Here’s how NHL analysts rated the Bruins’ picks

Bruins

The consensus among analysts is that Boston did the best it could with the little capital it had and picked a few prospects with major upside.

The 2024 NHL Draft is over and the Bruins added four new prospects to their pipeline during the two-day event.

First-round pick Dean Letourneau leads the group, which also includes fellow countryman Jonathan Morello (pick No. 154), as well as defensemen Elliott Groenewold (pick No. 110) and Loke Johansson (pick No. 186 overall). ).

Boston relied heavily on size in this year’s draft, selecting players with make-or-break potential given their size and skill set.

Here’s how NHL analysts rated the Bruins’ picks:

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: C+

“I liked what the Bruins did in the draft this season given the limited selections they had. Dean Letourneau is full of potential. While there is a lot of uncertainty about how he will perform at higher levels, he has the tools to be a top-six forward in the NHL if his development goes well. Jonathan Morello was one of my favourite mid-round picks. He is clearly an NHL athlete along with Elliott Groenewold, and I could see either of them playing NHL games.

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Kyle Cushman, theScore: C+

“Letourneau is one of the most influential players in the draft. The physical tools are enticing for a 6-foot-7 center with good puck skills and scoring prowess, but the lack of competition beyond the Ontario high school level is a concern. He’ll head to Boston College in the fall, where the Bruins will surely keep tabs on him as a developmental project. »

The Bruins finished tied with the Detroit Red Wings for second place in the Atlantic Division. The Montrealers, ranked A+, won first place among their divisional opponents.

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Analysis & notes of selection n°25 Dean Létourneau:

Bleacher Report: B-

“Dean Letourneau is a worthy player at 25th (we thought he might be a bit taller at 32nd), but the Boston Bruins clearly feel they can be patient enough to make the risk pay off. He played prep school hockey this season and he dominated, but he’s a pretty raw player.

He’s a very agile skater, especially for his 6’7″ size, which will serve him well as he works to refine the consistency with which he uses his high-end skills.

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Ryan Clark, ESPN: No rating

“Letourneau gives the Bruins extreme size in the middle. The fact that he scored over 60 goals and 127 points proves that there is also an offensive advantage.

He will attend Boston College starting in 2025, so the Bruins will be able to closely monitor his development. Perhaps the most intriguing part is that the Bruins are hoping to strike it rich with Letourneau given that they have only had four draft picks since 2018 make it to the NHL.

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Bryan Murphy, Sports News: B-

“When you’re 6’6″ and 200 pounds at 18, you’re going to get the attention of the NHL. And is there a team that fits that profile better than the Bruins? Dean Letourneau stands out for his size, but he also plays with great finesse and reach, a rare talent for a player of his size.”

Some scouts are skeptical of the Boston College commitment given his competitive play, but he will most certainly attract attention simply because of his frame. The Boston College commit needs to play more physical, especially if he wants to play a role for the Bruins, but he has the size for it.

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Clutch points: B+

“The Bruins acquired this pick in the Linus Ullmark trade earlier this week. And they’re getting a player who simply screams ‘Bruins hockey.’ Letourneau has dominated Canadian prep hockey while displaying obvious offensive skills. The competition level isn’t the best, but his 6-foot-7 size combined with his offensive ability could make him a very valuable middle-sixth pick for the Bruins.”

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USA Today: B-

“Dean Létourneau may be a great striker, but if his recent numbers are any indication, he can certainly score. We’ll have to see how this plays out at the NHL level, but it’s a big move from Boston.

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