioning. Despite average straight-line speed—exacerbated by limited ankle mobility—he compensates with strong gap control and crisp pivots. With time and a full healthy offseason, there’s reason to believe his quickness and acceleration can take a step forward.

Frondell’s toolkit suggests a player who could adapt to either center or wing in the NHL, though his current skating limitations might make the wing a more natural fit. He’s not a dynamic play driver, but he thrives as a complementary piece—someone who can finish plays, absorb tough defensive matchups, and bring a physically dominant style to a top-six or middle-six role.

There’s still development ahead, but with his potent blend of shooting, strength, and smarts, Frondell has the makings of a valuable pro who can impact the game in multiple ways.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
7.0	8.0	6.0	6.5	6.0

Roger McQueen – Center – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Brandon	WHL	17	10	10	20	40	8

Standing out immediately with his commanding frame and smooth mobility, Roger McQueen is a tantalizing prospect defined by his immense upside and equally significant risk. At his best, McQueen blends size, strength, and surprising agility into a game that threatens defenses in a variety of ways. His hands are deceptively soft, and his reach allows him to maneuver pucks around defenders with sweeping dekes or shield them effectively in tight. He’s particularly dangerous off the cycle or on give-and-go plays where he uses his stride and reach to create separation and attack the net.

What makes McQueen especially intriguing is the potential in his small-area game. He shows flashes of being able to dominate below the dots, using his tools to carve open passing lanes and exploit defensive breakdowns. However, the consistency of these flashes is still a work in progress. His offensive instincts, particularly as a passer and playmaker, are not on par with top-tier peers in this class. He sees the ice well enough to make clean, simple plays but lacks the timing and creativity to elevate teammates consistently.

In terms of his shot, he possesses a quick catch-and-release and solid mechanics, but he can struggle to generate power or accuracy while in motion, making him less threatening from distance or when rushed.

Defensively, his reach and positioning give him promise, but like much of his game, the outcomes are uneven—ranging from lockdown shifts to sequences filled with turnovers. Compounding the risk is an ongoing back injury—initially misdiagnosed and later confirmed as a stress fracture—which limited his availability significantly this past season. Medical concerns, especially for a player with such height and physical demands, have understandably made teams cautious.

Despite all of this, McQueen remains one of the most fascinating wildcards in the draft. Teams with stable pipelines and the ability to be patient may find the reward well worth the gamble. His raw tools and flashes of high-end play suggest that, if healthy and developed properly, he could become a truly dynamic presence down the middle.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
6.5	7.0	7.0	6.0	7.0

Brady Martin – Center – Soo Greyhounds – OHL

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Soo	OHL	57	33	39	72	68	25

Brady Martin plays the game like a lit fuse—relentless, impactful, and impossible to ignore. A physical force who thrives in the chaos of competition, Martin brings intensity to every shift, driving his team’s engine with a tireless motor and a bruising forecheck that leaves opponents rattled. His commitment to finishing every check and battling for every puck makes him a menace along the boards and an enforcer of momentum. When he’s on the ice, things happen—and usually fast.

Though known for his hard-nosed play, Martin also brings a layered offensive skill set. He’s a dual-threat attacker who combines brute strength with soft hands and creativity. His ability to handle the puck in tight spaces is underrated, with advanced metrics backing up his place among the OHL’s top deke artists. He excels at navigating through traffic. In the offensive zone, he’s constantly in motion—cutting to the net, retrieving loose pucks, and opening space for linemates. He also has strong faceoff ability and plays with great pace through the neutral zone, often hitting an extra gear that backs defenders off.

Defensively, Martin is just as dialed in. His anticipation and quick stick allow him to break up passes and launch counterattacks. He’s fearless on the penalty kill, willing to block shots and chase down puck carriers with punishing physicality. Coaches will love that he’s a true three-zone player, one who embraces hard minutes and can adapt to virtually any situation.

His skating, once seen as a weakness, is coming along well. While he may not yet possess explosive separation speed, his stride has improved noticeably over the past season. With continued work, it’s unlikely to hold him back at the next level. The main area for refinement is his puck management—at times, he’s tried to do too much for his team, leading to turnovers. That said, the trendline is positive, especially following a strong U18 performance where those habits were notably tempered.

Martin may not light up the scoring charts like a top-line sniper, but his blend of grit, skill, and intelligence is exactly what wins in the trenches. In a playoff series, he’s the kind of competitor who shifts momentum and sets the tone. A future top-six centerpiece with the heart of a warrior and the toolkit to match.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
8.0	10.0	6.0	8.0	7.0

Porter Martone – RW – Brampton Steelheads – OHL

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Brampton	OHL	57	37	61	98	74	19

A modern-day power forward with a unique blend of brute force and finesse, Porter Martone stands out as one of the most polarizing and tantalizing prospects in this draft class. With his imposing frame and gritty style, Martone plays a heavy, north-south game that thrives in the trenches. He bullies defenders down low, battles willingly in the greasy areas, and has an uncanny ability to carve out space around the net. When engaged, he plays with a snarl—finishing checks, stirring up scrums, and bringing a punishing edge that makes him a nightmare matchup.

But Martone isn’t just a wrecking ball—he’s a skilled, intelligent puck-mover with a deceptive set of hands and a sharp eye for playmaking. His offensive ceiling took a significant leap this season as he set career highs in goals and assists, highlighted by improved decision-making and a big drop in costly turnovers. His vision shines in tight spaces, where he creates offense with clever chip passes and quick distribution, especially from behind the goal line or in the slot. His shot packs a punch and can beat goalies clean, particularly from the flanks on the power play, where he projects to be a long-term weapon.

Consistency, however, remains his greatest challenge. There were stretches—especially during the regular season—where he appeared disengaged, drifting in and out of games and dialing back the physical edge that defines his best performances. His playoff form showed encouraging signs of growth, with improved off-puck involvement and a re-energized motor, though scouts are still divided on whether he’s a true power forward or a high-skill play driver with power-forward traits.

Martone’s skating will also be under the microscope. While he’s made notable strides in this area, particularly with his acceleration and posture, questions remain about his explosiveness and whether he can drive pace at the NHL level. That said, his ability to shield the puck and control possession in confined areas already gives him a significant edge in half-ice scenarios.

Defensively, he’s still rounding out his game. His physical presence in puck pursuit is inconsistent, and while capable of grinding out shifts in his own zone, the engagement level can waver. With added conditioning and pro-level coaching, there’s reason to believe he’ll continue trending upward as a more complete three-zone player.

Ultimately, Martone carries the build, skillset, and upside of a potential NHL top-six winger who thrives in postseason play. If he can marry his tools with consistency and pace, he could become the kind of power winger teams covet in pursuit of championships. The raw materials are all there—the question is how quickly they’ll be refined.

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
7.5	7.0	5.5	6.5	7.5

Jake O’Brien – C – Brantford Bulldogs – OHL

Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
Brantford	OHL	66	32	66	98	18	-2

Jake O’Brien is one of the most cerebral and technically refined pivots in this year’s draft class—a playmaker with eyes seemingly everywhere at once. At his core, he’s a pass-first center who thrives on manipulating time and space with pinpoint puck distribution. Whether it’s a cross-seam feed on the power play or a nuanced backhand slip under pressure, his ability to deliver precision passes on both sides of his stick stands out among his peers.

O’Brien was a fixture on the OHL’s top power play unit, leading the league in power play production thanks to his elite vision and dexterity. He orchestrates attacks like a quarterback, exploiting coverage lapses and triggering fast transitions with intelligent stretch passes that launch teammates in stride. His awareness, anticipation, and processing speed allow him to stay one step ahead—he sees the ice in layers.

Off the puck, O’Brien has quietly become a highly competitive two-way center. He tracks hard, applies disruptive back pressure, and shows an improving feel for defensive coverage. While not physically overpowering yet, his stickwork and commitment make him effective in penalty-killing roles. His scoring game has evolved, too—he’s developed stronger instincts around the crease and has become more selective and efficient in his shot use, even if the release doesn’t carry game-breaking power just yet.

Skating and physical strength are two aspects that will require continued development. His stride is compact but lacks top-end extension, and he can be knocked off balance when challenged physically. That said, he’s growing into his frame and has reportedly gained muscle mass while maintaining his agility and quick feet. With dedicated offseason strength and mobility training, there’s plenty of room for upside.

O’Brien’s mix of composure, elite vision, and commitment to both sides of the puck gives him the profile of a future top-six center. If he can unlock more strength and skating power, his projection goes from “smart and skilled” to “centerpiece of a contending team.”

Hockey Sense	Compete	Skating	Physicality	Skills
8.5	7.5	6.0	5.0	8.0

Among the tier could be on or more of four defensemen: Jackson Smith (Tri-City, WHL), Radim Mrtka (Seattle, WHL), Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie, OHL), and Logan Hensler (Wisconsin, NCAA). One of them is undoubtedly the second-best defenseman available in the draft, and it wouldn’t be surprising if a team, prioritizing positional needs, considers one of them on equal footing with these forwards and makes their selection accordingly. I just don’t think it will be the Bruins.

I would be satisfied with any of these forwards.