If the Bruins wanted to get back into the 1st round, the two teams I'd look at are Chicago & Nashville.
Chicago - #25
Nashville - #23 & #26
Some names that could be available in that mid 20's range:
Benjamin Kindel (RW/C)
- Team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
- Height/Weight: 5'10", 180 lbs | Shoots: Right
What Makes Him Good:
Kindel is a highly productive forward with excellent offensive instincts. He's a smart playmaker who sees the ice well and can make accurate passes, but also has a quick, dangerous shot. He's versatile enough to play center or wing, plays with a high motor and compete level, and works hard in all three zones. His quick skating helps him generate offense.
Areas to Improve:
He's a bit undersized, so he needs to get stronger to handle the physical demands of the NHL. He also needs to refine his shot for more consistent accuracy and improve puck management to reduce turnovers.
NHL Outlook: Projects as a skilled
middle-six (2nd/3rd line) forward who can contribute on the power play and play a solid two-way game.
Jack Nesbitt (C)
- Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 185-205 lbs | Shoots: Left
What Makes Him Good:
Nesbitt has excellent size and a strong frame for a center, with room to add more strength. He's known for his high hockey IQ and being very reliable in a two-way role, always seeming to be in the right place. His offensive game grew significantly in his draft year, especially around the net with tips and rebounds. He's physical, competitive, and can play in all situations.
Areas to Improve:
His biggest area for improvement is his skating speed, particularly his first-step quickness and top-end speed, which is common for larger players but crucial for the NHL. He's more solid than flashy offensively.
NHL Outlook: Projects as a
middle-six (2nd/3rd line) NHL center, likely a power forward type who excels in a responsible, two-way role.
Sascha Boumedienne (D)
- Team: Boston University (NCAA)
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 183 lbs | Shoots: Left
What Makes Him Good:
Boumedienne's elite skating (speed, agility, edge work) is his standout trait, making him a fantastic puck-mover and transition defenseman. He's confident at carrying the puck up ice and making accurate passes. He has good offensive instincts from the blue line, with a quick shot and strong vision, showing his potential as a power-play quarterback.
Areas to Improve:
His main focus needs to be on his defensive consistency and decision-making, as he can be prone to turnovers or risky plays under pressure. He also needs to add strength and improve his physicality in board battles and net-front coverage.
NHL Outlook: Projects as a
second-pairing offensive defenseman who can run a power play, but needs to round out his defensive game to be a consistent NHL regular.
Bill Zonnon (LW/C)
- Team: Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL)
- Height/Weight: 6'2", 190 lbs | Shoots: Left
What Makes Him Good:
Zonnon is a power forward with a strong frame who really "flipped a switch" in the back half of his draft year. He uses his size effectively to win puck battles, get to the net, and be strong on the forecheck. He plays a high-energy, competitive two-way game and has shown significant improvement in his offensive skill and playmaking, including strong passing. He's versatile, able to play both wing and center.
Areas to Improve:
While improved, his skating mechanics could still use refinement for better explosiveness. He needs to improve his shot selection and consistency in the defensive zone. Some consistency in his shift-to-shift intensity can also be developed.
NHL Outlook: Projects as a
middle-six (2nd/3rd line) power forward who can contribute offensively, drive play, and bring a physical, tenacious element to a lineup. He has the potential to be a very valuable, well-rounded forward.
Blake Fiddler (Defenseman)
- Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
- Height/Weight: 6'4", 209 lbs | Shoots: Right
What Makes Him Good:
Fiddler is a big, right-shot defenseman with impressive mobility and skating for his size. He's praised for his defensive game, including stifling rushes, strong gap control, and physicality in front of the net. He's reliable at moving the puck and transitioning play. His high hockey IQ and defensive instincts are key assets. He's also shown leadership, captaining Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Areas to Improve:
While he shows flashes, his offensive game isn't dominant, and he needs to improve his consistency in puck handling and decision-making under pressure. His skating explosiveness could still get better to consistently handle NHL forwards.
NHL Outlook: Projects as a
top-four, two-way defenseman, likely excelling in a
shutdown role. His size, skating, and defensive reliability are highly valued by NHL teams, especially as a right-shot D.
