With only eleven games remaining in what has been a disastrous season for the Boston Bruins, the team is simply playing out the schedule. It’s been over two weeks now since the Bruins traded away long-time veterans Brandon Carlo, Charlie Coyle and Captain Brad Marchand in what signaled a surrender to a lost season. These trades did however bring some much-needed youth back into the prospect depleted cupboards for Boston. There is optimism moving forward as we look at the top ten Bruins prospects, new and old.
Fabian Lysell RW, 22, 5-11, 188
Boston Bruins
2021 Draft, 21st overall
Lysell remains the Bruins top prospect three years into his career. He made his NHL debut back in December for what turned out to be a one and done opportunity. The Bruins sent him back to the AHL immediately following the game. Boston recalled Lysell this past week and he is with the club on their western road trip. He must seize this opportunity as the Bruins are giving him a great chance given where they are in the standings. I don’t want to say it’s now or never for Lysell but, it’s probably now or never for Lysell.
Fraser Minten C, 20, 6-2, 195
Providence Bruins
2022 Draft, 38th overall (Toronto)
Acquired in the Brandon Carlo trade
Minten jumps to second on this list immediately. Given the lack of center depth in the organization, Minten is a welcome addition. The gritty forward has all the tools to land somewhere in a top 9 role in the NHL. He is currently playing for the Providence Bruins and had a very good outing last week scoring a natural hat trick and ending the game with 4pts. He has played 19 NHL games as a Leaf. More to come as a Bruin.
Dean Letourneau, C, 19, 6-7, 221
Boston College
2024 Draft, 25th overall
Patience. Letourneau will require much of this from the Bruins as the former 1st round pick learns how to utilize his big frame. Boston took a gamble on the St. Andrew’s College standout as there is a big risk/reward in this selection. In his first season at Boston College, Letourneau failed to score a goal. He did however find himself playing in most games when not dealing with an injury. “He’s got a competitive fire to him”, said Bruins player development coordinator Adam Mcquaid. “There’s always a level of earning your opportunities. BC is a good place for him.” Patience indeed.
Marat Khusnutdinov C, 22, 5-11, 176
Boston Bruins
2020 Draft, 37th overall (Minnesota)
Acquired in the Justin Brazeau trade
Khusnutdinov or “Khuzy” as teammates refer to him, lands high on the prospect list for the Bruins after being acquired alongside former Bruin Jakub Lauko. In what is looking more and more like a lopsided trade, Khusnutdinov has wasted no time fitting in. His speed and skill stand out and have highlighted the need the Bruins have had for both of those attributes. He’s young enough to be a prospect but I think he’s a full time NHL player now and moving forward. An RFA at seasons end, the Bruins will undoubtedly sign him.
Will Zellers, LW, 18, 5-11, 170
Green Bay (USHL)
2024 Draft, 76th overall (Colorado)
Acquired in the Charlie Coyle trade
Zellers is having an outstanding season for the Green Bay Gamblers. He is the second leading scorer league wide with an impressive 64pts in 46 games. The 18-year-old has a long way to go before cracking the Bruins lineup, but he is the offensive prospect the organization sorely lacked. He projects as a top 6 winger.
Georgii Merkulov C, 24, 5-11, 184
Providence Bruins
Free Agent 2022
Merkulov continues to put up great numbers in the AHL. While that is encouraging, the 24-year-old has not been able to stick in the pros when given the opportunity. An RFA at seasons end, the Bruins may have made up their minds on the player. In what can be described as “garbage time” for Boston, Merkulov remains in the minors. I don’t see him returning. Perhaps his career is best suited for the KHL.
Elliott Groenewold D, 19, 6-2, 208
Quinnipiac (ECAC)
2024 Draft, 110th overall
Finally, a defenseman! Though several years away from possibly entering the Bruins lineup, Adam Mcquaid likes what he sees. “He has the right approach to the game”, he said. “And there’s grit there. He has the foundation to defend, be in people’s faces.” Hopefully for Bruins fans he is in their faces sooner rather than later.
Brandon Bussi G, 26, 6-5, 218
Providence Bruins
Free Agent 2022
At 26, Bussi is getting a little long in the tooth to be a prospect. Yet, here he is. The Bruins best goaltending prospect now that Jeremy Swayman has graduated. An AHL All-Star in 2022-23, Bussi has not had as strong a season this year. Time is running out for him to challenge for a pro roster spot.
Brett Harrison C, 21, 6-2, 190
Providence Bruins
2021 Draft, 85th overall
The skillful center remains a fixture for the AHL Bruins. Consistency seems to be the biggest issue for the London Ontario native, however.
Chris Pelosi C, 19, 6-2, 183
Quinnipiac (ECAC)
2023 Draft, 92nd overall
Pelosi was the final cut made for team USA at the World Jr Championship tournament last year. The 200-foot centerman has middle six NHL potential but is years away from that possibility.
The lookahead
The Bruins are out west in California this week before returning to the east coast for a Saturday night game in Detroit. When all is said and done the team will be happy to get back to Boston after a 12-day trip. For the brass, and many fans, the countdown to a potential top 10 draft pick is on. The Bruins could certainly use some luck this season and maybe that will be found at the NHL Draft Lottery.
G-Rant @TheRealG_Rant/Grant Cumming. Bruins fan. Bigger dreams, bigger screens, bigger feelings are planned.
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