Where Boston Bruins Prospects from the 2022 Draft Will Be Playing This Season
As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, the Boston Bruins are evaluating their prospects from the 2022 NHL Draft. With recent call-ups such as Mason Lohrei, Matt Poitras, and John Beecher likely to join the NHL roster, the Bruins’ prospect pool has thinned. Here’s a look at where the remaining prospects from the 2022 draft class are expected to play this season:
Matt Poitras (2nd Round)
Matt Poitras, who impressed in his rookie NHL season with five goals and ten assists in 33 games before a shoulder injury cut his season short, is expected to make a significant impact. Despite his slight build, Poitras showcased his offensive creativity and playmaking skills. He has spent the offseason adding muscle and is anticipated to be fully healthy for the upcoming training camp. With a strong performance in camp, Poitras is likely to start the 2024-25 season with the Bruins.
Cole Spicer (4th Round)
Cole Spicer faced challenges over the past two seasons. After a brief stint at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he accumulated eight goals and nine assists in 49 games, Spicer encountered academic issues and was ineligible for the latter part of last season. Recently, he announced he is stepping away from hockey for personal reasons, leaving his future in the sport uncertain. The Bruins no longer hold his rights, and it remains to be seen if he will return to play in the near future.
Dans Locmelis (4th Round)
Dans Locmelis, a center for the University of Massachusetts Amherst, demonstrated his potential last season with seven goals and seven assists in 30 games. He also represented Latvia in the World Junior Championships, earning five points in five games. As he enters his sophomore year with the Minutemen, Locmelis is expected to take on a larger role and could be a key player in the Hockey East Conference.
Frederic Brunet (5th Round)
Frederic Brunet, a 6-foot-3 defenseman, played 48 games for the Providence Bruins last season, contributing two goals and ten assists. The late-round pick has shown promise, and the upcoming season should provide him with opportunities to further develop his offensive skills and play a crucial role with the AHL team.
Reid Dyck (6th Round)
Reid Dyck, a goaltender selected in the 6th round, will not be part of the Bruins’ plans this season. The team decided not to sign him to an entry-level contract, so he will continue his career with the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League.
Jackson Edward (7th Round)
Jackson Edward, a defenseman, has seen his stock rise with improved offensive contributions. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Edward was notable for his performance with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League and the Memorial Cup playoffs, where he tallied 11 points. Known for his physical play, Edward will continue his development with the Providence Bruins this season, with a potential future in the NHL.
The 2022 draft class for the Bruins includes several intriguing prospects. Poitras leads the group with high expectations, while Brunet and Edward are set to gain valuable experience in Providence. Locmelis remains a player to watch in collegiate hockey, and Spicer’s future remains uncertain. Despite the current thinness of the Bruins’ prospect pool, there is cautious optimism for the potential impact of this draft class.
