Joonas Korpisalo of the Boston Bruins. Photo by NHL
From the opening of camp, management left no room for interpretation. The mandate was unmistakable, distilled into a single word: Playoffs.
Even with marquee names sidelined—Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, Viktor Arvidsson, CaseyMittelstadt among them—the Bruins remain firmly in the playoff chase.
Beyond the Morgan Geekie surge, Jeremy Swayman has emerged as the other headline story—rebounding decisively from a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
One name absent from that list: Joonas Korpisalo.
When the Bruins dealt Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, the return package proved questionable at the time. Mark Kastelic has excelled in his role and earned an extension, a first-round pick that became Dean Letourneau who, after being labeled a bust by some a year ago, is now enjoying a standout season at Boston College, and Korpisalo.
Fan reaction at the time was, for lack of a better word, mixed. Some labeled him the worst goaltender in hockey, while others believed Goaltending Coach Bob Essensa could repair his game. There was also talk about his vision, with the suggestion that once corrected, many of his struggles would disappear.
However, the 2024-25 season was far from successful for Korpisalo. Compounding matters, Swayman struggled as well, prompting Korpisalo to voice that he deserved more starts. General manager DonSweeney later admitted he probably should have.
The numbers this season are undeniably poor, yet statistics alone don’t capture the full picture. Consider the October 9 matchup against Chicago: despite posting a .875 save percentage, Korpisalo was the difference-maker. Without his performance, the Bruins don’t come away with that win.
An argument can and has been made that Korpisalo elevates his game when tested with a heavier workload. This season, whenever he has faced fewer than thirty shots (6 of 11 starts), his save percentage has dipped below .890 with the exception of one, a 20 save performance in a 3-2 OT win against Ottawa on November 6. In games with more than thirty shots against, his numbers read .943, .925, .879 and .861—the latter two coming against the Ducks and Rangers, where circumstances made it difficult to fault his performance. Then there was the most recent start against St Louis where he stopped 37 of 39 for a .949 save percentage.
Korpisalo’s record is 5-6-0 giving the Bruins a points percentage of .456 and that is just not good enough, even for a backup goaltender. To make matters worse, only two of those five wins came in regulation, the other three in overtime.
The numbers defy logic, only adding to the growing sense of confusion.
The system Head Coach Marco Sturm has in place isn’t built to chase games, yet his club has been forced to do just that with costly early lapses. Too many first and early goals against have left valuable points on the table in a tight standings race, the product of slow starts and a group not always sharp at puck drop. And at times, it comes down to the simplest factor of all—getting a timely save.
The contrast in the team’s play depending on who’s in net is striking, as the group shows far more confidence when Swayman allows an early goal compared to Korpisalo. While the skaters must tighten up to give Korpisalo better support, the reality is that he also needs to elevate his game to provide the team with the stability it relies on from the crease.
If the Bruins are serious about making a playoff push, something needs to change. Among the fan base, the sentiment is clear: either trade Korpisalo and use the cap relief to bolster the roster, or assign him to Providence and give Michael DiPietro the call-up.
Perhaps Sweeney can recapture some of the trade-deadline magic he showed last season, but surveying the market suggests any move for Korpisalo by teams that could use help in the crease would be more lateral than transformative. That leaves the pressing question of how Boston addresses its backup situation—a storyline I will get to.
Breaking down the cap situation, Korpisalo’s $3 million AAV looms large, while a switch to DiPietro as the backup would come at $812,500—a savings of roughly $2.2 million. It’s a notable cut, but in the bigger picture, that margin doesn’t stretch far enough to provide significant reinforcements elsewhere on the roster.
If Sweeney were to engineer a trade, the likelihood is that a rival club would insist on sending a goaltender back to balance the roster or ease the cap crunch. Edmonton, often mentioned in speculation, has roughly $2 million in LTIR space with both players due back soon from LTIR, and could theoretically ship Stuart Skinner to Boston to help make the numbers work. Yet such a move would be lateral for the Oilers and, more importantly, fail to solve the Bruins’ pressing needs.
Swapping Korpisalo for DiPietro would offer only minimal cap relief, with a demotion freeing $1.15 million and DiPietro’s $812,500 hit trimming the savings to just $337,500. The push from fans, however, appears less about the financials and more about the belief that DiPietro gives Boston a stronger chance to win.
DiPietro’s athleticism and strong AHL numbers are undeniable, but there’s little evidence he’s ready to serve as a reliable NHL backup. While the opportunity hasn’t yet come his way, the reality is that one-third into the season isn’t the time for Boston to experiment. Should an injury arise, he may get his shot, but for now the risk outweighs the reward.
The Bruins’ best path forward may be to ride out the season with Korpisalo and hope he provides just enough to secure a playoff berth—where, ultimately, their fortunes will hinge on Swayman.
There is however, one change I would make.
Throughout the season, every team looks at their schedule and decides a game here and a game there is a scheduled loss and usually that game is in a back-to-back situation. Most teams still give that scheduled loss to their number one netminder and give the backup the other start. I would flip that and go for the guaranteed two points with such a tight race.
One example early in the season came during Boston’s six-game skid, when the club was forced to face Colorado and then Utah on back-to-back nights. With the Avalanche matchup marking their sixth game in 11 nights and the Mammoth tilt their seventh in 12, the schedule left Boston with little chance to escape unscathed, making the Colorado contest feel like a scheduled loss.
The Bruins opted to start Swayman in Colorado and Korpisalo in Utah, dropping both contests. Whether flipping the assignments would have changed the outcome is impossible to know, but the question lingers—why not give Swayman the Utah start, where two points may have been within reach and giving Korpisalo the scheduled loss?
There may be no single right answer, but it’s clear the status quo is unsustainable unless Korpisalo delivers with greater consistency, if the ultimate goal is the playoffs.
Vaxjo defeated Vasteras IK 5-2 on Saturday and moved to within one point of the top-8, the U20 Nationell run to the playoffs. Pettersson did not factor in the scoring.
On Sunday, Vaxjo defeated Sodertalje 3-2. Pettersson did not register a point. He was a plus-1 and a game high 7 shots on goal with 22:58 time on ice.
Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell
On Wednesday, HV71 got past Linkoping HC by a score of 8-3. Blanar did not register a point and was a minus-2 on the day.
Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL
In a rare Monday matchup, Loko powered past JHC Spartak with a 5–3 victory. Yemelyanov made his mark, scoring once on five shots while winning 11 of 17 draws in just 14:31 of ice time. His lone tally came on the power play, tying the game 1–1 with a quick one-timer from the left circle. Dropping so low on the release it looked as though he was sitting on the ice, Yemelyanov delivered a highlight-reel strike that set the tone for Loko.
Loko was edged out Omskie Yastreby 4-3 in overtime on Saturday, with Yemelyanov trying to set the tone early. The forward opened the scoring on the power play, notching his 15th of the season by battling his way to the front of the net and redirecting a perfect feed. Just as notable as the finish was the sequence that led to it—Yemelyanov’s relentless work below the goal line, winning a puck battle to spark the play and showcase the effort behind the highlight.
William Zellers, – University of North Dakota
North Dakota skated past Bemidji State with a 5-3-win Friday, highlighted by another standout performance from freshman forward Will Zellers. The rookie continued his hot start, ripping a power-play one-timer while falling from the right circle for his eighth goal of the season to give UND a 2-1 lead at the time. Zellers now shares the team lead in goals and sits third in scoring with 12 points, already outpacing expectations—projected for 12 goals and 10 assists, he’s currently tracking toward a 22-goal, 11-assist campaign and looks like he’s scoring at will.
North Dakota needed overtime on Saturday, but the Fighting Hawks came away with a 2-1 rematch win. Zellers delivered the game-winner, ripping a shot from the right circle, pouncing on his own rebound, and burying it with a lightning-quick release to seal the victory. Zellers had a game high 6 shots on goal with 18:44 time on ice.
When North Dakota landed commitments from Cole Reschny and Keaton Verhoeff, the buzz was all about how the duo could elevate the program. And while both are elite talents, it’s impossible to overlook what Zellers has already delivered. The freshman has surged to a share of the team lead with nine goals and sits third in points—production few saw coming, but one that’s quickly redefining expectations in Grand Forks.
Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)
Miami blanked RIT 4-0 on Friday to get back into the win column. Nassen managed an assist on Miami’s second empty net goal. He was a plus-1 and had one shot on goal.
Miami claimed the Friendship Four title in Belfast, Northern Ireland, with a 3-2 win over Union on Saturday. With the game knotted at 1-1, Nassen delivered on the power play, ripping a one-timer from the top of the left circle to give the RedHawks a brief lead. He finished the night with four shots on goal, a minus-1 rating, and 15:07 of ice time, adding his mark to Miami’s championship effort.
James Hagens, Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College
If you spent Black Friday watching the Bruins, you likely left disappointed—their performance made Boston College vs. Notre Dame the better viewing option, and the turkey might have settled easier with that choice.
James Hagens’ hat trick and Dean Letourneau’s three-point night powered Boston College to a 5-3 victory over Notre Dame. Trailing 2-1 in the second, Letourneau netted his sixth of the season with a poised finish—evading defenders to find space at the top of the crease, then waiting out the goaltender before lifting a shot over the glove and inside the far post to swing momentum back in BC’s favor.
Hagens took over in the second period, first battling in front to scoop up a loose puck and spin a backhander past the goaltender to give Boston College a 3-2 edge, with Letourneau earning the assist. Minutes later, Hagens struck again—collecting the puck behind the net, curling into the right circle, and firing a wrist shot that slipped through the goalie to extend the lead to two. Letourneau was credited with the helper on that tally as well, as the duo continued to drive the Eagles’ offense
Notre Dame clawed one back in the third, but Hagens slammed the door with his third of the night. Flying down the right wing, he cut hard to the net and snapped a perfectly placed wrist shot over the goaltender’s glove, sealing the 5-3 win and completing his hat trick in highlight-reel fashion.
Moore did not register a point and had 3 shots on goal while going 8-5 on the dot. Kostadinski was also pointless with two shots on goal and was a minus-2.
When it came to Letourneau, patience was preached but rarely practiced. Back in March and April, plenty of fans were quick to label him a bust. Fast forward, and the narrative has flipped—suddenly, the same player is proving those early critics wrong as the tide has turned in his favor. Letourneau Is Challenging the Fast-Food Mentality.
Beckett Hendrickson – University of Minnesota
Minnesota pulled off the upset in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on Saturday, outlasting Denver 6-5 in overtime. Hendrickson chipped in with two assists while skating on the second line, finishing plus-1 on the night despite being held without a shot on goal. He is now fourth on the team in scoring.
Chris Pelosi, Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac extended its winning streak to five with a thrilling 7-6 overtime triumph over Holy Cross on Wednesday, fueled once again by the red-hot Pelosi. The sophomore forward continued his torrid pace, notching a goal and an assist to push his five-game run to 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists), while firing five shots on net and logging 19:40 of ice time despite finishing minus-2. Groenewold chipped in with an assist of his own, adding one shot and steady minutes on the back end with 21:08 of ice time, as the Bobcats found just enough offense to outlast the Crusaders in a high-scoring battle.
Quinnipiac stretched its win streak to six on Saturday, edging Stonehill 3-2. Pelosi kept his hot hand going, recording an assist on the opening goal to extend his point streak to six games. He added one shot on goal, went 9-for-15 in the faceoff circle, and logged 19:09 of ice time. The decisive moment came late, as Groenewold’s half-slapper from the point found its way through traffic with 2:27 left for the game-winner. He finished with two shots, a plus-1 rating, and 18:33 on the ice.
Ryan Walsh – Cornell University
Cornell came up short in the Red Hot Hockey showcase at Madison Square Garden, falling 2-1 to Jonathan Morello and Boston University before an announced crowd of 17,478. Walsh chipped in with an assist, went 11-for-21 on faceoffs, and registered one shot on goal while logging 23:26 of ice time.
Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard University
Harvard endured a rough Black Friday, dropping a 5-1 decision to Michigan. On a night where offense was scarce, Langenbrunner was held off the scoresheet, registering just one shot on goal and finishing with a minus-1 rating.
Michigan closed out the weekend set with a 4-3 overtime win Saturday, but not before Harvard mounted a furious third-period rally. Trailing 3-0, the Crimson struck three times to force extra time, with Langenbrunner assisting on the first goal of the comeback. He finished the night with one shot on goal, a minus-1 rating, and a team-high 24:33 of ice time.
Jonathan Morello – Boston University
As mentioned, Boston University secured the Red Hot Hockey Showcase with a 2-1 win over Cornell, but it wasn’t a flawless night for Jonathan Morello. The forward was held off the scoresheet, finished 50 percent on faceoffs, and logged 19:10 of ice time. He took late slashing penalty with 1:54 remaining that could have changed the outcome, but BU’s penalty kill held firm, preserving the victory.
Philip Svedeback – Providence College
Providence dropped a heart breaker to Colorado College 3-2 on Friday. Svedeback stopped 30 of 33 shots he faced to drop to 5-5-2 on the season.
Providence responded in a big way Saturday, grinding out a 2-1 win behind a stellar performance from Svedeback. The netminder stood tall, turning aside 37 of 38 shots—including a heavy dose from high-danger areas—to backstop the Friars. Colorado carried the shot advantage at 38-27, but Svedeback’s effort proved the difference in securing the bounce-back victory
Cooper Simpson
Youngstown opened a four-game set against Tri-City with a 2-1 overtime win Friday night. Down 1-0 early in the third, Simpson set up the equalizer to force extra time, finishing with one shot on goal, a plus-2 rating, and a game-high six penalty minutes—all stick infractions, including a hooking call and two for high-sticking. The victory sets the tone for a tightly contested series between the two clubs.
Youngstown sealed game two of the set with a 2-1 victory, powered by Cooper Simpson’s standout performance. From the right faceoff circle, Simpson ripped a quick one-timer to open the scoring, then less than three minutes later threaded a cross-crease pass to set up the second tally. Both goals came during a five-minute power play, giving Youngstown the cushion it needed to secure the win.
Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL
Shawinigan defeated Moncton 4-3 in a shootout on Saturday. Chandler did not register a point, had 1 shot on goal and was 9 for 15 on the dot.
On Sunday, Shawinigan squeaked by Rimouski 2-1 despite Rimouski outshooting them 30-17. Chandler did not register a point or have a shot on goal. He went 6 for 8 on the dot.
Cole Spicer – Western Michigan
Western Michigan had an off week.
Providence Bruins
Providence 5 – Toronto 1
A spectacular goaltending performance by Michael DiPietro and a pair of goals by Fabian Lysell and 4 assists from Christian Wolanin led Providence to a 5-1 win over the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday.
With 8:03 off the clock in the opening frame, Georgii Merkulov turned a takeaway into offense, stripping a Marlies defender and sliding the puck to Lysell in the circle, where the winger buried it for a 1-0 lead. Patrick Brown was also credited with an assist on the play, though the scoring sequence left some scratching their heads as the Marlies defender was in clear control of the puck.
Brown doubled the lead just past the midway mark of the first, striking on the power play for his eighth of the season. After Dans Locmelis threaded a sharp pass to the crease, Brown’s initial redirect was turned aside, but the rebound bounced right back to him and he wasted no time flipping it home. Wolanin picked up the secondary assist on the sequence, as Providence capitalized to make it 2-0.
The 2-0 margin held firm until late in the second, when Lysell delivered a highlight-reel strike with 3:04 remaining. Starting deep in his own zone, the winger weaved past one defender, toe-dragged around another, and capped the dazzling rush by deking the goaltender to push the lead to 3-0.
Toronto cut into the deficit with 13:35 left in the third, but Providence quickly answered. With 8:08 remaining, Brown and Merkulov broke free on a 2-on-1, and Brown chipped a feed across that Merkulov finished in style—slipping past the goaltender and tucking a smooth backhand to restore the three-goal cushion. Wolanin was credited with the second assist.
Locmelis capped the night’s scoring with a power-play strike at 4:08 remaining, finishing off a crisp setup from Merkulov. Stationed at the left dot, Locmelis took Merkulov’s pinpoint feed from the opposite circle and lifted a shot over the goaltender’s far shoulder for his tally, with Wolanin credited with the secondary assist as Providence sealed the victory.
DiPietro was stellar between the pipes, turning aside 35 of 36 shots—including several high-danger chances and highlight-reel saves—to backstop the victory.
Providence 6 – Belleville 3
Jacob Perreault led the charge with two goals and an assist as Providence rolled to a 6-3 victory over the Belleville Senators, keeping momentum alive on their swing through Ontario.
Lysell pushed the play ahead to Brown, who drove the net and slipped the puck under the goaltender to open the scoring at 1-0. The tally marked Brown’s 100th career goal, with Ty Gallagher—back in the lineup after injury—picking up the secondary assist.
Belleville pulled even, but Perreault answered quickly with his first of the night. After firing a one-timer, he pounced on his own rebound and saw the puck deflect off both the goaltender and a defenseman before finding the back of the net to restore the lead. Lysell picked up his second assist of the game, while Frederic Brunet added the other helper.
Providence padded its advantage when Locmelis threaded a cross-crease feed to Perreault, who buried the easy tap-in to stretch the lead. Matthew Poitras picked up the secondary assist on the play.
Poitras pushed the lead to 4-1 when Perreault won a battle at the net front and slipped a backhand pass into the left circle. Poitras wasted no time, snapping it inside the near post for a clinical finish.
Belleville would score twice before Locmelis scored on a feed from Wolanin. Jake Schmaltz would score into an empty net to seal the win.
It was an average night for DiPietro as he stopped 16 of 19 shots he faced.
Providence 6– Belleville 4
Providence went a perfect 3-0 through Ontario after defeating Belleville again on Sunday, this time by a score of 6-4.
Schmaltz led the way with a goal and 3 assists. Lysell and Riley Duran had a goal and an assist and Joey Abate had a pair of assists. Victor Soderstrom scored his first of the year while Poitras and Brunet had the other goals.
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.
Like every NHL general manager, Don Sweeney is active in trade chatter, but when rival executives inquire about Boston’s prospect pool, the focus isn’t on James Hagens (they’re realistic), DeanLetourneau, or Fabian Lysell. The name drawing consistent attention is Matthew Poitras, the young center viewed as the piece in any potential deal.
Poitras has hit a bump in his development, adjusting to the system Marco Sturm system insists on. Tasked with refining certain areas of his game, the young center has found it challenging to make those strides without sacrificing his offensive production. It’s a situation that has prompted questions from fans—why draft a player only to mold him into a different fit? In fairness, the Bruins selected Poitras in 2022 for his skillset, well before Sturm was hired three years later, underscoring the natural tension between draft vision and coaching philosophy.
Darren Dreger on Early Trading “The Canucks management sent out a note to the 31 other clubs on Monday to say hey look, we’re interested in talking about our pending UFA players.”
A 3-7-1 skid (at the time) has left the Canucks staring up at seven teams in the wild-card race, a daunting climb that has likely forced a shift in organizational focus. What once looked like a playoff push now feels more like a recalibration, with management weighing long-term priorities against the harsh math of the standings. The stretch underscored the gap between Vancouver and the pack ahead, and with the margin for error shrinking, the conversation around the team has inevitably turned from chasing points to reassessing direction.
Patrick Johnston of The Province “What if they were to trade Conor Garland; a pair of league sources suggested the Canucks may already be considering such a move.”
On July 1, 2025, Garland inked a six-year extension set to begin next season, carrying a $6 million AAV. The deal includes a no-movement clause through the first three years, adding another layer of commitment from the Canucks. For now, Garland remains on the final year of his current contract at $4.95 million, but the looming extension raises questions. Given Vancouver’s cap situation and shifting priorities, there’s little doubt the organization might prefer to shed the new deal before it ever takes effect.
Thomas Drance of The Athletic writes “They’d be seeking either young players or at least a 2nd round pick in return.” Regarding Kiefer Sherwood of the Canucks.
Some fans may be intrigued by the idea of the Bruins acquiring Sherwood, and some media chatter has linked Boston to him. But the fit doesn’t align with management’s blueprint. At last year’s trade deadline, the front office executed a clear plan and carried that same approach into free agency. The roster already has enough Sherwood-type players, and with the forward turning 31 before season’s end and headed for unrestricted free agency, he doesn’t match the organization’s long-term vision.
Pierre LeBrun on the Sick Podcast about Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault: I don’t believe Nashville would eat [salary] on those deals
Frank Seravalli on the Big Show: “With this team at the bottom of the standings again, is GM KevynAdams a dead man walking? Does he even have the capability to make changes; it feels like the grim reaper himself in Jarmo Kekalainen looking over Adams’ shoulder.”
At this point, it’s almost impossible to tell what stage of the rebuild the Buffalo Sabres are even in. The franchise has been selling hope for years, but the results remain stuck in neutral. Yes, there’s talent on the roster, flashes of skill that tease a brighter future, but just as often that promise has been shipped out the door. The cycle has become predictable: draft, develop, deal away, repeat. And the truth is, until something fundamental changes in Buffalo — whether it’s in the front office, the culture, or the long-term vision — the Sabres will keep spinning their wheels while the rest of the league passes them by.
Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts Re Edmonton Oilers: “I think internally the heat is really on; the owner is a guy who puts a lot of pressure on the people he works with, and I think everyone’s feeling it now.”
The Oilers have been linked to goaltenders Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues ($6 million AAV) and Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators ($7.74 million AAV). But with most of their LTIR space already in use and several hefty contracts on the books, any move for a high-priced netminder would require significant cap gymnastics.
There’s been some buzz on social media—entirely from Bruins fans—floating the idea of a JoonasKorpisalo-for-StuartSkinner swap. The numbers alone make it unrealistic, with Edmonton lacking the cap flexibility (currently $159,000 in cap space) to absorb Korpisalo’s $3 million hit in place of Skinner’s $2.6 million. Beyond the cap gymnastics, though, there’s little logic for the Oilers to entertain such a move, making the chatter more wishful thinking than plausible trade talk.
Friedman on Sportsnet said “Heard this week there’s going to be a landing spot for RobbyFabbri. One of the rumored teams was Ottawa, but it won’t be them.”
There was a time I would have been all in on a Fabbri deal, but that was 5 years ago.
Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show about PavelMintyukov: “I don’t think by any means does the organization feel they need to trade him right now, I believe they’ll be patient; his name’s out there, teams are kicking tires.”
He’s in the final year of his entry-level deal, carrying a manageable cap hit of $918,333—an easy fit for most teams. But as the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, acquiring him won’t come cheap, with the asking price likely high enough to make most clubs think twice.
This and That
Source to me says #NHLBruins prospect Vashek Blanar has not signed a pro contract in Sweden so that he can go to the NCAA. Currently looking at a few different schools.
Also said that he is leaving for the WJC December 10.
Well, Vashek Blanar made the announcement on his Instagram account on Thanksgiving saying “I am very proud and honored to announce my commitment to division 1 collage hockey at the University of Massachusetts. I would like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates and everyone who has helped me along the way.”
There, he will be under the tutelage of Head Coach Greg Carvel, who is as good a development coach as he is with systems. For Blanar, nothing has changed in terms of when we can expect him to turn pro. He was always going to be a longer-term development.
HockeyProspecthas unveiled its November draft rankings, and the list is nothing short of intriguing. Several names have shifted in surprising ways, with risers making strong cases through early-season performances and a few highly touted prospects slipping down the board. The rankings highlight not only the depth of this year’s class but also the uncertainty that continues to shape the scouting landscape. For teams and fans alike, the November release serves as a reminder that the draft picture is far from settled — momentum, development, and organizational needs will continue to reshape the outlook as the season unfolds.
Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff released his latest projections for Team USA at the upcoming World Junior Championships, with notable changes to his lineup. Elliott Groenewold, previously included as an “also considered”, has been dropped from the updated list, while James Hagens remains locked in as the top center. Will Zellers, meanwhile, earned an “also considered” nod as Ellis fine-tunes his outlook on the American roster.
For those tracking the Toronto Maple Leafs in the standings, the numbers are glaring: as of Black Friday, they’ve gone 10 straight games without a regulation win and sit with just six through 24 contests. Even with a rebound, that lack of regulation victories looms large in tie-breaker scenarios, especially in a season where league-wide parity is at an all-time high and teams remain tightly packed in the race.
Elite Prospectsreports that Lysell has changed agents once again. Originally represented by GerryJohannson of The Sports Corporation, he switched to Pat Brisson of CAA Sports and is now reportedly represented by WeSport. There will be some jumping to conclusions here, but WeSport does have a lot of NHL clients.
Bruins fans voiced plenty of frustration when Georgii Merkulov got the call-up over Lysell. With Boston in need of a right winger, the decision to slot Merkulov—a center/left wing—on his off side instead of turning to Lysell, a natural right wing, raised eyebrows. It’s almost as though someone within the organization doesn’t like Lysell.
It was a battle of rising stars in the U20 circuit Wednesday as Vashek Blanar’s HV71 skated past Pettersson’s Vaxjo Lakers with a decisive 5–2 win. Pettersson did not register a point and was a minus-1 in the loss.
Vaxjo returned to the win column Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Frolunda, powered by Pettersson, who looked sharper since his return from injury by scoring the game-winning goal on the power play before adding an assist on the insurance marker, also with the man advantage. Both his goal and assist came off end to end rushes where he showcased his skating abilities.
Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell
As mentioned above, HV71 defeated Vaxjo 5-2 on Wednesday. Blanar made his presence felt with an assist on the fifth goal with 1:30 remaining in the game and was a very respectable plus-3.
HV71 dropped a 3-2 decision to Orebro HK on Saturday. Blanar did not register a point and was a plus-1 in the loss.
On Saturday, they fell 4-2 to Farjestad, but Blanar made his mark with a power-play assist just before the second-period buzzer, faking a shot from the left point and instead delivering a perfectly timed slap pass into the wheelhouse of his teammate for a one-timer goal. The play underscored Blanar’s growing skills as a true power-play quarterback.
Blanar’s intentions are to go to the NCAA for next season. He is currently looking at different schools.
Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL
Loko stumbled on Monday, falling 5–3 to Krasnaya Armiya in a rare setback. Midway through the third, with three defenders closing in around him in the slot, Yemelyanov managed to corral a pass, drop to one knee, and fire home his 13th goal of the season—a highlight-reel finish that cut the deficit to 5–2 but proved too little, too late. He logged 19:21 of ice time, registered two shots on goal, and went 5-for-13 in the faceoff circle.
Loko returned to the win column in dominant fashion Saturday with an 8-0 rout of Krylya Sovetov, while Yemelyanov went scoreless but contributed with a plus-1 rating, two shots on goal, and an 8-for-17 performance in the faceoff circle over 15:09 of ice time, as his inconsistent production remains a storyline.
William Zellers, – University of North Dakota
North Dakota rolled to a 6-1 exhibition win over the U.S. Under-18 team on Friday, highlighted by a strong performance from Zellers, who recorded a goal and an assist. His tally came on a trademark one-timer—a rocket from the right faceoff circle—that showcased the scoring touch fans have come to expect.
Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)
Miami snapped its skid in dramatic fashion Friday night, outlasting St. Cloud State in a 6-5 overtime victory. Nassen, who hadn’t scored since opening night, provided a two-goal cushion with 5:51 left in regulation before the Huskies rallied to force extra time. Nassen also assisted on Miami’s opening power-play goal, finishing the night with one shot on goal and 11:00 of ice time.
The rematch on Saturday saw St Cloud win 4-2. Plating wing on the third line, Nassen was kept off the score sheet on this night and was a plus-1.
James Hagens, Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College
Hagens and Letourneau once again fueled Boston College’s offense on Friday, with Hagens netting two goals and Letourneau adding a goal and an assist to lead the Eagles to a 7-3 victory over Maine, their fifth straight win.
Letourneau set the tone early for Boston College on Friday, collecting the puck off an offensive zone faceoff, taking two strides to create a better angle, and ripping a wrist shot home for his fifth goal of the season. Hagens followed with what is becoming a trademark one-timer from the right faceoff circle—his fifth of the year—before adding a second tally to make it 4-2, driving the net on a 2-on-1 and redirecting a pass past the goaltender.
Will Moore had an assist in this one while Kristian Kostadinski had zeroes across the board. Jellvik and Gasseau are still out due to injury.
The win streak came to an end Saturday as Maine blanked them 3-0. Hagens was a minus-1 with 3 shots on goal and 5 for 16 on the dot with 24:57 time on ice. Letourneau was an even plus/minus with 2 shots on goal and 3 for 7 on the dot with 18:17 time on ice. Moore was a minus-3 with 3 shots on goal and 7 for 13 on the dot with 16:20 time on ice. Kostadinski had zeroes across the board with 10:02 time on ice.
Beckett Hendrickson – University of Minnesota
Minnesota rallied from a 2-0 deficit to edge Penn State 3-2 on Friday, securing back-to-back wins for just the second time this season. Hendrickson, elevated to the second line, didn’t hit the scoresheet but made his presence felt with four shots on goal in 16:09 of ice time, driving play with the relentless energy that has become his trademark.
However, on Saturday they slipped back into the loss column as Penn State took the game 2-1. Hendrickson had zeroes across the board with 14:35 time on ice.
Chris Pelosi, Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac powered past Clarkson 4-1 on Friday, fueled by a Chris Pelosi hat trick. Pelosi opened the scoring by slipping past a check and finishing alone in front, then added a second on the power play by battling for position and burying a rebound to make it 2-0. He capped the night shorthanded, racing up ice to collect his own missed long-range attempt and sealing the win with his third of the game. Pelosi finished with five shots on goal and went 10-for-20 in the faceoff circle, while Groenewold chipped in with a plus-1 rating and one shot on goal.
Quinnipiac extended its winning streak to four games with a 4-2 victory over St. Lawrence on Saturday, highlighted by Pelosi and Groenewold assisting on the second goal to build a 2-0 lead. Pelosi finished with one shot on goal, an 11-for-18 mark in the faceoff circle, and 15:08 of ice time, while Groenewold added five shots and logged 20:26 on the back end.
Ryan Walsh – Cornell University
Cornell extended its winning streak to three games with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Union on Friday, while Walsh contributed in the faceoff circle by winning 14 of 19 draws, finishing plus-1 with 18:53 of ice time despite not recording a point.
Cornell stretched its win streak to four games with a commanding 6-1 victory over RPI, fueled by Walsh’s playmaking as he assisted on the team’s first four goals. He capped the night with a plus-4 rating, four shots on goal, and a 13-for-24 performance in the faceoff circle across 15:33 of ice time.
Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard University
Harvard won their fourth straight with a 5-1 win over Vermont in their only game of the week. Langenbrunner did not register a point, was a plus-1 and had 1 shot on goal with 18:23 time on ice.
Jonathan Morello – Boston University
Boston University fell 3-2 to Northeastern on Friday despite holding a 34-25 edge in shots, with Morello making the most of his elevated role from his usual fourth-line center spot by recording an assist, finishing plus-1, registering two shots on goal, and winning eight of 15 faceoffs across 18:20 of ice time.
BU responded with a 4-3 overtime victory over Northeastern on Saturday, highlighted by Morello’s shorthanded strike on a two-on-one that gave the Terriers a 3-1 lead. He capped the night with three shots on goal, a 15-for-24 performance in the faceoff circle, and 21:27 of ice time.
Philip Svedeback – Providence College
It was a hard-fought battle Thursday night, but Providence College came up just short, falling 2-1 in overtime to UMass. The Friars carried much of the play, outshooting the Minutemen 49-30, yet couldn’t convert their chances into a victory. Svedeback turned aside 28 of 30 shots and delivered several key saves, though his performance was ultimately overshadowed by his counterpart at the other end. The decisive overtime goal will raise questions, but the Friars’ inability to capitalize on their shot advantage proved costly.
It was an easier game for Providence on Saturday winning the rematch 5-1. Svedeback only faced 20 shots and stopped 19 of them to move above .500 with a 5-4-2 record.
Cooper Simpson
Simpson once again powered Youngstown’s attack in a 4-3 win over Dubuque on Friday, assisting on the game’s opening power-play goal before netting his 10th of the season with a highlight finish—taking a stretch pass, breaking in alone, and freezing the goaltender with a slick pump fake.
In the rematch on Saturday, Youngstown took it again with a 5-3 win. Simpson had an assist, was a plus1 and had 2 shots on goal in the win.
Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL
Chandler continues to emerge as one of the season’s biggest surprises, contributing an assist in Shawinigan’s penalty-filled 4-2 win over Blainville-Boisbriand on Friday while showcasing the two-way game that has become his calling card. A key factor in limiting the Armada to just 1-for-8 on the power play, Chandler now sits at 19 points in 20 games—well above preseason expectations.
On Saturday, Shawinigan was in a close one, beating Victoriaville 2-1. Chandler was held off the scoresheet, had 2 shots on goal and was 4 for 9 on the dot.
Cole Spicer – Western Michigan
Western Michigan’s 7-2 win over Omaha on Friday featured the long-awaited debut of Spicer, who showed some expected rust but contributed effectively, finishing plus-2 with one shot on goal while winning 10 of 14 faceoffs.
On Saturday, Western Michigan secured its fourth straight victory with a 4-2 win in the rematch, as Spicer chipped in with a goal and an assist, finishing plus-1 with two shots on goal and a 3-for-7 mark in the faceoff circle over 10:10 of ice time. Spicer’s goal came from sheer determination, gathering up a rebound in front and fighting through a check for the goal. His teammates were genuinely happy for Spicer, who has had to persevere.
Providence Bruins
Providence 3 – Lehigh Valley 2
Providence leaned on its goaltending Friday night, and Simon Zajicek delivered. The rookie netminder turned aside 30 of 32 shots to backstop the Bruins to a 3-2 victory, improving his record to 6-1-0 on the season.
Providence wasted no time getting on the board Friday night. Just 2:20 into the opening period, VictorSoderstrom unleashed a shot from the top of the right circle that Jake Schmaltz redirected for his second goal of the season. Joey Abate picked up the secondary assist on the play, giving the Bruins an early 1-0 lead.
Lehigh Valley answered quickly to even the score, but Providence regained control midway through the period. With 11:09 remaining, Soderstrom fired a snap shot toward the net that Patrick Brown redirected for the go-ahead goal. Matthew Poitras collected the secondary assist on the play, and the Bruins never looked back.
With Boston battling injuries, Providence found itself short on forwards and turned to Jacob Perreault, calling him up from the Maine Mariners. The move paid off. Early in the third period, Perreault made his presence felt—pouncing on a turnover at his own blueline before breaking in alone and finishing with a highlight-reel goal.
Lehigh Valley managed to cut the deficit with 2:12 remaining, but that was as close as the Phantoms would get, as Providence closed out the 3-2 victory.
Providence 0 – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 1
Michael DiPietro stopped 34 of 35 shots on Saturday but it wasn’t enough and the Bruins fell to 13-3-0-0 on the season.
The Bruins generated 27 shots but came up empty on three power-play opportunities, while their penalty kill was perfect in shutting down all three shorthanded situations.
Boston has often utilized the Maine Mariners of the ECHL for defensive development, but with injuries on the Bruins’ blueline and subsequent callups from Providence, not to mention their own injuries, LokeJohansson has seized his opportunity and impressed. In just five games, he ranks among Providence’s leaders in shifts and time on ice. I find it unlikely he’ll return to Maine once the clubs are back to full health.
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.
Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show said “I’m a little more bullish for those who are cheering for trades in the NHL; it just feels like conversations are picking up, there’s a little bit more urgency in some spots.”
There’s certainly some truth to that. Teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens have been actively exploring additions since the preseason. But with league-wide parity at an all-time high and the standings tightly packed, the trade market remains a seller’s paradise. Few teams are willing to part with assets this early, making any potential deal not just difficult—but costly.
Johnston also said on his show that “The Nashville Predators have made it known they’re open for business; they are anxious to start selling soon.”
Last week I mentioned that Preds defenseman Nick Blankenburg may be an interesting target for the Bruins.
Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period said on The Sheet “St. Louis is apparently willing to listen [to trade offers] across the board.”
There’s no shortage of intriguing talent in St. Louis, with Robert Thomas leading the pack. But make no mistake—the asking price is steep. One wrinkle worth watching: both Don Sweeney and DougArmstrong are currently serving with Team Canada’s Olympic contingent, and that means regular communication. Could those conversations evolve into something more? Possibly. But for Sweeney, the priority must remain clear—stay disciplined, and keep both eyes locked on the long-term vision.
Pagnotta on the DFO Rundown podcast said: [The Sharks] have five defensemen who are pending UFAs, all five of those guys are gonna generate interest as the season moves along; MarioFerraro, John Klingberg, Nick Leddy, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais; the Sharks will listen.
With Boston searching for a right-shot defenseman and planning for the future, Liljegren stands out as a potential fit. At 26, he offers the right blend of youth and experience. The challenge: Liljegren is set to become a UFA at season’s end, meaning the Bruins would need assurances of an extension before committing assets. His $3 million cap hit also presents hurdles, particularly for a team already tight against the ceiling. San Jose does hold one retained salary slot, but any deal involving that mechanism would only increase the acquisition cost.
The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Bruins added another chapter this week, courtesy of Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. In his latest 32 Thoughts column, Friedman revealed that Boston edged out Toronto in the Nikita Zadorov sweepstakes last summer, reportedly offering $500,000 more than the Leafs.
With Toronto now partnered with WWE, Friedman couldn’t resist a jab: “Maybe they dress RomanReigns against him on Jan. 4.”
And from the same article from Friedman: After back-to-back healthy scratches, word filtered that Ducks defenceman Pavel Mintyukov would like to be moved if he’s not going to play. He has fallen behind Jackson LaCombe and Olen Zellweger on the left side of Anaheim’s defence. Ian Moore, who had a strong camp, was elevated in Mintyukov’s place. This is the 10th overall pick in the 2022 draft, so Ducks GM Pat Verbeek will not be rushed into anything. Something to keep an eye on.
The 2022-23 OHL Most Outstanding defenseman might be interesting here, although he is a left shot defenseman and the Bruins most pressing need is on the right side. I’m not sure he is the right fit for the Bruins.
On Saturday the St Louis Blues placed Alexandre Texier on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract. TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun posted this on X: Hearing that 9 teams have shown interest in the soon to be free agent but it’s down to two Eastern Conference teams that Texier and agent Dan Milstein are deciding on.
It’s unclear whether the Bruins had any interest, but it’s hard to envision them as one of the final two teams LeBrun referenced. While Texier fits the age profile, his place in Boston’s lineup is difficult to project; still, if the club’s analytics suggest he’s a player worth pursuing, the organization will give the matter its due process.
LeBrun added late Saturday on X: Texier’s agent Dan Milstein plans to have calls with 2 teams Sunday once Texier becomes a free agent. Montreal is one of those 2 teams.
Matt Larkin and Uffe Bodin of Daily Faceoff recently unveiled their projected rosters for TeamSweden ahead of the upcoming Olympics. Both analysts included Hampus Lindholm and EliasLindholm in their lineups, signaling strong confidence in the veteran duo’s continued international value.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs stumbling out of the gate, Bruins fans have already begun shifting one eye toward the 2026 NHL Draft. For those eager to scout the next wave of talent, the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge offers a prime viewing opportunity. Set for November 25–26, the event pits a team of draft-eligible CHL All-Stars against the U.S. National Development Program in a two-game showcase. Canadian viewers can catch the action on TSN and RDS, while NHL Network will carry the broadcast in the U.S. Global audiences can stream the games via Victory+.
There’s been no shortage of backlash aimed at Marco Sturm following his candid remarks about JohnBeecher. But let’s be honest—this is the same hockey community that routinely groans about cookie-cutter quotes from players, coaches, and executives. Then, when someone breaks the mold and speaks with blunt honesty, we recoil. These are professional athletes earning salaries most of us can only dream of. At some point, you have to wonder: when did the hockey world get so thin-skinned?
Barrie Colts netminder Ben Hrebik, who attended Boston Bruins Rookie Camp as an invitee, has been a steady presence between the pipes this season. Through 16 appearances, Hrebik holds a 7-5-1-3 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and a strong .920 save percentage. He’s been tested often—and heavily. Hrebik has faced 50 or more shots twice (1-0-0-1) and 40 or more on seven occasions, posting a 3-1-0-3 mark in those high-volume outings. Eligible again for the 2026 NHL Draft, Hrebik is a name worth tracking as the season unfolds.
Another is University of Maine goaltender Albin Boija. The Swedish-born netminder has posted a 6-3-1 record this season, backed by a 2.20 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage. While his workload has been relatively light—four of his starts have come with fewer than 20 shots against, and only two have topped the 30-shot mark—Boija continues to deliver steady, composed performances. Undrafted and unsigned, Boija was a coveted free agent last year before opting to return to Orono for another season. That decision may pay off, as interest is expected to ramp up once again when his collegiate campaign concludes. Among the teams expected to be in the mix: your Boston Bruins.
Back in the summer, I suggested that Gavin McKenna might not be the surefire top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Now, that sentiment is gaining traction. Sam Cosentino of Sportsnetreleased his latest rankings this week, and there’s a new name at No. 1—signaling a shift in the conversation around McKenna’s draft status. What was once seen as a bold take is becoming a broader debate.
At the same time McKeen’s Hockeyreleased its latest top-32 this week, with McKenna in the No. 1 slot but noting that “the race is far from settled.” One of the more intriguing takeaways: six of the top 11 prospects are defensemen. Boston is in need of help on the blueline but, could they find themselves picking inside the top 11?
Young prospect Vashek Blanar continues to draw attention in Sweden’s U20 Nationell. The young forward has dressed for the SHL club on multiple occasions this season, though he has yet to see game action at the top level. Blanar (intentionally) remains unsigned to a professional contract. As one source explained this week: “He has a junior contract which allows him to go to college one day. He has avoided signing a pro contract for that reason.” Expect to see Blanar in the NCAA as early as next season. He is currently looking at different colleges. The source also said, “he will be leaving for the World Juniors December 10” which tells me he knows he has made the roster.
On Tuesday, Mark Divver of New England Hockey Journalreported on X that “Fabian Lysell left the ice a couple of minutes into practice and didn’t return. Watched from stands later on.”
The update quickly fueled speculation among some fans, with some suggesting attitude concerns or a lack of effort and was told to leave as possible reasons. However, those claims remain unfounded—serving as yet another reminder of how quickly narratives can form without confirmation.
Divver followed that up on Thursday with another post on X stating “Fabian Lysell (lower body) left practice after a few minutes today and watched from the stands. Same thing happened on Tues. He didn’t skate at Wed. optional practice.” All the more reason to never jump to conclusions.
With the Boston Bruins dealing with injuries at the NHL level, Providence found itself short-handed and turned to the Maine Mariners for reinforcements. Jacob Perreault got the call, and he made an immediate impact.
Holding a 2-1 lead in the third period Friday night, Perreault capitalized on a turnover at his own blueline, breaking in alone and finishing with a highlight-reel goal. It was a statement moment for the forward, who has battled through significant injuries in pursuit of his pro career. Let’s hope he can keep building.
Providence fans have plenty of reason to be excited about Simon Zajicek and his early-season play. The rookie netminder has posted a stellar 6-1-0 record, backed by a 1.70 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
Still, while some are quick to label his performance as “dominating,” context matters. Zajicek’s starts have come against Bridgeport twice (.437), Hartford (.437), Hershey (.677 — his lone loss), Cleveland (.500), Utica (.250), and Lehigh Valley (.647). Not exactly the cream of the crop in the AHL.
The numbers are strong, and the promise is clear, but the true test will come when Zajicek faces the league’s elite.
If and when the Bruins return to full health up front, tough lineup decisions will loom, as Marat Khusnutdinov has played his way into a regular role while Alex Steeves, steady as an injury replacement, is pushing toward deserving one himself—complicated further by the fact Steeves is just three games away from requiring waivers to be sent down.
Elias Lindholm appears to be the closest to returning, with Casey Mittelstadt tracking ahead of Viktor Arvidsson in his recovery, but barring any further setbacks, the spotlight will be on Sturm as he weighs his lineup decisions. There will be plenty of second guessing.
Don Sweeney at the 2021 NHL Draft war room in Brighton, Mass. (Getty Images)
At the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins made a pair of early bets on offensive upside, selecting Fabian Lysell 21st overall in the first round and Brett Harrison 85th overall in the third. Both picks signaled a commitment to speed and/or skill as the organization looked to bolster its forward depth.
At the time, both picks were viewed as high-upside offensive swings—and rightly so. The Bruins bet on raw talent with Lysell and Harrison and that the rest of their game would develop in time, and I was firmly in favor of the selections, believing both had the foundational tools to grow into NHL-caliber players. Still, legitimate concerns lingered around their ability to adapt, particularly in areas like consistency and overall versatility. The potential was there, but the development curve was steep.
Following the draft, both Lysell and Harrison played their draft +1-year in the Canadian Hockey League to continue their development. Lysell suited up for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, racking up 22 goals and 40 assists over 53 games. Harrison, meanwhile, delivered a strong campaign with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, posting 27 goals and 34 assists across 65 contests.
The early returns offered promise, but lingering questions persisted.
Lysell would make the jump to the American hockey league for the 2022-23 season. Harrison would follow a year later.
While Lysell was afforded opportunities early on, Harrison had to earn his ice through persistence and development. Though his skill set was always intriguing, Harrison faced consistent scrutiny from myself—particularly in areas of his game that needed refinement, a critique that followed him from his junior days into the pro ranks.
Much of my criticism centered on consistency and compete level—areas that separated flashes of promise from sustained impact. Like many young players, he could be streaky, but compete is a controllable trait. It’s an intangible that can’t be coached; it has to come from within, and the player has to want it. It continued to resurface at critical moments, a lingering issue that refused to stay buried.
Now in his third full season with Providence—after spending much of his first two years as a healthy scratch—he’s beginning to earn more consistent opportunities, and the signs of progress are starting to show. It’s not flawless, but it’s a meaningful step forward in his development.
Lysell was tasked with carrying the offensive load for the Vancouver Giants—and to his credit, he delivered, and then some. However, his time in the WHL did little to round out his overall game, raising fair questions about whether that environment truly served his long-term development.
It was at the World Junior Championships, surrounded by a highly skilled Swedish roster, where the concerns truly came into focus. For me, it wasn’t the lack of offensive output that stood out—it was the near-total absence of defensive engagement. This wasn’t a new critique; I voiced it at the time, even if it wasn’t a popular opinion among fans.
His AHL production has been steady, if unspectacular. He’s on pace for his best productive season as a pro. But now in his fourth season, the same concerns that once shadowed his development continue to resurface. He’s still facing healthy scratches and occasional demotions—clear signs that the longstanding issues in his game remain unresolved.
Four and a half years after being drafted, the two Bruins prospects find themselves at a crossroads. One appears he may finally be turning a corner, while the other continues to flatline. With both players on expiring entry-level contracts, Boston faces a pivotal decision: cut ties, or offer one final chance to prove they belong.
Fans have every reason to question whether the Bruins are developing Lysell—and their broader prospect pool—the right way. From where I stand, playing with some sort of defensive responsibility isn’t optional at the NHL level; it’s a baseline expectation across all 32 teams. Under Head Coach Marco Sturm, that standard is even more pronounced. In his system, playing with defensive structure isn’t a suggestion—it’s a non-negotiable.
Harrison’s name seldom surfaces in prospect conversations, despite a track record of strong production at every level prior to the AHL. The challenges he faces aren’t rooted in skill—they’re the harder-to-fix, non-coachable traits. A lack of physical engagement, stick checks in place of battles, and frequent flybys have long been part of the critique. This season has shown signs of progress, but the Bruins are still looking for more.
But are they truly trending in opposite directions? At this stage, it certainly seems that way—when measured against the expectations the Bruins have set. I still believe both have some NHL talents.
This isn’t a slight toward either player—nor does it suggest that Harrison has overtaken Lysell in the organizational depth chart. They’re fundamentally different players with distinct skill sets, and aside from sharing a draft year, their developmental paths have little in common. Each faces unique challenges. That said, one appears to be turning the corner, while the other is still searching for traction.
Let’s shift the spotlight to Lysell. There’s no denying the skill and raw talent—traits that, frankly, are in short supply on Boston’s current roster. During a 12-game stint with the big club last season, he didn’t look out of place. It wasn’t flawless, but there were clear upsides to having him in the lineup. Of course, that was under a different coach and a different system—factors that can’t be overlooked.
But as I mentioned earlier, playing defense isn’t an option under Sturm, it is a necessity.
The Bruins’ track record with prospect development has come under fire—and with good reason. Their struggles to graduate young talent into meaningful NHL roles are well-documented. But at some point, the conversation has to shift. When does it stop being a developmental shortfall and start becoming a matter of individual accountability? How long can a player be excused for not executing what’s consistently asked of them?
On the flip side, it’s fair to ask: why would the Bruins draft a player like Lysell and then attempt to mold him into something he’s not? His game was no secret—speed, skill, and offensive flair were the calling cards. Boston knew exactly what they were getting, yet seemed intent on forcing a square peg into a round hole, banking on the idea that they could reshape his identity to fit their system.
It’s a question that needs asking: how much of the burden lies with the player for not executing what the coaching staff demands, and how much falls on the organization for attempting to mold a player into something they were never designed to be? At the heart of it all is a deeper issue—the fine line between genuine development and fundamental misalignment.
The phrase “Know Your Role,” made famous by WWE icon The Rock, has found new life in hockey circles—and for good reason. At its core, it’s a reminder of the shared responsibility between coaching staff and players: coaches must clearly define expectations, and players must deliver. At the AHL level, that dynamic appears to be slipping. Either the message isn’t landing, or the execution isn’t following.
However, there are signs that the approach may be paying off for Harrison. Whether that progress holds remains to be seen. In the case of Frederic Brunet, the development path has clearly yielded results—he’s added layers to his game that simply weren’t there on draft day. But on the flip side, the same formula appears to be faltering with Matthew Poitras.
Love it or hate it, Sturm’s blunt assessment of the John Beecher waiver placement speaks volumes. “As a new coach, I gave him a new opportunity,” Sturm said. “And quite frankly, I thought he would be a little bit better, more effective — and I thought he wasn’t. At some point we have to make a decision how to move forward.” It’s a telling quote that underscores the growing urgency around performance and accountability.
On Monday, the Bruins made their move, placing Beecher on waivers, where the Calgary Flames quickly pounced. Boston had long suspected he wasn’t a fit, and in the end, they let a former first-round pick walk for nothing.
At the same time, the Bruins have long understood that Lysell wasn’t going to morph into the player they envisioned. That disconnect has come at a cost. Rather than pivoting early or adjusting expectations, Boston watched his trade value erode to the point where it now hovers near zero—a once-promising asset reduced to a cautionary tale in roster management.
Is there still time? Absolutely. But if the Bruins hope to salvage any value from Lysell—be it on the trade market or within their own lineup—they need to act. That means giving him a legitimate run at the NHL level. Whether it’s to showcase his skillset for potential suitors or to see if he can thrive under Sturm, assistant coach Steve Spott, and the mentorship of David Pastrnak, the window to find out is narrowing. The clock is ticking, and indecision won’t do them any favors.
After missing 12 games with an undisclosed injury, Pettersson made his return to the lineup for Vaxjo in Saturday’s U20 Nationell matchup against Linkoping HC. While his presence was a welcome sight, it wasn’t enough to spark a turnaround, as Vaxjo fell 4–1. Pettersson was held off the scoresheet in his return, finishing with an even plus/minus and registering one shot on goal.
With the loss, Vaxjo dropped to 5–7–2 on the season, currently sitting eighth in the U20 Nationell Sodra Division standings. They remain three spots—and nine points—shy of qualifying for the U20 Top-10 group play as the race tightens.
Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell
It was a night to forget for HV71, who suffered a lopsided 11–0 defeat at the hands of Frolunda HC on Saturday. Blanar was recalled to the SHL squad for the game but did not play.
The loss leaves HV71 sitting ninth in the Södra Division standings, 11 points back of fifth place—the final spot that secures a berth in the U20 Nationell Top-10 group play. With the margin for error shrinking, HV71 faces an uphill climb in the weeks ahead.
Correction: The U20 went from Top-10 format to Top-8 beginning with this season.
Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL
Loko cruised to a 3–0 shutout victory over JHC Spartak on Tuesday, but the win came with a blemish late in regulation. Yemelyanov, held off the scoresheet despite a solid two-way effort, was handed a five-minute major for kicking and a game misconduct with just 3:17 remaining. Before the ejection, Yemelyanov logged 14:18 of ice time, registered three shots on goal, and went 12-for-20 in the faceoff circle.
Yemelyanov avoided supplemental discipline and responded with a strong performance on Saturday, recording a goal and an assist in Loko’s 4–2 win over Krasnaya Armiya. With his team trailing 2–1, he tied the game by collecting a loose puck at the offensive blue line, circling the net on a wrap-around attempt, and burying his own rebound with a slick backhand finish. He also picked up the primary assist on Loko’s opening goal. He finished a plus-3, had 6 shots on goal and was 9 for 16 on the draw with 15:13 time on ice.
I was asked on X by Repstat, a regular reader here, the following question: Great stuff as always, Dom! If you were to place a bet, how soon until Yemelyanov comes to the US? Because of all of the prospects in the pool, he’s the one that has me most intrigued.
I’ve heard quiet chatter suggesting the Bruins would like to see Yemelyanov spend at least one season in the KHL. Whether that comes next year or after a campaign in the VHL—Russia’s AHL equivalent—remains to be seen. A second path could emerge via the CHL Import Draft, where, if the Bruins are satisfied with the development setup, they might steer him toward a season in North America, similar to their approach with Loke Johansson.
Either way, patience is the play. Yemelyanov was always viewed as a long-term project, and with no transfer agreement between the NHL and the Russian Ice Hockey Federation or KHL, Boston retains his rights indefinitely. That gives them the flexibility to take the slow-and-steady route with his development.
William Zellers, – University of North Dakota
Zellers paced North Dakota with a two-goal performance Friday night, lifting the Fighting Hawks to a 5–2 win over Arizona State. His first of the night was a quick-release strike from the high slot to make it 2–0, then delivered the dagger just 1:04 into the third period. Skating undetected down the slot, Zellers took a feed in stride and beat the goaltender with a slick backhand-forehand finish — his team-leading seventh goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
Arizona flipped the script on Saturday, responding with a 4–2 victory to split the weekend set. Zellers was held off the scoresheet in the loss, finishing with a minus-1 rating, but led his team with five shots on goal while logging 14:14 of ice time.
Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)
Miami fell to 7–2–0 on the season following a 5–2 loss to Western Michigan on Friday night. Nassen was held off the scoresheet, finishing with one shot on goal, a minus-2 rating, and 13:13 of ice time. The dry spell continues for the sophomore, who hasn’t found the back of the net since opening night — a stretch now spanning eight games.
Miami couldn’t bounce back in Saturday’s rematch, falling 6–2 and suffering back-to-back losses for the first time this season. Nassen recorded an assist and led his team with three shots on goal, but saw limited ice time, finishing with just 12:21 in the loss.
James Hagens, Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College
Boston College extended its win streak to three games Friday night, overpowering Massachusetts 7–3 in a high-scoring affair. Gasseau remains on schedule for a January return, continuing his recovery without setbacks. Jellvik was absent from the lineup for a second consecutive game. A source indicates his current absence is unrelated to the injury that sidelined him late last season. Hagens and Letourneau led BC with a goal and an assist each. Letourneau had 4 shots on goal and was 4 for 7 on the dot with 15:17 TOI, Hagens had 6 shots on goal and was 2 for 4 on the dot with 20:51 TOI.
Will Moore had an assist and was 7 for 10 on the dot with 16:55 TOI. He is quietly having a good freshman season. Kostadinski is still seeing limited ice time. He did manage a shot on goal in 6:40 TOI.
Boston College extended its win streak to four games with a commanding 4–0 shutout over UMass on Saturday. Letourneau was the lone prospect to hit the scoresheet, picking up an assist on BC’s third goal. He finished the night with a plus-2 rating, three shots on goal, and went 6-for-13 in the faceoff circle while logging 15:30 of ice time.
Hagens finished plus-1, adding one shot on goal, and going 10-for-15 in the faceoff circle over 16:58 of ice time. Moore contributed three shots and won six of nine draws while logging 14:57, and Kostadinski saw an uptick in usage, skating 14:15 and finishing plus-1 with one shot on goal.
Beckett Hendrickson – University of Minnesota
Minnesota’s struggles deepened Friday night with a 6–2 defeat at the hands of Long Island, dropping the Gophers to 4–8–1 on the season. The difference-maker was special teams, as Long Island capitalized three times on the power play to pull away. Despite the loss, Hendrickson turned in a solid individual effort. Back in his familiar third-line wing role, he recorded an assist, finished plus-2, and registered two shots on goal.
Minnesota responded in convincing fashion on Saturday, earning a 6–3 win in the rematch to split the weekend series. With the Gophers holding a 4–3 edge after two periods, Hendrickson extended the lead midway through the third with his third goal of the season, then added an assist just three minutes later to help seal the victory.
Chris Pelosi, Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac cruised to a 6–2 win over Boston University on Saturday, improving to 7–3–2 on the season. Pelosi turned in a strong two-way performance, recording two assists, a team-high five shots on goal, and a plus-1 rating while going 3-for-7 on faceoffs in 20:19 of ice time. Groenewold logged a team-leading 23:39 but was held off the scoresheet, finishing with one shot and a plus-1 in the victory.
Ryan Walsh – Cornell University
Cornell returned to the win column Friday night with a convincing 4–1 victory over Brown. Walsh notched his first goal of the season early in the third period, extending the Big Red’s lead to 4–0 with 6:50 gone. The goal came on a second-effort sequence. After setting up a prime scoring chance that went unfinished, Walsh remained active in the zone, slipping into open ice as the puck cycled to the point. A point shot off the goaltender’s glove dropped into the slot, and Walsh pounced — lifting the rebound over a sprawling netminder to cap off a determined shift.
Cornell handled business on Saturday with a 5–2 victory over Yale, powered by a standout performance from Walsh. The forward found the back of the net twice, led his team with four shots on goal, and went 11-for-19 in the faceoff circle while logging 19:47 of ice time in the win. It’s safe to say Walsh is in mid-season form now.
Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard University
Harvard eked out a 2–1 win over Clarkson on Friday night, improving to 3–1–1 on the season. Langenbrunner, skating on the second pair, was held off the scoresheet but logged one shot on goal in the victory.
Harvard extended its win streak to three games with a 4–3 victory over St. Lawrence on Saturday. Bruins prospect Langenbrunner contributed early, assisting on the game’s opening goal, and finished with a plus-1 rating while logging 20:14 of ice time in the win.
Jonathan Morello – Boston University
As mentioned earlier, Quinnipiac rolled to a 6–2 win over Boston University on Saturday, and while Morello was held off the scoresheet, he remained active throughout the contest. The forward registered five shots on goal, posted a plus-1 rating, and logged 15:23 of ice time, though he struggled in the faceoff circle, finishing 3-for-15 on draws.
Philip Svedeback – Providence College
Providence College improved to 5–3–2 on the season with a 4–2 win over Merrimack on Friday night. Svedeback wasn’t heavily tested, facing just 15 shots, but delivered when called upon to secure the victory. The Friars controlled the pace for much of the night, and Svedeback’s calm presence in net helped close out a disciplined team effort.
On Saturday, Merrimack took the rematch 3-2. Svedeback stopped 22 of 25 shots he faced. The shots were lopsided in Providence College’s favor in this game by a 42-25 margin. PC had an XG for of 3.5 while Merrimack had 2.1.
Cooper Simpson
In a tightly contested battle Friday night, the Youngstown Phantoms came up short against the Fargo Force, falling 2–1. Simpson provided the lone tally for Youngstown. Trailing 1–0, Simpson collected the puck at the left faceoff dot, toe-dragged deftly around a defender, briefly lost control, then recovered at the edge of the circle and snapped a shot over the goaltender’s left shoulder. The goal marked Simpson’s ninth of the season. Simpson finished the night with five shots on goal and a minus-1 rating.
It was another 1 goal game on Saturday with Fargo coming out on top once again 4-3. Simpson had an assist in this game but was limited to just one shot on goal.
Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL
Shawinigan picked up a 5–3 win over Rimouski on Thursday, but the night ended early for forward Chandler, whose three-game point streak came to a sudden halt. The veteran winger, who had tallied three goals and three assists over his recent run, was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for a hit from behind just 15:43 into the opening period.
Back in the lineup after narrowly avoiding suspension, Chandler was on the ice Friday night—but it wasn’t enough to lift Shawinigan, who dropped a 6–2 decision to Victoriaville. Chandler struck on the power play, setting up shop in front of the crease. He deflected a point shot that was stopped, but wasted no time corralling the rebound and tucking it past the goaltender for his fifth goal of the season.
Shawinigan needed extra time on Sunday but ultimately edged Sherbrooke 5–4 in an overtime thriller. Chandler opened the scoring, slipping undetected down the slot and burying a quick release to give the Cataractes a 1–0 lead. With the game knotted at 3–3 late in the second, Chandler struck again—this time from the left wing, sending a sharp-angle shot that found its way in for his second of the night. Sherbrooke forced overtime with a late equalizer, but Chandler’s two-goal effort, five shots on net, and 4-for-10 performance in the faceoff circle helped pace Shawinigan to the win.
Cole Spicer – Western Michigan
Word is that Spicer is eyeing a return for the next semester.
Providence Bruins
Providence 3 – Hartford 2 (OT)
Providence edged the Hartford Wolf Pack 3–2 on Wednesday night, powered by a goal and an assist from Patrick Brown and Fabian Lysell. Lysell, scratched in the previous game and starting on the fourth line, made the most of his return to the lineup, helping drive the Bruins to a hard-fought victory.
Joey Abate scored his first of the season driving the crease to redirect a sharp Jake Schmaltz feed and give Providence a 1–0 lead with just under six minutes to play in the first period. Lysell picked up the secondary assist on the play.
The 1–0 lead held until late in the second period, when Hartford broke through with the equalizer at 18:38. Providence regained control midway through the third as Brown redirected a Riley Tufte shot on the power play, making it 2–1 with 7:17 to go. Michael Callahan had the second assist. But the Wolf Pack had one last push, tying the game with just 2:20 remaining in regulation to force overtime.
Lysell played the lucky hero in overtime, sealing Providence’s win 3:28 into the extra frame. After beating a defender at the left circle, Lysell’s centering attempt deflected off a Hartford skate and slipped past the goaltender for the game-winner. Brown and Frederic Brunet picked up the assists on the decisive play.
Michael DiPietro turned aside 26 of 28 shots, extending his unbeaten run to 7–0–0 on the season. The Providence netminder continues to anchor the crease with a 2.13 goals-against average and a sparkling .929 save percentage, reinforcing his status as one of the AHL’s steadiest performers.
Providence 3 – Utica 2 (OT)
Dans Locmelis leads Providence with a shorthanded goal and overtime goal to victory over the Utica Comets.
With 8:27 gone in the opening period and Providence shorthanded, Matej Blumel chipped the puck ahead to Locmelis, springing him on a breakaway. Locmelis made no mistake, snapping a wrist shot past the goaltender’s glove to give Providence a 1–0 lead.
With 34 seconds left in the period, Tufte extended the lead to 2–0, hammering home a one-timer off a feed from Brown at the bottom of the left circle. Utica responded with two unanswered goals, including the equalizer with 9:37 remaining in the third, to erase the deficit and draw even.
In overtime, Locmelis delivered the game-winner in style, slicing through two defenders down the slot before snapping a wrist shot past the goaltender’s glove. Lysell and Brunet picked up assists on the decisive play.
Simon Zajicek turned aside 34 of 36 shots on Saturday, backstopping his team to another win and improving his record to 5–1–0 on the season. The Bruins prospect continues to impress between the pipes, boasting a 1.65 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage through six starts.
Providence 0 – Utica 2
DiPietro stopped 25 of 26 shots but it wasn’t enough as Utica blanked Providence 2-0 on Sunday. Tufte and Blumel were scratched for this game, presumably because Boston is looking at a possible callup Monday.
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.
On this week’s episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, insider Elliotte Friedman reported that multiple teams are already expressing interest in forward DavidKampf, whose contract was recently terminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Among the early suitors, Friedman identified the Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins as teams monitoring Kampf’s availability. I am told the Boston Bruins have also made preliminary inquiries to gauge where Kampf’s camp stands, but that’s as far as it got.
The outlook in Nashville continues to dim as the Predators struggle to gain traction in the standings. According to The Fourth Period’sDavid Pagnotta, veteran forwards Steven Stamkos and JonathanMarchessault “are believed to be willing to consider a move later this season to a top-tier Stanley Cup contender.”
They go on to add “Forwards Michael Bunting, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Tyson Jost and ColeSmith, and defenceman Nick Blankenburg, are all playing in the final year of their contracts and are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next July. While all six players are candidates to be traded at some point this season, veteran centre Ryan O’Reilly might be the likeliest to be dealt by the trade deadline.”
With General Manager Don Sweeney maintaining a forward-looking approach, it’s unclear whether current market options align with Boston’s immediate needs. Blankenburg could warrant a closer look.
The right-shot blueliner carries a modest $775,000 cap hit this season and offers mobility and compete—traits that could appeal to a Bruins front office seeking low-cost depth without sacrificing upside. And if the Bruins move one of their own right-shot defensemen, he could be an option for this season.
The Boston Bruins earned a hard-fought victory over the archrival Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, but the celebration came with a costly blow. Charlie McAvoy exited the game after taking a puck to the left cheek, an impact severe enough to scatter teeth and blood across the ice—prompting teammate Nikita Zadorov to scoop up the remnants. It was a physical, emotionally charged matchup, and while Boston secured the two points, McAvoy’s status now looms large as the team awaits further evaluation.
The injury concerns continued as forward Viktor Arvidsson also left the game. While pressuring on the forecheck, Arvidsson pulled up abruptly and headed straight to the locker room. Following the game, Head Coach Marco Sturm confirmed that Arvidsson will be sidelined for some time, though the team has yet to provide a detailed timeline.
With Jordan Harris, Elias Lindholm, and Casey Mittelstadt already sidelined, the Bruins are navigating a tight roster and cap situation as they look to bring in reinforcements. The most plausible path forward involves placing Mittelstadt and Arvidsson on injured reserve, a move that would free up roster spot for both a forward and a defenseman.
As of Sunday, the Bruins can add an AAV of $942,072 and remain cap compliant—enough to accommodate a single player recall under the current structure. However, the club has a potential lever to pull: placing defenseman Harris on long-term injured reserve.
Strategically, the Bruins would maximize their cap relief by recalling Matthew Poitras prior to placing Harris on LTIR. Doing so would allow Boston to leverage the full extent of Harris’s $870,000 cap hit, creating greater roster flexibility.
With Monday’s game set for home ice, the Bruins have the luxury of holding off on any immediate roster moves, avoiding the need to carry an extra body on the road. There are signs that Elias Lindholm is nearing a return, which could further influence the club’s decision to wait.
However, with a Western road swing beginning Wednesday, Boston won’t have the option to delay much longer. A move—whether a recall or LTIR placement—appears imminent as the team balances health updates with cap constraints.
This and That
In last week’s column, I explored which Bruins prospects could earn roster spots at next month’s World Junior Championship. This week, Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis—one of the most trusted voices in the prospect world—shared his early projections for Team USA. Among the names to watch: JamesHagens, a near-lock for the American squad, with fellow 2025 draft-eligible forward WillZellers and defenseman Elliott Groenewold also under consideration.
After back-to-back wins over the Toronto Maple Leafs in a four-day span, Bruins fans have started eyeing the first-round pick (top-5 protected) acquired in the Brandon Carlo trade with growing optimism. It feels premature to start celebrating.
While it’s the right of Bruins fans to indulge in early-season speculation, what’s more surprising is the number of Maple Leafs supporters that were seemingly unaware that the pick now belongs to Boston.
When David Pastrnak scored his 400th career goal, it was met with a full bench celebration from the Bruins, a moment that sparked some league-wide criticism. While the reaction raised eyebrows in certain corners, it’s hard to ignore the double standard.
Let’s be honest—if the roles were reversed and another team had cleared the bench to honor one of their stars, the noise would’ve been minimal, if not entirely absent. Pastrnak’s milestone is a rare achievement, and the Bruins chose to celebrate it accordingly.
When Tanner Jeannot squared off with Ottawa’s Kurtis MacDermid earlier this week, it wasn’t just a spirited tilt—it was a snapshot of Boston’s team-first mentality. As Jeannot made his way to the penalty box, nearly half the Bruins’ players followed suit, offering stick taps and fist bumps in a show of solidarity.
It was a telling moment for a group that continues to prove it’s more than the sum of its parts. This is a team that plays with purpose—and plays for each other.
Two Bruins prospects found themselves in hot water this week but ultimately avoided supplemental discipline following separate incidents in junior action.
Kirill Yemelyanov, Boston’s sixth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft, was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for kicking during an MHL contest. Meanwhile, fifth-rounder ColeChandler received similar penalties for a hit from behind in QMJHL play.
Both players returned to action in their next games and made notable impacts for their respective clubs, putting the incidents behind them as they continue their development.
The development path for Oskar Jellvik has taken another frustrating turn. The Bruins’ 2021 fifth-round pick looked poised to make the jump to the professional ranks after a breakout 2023–24 campaign at Boston College, where he tallied 13 goals and 29 assists over 41 games.
That momentum was halted midway through last season due to injury, delaying what many believed was an inevitable pro signing. Now, early signs in 2024–25 suggest more of the same. Jellvik has suited up in just three of BC’s first eleven games, sidelined once again—though this latest setback is unrelated to last year’s injury. It’s a tough stretch for a player who once seemed on the cusp.
There seems to be a lot of confusion as to how the Bruins pick from the Leafs works. In order to grasp it fully, we have to look at two different trades beginning with Toronto and the Philadelphia Flyers.
On March 5, 2025, the Flyers traded Scott Laughton, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2027 sixth-rounder to Toronto in exchange for winger Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. The fourth-round selection, later flipped to the Boston, was used to draft Czech defenseman Vashek Blanar. The 2027 first-rounder heading to Philadelphia is top-10 protected, giving Toronto the option to defer the pick to 2028 if it falls within the top 10 or letting Philadelphia make the pick.
On March 7, 2025, the Boston Bruins dealt veteran defenseman Brandon Carlo to the Toronto in exchange for forward Fraser Minten, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2025 fourth-round selection originally acquired from Philadelphia mentioned above. The first-round pick is top-5 protected.
If the pick is top-5 after the draft lottery, and the 2027 pick is outside the top-10 for Philadelphia, then the Bruins pick will be unprotected in 2028.
However, if the pick is in the top-5 in 2026 and top-10 in 2027, the Leafs will have the option of sending the 2027 pick to either Boston or Philadelphia with the other getting an unprotected pick in 2028.
A compelling question was asked of me on social media this week regarding the implications of Ottawa Senators forfeited first-round pick. If the Senators finish with the fifth overall selection—now voided due to league discipline—and the Maple Leafs land sixth, does Toronto’s top-5 protection still apply?
Technically, with Ottawa’s pick removed from the draft order, Toronto would be selecting fifth in terms of actual draft position. It’s a nuanced scenario that could test the language of the protection clause and the league’s interpretation of forfeited picks in relation to lottery outcomes.
After some digging around the league, the answer is now clear: in the event Ottawa finishes with the fifth overall selection, the Senators would still technically “own” the pick under NHL rules—despite forfeiting the right to make the selection.
That means Toronto’s pick, even if it moves up to sixth in the actual draft order, would not be considered top-five, and therefore not protected under the terms of the trade. The forfeited pick does not alter the protection status of other selections.
Forget everything I said about patience and restraint. Toronto’s tumble is Boston’s treasure, and there’s no reason to keep the confetti in the drawer. Light the lamp, cue the duck boats, and crank up the goal horn—because when the Leafs fall, the Bruins rise.
Celebrate loudly. Celebrate obnoxiously. Celebrate like it’s Game 7 and Pastrnak just went bar down in OT.
Thank you for submitting your questions. I’ve reviewed them carefully and will now do my best to provide thoughtful, informed responses.
Liz asks: Why did the Bruins place Elias Lindholm on injured reserve? Shouldn’t he be on LTIR given that he will miss significant time?
Answer: Thanks for the question, Liz—this one comes up every season. The decision to place him on injured reserve was primarily a roster management move, allowing the team to call up AlexSteeves ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Teams typically prefer to carry two extra forwards on a road trip, and with JohnBeecher leaving Thursday’s game against the Islanders, there may have been uncertainty around his status for the weekend. And of course, we found out Saturday morning that Casey Mittlestadt did not travel because of an upper body injury.
When it comes to Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), timing is everything. Teams typically avoid placing a player on LTIR unless they’re right up against the salary cap ceiling—maximizing the relief it provides. In the Bruins’ case, they still had enough cap flexibility that activating LTIR wouldn’t have offered any immediate benefit. In fact, Boston had room to accommodate up to two additional call-ups before even needing to consider tapping into LTIR space. LTIR has more to do with cap and roster management then length of injury.
Cory asks: What is your favorite Zdeno Chara moment?
Answer: There have been countless unforgettable moments, Cory, but as a fan, nothing tops the image of Chara hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2011. Still, what defines Chara most is his relentless competitiveness—epitomized in Game 5 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final, when he returned to the ice just 48 hours after suffering a jaw fractured in four places. That warrior mentality didn’t fade with retirement; it continues to resonate.
I’ve been fortunate to witness legends like Bobby Orr, Brad Park, Ray Bourque, and Big Z himself. Milt Schmidt once said, “If a better player comes along than Bobby Orr, I hope to be alive to see that.” As far as I’m concerned, we may never see another quite like Chara.
Sammy asks: Is it too early to move on from all the negativity that surrounded Dean Letourneau last season?
Kostas asks: I think it’s time that Sweeney trades Mason Lohrei. He has been terrible and it’s a waste of an asset having him on the 9th floor. They should use him to get someone that can help.
Answer: To be fair to Kostas, his comments came in before news broke that Lohrei would suit up Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The decision followed Charlie McAvoy remaining in Boston to attend to a family matter, opening the door for Lohrei’s return to the lineup.
There is a lot to unpack there and I’m not sure how to respond without coming across as condescending so, I will apologize in advance.
As I noted in my Sunday Summary, now isn’t the time to move Lohrei. There’s still plenty of untapped upside in his game, and trading him now likely means selling short on a developing NHL defenseman. That said, if the right deal presents itself, you have to be willing to listen.
It might not be the popular take, but I still believe Lohrei holds the highest offensive ceiling among Bruins’ defensemen—and frankly, there’s no one in the pipeline who comes close. As Hall of Famer Denis Potvin once said, “It takes defensemen 200 games to develop in the NHL.” Lohrei’s at 130. Let’s give him the runway he needs.
Chris asks: Under the new CBA, Attachment 25-B states: “Performance and/or Games Played Bonuses shall not be included” in calculating a player’s hit to the Playoff Playing Roster Averaged Club Salary, i.e., their playoff cap hit.
As an example, Brent Burns has $4 million in performance bonuses this season. These could, in theory, carry over to Colorado’s cap next season. However, based on Attachment 25-B, they would never see this against their “playoff cap” – unless I’ve missed something.
Do you think this is something other teams could exploit and make it the new “LTIR loophole” that irks fans? Would you ever see Boston utilizing it? We all know they don’t like doing bonus pay-outs when they don’t have to.
Answer: Performance bonuses aren’t likely to become a cap-crunch concern. They’re restricted to players on Entry-Level Contracts—where most thresholds go unreached—or to 35+ contracts, which teams typically use to defer cap hits into the following season. Clubs aren’t about to hand them out recklessly and jeopardize future flexibility; the system is built to prevent that kind of misuse.
It’s also worth noting that performance bonuses don’t factor into a player’s AAV during the current season. Even if a player hits the threshold mid-year, those bonuses are only applied at season’s end—keeping the cap hit clean until the final accounting.
James asks: Any preliminary views on Hagens or Letourneau?
Answer: I shared my thoughts on Letourneau a couple of weeks ago that’s worth revisiting. As for James Hagens, it’s been a slower start and Boston College hasn’t found its rhythm yet—but there’s no cause for concern. The talent is there, and it’s only a matter of time before things click.
Gary asks: Bruins actually look better without Lohrei. Systems issue? Maybe a better fit with Montgomery? Thoughts on including him in a Kyrou trade.
Answer: Thanks, Gary. While preseason predictions were flying, I held firm in my belief that the 20-game mark was the true litmus test—for both the team and individual players. That perspective didn’t waver, even during the six-game skid. You need the full sample size before drawing real conclusions.
Here’s what I do know: the system Marco Sturm is implementing has proven results. Yes, it’s a different level of hockey, but the structure and principles translate—and you don’t have to look far for a blueprint. The London Knights run a nearly identical system and have built a powerhouse on it. The track record speaks for itself.
There’s no question the system comes with a learning curve, and some players will naturally take longer to adjust. Factor in a condensed schedule and limited practice time, and it is clear why early growing pains have surfaced. That said, the group is trending in the right direction—both collectively and individually—and I’m not ready to count out Lohrei. Progress is happening, and there will still be some hiccups.
Would I move him in a deal for Jordan Kyrou? If the pieces line up, absolutely. But here’s the catch: while plenty of Bruins’ fans are eager to see Kyrou in black and gold, the cap math just doesn’t add up. Finding a workable path under the current structure remains the biggest hurdle.
Joe asks: 1) Poitras seems to be playing a more physical game this season. More hits and his first pro fight. Do you think Sweeney and Ryan Mougenel told him he needed to be more physical or is this his own doing? Will it make a difference at all?
2) I’m still at a loss where Poitras fits on this roster. They want him to play C and the ideal opportunity came up with E Lindholm out to try him in a top 6 role or at least showcase him for a trade, but no call up. What do they do with him if E Lindholm is locked in at 1C due to his contract, same goes for Mittelstadt at 2C and Minten seems locked in at 3C unless the wheels come off.
Answer: When it comes to Matthew Poitras, I know this is something he’s taken on personally. That’s not to say there wasn’t guidance from management or the coaching staff—there almost certainly was—but Poitras knows what it takes and has long been one of the most driven players when it comes to self-improvement.
As for the second question, there is a similar question, so you’ll find my response just below.
Liz asks: Great to see Lohrei play well, but I still feel it’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. To me, he’s not a good fit for this “piss and vinegar” system. Same can be said for Poitras. Do you expect the Bruins to try and package them in a deal to a younger team that could use their talents?
Answer: Thanks, Liz. No, I don’t see the Bruins actively shopping either player. That said, if the right deal comes along—one that strengthens the roster both now and down the line—they won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. But make no mistake: the organization believes in both players and isn’t looking to move them just for the sake of it.
Sam asks: [Elias]Lindholm was already out, but today we found out Mittelstadt will be out for awhile too. Sturm has made it clear he wants Poitras only playing center, so isn’t this the ideal scenario to bring him up, see how he does at 1C or 2C and possibly showcase him for a trade? I truly want him to be a long-term Bruin, but I don’t see where he fits into this roster this year or next, with the contracts/players already in place. Thank you for your time, Sam.
Answer: Appreciate it, Sam. Let’s flip the order here. First off, the Bruins’ roster outlook for next season is far from settled. If things go sideways, it’s entirely plausible that names like Mittelstadt or Pavel Zacha could be off the board—among others. And if Poitras earns his spot, Sturm will find a way to make it work.
As for the idea of showcasing Poitras in a trade, that’s largely outdated these days. NHL teams have elevated their pro scouting to the point where they’ve got detailed evaluations on virtually every player. Trades aren’t made based on a brief call-up anymore. Fraser Minten and Will Zellers are two examples. The Bruins targeted them at last year’s trade deadline hard and didn’t need a showcase.
Lastly, with Boston battling injuries, now might not be the right moment to bring Poitras up. He’s off to a slower start by his own standards and hasn’t quite hit his stride. Better to wait until he’s firing on all cylinders before making that move.
Ryan asks: You mentioned Jonathon Morello as a long shot to make Team Canada’s WJC roster, to which I agree. However, I haven’t heard anyone talk about Dean Letourneau as having a chance to be in that lineup. Canada is always stacked and I may be biased as a Bruins fan, but the way Letourneau has played to start the season he at least deserves an invite to camp, no?
Answer: It’s certainly a long shot for both Morello and Letourneau, though for very different reasons. The two would be vying for roster spots against entirely different player profiles—Morello facing off against shutdown specialists, while Letourneau would be battling a deep pool of high-end offensive talent. And when it comes to scoring forwards, Canada’s depth chart is stacked with names currently ahead of Letourneau at this stage in his development.
Ben asks: I’ve watched most of the BC games this season and while Hagens has been good, I haven’t been wowed like I was when watching Leonard. I don’t think Hagens is a lock for 2C next season with the Bruins do you? I think he’ll eventually get there, but I think he might need some time in Providence first. Thoughts?
Answer: Nothing’s set in stone, and I’m not one to lean into speculation this far out—there’s still 11 months between now and then, and plenty can shift. Sure, his production hasn’t jumped off the page early on, but it’s still the opening stretch of the season. As for Providence, I’ve got no issue with a player needing time in the AHL. Development isn’t linear, and there’s a long road ahead before any decisions need to be made. For now, keep watching and enjoy the games and we can talk about this next September.
TDan asks: I’m all for trading for Owen Tippett. But be tough unless they would take Lohrei and Mittlestadt for Tippett and a pick/prospect. Need to ship out some money. Tippett his no trade is just 10 teams so not to scary. Then flip Arvidsson to Vancouver for Mancini…Tippett fits going foreword maybe aside of Hagens. Arvidsson has no trade so that could be problem. Like Zacha/Hagens/Tippett second line.
Answer: I’m not convinced any of that materializes, and the Tippett chatter feels more like media speculation than something with real traction. It’s the kind of storyline that fills columns, but doesn’t necessarily reflect what’s happening behind the scenes
The U20 Nationell is on pause for IIHF Tournaments taking place.
Vashek Blanar – HV71 – U20 Nationell
The Five-Nations Under-20 tournament opened with a strong statement from Czechia, who rolled to a 5-2 win on Thursday. Blanar chipped in with a power-play assist on Czechia’s fifth goal, helping cap a dominant stretch before the opposition clawed back. He finished the night with 12:57 of ice time and a minus-1 rating in the tournament opener.
Czechia cruised to a 5-1 win over Switzerland on Friday at the Five Nations U-20 Tournament, with Blanar turning in a steady performance. While he didn’t hit the scoresheet, Blanar finished plus-2 and logged 17:12 of ice time, continuing to build his case for a World Junior roster spot.
Czechia rolled to its third straight victory on Saturday, topping Slovakia 5-2 in convincing fashion. Blanar opened the scoring with his first national team goal—a blistering one-timer from the point that rocketed over the goaltender’s stick-side shoulder. Positioned and stick ready after an offensive zone faceoff win, Blanar wasted no time unleashing the shot. He finished the night with two shots on goal, a plus-1 rating, and logged 12:18 of ice time in the win.
Czechia’s run came to a close with a 6–2 loss to Sweden in their fourth game in as many days. Blanar was held off the scoresheet, finished minus-2, and logged 19:35 of ice time in the finale. While the stat line won’t turn heads, his overall body of work likely keeps him in the mix for a spot on the Czech national squad. Now, the waiting begins.
Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslav – MHL
Loko delivered a commanding 9-0 rout of JHC Dynamo on Tuesday, powered by a clinical hat trick from Yemelyanov, who did all his damage on the power play. Exploiting soft coverage on the right side, Yemelyanov’s first of the game came with a slick backhand-forehand finish from beside the net—his ninth of the season—before hammering home two signature one-timers from the right circle. The dynamic forward capped his night with three shots, a dominant 10-for-13 performance on faceoffs, and 16:37 of ice time in a statement outing.
Sunday brought more of the same for Loko—another game, another win, another step forward in a dominant campaign. With a 4–2 victory over JHC Spartak Moscow, Loko improved to 18-1-1 through 20 games, boasting just one regulation loss and one overtime setback in a 52-game slate. Yemelyanov didn’t hit the scoresheet but turned in a steady performance: two shots on goal, two blocked shots, and a commanding 11-for-15 in the faceoff circle across 18:23 of ice time.
William Zellers, – University of North Dakota
Zellers found the back of the net twice on Friday night, powering North Dakota to a commanding 7-2 win over Omaha. His first came on the power play, finishing off a 2-on-1 rush by driving the slot and redirecting a feed to make it 4-1. He added his second on a 5-on-3 advantage, sneaking back door and tapping home a back door pass into a yawning cage to extend the lead to 6-1.
North Dakota won Saturday’s rematch, skating to a 4–1 victory and tightening their grip on early-season momentum. Zellers chipped in with an assist on the empty-netter that iced the win, finishing the night plus-1 with one shot on goal.
Zellers now sits fourth in team scoring with 5 goals and 4 assists through 10 games. He’s riding a four-game point streak, tallying 3 goals and 2 assists over that span—quietly emerging as a reliable contributor in the Fighting Hawks’ lineup.
Casper Nassen – Miami (Ohio)
For the first time in 10 years, Miami was ranked in the top-20 teams Nationally.
This was an off week for Miami.
James Hagens, Oskar Jellvik, Andre Gasseau, Dean Letourneau, Kristian Kostadinski, Will Moore – Boston College
Boston College snapped a three-game skid Friday night, edging Vermont 2-1 to get back in the win column. Letourneau opened the scoring on the power play with a slick backhand finish—his third goal of the season. After collecting the puck to the right of the net, he glided across the crease and tucked it home, giving the Eagles a much-needed jumpstart.
Vermont drew even late in the third, setting the stage for what looked like an overtime showdown. But with just 1:30 left on the clock, James Hagens delivered a pinpoint pass to spring his teammate in alone, leading to the game-winning goal and a dramatic finish for Boston College.
Jellvik returned from injury and did not register a point. He had 3 shots on goal and 14:51 time on ice, easing himself back in. Kostadinski had 1 shot on goal with just 7:46 time on ice while Moore had 1 shot on goal and was 10 for 14 on the dot with 14:16 time on ice.
Letourneau had 4 shots on goal, 6 for 10 on the dot and 17:16 time on ice while Hagens had 2 shots on goal and 18:12 time on ice.
BC found victory a little easier on Saturday with a 5-0 win in the rematch. Hagens had an assist, was a plus-2 with 2 shots on goal and 3 for 7 on the dot with 21:38 time on ice. Letourneau was pointless, had 5 shots on goal and was 4 for 8 on the dot with 19:37 TOI.
Will Moore had a goal with 2 shots on goal and was a plus 2 and 4 for 12 on the dot with 14:56 TOI. Kostadinski had 1 shot on goal while seeing more ice time with 12:39 TOI. Oskar Jellvik was scheduled to play on Moore’s left, but did not play.
Beckett Hendrickson – University of Minnesota
Minnesota snapped a skid and improved to 3-7-1 on the season with a 3-0 shutout victory over Notre Dame on Friday. Hendrickson broke the ice in the second period, netting his second goal of the campaign—and first since opening night—by burying a cross-crease feed with a quick-release wrist shot for the eventual game-winner. He finished the night plus-2 with four shots on goal, delivering his typical energy filled game. Hendrickson skated on the second line.
For the first time this season, Minnesota has won back-to-back wins following Saturday’s 4-1 over the same Notre Dame squad. Hendrickson did not register a point and finished a minus-1 playing second line left wing.
Chris Pelosi, Elliott Groenewold – Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac and Alaska skated to a hard-fought 2-2 draw Tuesday night, with early fireworks courtesy of Pelosi, who opened the scoring on the power play by pouncing on a rebound off the post and burying it into a wide-open net for his fifth of the season. Pelosi finished with four shots, went 2-for-5 on faceoffs, and logged 17:42 of ice time. On the back end, Groenewold turned in a heavy-minute performance, registering three shots while anchoring the blue line for 25:01, though he was held off the scoresheet.
Quinnipiac dropped a 4-2 decision to Yale on Friday, snapping forward Pelosi’s three-game goal streak. He was held off the scoresheet but managed two shots on goal and went 5-for-7 in the faceoff circle. Groenewold remained quiet offensively, extending his scoreless stretch to five games without registering a shot. It marks his longest drought since a nine-game span between November 16 and January 4 last season.
Quinnipiac needed overtime to get it done Saturday, edging out a 4–3 win in a tightly contested matchup. With the game knotted at 1–1, Pelosi ripped a wrister from the slot over the goalie’s shoulder to give the Bobcats the lead, then added a primary assist on the 3–1 tally just five minutes later. He finished plus-1 with six shots on goal, won 8 of 13 draws, and logged 18:59 of ice time. Groenewold chipped in with an assist on the opening goal, posted a plus-2 rating, and added one shot on goal across 19:17.
Ryan Walsh – Cornell University
On Thursday, Walsh was named to the U.S. Collegiate Selects team that will represent the Americans at the Spengler Cup. The event will be hosted by the Swiss team HC Davos and runs from December 28 – 31.
Cornell skated to a 3-1 win over Mason Langenbrunner and Harvard on Friday night. Walsh shouldered a significant load, easily leading all Cornell forwards with 21:30 of ice time. He went 13-for-27 on draws and registered three shots on goal, but remains in search of his first tally of the season—a slower-than-anticipated start for one of Cornell’s key returnees.
Cornell came up short in a tightly contested 2–1 loss to Dartmouth on Saturday, and the early-season grind continues for Walsh. Despite logging a team-high 23:24 of ice time among forwards, Walsh was held off the scoresheet, finished minus-1, and registered just one shot on goal as he continues to search for offensive traction
Mason Langenbrunner – Harvard University
After sitting out the season opener, Langenbrunner made his return Tuesday night as Harvard cruised past Stonehill with a 6-2 win. While he didn’t hit the scoresheet, the senior blueliner posted a plus-1 rating and logged 16:18 of ice time, skating on the second pair. His minutes ranked fifth among Harvard’s seven dressed defensemen, marking a steady re-entry into the lineup.
As mentioned above, Harvard lost 3-1 to Ryan Walsh and Cornell on Friday. Langenbrunner was a minus-1 with 4 shots on goal and 18:49 time on ice.
Harvard bounced back with a 6–5 win over Colgate on Saturday, and defenseman Langenbrunner quietly made his mark with two assists despite finishing minus-1. He registered two shots on goal and logged 20:14 of ice time—second most among Crimson blueliners—while continuing to earn reps in all situations from the second pair. With the Bruins in need right-shot defensemen, Langenbrunner continued development remains a must.
Jonathan Morello – Boston University
Boston University needed extra time to get it done, but emerged with a 3-2 overtime win over Merrimack on Friday night. Jonathan Morello opened the scoring with his first goal since the second game of the season, showcasing slick hands as he drove the net, took a backhand feed with his back to the puck carrier, and tucked it in back door. The freshman forward finished the night plus-1 with one shot on goal, went 2-for-5 in the faceoff circle, and logged 9:35 of ice time
Boston University clawed back to the .500 mark with a 5–4 rematch win on Saturday, edging out a tight contest. Morello was held off the scoresheet, finishing minus-1 with two shots on goal, a 2-for-5 mark in the faceoff circle, and 11:40 of ice time.
While his offensive numbers are tracking right on schedule—projected for 6 goals and 10 assists, currently pacing for 7 and 10—it’s his defensive consistency that stands out. Making the leap from the USHL to the NCAA is no small task, but he’s handled the transition with poise, maintaining a reliable two-way presence that’s been just as impressive as his production.
Philip Svedeback – Providence College
Providence College rode a standout performance from goaltender Philip Svedeback to a 4–1 win over Connecticut on Friday night. The netminder turned aside 37 of 38 shots and even picked up an assist on the game-winning goal, capping off a night that saw him deliver in key moments. UConn generated 4.7 expected goals, but Svedeback’s timely saves kept the Friars in control from start to finish
Saturday’s rematch officially ended in a 2-2 draw but UConn won the shootout. Svedeback wasn’t as busy as he was on Friday stopping 28 of 30 shots he faced. He also stopped 2 of 3 in the shootout.
Cooper Simpson – Youngstown – USHL
Cooper Simpson delivered a standout performance Friday night, notching a goal and an assist to lead Youngstown past the Sioux Falls Stampede in a 6-2 victory. Renowned for his lethal shot, Simpson showcased it in full force midway through the contest, curling into the right faceoff dot and ripping a wicked wrister that beat the goaltender clean for the eventual game-winner. Just four minutes later, he added a crisp assist to stay locked atop the USHL scoring race.
Youngstown cruised to a 4–0 shutout victory over Sioux Falls on Saturday, with Simpson once again leading the charge. The forward notched a goal and an assist, opening the scoring midway through the first period with what proved to be the game-winner—capitalizing on a broken play – his teammate all alone in front fell – by scooping up a loose puck in the slot and slipping it past the goaltender with a slick deke. Simpson later added a helper on the insurance marker, continuing his strong run of form.
Cole Chandler – Shawinigan – QMJHL
Shawinigan came up short in a 5-4 loss to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Friday night. Chandler picked up an assist on the game’s opening goal midway through the first period but was otherwise held in check, finishing plus-1 with one shot on goal and a 7-for-14 mark in the faceoff circle. Despite the quiet outing, Chandler has been productive of late, posting 2 goals and 9 assists over his last 10 games following a brief two-game drought to open October.
Shawinigan bounced back in a big way Saturday, rolling past the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies with a 7–3 win. Chandler continued his impressive start, netting a pair of goals—including the game-winner, a quick release from the slot for his third of the season—before sealing the victory with an empty-netter. He finished the night with two shots on goal, a plus-2 rating, three hits, and went 8-for-17 in the faceoff circle
Cole Spicer – Western Michigan
Spicer did not play last week as he is still trying to resurrect his hockey career.
Providence Bruins
Providence 2 – Cleveland 1
Michael DiPietro made a career high 43 saves to lead Providence to a 2-1 win over the Cleveland Monsters on Friday night.
Dans Locmelis opened the scoring late in the first period, capitalizing on a shorthanded opportunity with just three minutes remaining. On a 2-on-0 rush with Patrick Brown, Locmelis took a crisp feed and hammered a one-timer past the outstretched glove of the goaltender, giving his team the early edge.
With just 22 seconds left in the opening frame, Providence doubled its lead in unexpected fashion. On a two-on-one rush, John Farinacci attempted a pass that deflected off a defender’s stick and slipped past the goaltender to make it 2-0. Matej Blumel and Fabian Lysell picked up the assists on the fortunate bounce.
Cleveland clawed back with a shorthanded tally of their own with 4:28 remaining in the second period, but that would be the end of their push. DiPietro slammed the door shut from there, turning aside everything that came his way to preserve the win.
Providence 3 – Cleveland 2 (OT)
It took an overtime goal by Matthew Poitras, but the Bruins left Cleveland with two victories on the weekend following Sunday’s win.
Cleveland struck first, opening the scoring 7:48 into the contest. But the Bruins responded early in the second period with another shorthanded tally. Farinacci forced a turnover and threaded a perfect pass to the far post, where Jake Schmaltz buried his first goal of the season to even the score at 1-1
Cleveland jumped back in front with 8:49 to go in the second period, but the Bruins answered early in the third. Riley Duran carried the puck up ice and fed Farinacci, who snapped a shot just under the bar to knot the game at 2-2. Schmaltz picked up the secondary assist on the equalizer.
Just 49 seconds into overtime, Georgii Merkulov threaded a crisp pass to the far post, where Poitras made no mistake, redirecting the puck into the back of the net for the game-winner. Blumel was credited with the secondary assist on the decisive play.
Simon Zajicek stopped 28 of 30 shots for the win. The Bruins improved to 10-1-0-0 and will play the next five games at home. Lysell did not dress.
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.
