Boston Bruins' Rising Stars: Unveiling the Top Prospects
The Boston Bruins are on a roll, and their once-barren prospect pool is now brimming with talent. As the team continues to rebuild and restock its roster, the future looks bright for the Bruins. With a core of established players like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman in place, the focus now shifts to the young stars in the pipeline who could soon make their mark in the NHL.
10. Nils Bartholdsson, Forward
Nils Bartholdsson, a 17-year-old netminder, is a prospect to watch. Although he might need a few years to develop, his smaller stature (5-foot-10) didn't stop him from making an impact in Sweden's U-20 league. With 23 goals and 19 assists in 32 games, Bartholdsson impressed, outperforming even the 2026 first-round pick, Alexander Command. His lethal shot and willingness to drive into high-danger areas make him a player to keep an eye on, even if he may need time to adjust to higher levels of competition.
9. Chris Pelosi, Forward
Chris Pelosi, a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is a two-way forward with a knack for generating offense. His ability to hound pucks, force turnovers, and cash in on miscues makes him a reliable special-teams player. Pelosi's performance with Quinnipiac in 2025-26, where he scored 18 goals and 34 points, showcases his potential as a dependable bottom-six forward in the pro game.
8. Elliott Groenewold, Defenseman
Elliott Groenewold, a hard-nosed defenseman, is a no-frills prospect with a high floor. His performance as a sophomore, earning ECAC Best Defensive Defenseman and All-Conference First Team honors, led all of college hockey with a plus-39 rating, seven goals, and 20 points. Groenewold's dependability and left-shot option make him a strong candidate to make a push for pro reps in short order.
7. Frederic Brunet, Defenseman
Frederic Brunet, a mobile defenseman, has been knocking on the door for an NHL opportunity. His game has grown and rounded out defensively, and he values that aspect of the game. Brunet's playmaking skills and good size (6-foot-3) make him an appealing candidate to pair with Charlie McAvoy. If he has a strong training camp and preseason, he could be a strong transition player who moves pucks out of danger with crisp first passes.
6. Dans Locmelis, Forward
Dans Locmelis, a Swiss Army Knife, has been productive at every stop of his young career. His refined, 200-foot profile and ability to chip in on the scoresheet make him a versatile player. Locmelis' speed, size, and shot aren't elite, but he finds ways to impact most of his shifts with a cerebral skillset. He could develop into a trusty third-line forward if he continues to build his game.
5. Cooper Simpson, Forward
Cooper Simpson, a 19-year-old forward, is a shot-first scorer with legitimate 25-goal upside. His performance in the USHL, where he ranked second with 34 goals and 74 points, showcases his ability to dominate at elevated levels of competition. Simpson's blistering shot and creative approach in the offensive zone make him a player to watch.
4. Michael DiPietro, Goaltender
Michael DiPietro, a 27-year-old goaltender, is a late bloomer who has little left to prove in the AHL. He was named the AHL's top goalie in each of his past two seasons, leading the league in wins, GAA, and save percentage. DiPietro's results over the last few seasons make a strong case for his NHL potential.
3. Will Zellers, Forward
Will Zellers, a shot-first scoring winger, has legitimate 25-goal upside as an NHLer. His performance with the Green Bay Gamblers and North Dakota, earning USHL Player of the Year honors, showcases his ability to dominate at the junior level. Zellers' heavy shot, high motor, and creative approach make him a player to watch.
2. Dean Letourneau, Center
Dean Letourneau, a 6-foot-7 center, has the highest upside among Bruins prospects. His performance at St. Andrew's College and Boston College showcases his ability to use his imposing frame and reach to win puck battles and wreak havoc. Letourneau's silky mitts and sharp wrist shot make him a matchup nightmare in Hockey East.
1. James Hagens, Forward
James Hagens, a playmaking forward, is a potential top-six fixture for the Bruins. His performance at Boston College, earning 23 goals and 47 points, showcases his skill and upside. Hagens' elite edge work and pass-first approach make him a tantalizing talent who will play a key role in Boston's reworked forward corps.
Honorable Mentions: Will Moore, Vashek Blanar, Matvei Kotkov, Max Lundgren, Liam Pettersson, Yuri Ivanov, Ryan Walsh
As the Bruins continue to retool their roster, these top prospects are poised to make their mark in the NHL. With a mix of skill, size, and potential, the future looks bright for the Bruins and their fans.
