With a large number of Boston Bruins prospects in the NCAA – 16 of them – and classes underway, they will not be attending Bruins’ rookie camp and unable to take part in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo beginning September 11, 2025. Under NCAA eligibility rules, players can not leave class to attend NHL camps.
Adding to the list of absentees are players competing in the U20 Nationell in Sweden and the MHL in Russia. With both leagues about to get underway, Liam Pettersson, Vashek Blanar, and Kirill Yemelyanov will be unavailable for camp participation.
As is the norm with the Boston Bruins, the rookie camp roster will be rounded out with invited players. While it’s uncommon for the team to sign an invitee post-camp, it has happened. Many of these prospects are eligible to re-enter the 2026 NHL Draft, giving the Bruins an early opportunity to evaluate potential future talent up close.
One name that jumps off the page is Dylan MacKinnon—a towering 6’2″, 202-pound right-shot defenseman who suited up last season for the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. That’s the same squad where Loke Johansson made his mark. Not only did the two share a locker room, they anchored the blue line together as a reliable defensive pairing for much of the season.
MacKinnon was a third-round pick of the Nashville Predators – 83rd overall – at the 2023 Draft and went unsigned, making him an unrestricted free agent.
MacKinnon brings a punishing physical presence that makes him a tough matchup night in and night out. He’s fiercely loyal—quick to defend teammates—and his defensive instincts are already ahead of the curve. While he can carry the puck in transition, offense isn’t his primary contribution.
With no team currently lined up for the upcoming season, MacKinnon is actively pursuing a professional opportunity, and an AHL contract could be within reach.
“He’s the kind of guy you want on your bench when things get gritty,” said one scout. “Not flashy, but he’ll block shots, finish checks, and never backs down.”
Although MacKinnon may not project as an NHL regular, the Bruins still have to build a strong AHL lineup. Depth is a concern throughout the organization, but right-shot defense remains especially thin. To help shore up that weakness, Boston signed Swedish defenseman Victor Soderstrom as a free agent, bringing experience and a steady presence to a position in transition. MacKinnon could follow a similar path—development is unpredictable, and sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity to change a trajectory.
Emmanuel Vermette arrives at camp following a four-year stint with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the QMJHL. Although he was eligible for the 2023 NHL Draft, he went unselected—despite several independent scouting outlets projecting him as a potential fifth-round pick. Last season, Vermette tallied an impressive 30 goals and 35 assists over 64 games, bringing his career totals to 76 goals and 95 assists across 252 QMJHL appearances.
Maverick Lachance, a 5’11”, 174-pound center, is set to attend camp after going undrafted out of the QMJHL. Unless signed beforehand, he’ll be eligible to re-enter the draft in 2026. Last season with Sherbrooke, Lachance put up 34 goals and 25 assists across 52 games, bringing his two-season QMJHL totals to 61 goals and 47 assists in 119 games.
Ben Hrebik, a 6’2”, 190-pound netminder for the Barrie Colts in the OHL, drew some attention last season with a solid performance between the pipes. Over 34 games, he recorded a 2.87 goals-against average and a sharp .920 save percentage. On my final rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, Hrebik landed as the fourth-highest rated goaltender. Much like they did in 2017 with Kyle Keyser, Hrebik could be some insurance at the minor league level in the event they lose a goaltender to waivers.
Oliver Turner stands out as an intriguing camp invite. The towering 6’5”, 205-pound right-shot defenseman played 14 games alongside Dean Letourneau two seasons ago, competing above his age group. After wrapping up his draft-year campaign at St. Andrew’s College last season, Turner made a brief jump to the OHL, suiting up for two games with the Erie Otters. Unless he secures an NHL contract, he’s set to re-enter the 2026 draft. The Bruins, however, already have some familiarity with his game.
Others invited to camp are: Dylan Edwards, Maverick Lachance, Mitchell Young and Grayson Burzynski.
Dom - Hockey 