On any given night, it feels like Bruins fans are just as fixated on where that pick from the Maple Leafs — acquired in the Brandon Carlo deal — might land as they are on the actual standings. At times, it even seems like a sizable chunk of the fan base is more dialed in on Toronto’s results than Boston’s place in the playoff race.

I’m not here to tell you whether to panic or shrug it off — just to lay out the relevant information so you can decide for yourself. What I will say is this: with Fraser Minten and Vashek Blanar already in the fold, the Bruins have essentially won the trade. And if that pick hits, it doesn’t just seal the deal — it elevates the entire return to another level. No matter where the pick lands.

Fair warning: there’s some math involved — but I’ve already done the heavy lifting. So let’s dive in.

This first chart lays out the standings as of Monday night’s NHL action. You can see each team’s games remaining and the maximum number of points they can still reach. We’ll dig into the remaining schedules shortly.

Team	GP	PTS	POSSIBLE POINTS
Vancouver	73	50	68
Chicago	74	67	83
Rangers	74	69	85
Calgary	74	70	86
St Louis	73	73	91
Florida	73	73	91
Winnipeg	73	74	92
San Jose	72	75	95
Seattle	72	75	95
Los Angeles	73	76	94
Toronto	75	77	91

That part’s straightforward enough. But reality rarely plays out cleanly — not every team is going to run the table, especially with so many head‑to‑head matchups still on the slate.

So, I break it down into “magic numbers,” shown in the chart below. A magic number is the combined total of Leafs wins and other teams’ losses needed before a club can no longer catch Toronto.

For example, the magic number to clinch over the Hawks is 3. If Toronto wins one game and the Hawks drop two — that’s three combined results — Chicago can’t catch them. The number against the Rangers is 4, meaning any mix of Leafs wins and Rangers losses totaling four would put New York out of reach. And so on.

TEAM	GR	MAGIC NUMBER
Vancouver	9	Clinched
Chicago	8	3
Rangers	8	4
Calgary	8	5
St Louis	9	7.5
Florida	9	7.5
Winnipeg	9	8
San Jose	10	9
Seattle	10	9
Los Angeles	9	8.5

The Vancouver Canucks are already out of reach and can no longer catch the Leafs. Among the nine teams still jockeying with Toronto, there are 80 total games left — and 32 of them, or 40%, are head‑to‑head matchups. That much intra‑group traffic automatically chips away at the magic numbers, reducing them by a combined 25. How those reductions shake out depends entirely on who beats whom. And all of it happens without the Leafs taping their sticks.

Of course, some of those games are going to turn into three‑point results — that’s inevitable. But even three‑point games cap how many points a team can ultimately reach, which still chips away at the magic numbers. If every one of them ended as a three‑point game, the combined reduction would be 13. And again, that’s with the Leafs not even tying their laces.

Here’s a look at each team’s remaining schedule. Gold games highlight games between teams the Leafs are battling with while blue highlights games against current playoff teams. The remaining are against bubble teams or the Canucks.

Chicago	@ EDM	@ SEA	vs WPG	@ SJ	vs CAR	vs StL	vs BUF	vs SJ	–	–
Rangers	vs NJ	vs MTL	vs DET	vs WAS	vs BUF	@ DAL	@ FLA	@ TB	–	–
Calgary	@ COL	@ VGK	@ ANA	@ DAL	@ SEA	vs UTA	vs COL	vs LA	–	–
St Louis	@ LA	@ ANA	@ COL	vs COL	vs WPG	@ CHI	vs MIN	vs PIT	@ UTA	–
Florida	vs OTT	vs BOS	@ PIT	@ PIT	@ MTL	@ OTT	@ TOR	vs NYR	vs DET	–
Winnipeg	@ CHI	@ DAL	@ CBJ	vs SEA	@ STL	vs PHI	@ VGK	@ UTA	vs SJ	–
San Jose	vs ANA	vs TOR	vs NAS	vs CHI	vs EDM	@ ANA	vs VAN	at NAS	at CHI	at WIN
Seattle	@ EDM	vs UTA	vs CHI	@ WPG	@ MIN	vs VGK	vs CLG	vs LA	@ VGK	@ COL
Los Angeles	vs STL	vs NAS	vs TOR	vs NAS	vs VAN	vs EDM	@ SEA	@ VAN	@ CGY	–
Toronto	@ SJ	@ LA	vs WAS	@ NYI	vs FLA	vs DAL	@ OTT	–	–	–

This, of course, doesn’t factor in the draft lottery — and no one can predict how that will unfold.

Let’s look at this from a different perspective:

To keep it simple: if Florida’s 2026 first‑round pick lands inside the top 10, the Bruins will receive the Panthers’ 2028 first‑rounder (unprotected). If that pick falls outside the top 10 in both 2026 and 2027, Boston gets Florida’s 2027 first‑round pick. If it falls in the top-10 in 2027, the Bruins get their 2028 pick unprotected. Complicated for sure.

Most fans are eyeing that 2028 pick, convinced the Panthers will be a year older and potentially sliding in the standings by then. And sure, that scenario is possible — maybe even plausible. But if this season has taught us anything, it’s that projecting where a team finishes is rarely straightforward. Trying to forecast it two years out is essentially a guess. Let’s not discount the track record of Bill Zito; it’s hard to ever rule out the Panthers GM finding a way to keep his club in the mix.

Here’s how I see it: Don Sweeney is almost certain to revisit some of the deals he explored at the deadline — he has to. And that 2027 Panthers first‑rounder could carry real weight in those conversations, arguably more than a 2028 pick. Holding the 2027 selection also allows Boston to keep its own first‑rounder, preserving a first-round pick in each draft while still giving the Bruins a meaningful asset in any offseason deal.

Based on points percentage, the Panthers’ pick currently projects to land eighth — and even a lottery shake‑up can’t push it out of the top 10. Given their recent play and mounting injuries, climbing out of that range feels increasingly unlikely.

—–

I recently put together an NCAA “shopping list” for the Bruins, and one thing noticeably absent from that group was defensemen — largely because the 2026 Draft feels like the more logical place to address that need. That list did, however, include three goaltenders I’m particularly intrigued by, options that could free Boston to focus on other areas if they’re able to land one of them as a free‑agent signing.

And now there’s movement on that front. As Mark Divver reported on X, one of those targets — Merrimack’s Max Lundgren — is expected to attend Bruins development camp this summer. That doesn’t necessarily signal that a contract is imminent, but the Bruins are clearly aware of the need.

—–

In today’s rush‑to‑tweet news cycle, everyone wants to be “first” — and some are quick to boast about it. That dynamic was on full display when Sweeney announced that Dean Letourneau would return to Boston College for the 2026–27 season. But credit where it’s due: Court Lalonde of Bruins Diehards had this one months ago. Back in December, he spotted Letourneau working with his skating coach at a rink in Ottawa, and the coach made it clear the big forward still had areas to refine and was “100%” heading back to college next season.

—–

Like it or not, NHL teams build around what are essentially “scheduled losses.” They’ll look at a stretch of games — maybe six, maybe more, maybe less depending on the club — and identify the one matchup where the odds are stacked against them. It could be the second half of a back‑to‑back with travel, a brutal turnaround, or any number of situational disadvantages. The point is simple: some nights are uphill from the start. The scheduled loss.

Former NHL goaltender Martin Biron often points back to his days backing up Henrik Lundqvist with the Rangers, noting how he’d work with the coaching staff to take the “scheduled loss” so Lundqvist could handle the more favorable matchup. The logic is simple: you don’t risk dropping the game you should win by putting your backup in net.

The Bruins followed that blueprint this week, starting Jeremy Swayman against the Maple Leafs — the matchup they were positioned to win but didn’t — and turning to Jonas Korpisalo for the so‑called scheduled loss against Buffalo, which they ended up taking anyway.

In theory, it’s a great idea. But it doesn’t always work out.

—–

The NCAA season came to an end for Ryan Walsh this weekend after Cornell was eliminated, and his next move now becomes a storyline to watch. Sweeney noted he’s already spoken with several players still active in the NCAA Tournament. That includes Walsh. While the junior could return to Cornell for his senior year, the expectation is that the 22‑year‑old will sign an ATO with Providence to finish out the season.

The season also wrapped for Chris Pelosi and Elliott Groenewold. Pelosi is widely expected to turn pro in short order, and indications are that conversations on that front have already taken place. Groenewold, meanwhile, is projected to return to Quinnipiac for his junior year, where the belief is he can make the developmental strides best achieved in the college game.

—–

Conspiracy theories never really disappear — no matter how far‑fetched they sound — and hockey season always brings its own wave of them. This year’s favorite? The idea that Gary Bettman will somehow “fix” the draft lottery in favor of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It’s worth remembering the process is overseen by Ernst & Young, a global accounting firm that generated more than $50 billion in worldwide revenue last year. So, ask yourself: why would a company of that scale jeopardize its reputation to tilt a lottery for the NHL? The league’s business with them barely registers against their global earnings, and there’s simply no incentive for them to risk it.

But that won’t stop the conspiracies.

—–

Fans are already eyeing a high‑end defenseman with the 2026 first‑round pick acquired from Toronto. The wrinkle, of course, is that the Bruins still don’t know when they’ll actually make that selection — the conditions on the trade leave 2026, 2027, or 2028 all in play.

Still, if the pick lands outside the top five, the Bruins will get to make that pick this year. Here are the top blueliners available: Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota, NCAA), Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds, OHL), Alberts Smits (Jukurit, Liiga), Carson Carels (Prince George, WHL), Daxon Rudolph (Prince Albert, WHL), and Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville‑Boisbriand, QMJHL). A few of the elite names at the very top of the class will be out of reach.

—–

Let me circle back to the point I made about the need to be first in today’s social‑media‑driven news cycle.

I always get a kick out of the posts on X that start with “per source,” only for the “breaking news” to be something the team itself announced on the same platform 15 minutes earlier. It’s the illusion of being first — after the story’s already out.

—–

Sweeney laid out the reasoning behind James Hagens heading to the AHL on an ATO, but fans are still questioning why Hagens would give up leverage by agreeing to it. If you want the player‑side perspective, take a look at Hagens’ agent, John Kofi Osei‑Tutu, in his interview on PuckPedia TV. The conversation on former Bruins goaltender Brandon Bussi is also interesting.

—–

This and That

Want a daily snapshot of where the Bruins’ draft picks stand before puck drop? Just hit the Cap tab at the top of the page.

Will Pavel Zacha score 30 goals this season?

This 2015/16 Sarnia Sting Movember jersey was signed by all the players on the roster including Pavel Zacha.

If Zacha scores 30 this season, I am going to give it away to one lucky follower. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/RsqSWAf0Nu

— Real Dominic Tiano (@TianoDom27109) March 28, 2026

Subscribers to this blog are also entered.

The NHL will hold the Draft Lottery on May 5, 2026 and there could be repercussions for the Bruins.

The Bruins currently hold Toronto’s first‑round pick, which is top‑five protected. If the Maple Leafs land inside the top five, Boston would instead receive Toronto’s first‑rounder in 2027 or 2028. Should the Leafs’ 2027 pick fall outside the top ten, the Bruins would automatically get the 2028 selection. But if that 2027 pick lands in the top ten, Toronto can choose whether to send the 2027 first to Philadelphia (from a previous trade) or to Boston, with the other team receiving the 2028 pick.

Florida’s 2026 first‑round pick, moved to Chicago Blackhawks, carries top‑10 protection. If the Panthers finish inside the top ten, the Blackhawks would instead receive Florida’s 2027 first‑rounder—pushing the Bruins’ acquired pick from the Brad Marchand trade back to 2028. If Florida lands outside the top ten, Chicago gets the 2026 pick as originally structured, and Boston would receive the Panthers’ 2027 first‑rounder.

—–

The NHL, NHLPA, and CHL have opened formal discussions on revising the long‑standing NHL–CHL agreement to allow 19‑year‑old CHL players to be assigned to the AHL—a notable shift from the current rule that forces 18‑ and 19‑year‑olds either back to junior or onto an NHL roster. With momentum building toward a resolution ahead of next season’s new CBA, the remaining sticking points center on whether the exemption will apply only to first‑round picks and how many junior‑eligible players each NHL club will be permitted to stash with its AHL affiliate.

—–

After 25 seasons in Bridgeport, the New York Islanders are set to relocate their AHL affiliate to Hamilton, Ontario beginning in 2026–27, marking the long‑anticipated return of professional hockey to the city. The move—announced alongside Oak View Group and pending AHL Board of Governors approval—will shift the franchise into the newly renovated, 18,000‑seat TD Coliseum, a $300‑million upgrade that positions Hamilton as a major AHL market once again. The Islanders organization publicly thanked Bridgeport fans for their decades of support, while framing the relocation as a long‑term strategic fit for both the club and the revitalized Hamilton venue.

—–

Social media has been buzzing with calls to bring up Fabian Lysell, and criticism over how the Bruins have handled his development only grew louder after the club recalled recently acquired Lukas Reichel. In fairness to Lysell, he’s been unavailable, sidelined from the Providence lineup with a concussion.

The arguments have been all over the map—from “Lysell sucks” to “keep prospects away from Ryan Mougenel” to “the Bruins can’t develop forwards.” The reality is there’s plenty of blame to go around, and that includes Lysell himself. It’s easy to sit behind a screen, claim to watch every game, and insist he looks NHL‑ready, but only a small handful of people outside the organization truly know what’s being asked of him in practice, in video sessions, and on the bench—and whether he’s meeting those expectations (or even trying to).

It’s also misguided to pin everything on Mougenel. Player development is only a small part of his mandate—his primary job is to win games. If fans want to assign blame, why isn’t more of it directed toward Adam McQuaid, who oversees player development? Or toward Parker MacKay and Ben Smith? Even Zdeno Chara, the organization’s celebrated “mentor,” is part of that ecosystem. If Chara—one of the most respected leaders the sport has ever known—saw a real issue, he wouldn’t hesitate to address it. By now, he’d have stepped in. The only figure who seems to escape criticism is Mike Dunham, and that’s largely because he’s earned it—his work with the goaltenders has been consistently excellent.

—–

While much of Boston’s front office was spotted at the Boston College game Friday night, the Bruins were also doing some cross‑over scouting in the OHL, taking in the North Bay–Brantford matchup in Brantford. If you’re looking for clues as to who might have drawn their attention, Caleb Malhotra is the most logical target—especially with that Maple Leafs pick potentially putting him right in their draft range. But it’s worth pumping the brakes before drawing any big conclusions. This is simply the Bruins doing their due diligence, nothing more at this stage.

—–

The Bruins’ due‑diligence tour continued Saturday as the staff headed up Highway 400 to catch the Niagara–Barrie matchup. Realistically, the trip almost certainly centered on Niagara winger Ryan Roobroeck, as he’s the only clear first‑round‑caliber prospect in that game. Even then, it’s hard to envision him lining up with Boston’s own first‑round pick.

—–

That trip sparked an interesting conversation about Ty Gallagher—enough that I ended up tweeting: I don’t know about you, but I think Gallagher has shown more than enough in Providence to turn that AHL deal into an NHL contract.

One could make the argument that he has been Providence’s best defenseman this season. Benchrates calculates his contribution as tops among Providence blueliners.

PLAYER	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	P/GM	BENCHRATES
Frederic Brunet	60	11	19	30	+18	.50	$399,300
Victor Soderstrom	49	8	20	28	+16	.57	$392,300
Christian Wolanin	46	7	18	25	+9	.54	$387,200
Ty Gallagher	33	7	12	19	+10	.58	$435,300

Gallagher joined Providence following his college year with Colorado College on an ATO and signed a two-year AHL contract beginning this season. One has to ask what the Bruins are thinking and whether another NHL club may show some interest in signing him. Gallagher is an unrestricted free agent at the NHL level and can sign with any team despite the AHL contract.

This and That

Pavel Zacha is two goals shy of 150 career goals and 7 points shy of 300 career points and 5 games shy of 700 career games.

Casey Mittelstadt is 2 games shy of 500 career games and 6 goals shy of 100 career goals.

Nikita Zadorov is 8 games shy of 800 career games and 20 minutes shy of 1000 career penalty minutes.

Elias Lindholm is 2 assists shy of 400 career assists and 2 goals shy of 250 career goals.

Once a season, Morgan Geekie drops a post on X that’s guaranteed to make you smile—if not laugh outright. He was back in form on Saturday.

What else does your crystal ball say Chris ? https://t.co/286RLjyvY1

— Morgan Geekie (@gmoneyslic) March 22, 2026

Follow me on X (Formerly Twitter)

As the NCAA season winds down, NHL clubs shift their attention to college free agents who look ready to make the jump to the pro ranks.

The Bruins, having spent the past several seasons dealing away draft picks in pursuit of a Stanley Cup and leaned heavily on the college free‑agent market to help replenish a prospect pool thinned by those all‑in runs, but refilled last season. How they approach this free agent period is unknown.

The Bruins now boast the strongest prospect pool of the Don Sweeney era, easing the urgency that once drove their search for the next undrafted gem in the mold of Torey Krug.

The Bruins still have clear organizational needs, even with a deeper prospect pool. They could use a goaltending prospect with legitimate NHL upside, more defensemen who project to the league—particularly on the right side, and additional scoring punch to balance out the system.

Of course, they could find most of that at the 2026 Draft where they have nine picks – including two first rounders (depending on what happens to the Leafs) – if you are willing to wait up to four years for them.

My list is built around players I would personally target, though it’s admittedly light on defensemen. That’s by design — I firmly believe the Bruins are better off addressing that need through the draft, especially if they hang on to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first‑round pick this year.

GOALTENDERS

Jan Spunar – University of North Dakota

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2025-26	North Dakota	NCHC	18	3	1	1.93	.915

Yes, he’s only logged one year of college hockey, but the Czechia native turns 22 on May 30. The freshman has made that limited runway count — he’s a finalist for both the NCHC Rookie of the Year and the Mike Richter Award, given to the top goaltender in the NCAA.

Spunar projects as a poised, technically mature goaltender whose game is built on efficiency rather than flash. The University of North Dakota standout plays a calm, economical style, staying compact in his stance and beating plays with strong positioning and controlled edges. His reads are advanced for his age — he tracks pucks cleanly through traffic and rarely overcommits, forcing shooters to beat him clean. Spunar’s rebound management is a clear strength, turning dangerous chances into one‑and‑done looks, and his composure under pressure has been a defining trait throughout his breakout season. While he’s still refining his puck‑handling and post integration, the foundation is that of a pro‑ready netminder with upward trajectory.

At this point, the only real question is whether he’s ready to turn pro or if he prefers another year at North Dakota.

Albin Boija – University of Maine Returning to Maine

Boija attended Boston’s Development Camp in 2025 and Detroit Red Wings in 2024.

Boija was on my list a season ago when he had two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2023-24	University of Maine	Hockey East	10	6	1	2.01	.916
2024-25	University of Maine	Hockey East	23	8	6	1.82	.928
2025-26	University of Maine	Hockey East	10	7	3	2.59	.899

Boija has been tied to the Bruins for a while now, and his appearance at their Development Camp last summer only strengthened that connection in the eyes of many. Opting not to turn pro at that point may have stung for the 22‑year‑old Swede, and this season hasn’t helped his case — he’s struggled by his own standards, losing starts as a result.

Boija profiles as an athletic, technically driven goaltender whose game leans on quick feet and sharp compete level. The netminder plays an aggressive style, challenging shooters above the crease and relying on strong lateral explosiveness to seal off back‑door plays. When he’s dialed in, Boija tracks pucks well and can string together momentum‑shifting saves, though his game can drift when his reads get rushed or his positioning widens. Rebound control remains a work in progress, but the raw tools give him a foundation worth monitoring. With refinement and consistency, he has the ingredients to push for a pro look. However, he lacks the size a lot of teams covet in their goaltenders.

Max Lundgren – Merrimack College Signed with Boston Bruins

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2024-25	Merrimack College	Hockey East	8	13	0	2.90	.909
2025-26	Merrimack College	Hockey East	18	15	2	2.70	.914

The 23‑year‑old Swede doesn’t boast eye‑popping numbers, but that’s hardly the measure to use. He’s routinely one of the busiest goaltenders in the country, often facing heavy shot volumes and keeping Merrimack competitive on nights they have no business being in games. He’s been their most consistent performer all season, to the point that he earned a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award.

Lundgren has emerged as Merrimack’s backbone, a composed, high‑workload goaltender whose game is defined by competitiveness and technical steadiness. The 23‑year‑old Swede handles heavy shot volumes with poise, relying on strong positioning and disciplined routes to the puck rather than relying on desperation saves. His tracking is a clear asset — he stays locked on releases through traffic and rarely loses structure, even during extended defensive‑zone shifts. While his raw numbers don’t always reflect his impact, Lundgren consistently gives Merrimack a chance, turning chaotic sequences into controlled stops and showcasing the mental resilience of a goaltender who thrives under pressure. He profiles as a late‑blooming netminder capable of pushing for pro attention.

At 6’5” he has the size NHL teams drool over. Someone might just take a chance on him.

DEFENSEMEN

Jake Livanavage – University of North Dakota

Attended Detroit Red Wings Development Camp (2025) and Arizona Coyotes (2022)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	North Dakota	NCHC	40	5	24	29
2024-25	North Dakota	NCHC	38	4	24	28
2025-26	North Dakota	NCHC	35	5	20	25

Back in 2023 when the Bruins had two draft picks in the seventh round, Livanavage was on my list of players the Bruins should target. Instead, the Bruins took Casper Nassen and Kristian Kostadinski. Today, Livanavage might be one of the most sought-after free agent defensemen from the NCAA.

Livanavage is a poised, puck‑moving defenseman who has steadily carved out a meaningful role on North Dakota’s blue line. His calling card is his composure under pressure—he processes the game quickly, keeps his feet moving, and consistently makes the first pass that starts UND’s transition game. Livanavage isn’t the biggest defender, but he compensates with sharp reads, clean exits, and an ability to distribute with pace. His vision stands out in the offensive zone, where he walks the blue line confidently and finds seams that many defenders at this level don’t see.

Defensively, Livanavage relies on positioning and stick detail rather than physicality. He closes space early, angles well, and rarely gets caught chasing. There’s still room for growth in his strength and net‑front battles, but his hockey sense allows him to stay ahead of plays more often than not. Skating is an issue, but under the guidance of pro coaches, that could change.

Livanavage has one more year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

FORWARDS

T.J. Hughes – University of Michigan

Hughes was on my list a season ago when he had a year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2024).

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	University of Michigan	Big-10	39	13	23	36
2023-24	University of Michigan	Big-10	41	19	29	48
2024-25	University of Michigan	Big-10	36	15	23	38
2025-26	University of Michigan	Big-10	35	18	30	48

Several teams tried to convince Hughes to turn pro last year, and all he’s done since is elevate his stock. At this point, he should be one of the more sought‑after names on the market despite being one of the older players available. His path to this point has been an unconventional one.

Hughes brings a polished, pro‑ready toolkit to Michigan’s lineup, blending high‑end hockey sense with a reliable two‑way presence. He’s a cerebral forward who processes the game quickly, supports play in all three zones, and consistently puts himself in scoring areas without needing the puck to run through him. Hughes’ hands are clean in tight, his release is deceptive, and he shows a knack for arriving at the right moment to finish plays. What elevates his projection is the maturity in his details — he tracks back hard, wins small‑area battles, and plays with the kind of pace and competitiveness that translates well to the next level. With his continued upward trajectory, he profiles as a smart, versatile forward capable of carving out an NHL role.

Christian Fitzgerald – University of Wisconsin

Attended Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp (2021), Vancouver Canucks (2023) and Dallas Stars (2025)

Fitzgerald was also on my list a season ago when he had a year of NCAA eligibility remaining.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	Minnesota State	CCHA	38	16	13	29
2023-24	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	37	7	17	24
2024-25	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	37	6	11	17
2025-26	U of Wisconsin	Big-10	35	15	14	29

The Maple Leafs had Fitzgerald circled long before he logged a single USHL shift, let alone an NCAA minute. Toronto’s scouts were early believers, drawn in by a breakout BCHL campaign that was abruptly cut short by the COVID‑19 shutdown. After a strong freshman year at Minnesota, Fitzgerald followed his head coach and associate coach to Wisconsin, continuing a trajectory that had already put him on NHL radars.

Fitzgerald brings a pace‑driven profile to Wisconsin’s lineup, blending quickness, touch, and hockey sense in a way that consistently tilts play toward the offensive zone. He’s a fluid skater who attacks with speed, manipulates defenders with subtle delays, and shows the vision to distribute through seams or create off the rush. What elevates his game is his adaptability—he can drive a line with the puck or complement skill by arriving in space and finishing. His competitiveness shows up in retrievals and small‑area battles, and his timing away from the puck continues to sharpen as his role expands. Fitzgerald projects as an energy player with some offense at the next level.

Owen Michaels – Western Michigan University Signed with Edmonton Oilers

Attended Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	Western Michigan	NCHC	38	2	5	7
2024-25	Western Michigan	NCHC	42	18	18	36
2025-26	Western Michigan	NCHC	37	12	13	25

After a standout sophomore campaign, Michaels’ numbers dipped slightly this season, but there’s little cause for alarm. The offense has been distributed differently this year, and his role has shifted accordingly.

Michaels brings a reliable two‑way presence to Western Michigan’s forward group, blending a sturdy frame with a competitive motor that shows up shift after shift. He’s at his best when he’s driving play north, using strong edges and a direct approach to pressure defenders and create space for linemates. While his offensive production has fluctuated year to year, his underlying habits—responsible routes, smart support, and a willingness to battle in the hard areas—give him a translatable floor. Michaels projects as a dependable depth forward with the potential to carve out a larger role as his puck touches and confidence continue to grow.

JJ Wiebusch – Penn State

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-25	Penn State	Big-10	40	14	19	33
2025-26	Penn State	Big-10	36	16	20	36

Already two strong seasons into his Penn State career, Wiebusch doesn’t need to turn pro for another two years, but he’s drawing significant NHL interest — and there may not be a better window than now for him to choose his destination.

Wiebusch profiles as a smart, detail‑oriented forward whose game leans on pace and responsibility rather than flash. He reads the ice well, supports low in the zone, and stays connected to the play, which makes him a reliable option in all three zones. With the puck, he shows poise and vision, favoring quick, clean distribution and give‑and‑go sequences over forcing plays through traffic, but he can still finish when he gets inside ice. His skating is efficient and competitive, allowing him to stay on top of checks, pressure pucks on the forecheck, and track back with purpose. Combined with his situational awareness and willingness to do detail work away from the puck, Wiebusch projects as a bottom- six versatile, coach‑trust forward who can move up and down a lineup.

Wiebusch has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Hank Cleaves – Dartmouth College

Attended New York Rangers Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2024-25	Dartmouth College	ECAC	32	5	16	21
2025-26	Dartmouth College	ECAC	32	17	21	38

Cleaves doesn’t generate much buzz on the free‑agent front, and his intentions about turning pro remain unclear. But at 22, you have to think he’s giving the jump serious consideration.

Cleaves is a competitive, north‑south forward who brings pace, energy, and purpose to every shift for Dartmouth. He plays a straight‑line, pro‑style game built on forechecking pressure, second‑effort puck retrievals, and a willingness to drive the interior. Cleaves shows good touch in tight spaces, using quick hands and strong body positioning to extend plays and create looks around the net. His skating has enough pop to separate in transition, and he complements it with a motor that rarely dips, making him a reliable presence on both sides of the puck. With his blend of work rate, physical engagement, and improving offensive instincts, Cleaves projects as a versatile depth forward who can carve out a role by doing detail work and pushing the pace. And he has size!

Cleaves has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining.

Dylan Hryckowian – Northeastern University SIGNED WITH DALLAS STARS

Attended Dallas Stars Development Camp (2025)

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2023-24	Northeastern University	Hockey East	34	7	27	34
2024-25	Northeastern University	Hockey East	36	17	19	36
2025-26	Northeastern University	Hockey East	30	15	22	37

Hryckowian will be one of the most sought‑after forwards on the market after averaging a point per game or better in each of his three seasons at Northeastern despite his smaller frame.

Dylan Hryckowian has developed into a dependable two‑way winger for Northeastern, pairing a relentless motor with sharp situational awareness along the walls. He excels in puck‑pressure scenarios, using quick feet and strong stick detail to force turnovers and extend possession. Offensively, he thrives in a complementary role, driving play through smart routes, timely support, and a willingness to attack the interior when lanes open. His game is built on consistency and competitiveness rather than flash, making him a trusted piece in matchup situations. As his confidence with the puck continues to grow, Hryckowian projects as a versatile, system‑friendly winger capable of elevating a line’s pace and reliability.

Felix Trudeau – Sacred Heart University Signed with St. Louis Blues

Attended Montreal Canadiens Development Camp.

SEASON	TEAM	CONFERENCE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	University of Maine	Hockey East	28	3	5	8
2023-24	University of Maine	Hockey East	24	3	2	5
2024-25	Sacred Heart	AHA	39	15	23	38
2025-26	Sacred Heart	AHA	35	24	19	43

Trudeau found his stride after transferring to Sacred Heart, transforming from a depth piece at Maine into a bona fide point‑per‑game force. His final campaign didn’t go unnoticed, earning him Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year honors.

Trudeau has emerged as one of Sacred Heart’s most dynamic offensive drivers, blending a pro‑ready frame with a smooth, attacking skill set that thrives in motion. A natural finisher with soft hands and a quick release, he consistently finds pockets of space and turns small openings into scoring chances. His game took a significant step forward after transferring in, showing improved pace, confidence, and play‑driving ability as he evolved into a point‑per‑game threat. Trudeau’s combination of size, touch, and offensive instincts gives him clear upward trajectory, projecting as a winger who can impact a middle‑six role if his pace and off‑puck detail continue to round out.

Europeans

Vitali Pinchuk – Dinamo Minsk – KHL

Unquestionably the top free agent anywhere in the world that will draw attention from every NHL team. He has already been linked to the Bruins – but that was all but denied. I shared my thiughts earlier here.

Alexander Smolin – Metallurg – KHL

A year ago, the Bruins dipped into the same well when they signed goaltender Simon Zajicek. He’s delivered solid results in Providence, but a six‑week injury absence has raised fair questions about how smoothly his development has tracked. If Boston is looking to pivot or add another layer of insurance, Smolin stands out as an intriguing alternative.

SEASON	LEAGUE	GP	W	L	T	GAA	SV%
2024-25	KHL	27	14	6	2	2.03	.927
2024-25	VHL	3	2	0	1	1.30	.962
2025-26	KHL	35	23	8	2	2.33	.915

Alexander Smolin is a poised, technically sound Russian goaltender who leans on structure and economy of movement to stay ahead of plays. He tracks pucks cleanly through traffic, holds his edges well, and rarely overcommits, forcing shooters to beat him rather than giving them openings. Smolin’s calm demeanor stands out—he absorbs pressure without scrambling and manages rebounds with maturity beyond his age. While he’s still refining his post integration and lateral quickness, the foundation is strong: good size (but not quite what NHL teams look for), sharp reads, and a composed presence that projects toward a steady pro trajectory as his athletic elements continue to round out.

Jere Lassila – JYP HT Jyvaskyla – SM-Liiga

Lassila has taken noticeable strides over three seasons in Finland’s top league, emerging as a legitimate offensive threat. He currently ranks sixth in points, seventh in assists, and thirteenth in goals, and at just 22 years old (as of March 8), he’s still firmly in the developmental sweet spot. Fans may remember his breakout on the international stage at the 2024 World Junior Championship, where he posted three goals and eight points in seven games for Finland.

SEASON	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM	+/-
2023-24	SM-Liiga	45	6	20	26	28	+5
2023-24	WJC	7	3	5	8	2	-5
2024-25	SM-Liiga	58	9	26	35	38	-11
2025-26	SM-Liiga	60	20	38	58	26	+4

Lassila has emerged as one of the more polished young forwards in Liiga, showcasing a blend of pace, vision, and competitive detail that translated well at the (Finnish) pro level. He’s a versatile offensive driver who thrives in motion, using sharp edges and quick reads to slip into soft ice and create chances off the rush or through sustained possession. Lassila’s playmaking touch stands out—he distributes with confidence, anticipates pressure well, and consistently elevates the players around him. Add in his strong World Junior showing for Finland, where he proved he can impact games against top peers, and you get a forward with clear upward trajectory. As he continues to add strength and refine his off‑puck routes, Lassila projects as a modern, pace‑driven winger capable of fitting seamlessly into a skill‑oriented top‑nine role.

Canadian Hockey League

Many of the CHL’s top overagers have already committed to NCAA programs for next season, hoping the college route can open a clearer path to the pro ranks. A handful of notable names remain on the board, though it’s hard to see the Bruins going down this road:

Matthew Sop – Kitchener Rangers – OHL

Marco Mignosa – Soo Greyhounds – OHL

Mitch Young – Sarnia Sting – OHL

Luke Mistelbacher – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL

Grayson Burzynski – Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL

Bryce Pickford – Medicine Hat Tigers – WHL

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