Boston Bruins Mid-Season Prospect Report

Each preseason, I break down the Bruins’ amateur prospects and use my own model to project their expected offensive output. Historically, the model has performed well, but this year the results have been far more volatile — driven in part by a few overachievers, but largely by underperformance across the board. This season’s full set of preseason projections can be found here.

Here’s how they are doing at the unofficial half-way point of the season:

Liam Pettersson – Vaxjo Lakers – U20 Nationell – Round 2 – 61^st overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
9	23	32	2	1	3	5	3	8

Pettersson missed 11 games — a 66‑day stretch — two games into the season with an undisclosed injury. His early return showed the expected signs of rust after such a long layoff, but his game has begun to stabilize, highlighted by a strong showing at the Sweden Cup U‑20. Naturally, the preseason projections are well off the mark, as he’ll end up appearing in only about half of Vaxjo’s schedule. I am expecting a big second half from him.

Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell – Round 4 – 100^th overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
8	21	29	3	7	10	8	18	26

Blanar remains largely on track, despite missing a few games while he was with Vaxjo in the SHL. He also sat out the Sweden Cup U‑20 as he pursued a spot on the Czech roster for the World Junior Championship. Entering the season, his defensive development was a key area to monitor for me, and the returns so far are encouraging. The growth has been gradual, but it’s been consistent — an important sign for his long‑term NHL outlook. His commitment to the University of Massachusetts for next season only strengthens his development path.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko – JHL (MHL) – Round 6 – 165^th – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
33	29	62	17	13	30	28	22	50

In the preseason, the expectation was clear: anything short of a point‑per‑game pace would fall below the bar — and that’s exactly where things stand. Yemelyanov has historically been a slow starter, but whether he can make up ground in the second half remains uncertain. The Bruins can afford to be patient, holding his rights indefinitely, and his development path has always been viewed as a long‑term project. A season in the VHL followed by a year in the KHL may ultimately serve him best. While some have questioned his defensive game, that concern hasn’t shown up in my view. Still, it’s difficult at this stage to project an NHL future for him.

Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio) – NCAA – Round 7 – 214^th overall – 2023

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
8	11	19	4	8	12	8	15	23

Since being drafted by the Bruins, this is the first season in which Nassen has actually met his projected trajectory. The issue extends beyond last year’s difficult campaign in Miami and traces back to his draft‑plus‑one season with Frolunda in the U‑20 Nationell. Without meaningful offensive production, it’s hard to see enough in his overall game to project an NHL future. Boston took a reasonable seventh‑round swing on a developmental long shot — exactly the type of gamble you make in the late rounds. If it pans out, it’s a bonus. If not, nothing lost.

Will Zellers – North Dakota – NCAA – Round 3 – 76^th overall – 2024 (Colorado)

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
12	10	22	10	5	15	20	10	30

I would have been more than satisfied with his preseason projections for a freshman, but Zellers has blown past them — at least in the goal‑scoring department. He’s also been playing with a chip on his shoulder after being left off Team USA’s initial World Junior roster, and now that he’s earned the call, he arrives with momentum. I believe he can sustain this pace, which is an encouraging sign for both the Bruins and a player who profiles as a pure finisher. As always, I won’t overvalue a single tournament, but his performance at the WJC will be must‑watch. It’s no wonder the Bruins targeted him in the Charlie Coyle trade.

Oskar Jellvik – Boston College – NCAA – Round 5 – 149^th overall – 2021

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
11	23	39	0	1	1	0	12	12

After a standout sophomore season, Jellvik once appeared to be a strong candidate for an entry‑level deal with the Bruins at some point in the future. But injuries have derailed that trajectory. Limited to just three games this year — after being shut down midway through last season — the senior now faces a steep climb. Jellvik will need an exceptional second half to re‑enter the conversation, a challenging task given the significant time he’s missed. He might be an option for an AHL contract to see if he can get back to his game prior to the injuries.

Andre Gasseau – Boston College – NCAA – Round 7 – 213^th overall – 2021

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
15	16	31	1	3	4	7	22	29

Like Jellvik, Andre Gasseau has missed significant time this season, appearing in only five games. While he has addressed parts of his game that I previously raised questions about his pro projection, in my opinion, the strides haven’t been substantial enough to solidify his case for an entry‑level contract. With only half a season remaining, Gasseau faces an uphill battle to demonstrate he’s ready for the next step. This doesn’t agree with what others are saying, But I’m not here to repeat others.

Dean Letourneau – Boston College – NCAA – Round 1 – 25^th overall – 2024

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
7	11	18	9	8	17	20	18	38

What a difference a few months can make. Eight months ago, a vocal segment of the fan base had already written him off as a bust. Today, he’s landed squarely on many fans’ “untouchable” lists. His preseason projection as a sophomore would have been a perfectly acceptable step forward, but he’s already blown past his projected goal total and shows no signs of slowing down. The surge has sparked a growing push from fans who want to see him turn pro as soon as his season at Boston College wraps up. I’m taking the opposite view — another year in college may ultimately serve both the player and the organization better. There are still a few finer details to refine, but if there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Letourneau has never shied away from putting in the work.

Kristian Kostadinski – Boston College – NCAA – Round 7 – 220^th overall – 2023

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
1	8	9	0	1	1	0	3	3

There’s no hard evidence to point to, but it’s fair to assume the Bruins — like many fans — were intrigued by the size. When he arrived at his first development camp, it was immediately clear that skating was a major concern. To his credit, he’s made progress, but there’s still a significant road ahead before he reaches NHL-caliber mobility. The advantage he does have is time. His defensive instincts are solid when he’s able to get to his spots, though he’s unlikely to ever be a major point producer. Still, without meaningful improvement in his skating, pro players will exploit that weakness. Taking swings on late-round projects is part of the process, and there’s nothing wrong with that. With Kostadinski, it simply comes down to whether he can close the gap.

James Hagens – Boston College – NCAA – Round 1 – 7^th overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
21	33	54	10	8	18	23	18	41

Right or wrong, there’s going to be some disappointment among fans. This isn’t about making excuses — it’s about context. Much like Boston College as a whole, Hagens opened the season slowly. You can pin it on line combinations, chemistry, or whatever explanation you prefer, but the numbers tell the story. In his first eight games, he was projecting toward 13 goals, 22 assists, and 35 points. Over his most recent eight, that pace jumps to 31 goals, 13 assists, and 44 points. That’s the textbook definition of a slow start followed by a significant surge. And if Boston College eventually gets Gasseau and Jellvik back in the lineup, there’s every reason to believe Hagens’ best hockey is still ahead.

Will Moore – Boston College – NCAA – Round 2- 51^st overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
10	18	28	2	4	6	5	9	14

It’s fair to call the recent stretch a little disappointing, but the context matters. Moore opened the season on schedule, producing right in line with expectations through his first five games. Over the next 11, however, his output dipped to just one goal and two assists. So, what changed? The injury to Gasseau — a linemate he spent meaningful time with — has had a noticeable impact. Linemates matter, and with two key offensive pieces sidelined, Moore simply hasn’t been placed in situations that generate consistent scoring opportunities. Patience is warranted here, and the second half should offer a better read on where his game is trending.

Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac – NCAA – Round 4 – 110^th overall – 2024

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
8	14	22	2	5	7	4	10	14

Groenewold delivered an impressive freshman campaign, standing out as one of the youngest defensemen in the NCAA and earning an invite to Team USA’s summer camp for the World Junior Championship. His defensive maturity was well ahead of the curve, which put him firmly on USA Hockey’s radar. That growth has continued this season — he leads his team with a plus‑12 rating while logging more than 20 minutes a night. The offensive side of his game, however, hasn’t taken the same step forward just yet.

Chris Pelosi – Quinnipiac – NCAA – Round 3 – 92^nd overall – 2023

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
17	15	32	10	10	20	20	20	40

All signs point to this being Pelosi’s final season in the NCAA, with a pro transition likely once his year wraps up. He continues to silence critics, and the remaining question is where he ultimately fits — will he settle in as a full‑time center, or shift to the wing in Providence? Interestingly, his skill set may be better suited for the wing, even though Quinnipiac has kept him in the middle. He’s once again tracking to surpass his preseason projections, just as he did a year ago, though the ceiling on that jump remains to be seen. History suggests his strongest hockey comes in the second half, which only adds intrigue to how far he can push his production.

Jonathan Morello – Boston University – NCAA – Round 5 – 154^th overall – 2024

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
6	10	16	3	5	8	6	10	16

After a breakout campaign in the OJHL, Morello’s transition to the USHL last season came with a dip in production. Now a freshman at Boston University, he’s settling in well at the NCAA level and tracking exactly where he needs to be. While his Junior A numbers showed offensive promise, it’s his defensive reliability that continues to distinguish his game — and it’s likely to be the foundation of his pro potential. With at least two more seasons ahead of him at BU, he has ample time to round out his overall toolkit. He’s playing mostly fourth line, so don’t be disappointed.

Beckett Hendrickson – Minnesota – NCAA – Round 4 – 124^th overall – 2023

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
9	14	23	4	10	14	8	19	27

Since being drafted by the Bruins in 2023, Hendrickson’s value has never been measured solely by production. He embodies the Bruins’ style of play—very much in line with the identity Marco Sturm demands from his team. Still, Hendrickson has chipped in offensively, and it’s worth noting he’s done so largely from a third-line role. When injuries have pushed him higher in the lineup, he’s held his own. There’s plenty of development ahead, but the trajectory is on track. His style alone projects him to being at the least, a solid fourth line guy. Third line is not out of the question, depending on how his offense comes along.

Ryan Walsh – Cornell – NCAA – Round 6 – 188^th – 2023

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
21	18	39	3	10	13	10	33	43

Across his freshman and sophomore seasons at Cornell, Walsh built a reputation as more of a finisher than a facilitator. This year, however, he’s flipped the script entirely. The shift shouldn’t be shocking given his track record in prep school and the USHL, but it does run counter to projections that anticipated another step forward in goal scoring. It’s also worth remembering that Walsh was a late‑round, draft re‑entry selection — the kind of swing teams hope turns into a hidden gem. At this rate, he’s positioning himself as exactly that, with a legitimate chance to carve out a successful pro career.

Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard – NCAA – Round 5 – 151^st overall – 2020

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
5	11	16	0	4	4	0	14	14

The Bruins’ organizational issues with right‑shot defensemen could be enough to earn him an AHL deal once his senior season wraps up. Just don’t expect much offense. While he’ll occasionally flash a play that hints at some untapped upside, his reads in the offensive zone simply aren’t consistent enough to project meaningful production at the pro level. That’s been evident throughout his four NCAA seasons and even during his USHL tenure. At this stage, it’s difficult to envision a path that leads to an NHL role.

Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL – Round 3 – 79^th overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
31	22	53	13	24	37	29	53	82

When my preseason projections were released, plenty of readers pushed back, insisting I’d undersold Simpson’s goal totals. As it turns out, he’s tracking almost exactly toward that mark. Where I missed (as did everyone else), however, was on his assist production—he’s already blown past the projection. Simpson has never posted a season with more assists than goals, a shift that underscores a new layer of playmaking in his game without diminishing his elite scoring touch. He’s set to join Will Zellers at the University of North Dakota next season, where the hope is that this expanded toolkit translates into instant chemistry.

Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL – Round 5 – 133^rd overall – 2025

PRE-SEASON PROJECTION			CURRENT			ON PACE FOR
G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts	G	A	Pts
12	21	33	11	18	29	23	38	61

Almost no one saw this kind of offensive surge coming from Chandler, who is on track to match last season’s production in barely half the games. At his current pace, he’s positioned to nearly double his projected totals across goals, assists, and points. Just as notable is what hasn’t changed: his defensive reliability. Chandler remains a hard‑working, positionally disciplined center who takes real pride in his backchecking and overall, two‑way game. The looming question is how this newfound offensive punch will translate at the next level. He’ll have ample time to refine it, with his commitment to Northeastern beginning in the 2026–27 season.