In the abbreviated 2020–21 campaign, I caught a few games featuring Frederic Brunet with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL. It marked his initial year of eligibility for the NHL Entry Draft. However, Brunet went undrafted and would re-enter the draft for 2022.
I caught several more of his games during the 2021–22 season and had a hunch a team might take a chance on him in his second draft go-around. The Boston Bruins did just that, grabbing him in the fifth round at 132nd overall. Since then, I’ve followed his journey closely—whether in the QMJHL, AHL, or NHL, I’ve missed only a handful of his outings.
When the Bruins selected him, I wrote Getting to Know Fredric Brunet.
Brunet wrapped up the 2022–23 campaign splitting time between Rimouski and the Victoriaville Tigres, posting an impressive 16 goals and 57 assists over 66 games. His standout performance earned him runner-up honors for QMJHL Defenseman of the Year.
Two key questions loomed: Could his offensive production carry over to the pro ranks, and would his defensive play progress enough to solidify him as a legitimate NHL prospect? At the time, even the Bruins seemed to have reservations. Though he was eligible to sign immediately, they waited until October 2023—just ahead of the Providence Bruins’ season, where he began his first year as a professional
I am sure plenty of credit should go to the Bruins scout in the Q, Alain Bissonnette.
Brunet is a receptive, hard-working player who embraces the grind required to elevate his game. Development rarely follows a straight path, but in his case, progress has arrived ahead of schedule. While he’s unlikely to replicate his junior-level offensive output, he’s poised to excel in puck retrieval and quick transition play—traits that translate well to the pro level.
He doesn’t have the booming shot that one requires to be a true powerplay quarterback, but he gets pucks to the danger zones. In his final season in the Q, he led all players at getting the puck to the slot. He found that same success in the AHL.
The most notable strides have come in his defensive play, where he’s added a welcome layer of physicality. There’s still room to refine his game, but the conversation has shifted—from wondering if he’ll make it to simply waiting on when.
A bit more seasoning in Providence will serve him well, but when injuries inevitably strike in Boston, Brunet’s name is likely to be in the mix. Beyond that? The roster in Boston is tight, but Brunet’s progression will eventually demand a decision—he won’t be overlooked for long.
Dom - Hockey 