Bruins Prospects Sweep Sabres Prospects

The Bruins’ rookies closed out the Prospects Challenge with a sweep, taking both games from the Sabres’ prospects to finish their 2 games in Buffalo unbeaten. And unless I misheard Ryan Johnston, it sounds like the event is slated to shift to Boston next year — a notable change if it holds.

I’m going to look at a few players that took part.

James Hagens

He opened Sunday looking a step behind, but by the time the third period rolled around, he had taken over the game and was unquestionably the dominant force on the ice.

Then came Monday — and from the opening puck drop to the final horn, he operated on an entirely different level. Four carbon‑copy releases from virtually the same spot, four goals, each one a statement. For Hagens, you couldn’t script a cleaner, more emphatic lead‑in to full camp.

Dans Locmelis

Locmelis was the tone‑setter all weekend, and outside of a dip in Sunday’s third period, he was the most complete player on the ice in every zone. Considering he hadn’t played a meaningful game since March, the only real question coming in was how his stamina would hold up.

Monday brought more of the same — another strong, assertive performance — but the pace he carried so effortlessly on Sunday wasn’t quite there. Some of that is simply the reality of playing again just 16 hours after the previous game ended, and some of it is the natural process of rebuilding the game conditioning he’s been missing. Even so, the talent, the detail, and the two‑way reliability all point in one direction: Locmelis is going to play NHL games this season.

Cole Chandler

Chandler turned in a steady, workmanlike effort on Sunday — nothing flashy, but plenty of evidence that his calling card will be his defensive reliability. He even generated a couple of looks offensively, though he couldn’t finish them.

Monday followed the same script: a few chances that went unconverted, but a defensive game that consistently popped. The reads, the positioning, the stick detail — all of it was there. He’s still a few years away, and the offensive side of his game needs to come along, but if he continues to build that layer, it will pay off for both him and the Bruins down the road.

Cullen McCrate

At stretches on Sunday, he flashed the toolkit that suggests he could eventually grow into an NHL defender — getting pucks through traffic, using his strength to box out, doing all the small, detail‑driven things right. He even generated a few clean looks in the offensive zone. What he needs now is time.

Monday brought a similar showing, but with one standout element: his work at the blue line. He repeatedly held his ground, killed plays before they could develop, and turned what looked like sure zone entries into quick transitions the other way. At least once each period he appeared beat at the line, only to shut it down with a well‑timed stick or a strong step. The foundation is there — and it’s getting stronger.

Attilio Biasca

Biasca’s Sunday showing was quietly encouraging for a player adjusting back to North American ice after three seasons in Europe. The skill is evident, and he played with enough pace and energy to help drive a few chances. It wasn’t flashy, but it was productive.

Monday brought a similar effort. The pace dipped a touch, but the intensity didn’t — he stayed engaged, stayed competitive, and continued to show there’s real ability in his game. He’s almost certainly headed to Providence, where he’ll have a two‑year runway to build out his toolkit. There’s a long road ahead, no question. But he’s a player you cheer for.

Max Lundgren

No questioning the size and his athleticism. Not only did he struggle with rebound control, he had trouble tracking them as if he had no idea where the puck was going. Mike Dunham will begin working with him immediately. But some of the tools are definitely there.

Jacob Vandeven

On Sunday, he looked very much like a player still adjusting to life on the blue line — understandable for someone only six months into the position. There were some shaky moments in his own end and a few sequences where his instincts still leaned toward a forward’s mindset in the offensive zone.

Monday was a cleaner showing. He simplified his game, made steadier reads, and generally looked more comfortable, even if the performance was far from polished. He’s a long‑term project, and there’s plenty of runway ahead. With the coaching he’ll get in London this season, his development will be worth monitoring closely.

These two games give the Bruins exactly what they needed: a baseline, a clear set of priorities for him to work on, and a roadmap for tracking his progress moving forward.

None of the camp invites delivered the kind of breakout performance that would force the Bruins’ hand. The group was steady, serviceable, and largely unspectacular — but that’s not without value. At minimum, the organization leaves this tournament with a clearer, closer look at a handful of players who could be worth revisiting when next season rolls around.

Some of the best Bruins were not available for the tournament – those in college are not permitted to attend so it didn’t give us a good look at all the prospects.