Page 5 – Dom

Dom’s Mid-Season Bruins Trade Board

To many around the league, this season effectively features two trade deadlines: the unofficial cutoff before the Olympic break on February 6, and the official NHL trade deadline on March 6.

It’s a familiar storyline by now: the so‑called pre‑deadline rush rarely lives up to the hype. Activity has historically fallen short of expectations, though a handful of deals still tend to trickle through.

Bruins expectations for this season can be distilled into three words: No Stanley Cup. With that reality in mind, there’s little incentive for the team to make short‑sighted additions simply to chase a playoff berth that would likely end in a first‑ or, at best, second‑round exit – with a lot of luck on their side.

That is unless they can add a young player that can hep the team in the future.

What the Bruins do have are assets that could bolster another club’s playoff push or deepen a contender’s lineup. That’s where the front office should be directing its focus. After navigating last year’s deadline effectively—and with fewer sellers expected this season—Boston could find itself in a particularly advantageous position.

With the season now at its midpoint and the Olympic break fast approaching, it’s an ideal time to assess the top five assets the Bruins could consider moving—either ahead of the pause or closer to the March trade deadline.

Andrew Peeke

Right‑shot defensemen are always in demand across the NHL, and the Bruins are no exception – needing one themselves. But Peeke no longer projects as part of the organization’s long‑term vision—at least not in the direction management intends to take the roster. With his pending UFA status, this is the appropriate time to move on.

The Bruins sent Columbus a 2027 third‑round pick for Peeke and could realistically recoup that asset. And while it’s fair to question whether a team would pay that price outright, Boston could increase the return by retaining salary—provided they maintain the cap flexibility to do so – which they have now.

Given the current state of the roster, there’s little value in keeping him as an “own rental.” This group isn’t positioned to make a meaningful push, and the asset is better leveraged elsewhere.

Viktor Arvidsson

Arvidsson would arguably top this list, but his full no‑movement clause gives him complete control over any potential move. It doesn’t make a trade impossible, but it does narrow the field of realistic suitors.

Many fans questioned the move when the Bruins sent a 2027 fifth‑round pick to the Edmonton Oilers. But if Arvidsson is moved now, Boston should have no trouble securing a much stronger return. He’s outperformed fan expectations this season and profiles as the kind of secondary‑scoring boost a contender would gladly pay for.

Head Coach Marco Sturm is a strong supporter of Arvidsson, so an extension can’t be dismissed outright. That said, there’s a clear line between coaching and roster management, and it’s the front office’s job to take the longer view. General Manager Don Sweeney shouldn’t ignore Sturm’s input, but if a deal emerges that meaningfully improves the Bruins’ long‑term outlook, he has to make it.

First Round Pick

With the Bruins potentially holding four first‑round picks over the next two drafts—possibly five over three years, depending on how the conditions of the pick acquired from Toronto in the Brandon Carlo deal play out—it’s entirely plausible they explore moving one of them.

Sweeney isn’t about to make a move simply for the sake of activity. Any deal would need to deliver a player who fits the organization’s vision beyond this season. That type of target is out there, but the Bruins will need a high level of conviction before pulling the trigger.

That said, it’s unlikely the Bruins would part with either of their 2026 picks. A later selection is the more realistic trade chip, which points to any potential move coming in the offseason or during next year’s campaign but, could still happen now.

Joonas Korpisalo

Let’s be honest: the Bruins didn’t fail to move Korpisalo in the offseason because they were weighing their options—they failed because there wasn’t a single team willing to touch that contract. And now, with Sturm publicly declaring he’ll ride the goalie who actually gives him a chance to win, the divide couldn’t be more glaring. Swayman is carrying the load, and Korpisalo has been reduced to an afterthought. At this point, Boston isn’t just encouraged to find a way out—they’re boxed into it. The longer they hang onto this situation, the worse it reflects on the organization.

It’s hard to see the Bruins moving him without attaching a sweetener to draw interest, but it’s clear they’re gearing up to take another run at it. Perhaps Sweeney can borrow a page from Ottawa Senators GM Steve Staios’ playbook and coax a rival executive into a deal—much like Staios managed to do with Boston.

One thing feels inevitable at this point: the relationship has to end. Good games are few and far between. If the Bruins can’t find a solution by the trade deadline, then a buyout in the offseason becomes the logical next step. Sweeney is one Bruins GM that has a history of using buyouts having used it on Mike Reilly (2023) Jimmy Hayes (2017) and Dennis Seidenberg (2016).

Casey Mittelstadt

Many fans are hoping Pavel Zacha ends up on this list, but that feels unlikely unless his next contract ask prices the Bruins out. With a core built around David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman, Boston needs reliable, versatile contributors like Zacha supporting them—especially with so many young players expected to push for roster spots in the coming years.

Which brings us to Mittelstadt. In a seller’s market thin on both quantity and quality, he stands out as a legitimate option. That could shift if more teams slide out of the race in the coming weeks, but for now, a forward on pace for 24 goals over an 82‑game stretch is exactly the kind of secondary‑scoring piece a playoff contender will covet.

The Bruins already picked up an asset from Colorado for absorbing Mittelstadt’s contract in last season’s Charlie Coyle deal, and flipping him now for another return would tilt that trade tree even further in Boston’s favor. There’s also every indication the Bruins would be open to moving him; Mittelstadt doesn’t cleanly fit the style Sturm is trying to implement, making him a logical candidate if the right offer comes along.

Boston Bruins Monday Morning Prospect Update Week Ending: January 4, 2026

Liam Pettersson – Vaxjo Lakers – U20 Nationell

Returns to action January 10.

Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell

Returns to action January 10.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL

Returns to action January 5.

William Zellers, James Hagens – USA – World Junior Championships

Team USA found itself in some difficulty against Slovakia on Monday before a pair of Boston Bruins prospects shifted the momentum. Trailing 4–3 late in the second period, James Hagens pulled the Americans even, taking a feed in the slot and snapping a wrist shot home with 45 seconds left in the frame.

Just 18 seconds into the final period, Hagens struck again, pouncing on a loose puck in the slot and firing home the go‑ahead goal while falling. A little more than four minutes later, Will Zellers delivered his third game‑winner in as many games, stationed at the right post as a centering pass deflected off his skate and in. Team USA held on for a 6–5 victory.

On New Years Eve, The US battled Sweden for top spot in their group and the Swedes came out on top 6-3. Zellers continued his torrid pace by scoring once again and has at least one goal in each of his four games and is tied for the tournament lead with 5 goals.

Hagens assisted on the Zellers goal and he now has at least one point in each of his games.

Team USA’s run came to a close on Friday with a 4–3 overtime loss to Finland. This iteration of the American squad had its shortcomings — along with a few debatable decisions best left for another day — but Zellers and Hagens still distinguished themselves, earning recognition as two of the team’s three top performers. For both players, the long‑term outlook remains highly promising.

Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)

Miami rebounded in game two of the Great Lakes Invitational, earning a 4–2 win over Ferris State on Monday after falling 5–2 to Michigan Tech the previous day. Nassen picked up an assist on the eventual game‑winner early in the second period and closed the night with one shot on goal, an even rating, and 13:23 of ice time.

Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College

Boston College bounced back in their second game of the Holiday Face‑Off, edging Lake Superior 4–3 after dropping the tournament opener. Dean Letourneau opened the scoring with his sixth goal in five games, once again delivering in trademark fashion — stepping off the bench, taking a feed at the blue line, and wiring a shot from the right circle into the back of the net.

Will Moore doubled the lead with his third goal of the season, positioning himself at the top of the crease to redirect a feed from newcomer Oscar Hemming. Elevated into a more offensive role, Moore has responded with strong performances in back‑to‑back games.

Letourneau recorded two shots on goal, went 11‑for‑18 in the faceoff circle, and logged 20:28 of ice time. Moore added two shots of his own, finishing 7‑for‑13 on draws while skating 16:43. Kristian Kostadinski was held without a point for the 13th straight game and played 15:08. Oscar Jellvik and Andre Gasseau remain sidelined on the injured list.

Beckett Hendrickson – University of Minnesota

In an exhibition game on Saturday, the University of Minnesota battled to a 3-3 tie with Bemidji State. There was no stream available.

Chris Pelosi, Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac University

Fresh off his return from the Spengler Cup, Pelosi was back in the lineup Friday as Quinnipiac rolled past Harvard in a dominant 9–1 victory. Despite Harvard opening the scoring just 1:09 into the game, the Bobcats took control from there. Pelosi added Quinnipiac’s fifth goal — his 11th of the season — capping a clean 3‑on‑1 breakout. After easing into the offensive zone to create a passing lane, he collected the feed, glided into space, and snapped a bar‑down wrist shot.

Pelosi finished the game a plus-1, had two shots on goal and went 3 for 7 on the dot with 17:21 time on ice. Groenewold had an assist, was also a plus-1 and had 3 shots on goal with 16:04 time on ice.

Quinnipiac earned a 5–3 win over Dartmouth on Saturday. Pelosi was held off the scoresheet, finished minus‑1, and did not record a shot on goal, though he went 3‑for‑5 on draws and logged 17:38 of ice time. Groenewold, meanwhile, delivered a standout performance, posting an assist and a plus‑4 rating while skating 21:40.

Ryan Walsh – Cornell University

Walsh returned from his Spengler Cup and helped Cornell defeat Omaha 6-4 on Friday night. Walsh had a pair of assists, three shots on goal and was 9 for 14 on the dot with 20:30 time on ice.

Cornell took the rematch on Saturday with a 3–2 victory. Walsh was held off the scoresheet and recorded one shot on goal, but once again logged heavy minutes, finishing with 21:56 of ice time. He also went 13‑for‑23 in the faceoff circle.

Ryan Walsh, Chris Pelosi – US Collegiate Selects – Spengler Cup

On Tuesday, the US Collegiate Selects punched its ticket to the Spengler Cup Final with a 5–2 win over Sparta Prague. Walsh did not dress for the semifinal, while Pelosi drew into the lineup but was held off the scoresheet, finishing plus‑1 with 13:29 of ice time.

However, Team USA couldn’t finish the job in Wednesday’s Final, falling 6–3 to HC Davos. The game entered the third period knotted at 3–3 before Davos pulled away with three unanswered goals. Pelosi did not dress for the championship, while Walsh returned to the lineup and delivered a goal and an assist, finishing plus‑1 in 12:46 of ice time.

It wasn’t the result Walsh and Pelosi were aiming for, but the opportunity to compete against predominantly professional competition should serve them well moving forward.

Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard University

As mentioned above, Harvard fell 9-1 to Quinnipiac on Friday. Langenbrunner did not have a point, was a minus-1 with one shot on goal and 17:35 time on ice.

Saturday saw Harvard lose 3-2 to Princeton and saw Langenbrunner go pointless again while finishing a minus-1.

Jonathan Morello – Boston University

BU defeated Simon Fraser in an exhibition game on Saturday. There was no stream available for this game.

Philip Svedeback – Providence College

Svedeback turned aside 23 of 25 shots on Friday, securing his third consecutive victory as Providence topped Alaska 5–2. The performance marks his first three‑game winning streak of the season.

Alaska responded on Saturday with a 5–1 victory, flipping the script from the previous night. Svedeback stopped 16 of 18 shots before exiting the game with an undisclosed lower‑body injury while Providence trailed 2–1.

Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL

Simpson scored twice on Friday, powering Youngstown to a 5–2 win over Madison. His first — the eventual game‑winner — came as he took a pass while accelerating down the right wing, broke in alone, and beat the goaltender with a smooth backhand‑to‑forehand deke. With Youngstown up 4–2, he sealed the result midway through the third, taking a feed down the slot and snapping a quick shot through a defender and past the netminder. He finished the night with seven shots on goal.

The rematch proved less favorable for Youngstown, as Madison earned a 3–2 overtime win on Saturday night. It was another productive outing for Simpson, who scored twice for the second straight game. Trailing 2–0 entering the third, he needed just 53 seconds to cut the deficit, skating from the left point into the high circle before ripping home his first of the night. Then, with 1:02 remaining, he forced overtime by finding space on the right side and hammering a far‑side one‑timer under the blocker.

Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL

On Tuesday, Shawinigan edged Baie‑Comeau 3–2 in overtime. Chandler was held off the scoresheet for the second straight outing — just the third time this month — and finished with one shot on goal.

Shawinigan dropped the rematch 2-1 on New Years Eve. Chandler did not register a point on two shots on goal and was 3 for eight on faceoffs.

On Friday, Shawinigan got past Sherbrooke 3-2. Chandler did not register a point for the fourth consecutive game. He had 3 shots on goal and was zero-for-two on the dot.

On Sunday, Shawinigan got past Rouyn-Noranda 5-2. Chandler ended his point draught with an assist. He finished a plus-1 with 3 shots on goal and was 7 for 12 on faceoffs.

Cole Spicer – Western Michigan

Western Michigan captured the Holiday Face-Off with a 4-1 win over Wisconsin on Monday. Spicer missed his second consecutive game due to injury.

Western Michigan shut out Notre Dame 4–0 on Friday, then repeated the result in Saturday’s rematch. Spicer was unavailable for both games.

The team has offered little detail regarding Spicer’s current injury, and without confirmation there’s no value in guessing. It’s worth noting, however, that he does have a prior history of concussion‑related issues.

Providence Bruins

Providence 2 – Springfield 4

Providence opened the scoring just 4:01 into the contest on Wednesday when Michael Callahan teed up Victor Soderstrom at the top of the right circle, and the defenseman snapped a wrist shot past the goaltender for a 1–0 lead. Patrick Brown picked up the secondary assist on the play.

Springfield responded with three straight goals to take a 3–1 lead before Georgii Merkulov set up Brown at the top of the blue paint, where his redirection trimmed the deficit to 3–2. Fabian Lysell picked up the secondary assist. Springfield later sealed the win with an empty‑netter

Simon Zajicek stopped 21 shots as Providence outshot Springfield 42-24.

Providence 4 – Hartford 1

On Friday, the opening goal didn’t come until 17:01 of the first period, when Matej Blumel dropped a pass into the slot for Riley Duran, who snapped a wrist shot inside the left post to give Providence a 1–0 lead.

Hartford pulled even midway through the second period, but Providence regained control late in the frame. With 1:54 remaining, Riley Tufte’s purposeful shot produced a rebound off the goaltender’s pad, landing on the stick of Dans Locmelis, who tapped it into the open net.

Merkulov and Locmelis would score into the empty net to seal the win. Michael DiPietro, who returned from injury to back up on Wednesday stopped 31 shots in his return.

Providence 3 – Springfield 1

Providence got the best of Springfield on Sunday afternoonWednesday’s loss.

Springfield opened the scoring just 4:32 into the game, but Locmelis pulled Providence even on the power play with 6:25 left in the first. Merkulov fed the puck into middle ice, where Lysell delivered a quick one‑touch to Locmelis in the left circle, and he snapped a wrist shot past the Springfield goaltender.

The 1–1 deadlock held until the final minutes of regulation. With 1:11 remaining, Frederic Brunet hammered a one‑timer from the point, tucking it just inside the post to give Providence a 2–1 lead, with Locmelis and Ty Gallagher picking up the assists. Tufte later sealed the win with an empty‑netter, set up by Brown and Billy Sweezey.

DiPietro wasn’t very busy in this one, stopping 16 of 17 shots.

Here’s a look at the Providence Bruins leaders. You will notice a column called “Benchrates” This is provided by our friends at Benchrates. Created by a retired hockey player, Benchrates has created an algorithm that computes values in real time. The value you see is the cap hit value they’ve earned this season to date. Give them a look and check out their site.

Coming up this week:

Summary Sunday: January 4, 2026

Frank Seravalli on Insider Notebook: A lot of people have pointed to Pavel Zacha as a trade chip. I think you need more Pavel Zacha not less. Maybe the guy you try and move is Casey Mittelstadt.

Totally agree. The moment you move Pavel Zacha is the moment you start searching for a player just like him. He’s not untouchable, but replacing the value he provides at his current cap hit would be a significant challenge. While there’s no doubt teams would pay a premium to acquire him, any conversation about trading Zacha has to be balanced by an equally serious discussion about who fills that void. It’s rarely a straightforward equation.

More from Seravalli on Insider Notebook: The Bruins are in a spot where they need more heft up front. How are they gonna find that? Maybe moving out Mittelstadt to get a better fit is a way to start, but you’re gonna have to attach to that to find something impactful.

It’s hard to imagine any Bruins fan believing Mittelstadt, on his own, could be flipped for an upgrade at the same position. I’m not sure we had to be reminded of that. Of course, any realistic scenario would require additional assets. As with any trade discussion, the core questions remain unchanged: What are you adding, what’s the expected return, and how much cap space are you prepared to absorb to make the deal viable for both sides. I’m also questioning whether the Bruins need more heft up front.

More from Seravalli on Flames Talk regarding Andrew Mangiapane and the Edmonton Oilers: For the Oilers it’s not necessarily much about the return and what you get for him, it’s more so about clearing out that cap space. That’s also what’s gonna make getting someone to take that on difficult.

Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period weighs in on Mangiapane: The Oilers are actively shopping winger Andrew Mangiapane. He has a full no-trade clause and is willing to waive it for another contender, but I’m told the overall “best fit” is what’s important to him

Once the Bruins are fully healthy and resume banking cap space, they would be in position to absorb a contract carrying a $3.6 million cap hit. A few years ago, this player might have been a logical fit. Today, however, his profile no longer aligns with the direction Boston is pursuing. If the Oilers want to pay to take on that contract, I’m listening. But why would Mangiapane approve a trade to Boston?

Pagnotta on Daily Faceoff Live Talking about the Seattle Kraken: I’m looking at [Jason] Botterill in Seattle, very curious to see what he’s gonna end up doing with some of his guys; pending UFAs, [Jamie] Oleksiak, [Jordan] Eberle, [Jaden] Schwartz, those guys, [Eeli] Tolvanen, they’ve been listening on those guys. [Jared] McCann as well.

Pagnotta on Hello Hockey talking about Rasmus Andersson: I still think he’s getting moved. We know the usual Dallas and Vegas suspects. We know Toronto’s kicked the tires. I could see LA getting back into that discussion.

Elliotte Friedman on Oilers now adds: All I heard was that there’s a gap in between what he was looking for and what they were willing to do. Unless that changes, I think [a trade’s] the most likely scenario.

There are two costs involved here: The cost to acquire and the cost to extend. Those are two costs the Bruins should avoid at all costs. And of course, like Boston, Toronto is linked to everybody.

More from Friedman on Oilers Now talking about the Vancouver Canucks: I’m not expecting anything with Jake DeBrusk, to me the guy I’m watching in Vancouver is Kiefer Sherwood. One thing we learned about with Quinn Hughes is that they can strike quick, so you have to be on the ball.

There will undoubtedly be Bruins fans holding out hope for a DeBrusk reunion, but at this stage it feels like wishful thinking. As for Sherwood, my stance has been consistent from the outset: he’s not a fit. There are reports now that the Canucks have started talks about an extension with him.

Again, from Friedman on The Fan Hockey Show regarding Matias Maccelli: The Leafs had made him available and obviously there weren’t the bites that they liked. They’re kind of hoping for, can the change in the powerplay help him find more of a role there.

Just a reminder, Friedman recently linked Maccelli to the Bruins in his reporting. It feels like an annual ritual at this point: whenever a player is rumored to be available, Boston inevitably finds itself mentioned in the conversation.

THIS AND THAT

According to Sportsnet Stats, when Fraser Minten scored the overtime winner against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, he became the first Bruins rookie to record multiple overtime goals.

January 1 marked the first day NHL clubs were eligible to finalize contract extensions for players on one‑year deals. For the Bruins, that group includes Alex Steeves, Jordan Harris, Jonathan Aspirot, Matej Blumel, Georgii Merkulov, John Farinacci, Riley Tufte, Patrick Brown, Michael Callahan, Victor Soderstrom, Simon Zajicek, and Luke Cavallin.

There’s no real urgency to finalize a contract with any of them at this stage, and waiting until season’s end remains the most prudent approach. If I was forced to select one player to accelerate discussions with, it would be Zajicek — though that decision ultimately depends on the organization’s evaluation of Philip Svedeback and how his year concludes at Providence College.

Bruins at the Olympics: Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy (USA), Elias Lindholm (Sweden), Henri Jokiharju (Finland), David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha (Czechia). We are waiting for Dans Locmelis to be named to the Latvian Roster.

As readers know, we’ve been tracking key developments leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft — a particularly important year for Boston, with the Bruins holding two first‑round selections.

Next on the calendar is the 2026 Chipotle All‑American Game, showcasing top 2026 NHL Draft‑eligible talent from the National Team Development Program and the USHL. The event is set for January 15, 2026, in Plymouth, Michigan, and will air on NHL Network. You can find the full roster here.

Youngest players in Providence: Matthew Poitras – 21 years and 300 days; Dans Locmelis – 21 years and 348 days.

Revisiting the Charlie Coyle Trade

Will Zellers is enjoying a World Junior Championship he will never forget. David Berding/Getty Images.

At the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney continued his roster reset, moving out additional veteran pieces.

Sweeney shifted his focus to Colorado, sending Charlie Coyle and a 2026 fifth‑round pick to the Avalanche in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt, Will Zellers, and a 2025 second‑round selection originally acquired from Carolina — the pick Boston ultimately used to draft Liam Pettersson.

On June 27, 2025, the Avalanche dealt Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Gavin Brindley, a 2025 third‑round pick used to select Francesco Dell’elce, and a conditional 2027 second‑round selection. This was seen as nothing more than a salary dump.

It’s worth noting that Zellers was the primary piece Boston targeted in the deal. Colorado’s need to move Mittelstadt for cap reasons came at a price — the inclusion of a second‑round pick. Seeking to recoup an asset, the Avalanche accepted a fifth‑round selection in this year’s draft as part of the return.

Mittelstadt has experienced his share of highs and lows dating back to the end of last season in Boston and into the current campaign. However, since Head Coach Marco Sturm shifted him to the wing, he has looked far more comfortable and effective in that role.

Mittelstadt’s long‑term future in Boston remains uncertain. Should the season continue to trend in the wrong direction, he could emerge as a trade‑deadline asset, extending the evolving trade tree in this deal. Given the way December has unfolded, that scenario is becoming increasingly plausible.

Pettersson remains an intriguing prospect whose development has been tempered this season by injury. The two‑way defenseman brings notable size and has already logged a brief stint against older competition in the SHL. His skating stands out as his most dynamic asset.

The real prize, however, is Zellers — and fans who don’t often catch college hockey are getting their first real look at him on the World Junior stage. The conclusion they’ve drawn: Zellers alone for Coyle was a steal.

There may be some validity to that line of thinking.

What Zellers is doing is hardly a surprise, or at the very least shouldn’t be — and it’s undoubtedly a key reason the Bruins identified him as a priority target.

SEASON	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2022-23	Shattuck St Mary’s	USHS – Prep	37	19	30	49
2022-23	Shattuck St Mary’s	PHC	14	7	8	15
2023-24	Shattuck St Mary’s	USHS – Prep	54	57	54	111
2023-24	Shattuck St Mary’s	PHC	14	12	10	22
2024-25	Green Bay Gamblers	USHL	52	44	27	71
2025-26	University of North Dakota	NCAA	18	10	5	15

Zellers’ performance at the World Junior Championship has sparked calls from the fanbase for him to turn pro as soon as his season at North Dakota concludes. While the trajectory is undeniably encouraging, he doesn’t appear ready to make the jump this year — and that’s coming from someone who ranked him third on the Bruins’ prospect list back in June.

There’s no fault in a general manager taking a swing in pursuit of a Stanley Cup run. But history shows that teams often overpay at the trade deadline for moves that carry a low success rate. Ask Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland off the record whether he’d make that deal under different circumstances, and there’s a strong chance the answer would be no.

That alone speaks volumes about the return Boston secured in the deal. Still, Zellers remains a prospect, and development is rarely linear, so it’s wise to temper expectations and allow the situation to unfold naturally.

If Zellers develops into the player many — myself included — believe he can become, and Pettersson reaches his projected ceiling as a top‑four defenseman, the Bruins will have come away from this deal looking like absolute steal‑makers.

Boston Bruins Monday Morning Prospect Update Week Ending: December 28, 2025

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Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell

Blanar was unavailable for Czechia’s opening game of the World Junior Championship and, as of Friday, had not yet been added to the team’s official roster for the tournament opener, a 7-5 loss to Canada.

On Saturday, Czechia defeated Denmark 7-2. Blanar still has not been registered to the Czech roster.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL

Loko defeated Dinamo-Shinnik 6-4 on Monday. However, Yemelyanov did not play and there was no immediate word about his absence.

On Friday, Loko edged Mamonty Ugry 3–2 in overtime. Yemelyanov returned to the lineup after missing Monday’s game but was held off the scoresheet, finishing with one shot on goal and 17:12 of ice time.

Yemelyanov was named to the Team West Conference all-star team for the 2026 JHL Challenge Cup. The event will take place on February 6, 2026 and will be on the JHL YouTube channel live.

William Zellers, James Hagens – Team USA – World Junior Championships

Hagens was driving play throughout the night, but it was Zellers who ultimately stole the spotlight in Team USA’s 6–2 win over Team Germany on Friday — and he could make a strong case for having been snubbed for player of the game honors. Zellers scored twice on just two shots and added an assist in 13:49 of ice time, an impressive showing for a player who wasn’t even on the original roster. Hagens chipped in with an assist, generated several quality looks that could have easily added to his totals, recorded three shots on goal, and logged 18:04 of ice time.

On Saturday, the US defeated Switzerland 2-1 to remain perfect through the first two games. And it was Zellers with an absolute beauty of a shot with the game winning goal with a perfectly placed shot. For his part, Hagens set up the games opening goal with an almost blind back pass as he was heading down the slot.

Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)

Miami lost 5-2 to Michigan Tech on Sunday at the Great Lakes Invitational. Nassen had zeroes straight across the board with 12:32 time on ice. They will take on Ferris State on Monday.

Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College

Boston College lost 5-3 to Western Michigan at the Holiday Face-off on Sunday. Oskar Jellvik and Andre Gasseau (injuries) and James Hagens (World Junior Championships) did not play. Dean Letourneau scored with 1:41 remaining to get BC within one, but that’s as close as they would come. Will Moore assisted on the goal. BC will take on Lake Superior on Monday.

Chris Pelosi, Ryan Walsh – U S Collegiate Selects – Spengler Cup

Pelosi was a scratch for Team USA in Friday’s Spengler Cup opener, a 3–2 loss to Canada. Trailing 3–0 entering the third period, the U.S. Collegiate Selects mounted a late push but couldn’t find the equalizer. Walsh, deployed on the wing, finished without a point and posted a plus‑1 rating in 12:58 of ice time.

Pelosi got into the second game on Saturday – a 5-3 win over HC Davos. He did not register a point and was a minus-1 with 10:31 time on ice. Walsh also did not register a point and was a minus-1 with 11:15 time on ice.

The US clinched the top spot in their division and advances to the semifinal round, where they’ll face an opponent to be determined on Tuesday. The championship final is scheduled for Wednesday

Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL

Youngstown skated past Chicago 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Simpson assisted on the games opening goal and then added a second assist on the tying goal to force overtime with just 46 seconds remaining. He finished with 2 shots on goal and was an even plus/minus.

Different game, exact same result on Sunday against the same Chicago team except Simpson did not register a point. He managed a game high 8 shots on goal, more than almost any two Youngstown teammates combined.

Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL

Shawinigan rolled past Drummondville 6–2 on Sunday, snapping Chandler’s six‑game point streak as he was held off the scoresheet. He registered two shots on goal and did not take a faceoff in the matchup.

Cole Spicer – Western Michigan

As mentioned, Western Michigan defeated Boston College 5-3 at the Holiday Face-Off on Sunday. Cole Spicer did not dress. They will take on Wisconsin on Monday.

Providence Bruins

Providence 7 – Springfield 1

Dans Locmelis jump‑started the offense just 2:06 into the opening period, pouncing on a rebound at the right post and burying it to give his team the early edge. Matthew Poitras and Fabian Lysell picked up the helpers.

Only 16 seconds later, the lead doubled. Brett Harrison corralled the puck at the bottom of the left circle and snapped a sharp‑angle wrist shot that beat the goaltender off the far post and in. Dalton Bancroft and Colin Felix were credited with the assists.

While on the power play, Frederic Brunet found Poitras in the slot, where his backhand found a way past the goaltender’s right pad to give the Providence a 3-0 lead with 4:23 remaining in the first period.

Patrick Brown hammered a one‑timer inside the post to push Providence’s lead to 4–0 just 4:49 into the second period. Georgii Merkulov and Billy Sweezey were credited with the assists.

Merkulov joined the scoring midway through the second, slipping past a defender in the left circle and cutting to the crease before lifting a shot under the bar to push the P‑Bruins’ lead to 5–0 with 11:56 remaining. Brown picked up the assist.

John Farinacci threaded a cross‑ice feed to Poitras in the right circle, where he snapped a wrist shot past the goaltender’s glove for a power‑play marker that stretched Providence’s lead to 6–0 with 6:55 left in the second period. Harrison picked up the secondary assist.

Springfield would get one before Ty Gallagher finished off a 3‑on‑1 rush at the right post, pushing Providence’s lead to 7–1 with 3:23 remaining in the third period. Locmelis and Lysell collected the assists.

Luke Cavallin stopped 25 of 26 shots in his first game for Providence.

Coming up this week:

Summary Sunday December 28, 2025

For those who celebrate, hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas — and a happy holiday season to everyone else. Wherever you go to celebrate New Years, please, be safe and responsible. The calendar hasn’t flipped to the new year just yet, but there was still plenty of hockey chatter to unpack this week.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have relieved Assistant Coach Marc Savard of his duties.

A segment of the Bruins fan base continues to push for the organization to bring Savard back in a coaching capacity. But with Boston’s power play operating at a high level — the very area where Savard supposedly specializes — there’s little justification for a change behind the bench. A player‑development role would be a more logical fit, provided the responsibilities are clearly defined – I can get behind that. The Bruins have routinely entrusted former defensemen with those positions, but the organization has lacked a dedicated voice with a track record of developing forwards.

Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet adds: The Leafs made a bench change Monday night — removing Marc Savard. According to multiple sources, the coaching/managerial changes stop there.

Because, well, the Leafs have long been known to make the right decisions.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they have promoted Steve Sullivan from their AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies to Assistant Coach.

Dave Pagnotta on Oilers Nation Everyday regarding the Leafs: It’s money in, money out, which is why they’re willing to exploring moving Max Domi and Brandon Carlo and Mattias Maccelli. They need to move out money.

Part of me wants to see the reaction if the Leafs moved Carlo — the fallout among Maple Leafs fans would be dramatic, and Bruins fans would no doubt revel in it.

More from Pagnotta on DFO Rundown: Jesperi Kotkaniemi‘s name has been out there for the last little bit. I think this goes back to last season.

The Carolina Hurricanes aren’t exactly pressed for cap space, but there’s little doubt they’d welcome the opportunity to move his $4.82 million cap hit, which still runs for four more seasons, and reallocate those dollars elsewhere.

And even more from Pagnotta on Sportsnet Today: If they [Calgary Flames] continue this pace, they probably hold fort outside of Rasmus Andersson. If they dip back to how they were in the first bit of the season, then I think it’s open for business mentality. I still believe Andersson will be moved at some point, regardless of the direction of the team.

As much as the Bruins could use reinforcements on the back end — particularly on the right side — this doesn’t feel like the bidding war they should be jumping into. They’re simply not in a position to part with the kind of assets this market will demand, and the smarter play may be to hold firm and explore solutions elsewhere or revisit the issue in the offseason.

Frank Seravalli on Canucks Central: If you’re gonna go out and get Kiefer Sherwood, the thought process is you’re gonna try and re-sign him. The teams that are in Sherwood are concerned about what that number is to retain his services.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic added: We know the Stars have already kicked tires. I wonder if the Stars would entice the Canucks with Mavrik Bourque. I’m not sure if Bourque is the answer, but I do think there’s a match here somehow.

Sherwood still shouldn’t be on the Bruins’ radar. Boston already has enough players with a similar profile, and when factoring in both the acquisition cost and the price required to extend him, the fit becomes even less practical. The Bruins are better served preserving their assets and cap space for areas of greater need.

Chris Johnston on Over Drive: I don’t get any feeling the Leafs are yet ready to turn the page on this season as an organization, I think they still want to find solutions.

It may be an unpopular opinion, but folding on the season before the New Year would be a significant misstep with playoff races this tight. The trade deadline could present a different calculus depending on how the situation evolves, but pulling the plug this early would be premature. I mean, even Buffalo turned it around.

THIS AND THAT

The Bruins are nearing reinforcements, with five injured players approaching a return. Defensemen Jordan Harris, Michael Callahan, Jonathan Aspirot and Henri Jokiharju, along with forward Matej Blumel, are all trending toward rejoining the lineup in the near future.

It’s all but certain that Blumel will be reassigned to Providence. Then, with only one available slot on the 23‑man roster, the Bruins will need to make additional moves to remain cap‑ and roster‑compliant.

That leaves three returning defensemen who would need to be reassigned to Providence. The Bruins could also opt to place recently claimed Vladislav Kolyachonok on waivers, which would reduce the number of required moves to two.

The simplest move would be assigning Callahan to Providence, as he does not require waivers. Another path would be placing Jeffrey Viel on waivers and carrying eight defensemen. If Boston opts for that structure and remains concerned about blue‑line depth, waiving Jokiharju becomes a logical consideration. Given his contract — both the salary and two remaining years — it’s unlikely another team would submit a claim.

With the Bruins holding two first‑round selections in the 2026 NHL Draft — both could project as lottery picks, with the Toronto pick top‑five protected — the World Junior Championship offers fans an ideal chance to scout potential targets. The Hockey News breaks down the key prospects to keep an eye on.

Mason Lohrei has become an easy target in Boston, and while some of the criticism is warranted, plenty of it stretches beyond reality. The broader issue isn’t Lohrei in isolation — it’s a defensive group with too many players slotted outside their ideal roles. It’s worth noting that Lohrei’s strongest season came two years ago under John Gruden, when the Bruins had a dedicated voice guiding the blue line. Last year, that presence was absent behind the bench. And this season? The results speak to a unit still searching for structure.

Gruden has built a strong reputation for his work with defensemen, and his approach to deploying the blueline aligns closely with the structure Head Coach Marco Sturm wants to implement. Aside from Steve Spott, Sturm inherited the bulk of his current staff, which makes the upcoming offseason particularly intriguing for me as we wait to see whether any adjustments or additions are made behind the bench. However, I’m not expecting any.

Joonas Korpisalo is struggling and it’s beginning to impact Jeremy Swayman — and not in a positive way. Sturm recently hinted in his comments a diminishing level of confidence in Korpisalo, which has forced Swayman into an unsustainable workload and it has affected his performance. One way or another, the Bruins must address their backup‑goaltending situation, whether before the season ends or heading into next year. There is no more sugar-coating it.

There was plenty of conversation this week around the Team Canada management contingent — a group featuring Doug Armstrong, Julien BriseBois, Jim Nill, Kyle Dubas, and, of course, Don Sweeney. While the expectation is that discussions centered on Team Canada business, it’s fair to wonder whether any of those conversations could lead to broader NHL‑related ripple effects.

When most fans scan the standings, they focus on games played, games in hand, home‑and‑road splits, or points percentage. I look at something far less discussed: divisional games played. The Bruins have easily logged more games within the Atlantic Division than any of their divisional rivals, which means the other seven teams will spend the stretch run beating up on each other and siphoning off points. That dynamic should work in Boston’s favor, especially given their .574 points percentage outside the division — where any loss doesn’t directly boost a divisional opponent. In that sense, they control their own destiny.

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.

Boston Bruins Monday Morning Prospect Update Week Ending: December 21, 2025

Liam Pettersson – Vaxjo Lakers – U20 Nationell

Vaxjo saw a commanding lead slip away Thursday at the Swedish Cup U-20, falling 5–4 to IF Malmo in a heartbreaking finish. Just 50 seconds into the second period, Vaxjo had built a 3–0 cushion and later held a 4–2 advantage midway through the frame, but the edge wouldn’t last as Malmo stormed back to steal the win. Pettersson chipped in on the scoresheet with an assist on the opening power-play goal. He closed the night with a minus-1 rating.

Vaxjo pulled out a dramatic 3–2 overtime win over Frolunda in Swedish Cup U‑20 action on Saturday, but the victory wasn’t enough to push them into the playoff round of the inaugural tournament. Trailing 2–0 late in the second period, Frolunda handed Vaxjo a lifeline with a penalty, then compounded it just 11 seconds later with a delay‑of‑game call. Vaxjo capitalized quickly—scoring on the two‑man advantage before Pettersson buried his first of the tournament just 10 seconds later to level the game and force overtime.

Vaxjo finished second in Group D behind Malmo and missed the playoff round. That loss on Thursday to Malmo will haunt them.

The U20 Nationell returns to league action on January 6, 2026.

Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell

Czechia defeated Latvia 3-2 in overtime in a WJC U-20 pre-tournament game on Friday. I was unable to watch this game but you can watch any of the pre-tournament action on USA Hockey TV at your leisure.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL

On Tuesday, Loko powered past JHC Dynamo with a decisive 7–3 victory. Yemelyanov turned in a solid performance, recording a goal and an assist while firing four shots on net. He dominated the faceoff circle, winning 12 of 18 draws, and logged 15:48 of ice time. His goal came late in the second period on the power play. Stationed at the right faceoff dot, he took a crisp feed and unleashed his trademark one-timer, stretching Loko’s lead to 4–2 and the insurance goal.

The two teams met again on Wednesday and once again Loko came out on top, this time by a 3-1 score. Yemelyanov had an assist, one shot on goal and was 10 for 19 on the dot with 16:07 time on ice.

Loko edged Dinamo 4–3 in a shootout on Sunday, highlighted by a standout performance from Ilya Yemelyanov. With Loko leading 2–1, Yemelyanov broke up a play in his own zone, turned up ice on a breakaway, and finished with a slick backhand move to extend the lead to 3–1. The game ultimately reached a shootout, and with Loko facing elimination, it was Yemelyanov who delivered again, scoring the must‑have goal to keep his team alive.

William Zellers, – University of North Dakota

Zellers remains at Team USA’s camp for the WJC. The USA has only made one cut so far and that was at the goaltending position on Saturday. There are still 29 skaters and 3 goaltenders at camp and they are expected to name their final roster on Christmas Eve.

James Hagens – Boston College

DULUTH NEWS TRIBUNE — Reporter Matt Wellens, covering Team USA’s World Junior Championship camp, noted that forward Hagens was sidelined after sustaining an upper-body injury on the opening day. The setback kept him out of action until Wednesday, when he returned to the ice in a red non-contact jersey, signaling his recovery remains cautious.

Dean Letourneau – Boston College

Dean Letourneau putting in the work during the holidays pic.twitter.com/QBpRKhcDNN
— Court Lalonde (@courtlalonde) December 18, 2025

Good friend Court Lalonde walked into an Ottawa arena this week and spotted a familiar figure on the ice: Dean Letourneau. Home for the holidays, Letourneau was putting in extra work under the watchful and skilled eye of Ottawa Senators skating coach Shelly Kettles, who provided him with a detailed offseason program. The scene was a reminder that no matter what our eyes tell us, there’s always room to refine and improve.

By the way, if you don’t follow Court’s work, you can find it on YouTube. He’s one of the most connected people I know.

Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL

Czech forward Richard Zemlicka, currently skating with SaiPa in Finland, is set to depart the club and join Youngstown immediately after the World Junior Championships. His arrival adds another skilled offensive piece to the lineup and could bolster Simpson’s production depending on how the coaching staff deploys him. More broadly, the move signals Youngstown’s intent to make a serious push, and Simpson stands to benefit from the added support.

Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL

On Wednesday night, Shawinigan clawed back from deficits of 3–1 and 4–3 to force overtime against Victoriaville, but ultimately fell 5–4 in a shootout. Chandler was a driving force in the comeback, registering a goal and two assists. His tally came with Shawinigan trailing 3–1, as he slipped into the slot, took a feed, and snapped a wrist shot high over the pad and under the glove. Chandler finished the night with five shots on goal, a plus-2 rating, and went 6-for-13 in the faceoff circle.

Thursday was a wild one as Shawinigan outscored Val-d’Or 11-6. Chandler extended his point streak to 6 games with an assist. He had 7 shots on goal, was a plus-1 and was 4 for 4 on the dot.

Providence Bruins

Providence 3 – Syracuse 1

Georgii Merkulov led the way with his first career hattrick.

It took just 1:01 for Georgii Merkulov to open the scoring, streaking down the right wing and snapping a shot off the crossbar and in to give Providence an early lead. Patrick Brown and Christian Wolanin picked up the assists on the play.

Syracuse pulled even with 4:44 left in the first period, but Providence regained the lead midway through the second. With 10:59 gone in the frame, Billy Sweezey unloaded a one‑timer from the point that deflected off Merkulov and in for the go‑ahead goal. Riley Tufte picked up the secondary assist.

Merkulov would seal the win with an empty net goal with 18 seconds remaining. Tufte and Simon Zajicek, who stopped 23 of 24 shots, would earn the assists.

Fabian Lysell missed the game with an illness while Michael DiPietro is out with an injury.

Coming up this week:

Summary Sunday: December 21, 2025

Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts about the Bruins: I know they’re still looking for a scoring winger; I’m not sure if Mattias Maccelli‘s gonna be their guy still or they look for someone else.

It’s no secret the Bruins kicked the tires on Maccelli over the summer. Based on the market set by Friday’s transactions, it’s reasonable to expect Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving to seek a second-round pick and a B-level prospect, or perhaps a package built around a second- and third-rounder. The real question is whether Don Sweeney is prepared to meet that price. And given the recent history between the two front offices, it’s fair to wonder whether Treliving has much appetite for another deal with Boston this quickly.

Friedman again on The Fan Hockey Show speaking about the Buffalo Sabres: Initially, I thought they would let things play out over time. My opinion on this is starting to change, I do think we could see some things sooner rather than later.

For the better part of 15 years, the Sabres haven’t offered their fans much in the way of results. What they have delivered—consistently—is speculation. It’s become increasingly clear that Buffalo needs a sweeping culture reset, and any meaningful change has to begin at the very top of the organization.

Marco D’Amico via X says: Sources indicate that Phil Danault has asked for a trade in LA. His camp hopes a deal gets done sooner than later; prior to the Trade Freeze. Kings are willing to wait it out, looking for a player-for-player trade. MTL, NJD and CAR are some of the teams to kicked tires there.

Agent Allan Walsh responded via X: You never bothered to check with me. Shameful attention seeking reporting. #NotAnInsider.

And Montreal it is!

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Penguins aren’t sellers, but they are trying to move defencemen Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba.

There’s no doubt some Bruins fans would welcome a reunion with Clifton, but that ship sailed long ago. As for Dumba, fans may be interest in the name, but the Bruins passed on the opportunity to claim him for free when he cleared waivers last week. Having declined that option, it’s difficult to envision them turning around and giving up assets to acquire him now.

Frank Seravalli on Insider Notebook: As well as the Sharks have played and competed, the Sharks are way more likely to move on from some pieces as we get closer to the deadline. Mario Ferraro really stands out as one that will likely be on the move.

I’m not convinced the Bruins would have much interest here. On paper, his age and style check the right boxes, but another left‑shot defenseman is the last thing this roster needs right now.

Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading regarding Alex Tuch: Jarmo Kekalainen absolutely wants to get those talks back on track. My understanding is the Buffalo Sabres weren’t willing to go to double digits on the AAV. We’ll see if Kekalainen can get this guy signed.

The Sabres reportedly balked at taking Tuch’s number into double digits, despite the likelihood that another team would have paid it. And even before Kevyn Adams was dismissed, Jarmo Kekalainen was already embedded in the organization’s decision‑making group. So which direction is he actually aligned with? It’s yet another example of the mixed signals coming out of Buffalo, making it increasingly difficult to determine who’s truly steering the franchise.

LeBrun via X also said: The Sabres have reached out to the Blue Jackets for permission to speak with AGM Josh Flynn. Permission was granted. Obviously makes sense as Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen had Flynn in Columbus.

Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said on X: Hearing Marc Bergevin is leaving the LA Kings and joining the front office team of Buffalo Sabres – I believe as Associate GM.

Both have been confirmed this morning. Things in Buffalo are changing.

More from LeBrun regarding the Vancouver Canucks: This is still gonna need some work but what I am hearing is that the Calgary Flames suddenly got more calls on Rasmus Andersson after the Quinn Hughes trade.

This is how the NHL marketplace usually operates: one move triggers a wave of teams reassessing their own needs. With that in mind, Andersson becomes the next logical name on the defensemen board. But the Flames are in a position of strength, and there’s little incentive to accelerate anything unless a rival steps up with a clear overpayment.

Howard Berger of Between the Posts suggests that the Leafs will be bringing in Pete DeBoer to replace Craig Berube as soon as next week.

I’ll admit, I don’t think Berube is the man to lead the Leafs behind the bench. But when does it become a player or roster issue?

This and That

Morgan Geekie became the third Bruins player since 1972 to score 25 goals before Christmas, joining Phil Esposito and David Pastrnak.

Georgii Merkulov delivered a statement performance Saturday night, recording a hat trick and eclipsing the 200‑point milestone in his AHL career. His second goal of the evening pushed him past the benchmark, pulling him within nine points of Andy Hilbert for the all‑time Providence Bruins scoring lead. Merkulov already sits atop the franchise’s career assists list with 120.

The Bruins added to their blue‑line depth this week, claiming defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok off waivers from the Dallas Stars. The 2019 OHL draft class was widely regarded as the weakest since the NHL shifted to a seven‑round format. Kolyachonok still emerged on my list as one of its top defenders and a top‑ten talent overall, but again, a weak draft class. His arrival gives Boston a steady, mobile option as they reinforce organizational depth on the back end.

Charlie McAvoy turns 28 today. (Sunday, December 21).

As of Sunday morning, the Boston Bruins’ power play is operating at a 26.0 percent clip, ranking fifth in the NHL. It’s a dramatic turnaround from last season, when the unit finished 29th at just 15.2 percent. Much of the credit goes to assistant coach Steve Spott, whose structure and adjustments have transformed the group into a well‑oiled, highly efficient operation when executed as designed.

Marco Sturm’s decision to turn to Andrew Peeke in Saturday’s shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks has sparked plenty of debate. While Peeke has reportedly performed well in shootout reps during practice, the choice inevitably raises questions about leaving this season’s second‑leading goal scorer on the bench in his favor.

Post game, Sturm had this to say: “We practice all the time. He has one move and he did it real well. Not just once, a few times. I thought he was going to do it again and he didn’t. So that’s why I picked him, and so that’s on me.”

Learn and move on.

Boston Bruins Monday Morning Prospect Update Week Ending: December 14, 2025

JUST ANNOUNCED: The Dunkin' Men's Beanpot returns to TD Garden on February 2 & 9! Don’t miss @GoNUmhockey, @BC_MHockey, @HarvardMHockey, and @TerrierHockey in action.

Tickets go on sale to the public on December 15 at 10 AM. pic.twitter.com/lbQ1rw7jm9
— TD Garden (@tdgarden) December 8, 2025

Liam Pettersson – Vaxjo Lakers – U20 Nationell

Swedish Hockey Association introduced a new Junior Tournament back in October called the Svenska Cupen U20 (Swedish Cup U20) with junior teams across Sweden taking part. That tournament got underway on Wednesday as Vaxjo defeated HV71 4-2. Pettersson had a game high four shots on goal and was a plus-1.

Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell

Blanar did not play in their 4-2 loss to Vaxjo on Wednesday as he is with the Czech National junior Team hoping to make the final roster for the WJC.

Czechia appears poised to ice another competitive roster this season. On the blue line, Adam Jiricek, Radim Mrtka, Max Psenicka, and Jakub Fibigr are four I consider locks. Meanwhile, Blanar is expected to contend for a spot alongside Tomas Galvas, Matyas Man, and 2026 draft‑eligible defenders Vladimir Dravecky and Jakub Vanacek. I believe Blanar will secure his place.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL

Loko skated past SKA‑1946 with a 4–1 victory on Friday. Yemelyanov contributed an assist and finished plus‑1, registering three shots on goal from six attempts. He also won nine of 13 faceoffs and logged 15:57 of ice time.

In Saturday’s rematch, Loko came up short as SKA‑1946 earned a 3–2 overtime victory. Yemelyanov was held off the scoresheet and finished with an even plus/minus. He registered two shots on goal from three attempts, went 8‑for‑19 in the faceoff circle, and logged 18:32 of ice time.

William Zellers, – University of North Dakota

Will Zellers, University of North Dakota Forward, has been added to the preliminary roster of the U.S. National Junior Team.

Zellers has 10-5—15 in 16 games for the Fighting Hawks.

Full roster: https://t.co/5daJx4Pdui pic.twitter.com/fgYZOHIzBA
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 9, 2025

USA Hockey did the right thing on Monday and added Will Zellers to the preliminary roster for the National Junior Team. Now, it’s up to Zellers as they will have to cut one forward.

North Dakota extended its winning streak to six games Friday with a 4–1 victory over Omaha. Zellers was held off the scoresheet, registering two shots on goal in 17:02 of ice time — just the fourth time this season he has gone without a point. The game ended on a contentious note, as a late melee is expected to draw league discipline.

They made it seven straight wins on Saturday defeating Omaha in the rematch 3-1. Zellers was kept off the scoresheet once again and had 2 shots on goal.

North Dakota’s next game is January 2 when they take on Mercyhurst.

Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)

Miami and Colorado College skated to an official 4–4 tie on Friday, but the RedHawks claimed the shootout victory. With just 10 seconds left in regulation, Nassen delivered his fourth goal of the season, hammering a one‑timer from the top of the left circle to force overtime. He finished the night with two shots on goal and logged 12:06 of ice time.

Saturday’s contest was another nail‑biter, officially ending in a 3–3 tie before Colorado College claimed the shootout. In the rematch, Nassen was held off the scoresheet, finishing with zeroes across the stat line.

Miami does not play again until December 28 when they take on Michigan Tech.

Dean Letourneau – Boston College

One week after James Hagens was named the ECAC co-player of the week, Dean Letourneau was given the honors on Monday and it was well deserved.

Jonathan Morello – Boston University

BU defeated Northeastern on Saturday. Morello had an assist and was a plus-2. He finished with one shot on goal and was 4 for 7 on the dot with 15:03 time on ice.

It wasn’t the ending Northeastern wanted for their final game at Matthews Arena. With under 2 minutes to play, BU scored twice in 18 seconds to win it.

BU’s next game is an exhibition game on January 3 against Simon Fraser University. Their next regular season game is on January 9 against Massachusetts.

Philip Svedeback – Providence College

Providence College closed out its schedule before the holiday break with a 4–2 win over Brown on Tuesday. Goaltender Philip Svedeback delivered when called upon, turning aside 29 of 31 shots. The Friars, now 8‑6‑2 on the season, controlled much of the play and outshot Brown by a 47–31 margin. Their next game is January 2, 2026.

Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL

Youngstown was shut out 4–0 on Friday night. Simpson was held off the scoresheet despite generating a game‑high seven shots on goal. The two‑game drought marks his longest pointless stretch since a three‑game span from October 19–26.

Youngstown responded in the rematch with a 4–1 victory on Saturday. Simpson powered the offense with a goal and an assist on the man advantage, adding two shots on net while finishing even in plus/minus.

Their next game is December 27 against Chicago.

Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL

Drummondville proved too much for Shawinigan on Thursday, skating to a 7–3 victory. Trailing 4–0 entering the second period, Shawinigan clawed one back before Chandler collected a loose puck at the top of the left circle, carried it to the dot, and snapped a wrist shot through traffic to cut the deficit to two. The Cataractes added another later in the frame, but that was as close as they would get. Chandler finished with three shots on goal, went 8‑for‑14 on faceoffs, and posted a minus‑1 rating

Chicoutimi delivered the same outcome Saturday, edging Shawinigan 4–3. Chandler chipped in with an assist, registered one shot on goal, and went 7‑for‑14 in the faceoff circle.

Sunday saw Shawinigan drop yet another one, this time 3-1 to Quebec. Chandler scored Shawinigan’s lone goal with 28 seconds remaining in the game. It was his only shot on goal and he went 5 for 9 on the dot.

Providence Bruins

Providence 3 – Hershey 1

It was a big bounce back game for Michael DiPietro on Wednesday nigh as he stopped 37 of 38 shots to lead Providence to a 3-1 win over Hershey.

Providence opened the scoring on the power play with 7:52 left in the first period. Frederic Brunet set up Brett Harrison with a crisp drop pass as he cut through the slot, and Harrison’s wrist shot threaded its way through traffic to make it 1–0. John Farinacci was credited with the secondary assist.

Midway through the second period, a Patrick Brown shot on goal produced a rebound that popped into the air. Riley Tufte took a swipe at it before jamming home the loose puck to extend the lead. Georgii Merkulov picked up the secondary assist on the play.

Hershey cut into the deficit with 11:25 left in the second period, but Providence sealed the win late. Fabian Lysell broke free on a breakaway and scored with 5:07 remaining in regulation to close out the scoring. Dans Locmelis and Jake Schmaltz picked up the assists on the play.

Providence 4 – Hershey 1

Providence secured back‑to‑back victories over Hershey with Friday’s 4–1 result. Merkulov paced the offense with a goal and an assist, while Brown chipped in three helpers. Goaltender Simon Zajicek was steady in net, turning aside 29 of 30 shots.

Providence struck first with 12:58 left in the opening period, as Merkulov, falling to the ice, managed to shovel in a rebound for the 1–0 lead. Brown and Brunet picked up the assists.

Just over two minutes later, Locmelis extended the advantage, firing from the slot for his eighth goal of the season. Lysell and Brunet collected the assists on the play.

Hershey trimmed the deficit to one with 6:42 gone in the second period, but Providence answered back. With 9:02 remaining in the frame, Merkulov slid a cross‑crease feed to Matthew Poitras, who buried the power‑play goal to restore the two‑goal cushion.

Ty Gallagher closed out the scoring, firing from the right circle and following up his own rebound. After the initial stop, Gallagher dove toward the crease and pushed the puck across the line. Brown and Riley Duran picked up the assists.

Providence 1 – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2 (OT)

My sympathies go out to the people at Brown University, the City of Providence and their families for the tragedy that took place on Saturday.

Tufte provided Providence’s lone tally, striking on the power play to even the score in the second period with Poitras and Harrison collecting the assists. DiPietro exited 12:29 into the opening frame after turning aside all 12 shots he faced, leaving Zajicek to carry the load. Zajicek was sharp, stopping 34 of 36 the rest of the way. No update has been given on DiPietro’s injury, though his decision to pull himself from the game made clear he could not continue.