Boston Bruins Preseason Prospect Preview

With the 2025–2026 hockey season fast approaching, Boston Bruins prospects are already arriving—or soon will be—at their respective training camps. As is tradition each preseason, I take a deep dive into the Bruins’ pipeline, evaluating talent across the globe. Using my own projection model, I break down what fans should realistically expect from each prospect in the months ahead.

I get it—there’s always a bit of skepticism when it comes to the model I use, and I’m more than willing to acknowledge that. But the results speak for themselves: it’s consistently outperformed other projection systems, to the point where even one NHL team has adopted it internally. With that said, let’s dive into the offensive projections for each player heading into the 2025–2026 season. I’ll follow up with a quick thought of each prospect.

Just a quick update before we proceed: The J20 Nationell, Sweden’s top junior league, has officially changed its name to the U20 Nationell. Unlike the CHL and USHL, the Swedish junior teams are affiliated with the pro teams in the Allsvenskan and SHL.

Here are the model’s projections for the 2025-26 season:

Liam Pettersson – 6’2” – 170 lbs – Left Defense – Växjö Lakers HC – J20 Nationell (Sweden)

After tallying 6 goals and 15 assists with Växjö last season—and earning a well-deserved 5-game stint in the SHL—Pettersson enters the new campaign poised to build on those numbers. The league’s style plays to his strengths: mobile defensemen who can transition smoothly and fire the puck with precision. While any offensive uptick is certainly a bonus, my primary focus will be on his defensive game, especially his gap control, which has been a recurring concern, and his overall consistency shift to shift.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Vaxjo Lakers U20	U20 Nationell	39	6	15	21
PROJECTED	Vaxjo Lakers U20	U20 Nationell	45	9	23	32

Pettersson’s schedule begins September 13.

Vashek Blanar – 6’4” – 183 lbs – Left Defense – HV71 U20 – J20 Nationell (Sweden)

After tallying 6 goals and 15 assists in the J18 last season, Blanar steps up to the J20, where—much like Pettersson—his style of play fits seamlessly into the league’s pace and structure. A 2025 draft pick that had fans and hockey people asking “Who?”, Blanar turned heads at the Bruins’ summer development camp, emerging as a standout performer. This season, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how his defensive game evolves. With both Blanar and Pettersson competing in the J20 Södra division, expect plenty of compelling head-to-head battles between these rising talents.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	IF Troja-Ljungby U18	J18	38	6	15	21
PROJECTED	HV71 U20	U20 Nationell	45	8	21	29

Blanar’s schedule begins September 13.

Kirill Yemelyanov – 6’0” – 170 lbs = Center/Left Wing – Loko Yaroslav – MHL (Russia)

Yemelyanov was a calculated swing by the Bruins in the sixth round this June—a long-term project with intriguing upside. A true two-way center, he thrives in all three zones and brings a reliable 200-foot game to the ice. While his track record leans more toward goal scoring than playmaking, he’s shown flashes of creativity with the puck. After notching 13 goals and 10 assists in the MHL last season, expectations are high. A breakout campaign feels imminent, and anything short of a point-per-game pace would fall below the bar.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Loko Yaroslavl	MHL	35	13	10	23
PROJECTED	Loko Yaroslavl	MHL	52	33	29	62

Yemelyanov’s schedule begins September 8.

Casper Nassen – 6’4” – 214 lbs – Left Wing/Right Wing – Miami University (Ohio)

Since being selected by the Bruins in the seventh round of the 2023 draft, Nassen’s trajectory has been anything but smooth. His draft-plus-one year began sluggishly and was further derailed by injury. Last season with Miami was a tough watch—just three wins, all coming in the opening month, and little to build on after that. Looking ahead, the outlook remains dim. While his growing experience suggests there should be some improvement, expectations should be tempered—it’s likely to be a modest step forward at best.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Miami (Ohio)	NCAA	34	6	4	10
PROJECTED	Miami (Ohio)	NCAA	34	8	11	19

Nassen’s schedule begins October 3.

Will Zellers – 5’10” – 176 lbs – Center/Left Wing – University of North Dakota

Zellers wasted no time making an impression after joining the Bruins organization, quickly rising to the ranks of their top prospects. He dominated the USHL last season, showcasing elite production. Now stepping into his freshman year at North Dakota, he’ll face a significant jump in competition—but projections suggest he’s more than capable of keeping pace. With North Dakota’s strong development system, especially their emphasis on the 200-foot game, Zellers is in the right environment to round out his skill set and continue his upward trajectory.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	52	44	27	71
PROJECTED	University of North Dakota	NCAA	34	12	10	22

Zellers’ schedule begins October 10.

Oskar Jellvik – 5’11” – 181 lbs – Center/Left Wing – Boston College

After a standout 2023–24 campaign, last season was a frustrating setback—injuries cut things short just as the conversation around turning pro was starting to heat up. Now entering his senior year, the hope is simple: a clean bill of health and a return to form. Projecting Boston College prospects remains tricky, largely due to the uncertainty around line combinations. That said, one pairing we can count on is Jellvik and Gasseau—whose chemistry has been proven and should anchor the second line.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Boston College	NCAA	23	4	9	12
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	34	11	28	39

Jellvik’s schedule begins October 3.

Andre Gasseau – 6’4” – 218 lbs – Center/Left Wing – Boston College

Gasseau enters his senior year wearing a letter, a testament to his leadership and steady presence on the ice. While there was plenty of buzz among fans about a potential jump to the pros after last season, that didn’t materialize. Statistically, his point totals have remained consistent—29, 29, and 30 over the past three seasons—and he’s projected to land in a similar range again. However, the numbers don’t tell the full story. His overall game has matured noticeably, with improvements in areas like defensive responsibility and puck management and skating. As noted earlier, his chemistry with Jellvik continues to be a bright spot, and there’s hope that duo will keep driving play this season.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Boston College	NCAA	36	15	15	30
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	36	15	16	31

Dean Letourneau – 6’7” – 214 lbs – Center/Right Wing – Boston College

It’s surprising how quickly some fans have labeled Letourneau a bust. That judgment may prove accurate in time, but right now, it feels premature. By all indications, he’s checked every box this offseason to prepare himself for a stronger campaign—and his showing at development camp was encouraging. The real question now is where he slots into Boston College’s lineup: will it be on the wing down the middle? Given last year’s numbers, it won’t take much to show statistical improvement. What would you call a success?

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Boston College	NCAA	36	0	3	3
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	36	7	11	18

Kristian Kostadinski – 6’6” – 220 lbs – Left Defense – Boston College

I’m genuinely excited to follow Kostadinski’s progress this season. The biggest question on my mind is whether his skating has taken a step forward—because if it hasn’t, he risks being exposed at this level. His physical presence is undeniable, and his work ethic is never in doubt. Given the firepower in BC’s offense, he should be able to chip in from the blueline, even if my model doesn’t currently predict it. Expect some early growing pains, but as he finds his footing, he has the tools to settle in and make an impact, at least in the defensive zone.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Dubuque Fighting Saints	USHL	62	6	10	16
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	36	1	8	9

James Hagens – 5’10” – 185 lbs – Center – Boston College

After averaging a point per game last season without needing to carry the load, Hagens now steps into full command—this is undeniably his team. Not only will he be the engine of his line, but the driving force behind the entire roster. A stat line of 21 goals and 28 assists might seem ambitious, but it’s well within reach, as is the coveted Hobey Baker Award. With his pro future looming, this season likely marks his final shot at a national championship. The only remaining question: will he start his professional journey in Providence, or will Boston accelerate his path and burn a year off his entry-level contract to bring him straight to the big stage?

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Boston College	NCAA	37	11	26	37
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	36	21	28	49

William Moore – 6’3” – 181 lbs – Center/Left Wing – Boston College

Moore slid to Boston at pick 51, a surprising drop for a player projected as first-round material. His standout season with the NTDP only reinforced what scouts have known since his days lighting up the Greater Toronto Hockey League—his offensive instincts are high-end and consistently scale with competition. Now comes the biggest leap of his career, and all eyes are on whether that scoring touch holds at this level. While linemates will influence his impact, Moore has the ability to generate offense on his own—and that’s exactly what I am banking on.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	USNTDP U18	NTDP	64	27	32	59
2024-2025	USNTDP	USHL	25	10	11	21
PROJECTED	Boston College	NCAA	36	10	18	28

Elliott Groenewold – 6’2” – 201 lbs – Left Defense – Quinnipiac University

Longtime readers will remember I was high on Groenewold last season—and for good reason. As an 18-year-old freshman, he delivered a strong campaign. My model’s projection of 3 goals and 8 assists was achieved by netting 4 goals and matching the 8 helpers. This year, the model expects him to nearly double that production. I’m skeptical he’ll hit those numbers, but if he does—and continues to refine an already impressive defensive game—it’ll be a major step forward. He’s easily the player I’ll be watching most closely this season with curiosity.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Quinnipiac University	NCAA	38	4	8	12
PROJECTED	Quinnipiac University	NCAA	36	8	14	22

Groenewold’s schedule begins October 3.

Chris Pelosi – 6’1” – 181 lbs – Center – Quinnipiac University

Last season, the model projected Pelosi to notch 25 points—a number that seemed ambitious for a freshman, even to me—but a stellar second half proved it achievable. This year, the expectation is steadier output, which drives the projected bump in production. With the center role becoming increasingly competitive in the Bruins system, I’d like to see Pelosi get reps on the wing, where his instincts, pace, and spatial awareness could thrive. His game feels naturally suited to that position, and it might offer a clearer path to the NHL.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Quinnipiac University	NCAA	38	13	11	24
PROJECTED	Quinnipiac University	NCAA	36	17	15	32

Jonathan Morello – 6’1” – 192 lbs – Center/Left Wing – Boston University

Morello was one of the few prospects who significantly underperformed relative to last season’s projections. While I appreciated many aspects of his game—especially his strong defensive presence and history as an offensive contributor—his lack of production was a real letdown. That said, this year’s projection might not be eye-catching, but for a freshman with two-way capabilities, it’s a respectable starting point and leaves room for growth.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Dubuque Fighting Saints	USHL	59	8	20	28
PROJECTED	Boston University	NCAA	36	6	10	16

Morello’s schedule begins October 4.

Beckett Hendrickson – 6’2” – 174 lbs – Left Wing – University of Minnesota

Hendrickson was another prospect who fell well short of expectations last season, though there were a few encouraging signs. He played on one of the NCAA’s most effective fourth lines and, at times, was the driving force behind its success. When called upon to step into a higher role due to injuries, he showed flashes of production—but those opportunities were limited. With lower projections heading into this season, he’ll need to capitalize on an expected move up the lineup and deliver meaningful results to re-establish his trajectory.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	University of Minnesota	NCAA	39	3	9	12
PROJECTED	University of Minnesota	NCAA	36	9	14	22

Hendrickson’s schedule begins October 3.

Ryan Walsh – 6’1” – 187 lbs – Center/Right Wing – Cornell University

Last season, Walsh matched his goal projection with 17, though he came up four assists shy of the expected 18. This year, the model anticipates further growth from one of Boston’s most quietly effective prospects. Over his first two NCAA seasons, he’s shown a clear shift toward goal scoring over playmaking, and the model reflects that trajectory. At this point, the bigger question isn’t whether he’ll meet expectations—it’s whether he’ll make the jump to the pro ranks when the season wraps.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Cornell University	NCAA	36	17	14	31
PROJECTED	Cornell University	NCAA	36	21	18	39

Walsh’s season begins October 31.

Mason Langenbrunner – 6’3” – 194 lbs – Right Defense – Harvard University

Langenbrunner entered last season without a goal since 2022–23, and early signs pointed to more of the same. Limited ice time kept him quiet until midseason, when something shifted—his play elevated, and he began to make a noticeable impact. Now, he heads into his senior year as Harvard’s captain, carrying momentum and confidence. With the Bruins thin on right-shot defensemen, there’s a plausible path to a pro contract. That said, Harvard’s track record is worth noting: more alumni have reached the NHL without signing with the team that drafted them than any other program, with Adam Fox, Jimmy Vesey, and Alex Kerfoot standing as prominent examples.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Harvard University	NCAA	33	6	4	10
PROJECTED	Harvard University	NCAA	34	5	11	16

Langenbrunner’s season begins October 31.

Cooper Simpson – 6’1” – 179 lbs – Left Wing/Right Wing – Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Simpson put together a strong campaign with Shakopee High School in Minnesota before making a seamless transition to the USHL, where he tallied 7 goals in just 9 games with the Tri-City Storm. Despite the limited sample size, the left-shot winger—capable of playing both flanks—demonstrated that his offensive skill set can carry over to higher levels. The projection model sees that momentum continuing into the upcoming season, albeit at a more sustainable pace than the scoring surge he closed with last year.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Shakopee High	USHS	31	49	34	83
2024-2025	Tri-City Storm	USHL	9	7	1	8
PROJECTED	Youngstown Phantoms	USHL	62	31	22	53

Simpson’s schedule begins September 19.

Cole Chandler – 6’2” – 176 lbs – Center/Left Wing – Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)

Despite showing offensive flashes at lower levels, Chandler’s first two seasons in the QMJHL were hampered by injuries, limiting his development curve. Still, he profiles as a reliable, hard-working two-way forward with the potential to carve out a role as a defensive specialist who can contribute modestly on the scoresheet. While high-end production isn’t expected this season, the model projects solid, respectable numbers. His long-term trajectory remains uncertain, but there’s a foundation in place worth monitoring.

	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-2025	Shawinigan Cateractes	QMJHL	64	13	19	32
PROJECTED	Shawinigan Cateractes	QMJHL	68	21	33	54

Conclusion:

This is arguably the most talented crop of Bruins prospects in recent memory—and not solely due to the arrival of James Hagens. The organization made a deliberate push at the 2025 draft to prioritize pure skill, and it shows. When combined with the skilled assets already in the pipeline, there’s genuine reason for optimism about the future.

But it’s not just finesse. The group also features a gritty blend of physical, hard-nosed players who are tough to play against. And rounding it out are the workhorses—the ones who grind in the corners, win puck battles, and do the thankless jobs that rarely make the highlight reel but are essential to winning hockey.

There’s no question these players have plenty of development ahead, but watching their journey unfold throughout the season promises to be an exciting ride. At the very least, it’ll be compelling to see how each one rises to the challenge.

To look back at last season’s results, click here.