2024 NHL Mock Draft Roundup: Bruins Predictions for First-Round Pick originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins are back in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
They acquired the 25th overall pick of the Ottawa Senators as part of the Linus Ullmark trade earlier this week.
Boston originally owned this pick before sending it to the Detroit Red Wings in the Tyler Bertuzzi trade in March 2023. The pick was eventually transferred to the Senators in the Alex DeBrincat trade in July 2023.
The Bruins have made a lot of draft picks in recent years, especially in trade deadline deals. As a result, they have made just two first-round picks in the last six drafts, the most recent being right wing Fabian Lysell at 21st overall in 2021.
It would really help the talent level and depth of the Bruins’ weak prospect pool if the team kept this pick. On the other hand, you could argue that trading this pick as part of a deal for a veteran player who can help the team win now is the smartest course of action.
If the B’s keep the pick, what type of player should they take? It is often wise to select the best player available when drafting near the end of the first round and not worry too much about necessity. But the Bruins could really use more depth at center.
Matthew Poitras’ faster-than-expected rise through the organization has left the Bruins without many center prospects who have major upside. The left wing is another organizational need. Brad Marchand is 35 years old and Jake DeBrusk could test the free agent market next week. After these two players, the options on the left wing are not good.
Which players could the Bruins consider drafting at No. 25 overall? Here’s a summary of experts’ recent draft predictions.
Jason Bukala, Sportsnet: Cole Hutson, D, USNTDP
Rachel Doerrie, ESPN: Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL)
Adam Kimelman, NHL.com: Egor Surin, C, Yaroslavl Jr.
Mike Morreale, NHL.com: Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie (OHL)
Kyle Woodlief, USA TODAY Sports: Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph (OHL)
Tony Ferrari, hockey news: Dean Letourneau, C, St.
Bryan Murphy, sports news: Dean Letourneau, C, St.
Brayton J. Wilson, WGR Sports Radio 550 (Buffalo): EJ Emery, D USNTDP
Tankatona: Andrew Basha, LW, Medicine Hat (WHL)
