Here’s how NHL analysts rated the Bruins’ picks

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 headlines the group, which also includes fellow forward Jonathan Morello (154th overall) and defensemen Elliott Groenewold (110th overall) and Loke Johansson (186th overall).

Boston relied heavily on size in this year’s draft, choosing players with make-or-break potential given their large size and skills coupled with their build.

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, considering the few picks they had. Dean Letourneau has a lot of potential. While there is a lot of uncertainty about how he will perform at higher levels, he has the tools to become a top-tier NHL forward if his development goes well. Jonathan Morello was one of my favorite mid-round picks. He is clearly an NHL athlete, as is Elliott Groenewold, and I could see either of them playing NHL games.”

Read the full article here.

Kyle Cushman, theScore: C+

“Letourneau is one of the most impactful 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 likely keep an eye on him as a development project.”

The Bruins were tied with the Detroit Red Wings for second place in the Atlantic Division. Montreal’s A+ grade took over first place among division opponents.

Read the full article here.

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.

Read the full article here.

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 there is offensive potential there as well.

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.

Read the full article here.

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 commit given his competitive play, but he will certainly draw attention simply because of his frame. The Boston College commit needs to play more physically, especially if he wants to play a role with the Bruins, but he has the size for it.

Read the full article here.

Clutch points: B+

“The Bruins bought back this pick in the Linus Ullmark trade earlier in the week. And they take a player who just yells “Bruins hockey.” Létourneau dominated Canadian prep hockey while displaying clear offensive skills. The level of competition isn’t the best, but his height of 6′7″ combined with his offensive abilities could see him become a very valuable middle player for the Bruins.

Read the full article here.

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.

Read the full article here.

Loading…