NHL 2025 DRAFT - Bruins pick 7th

[PlayMakers]

I have a curiosity question … how much do scouts, NHL teams, prospect ranking companies look into a player’s family lineage to try and project potential?

Do rankings even consider future potential or are they based completely upon 'current ability' going into the draft?

Would/is family lineage be used to ‘try’ to predict the future development of the players? Do teams look at genetic traits, such as physical development, genetic preference tendencies, disposition, and temperament of other males in a prospect’s lineage? Do teams go to that extent? With the Bruins picking 7th in this draft there may be two, three or four prospects that all appear somewhat equally good choice based on immediate ability and development.

Someone like @DominicT is more qualified to answer this, but my opinion is yes to all of the above. I think family genetics has long been considered for insight into how a player might develop physically. A lot of the Canadian coaches and managers come from farming backgrounds where breeding livestock is a way of life. I don't think they look at genetics for things like temperament. They do player interviews and talk to coaches to evaluate mental makeup.

Fwiw, I think media based 'rankings' just look at current ability going into the draft. The real talent and challenge of scouting is looking at junior players and determining how those player's will develop over 4 years. How those players process the game and how they'll be able to adapt their strengths to playing within NHL systems and the NHL style game. There have been lots of 1st overalls and high picks who were the most skilled players in the world at 18 but couldn't figure out how to be effective within NHL systems or with the NHL game in general. Work ethic and character is huge too. You can be the most physically gifted, you can have a high IQ, but if you don't have the work ethic to improve, if you don't have the character to believe in yourself when you struggle at first from moving up a level, then all that talent will be wasted.

 

[LJReborn]

I am not saying this hasn't happened but has anyone heard those comparisons? And if he's a widely acknowledged defensive wizard, why isn't O'Brien going #1?

There are a lot of questions with him. I think if people told us we would come away with O'Brien or Martin two weeks ago we would all be disappointed. I'm looking at this as a three year thing with all these picks and just accumulate as much talent as you can, as you can't do anything about dropping two spots now, so JOB and Martin would fill that.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I love Victor Eklund and I'd be thrilled if the Bruins got him. Hoping for him or one of the top 6 to drop.

 

[Bruin4]

True. I think Pastrnak was the last guy we drafted who played from Year 1 for us? Or have there been other exceptions?

I think your right, and you never know, but I wouldn't expect any of these guys who the bruins pick at 7 to jump right into the NHL and produce this up coming year. Not saying it couldn't happen, but it will be nice to finally have a top prospect to follow.

 

[PepeBostones]

This is the guy I want. Is he there at 7th pick. Unfortunately don't think so.

Meet The Future – Caleb Desnoyers - LHJMQ

As cool as a cucumber. The QMJHL’s top prospect, Caleb Desnoyers is trusting the process and not putting any pressure on himself during his NHL Draft year.

chl.ca

 

[LJReborn]

I love Victor Eklund and I'd be thrilled if the Bruins got him. Hoping for him or one of the top 6 to drop.

Someone always falls, but will he be high on the Bruins list?

They are still in a good spot. Top 6 winger in Martone or Eklund or a center in JOB I am guessing. Would not be thrilled with Martin as he has 3C written all over him. Might be "safer" than JOB but they need that creativity down the middle, they just need to figure out if they can coach up his defense and 5v5 play.

 

[BruinDust]

Misa prefers center but can play wing so there's some ambiguity there. When he plays on a team with Desnoyer they made Misa a LW, but I'd think he'll stay at C in the NHL. Martin, I can see being converted to wing, just because of that old school mentality that wings are physical. That, and there are so many good C's in Canada that he probably gets moved over for international play. I think Desnoyer, Frondell and O'Brien will all be centers. I haven't seen them play anywhere else, or be listed as wingers anywhere else. Desnoyer and Frondell are classic two-way centers. O'Brien is that classic playmaking center.

I do agree you can drive play from any line, but how many times have you hear Team X can't win because they don't have a real #1 center? I don't know if that's a myth or not but it's a common theme among fans and talking heads.

I just find the line between a C and Winger has becoming increasingly blurred every passing year, at the NHL level specifically, with the speed, pace and style of today's NHL game.

I recall a point you made awhile back about defensive zone systems, and how maybe the zone D systems are going the way of the dodo bird. And watching these playoffs I'm starting to think you are bang on. In a zone D, you need that strong defensive player in the middle to help defend down low. Is these more fluid hybrid or man-to-man systems which seems to be where the game is trending, I don't think it matters as much. You get situations where the wingers have to come down low, centers chasing up high. In the offensive zone in the case of a turnover, the high forward is just that, the high forward, doesn't really matter what position they started on the face-off.

Going back to the draft, I don't look at it as it's super-hard to find elite centers outside of the Top 10 of the draft, I see it as it's super-hard to find truly elite players outside the Top 10 of the draft. This league is driven by elite players, the more of them you have, the better.

Colorado found that out the hard way this year. For years people screamed that Toronto needs to trade Nylander and spread his cap around to beef up the D and G. I think it's clear they made the right call holding onto Nylander who may be their best player. I don't see them letting Marner walk this summer.

The only reason the Bruins didn't fall off earlier like Chicago is because they found an elite player in Pasta in the later part of the 1st round, and found a pseudo-elite D-man in McAvoy outside the Top 10. Those two picks extended the Bruins window beyond that of their late 2000s/early 2010 contemporaries.

If I'm drafting high, I wouldn't be picky and try to identify a positional need. Whoever I feel the best player available is, should also be the one with the best chance of becoming an elite player, take that player.

 

[Bruin4]

I love Victor Eklund and I'd be thrilled if the Bruins got him. Hoping for him or one of the top 6 to drop.

Eklund is a player I see as being there. Of the consensus top 7 players, I wouldn't think he would be there, but that doesn't mean he's not one of the Bruins top 7 choices or one of the 6 teams picking in front of them.

 

[PepeBostones]

I tuned in Monctonlast fall to watch Loke Johansson but ended up watching Caleb Desnoyers many times this season. He's definitely my favorite. Dropping the two spots through the lottery could prove costly.

There are also a few others I've seen play a whole lot of games. Swedish wingers Anton Frontell and Victor Eklund of Djurgården (my team in Sweden) next also Eric Nilsson for midround. If the Bruins can get one of them it would great.

Some of these I've seen play only a few games but from WHL Jackson Smith, Cole Reschny, Braeden Cootes, Lyndon Lakovic are among the best, but are probably to early or too late for Bruins.
OHL prospects Porter Martone is a favorite and Brady Martin and Jack O'Brien are fast becoming one. For a while I was hoping to win the lottery to grab Matthew Schaefer who could be a cross between Ray Bourque and Paul Coffey. Lol... really not that level but heck of a talent

Some players I've noticed while watching Bruins prospects at BC of course are James Hagens and USHL Dubuque (Sean Barnhill D) and USNTP (William Moore, Cole McKinney, William Horcroff, Jacob Kvashnicka, L.J. Mooney) all forwards.

Others who impressed in the games I've seen from WHL for round 2-3-4 are D Peyton Kettles and Josh McGregor from Swift Current. Forwards Ben Kindel and Brandon Gorzynski from Calgary. From QMJHL Justin Carbonneau RW and Mateo Nobert C (Brainville-Boisbriand). These are notes from watching and even though a very small sample I look forward a Bruins draft and thought I'd share some.

 

[bobber]

Jack Nesbitt , 6'4" 184 pound C from the OHL Windsor Spitfires is another option for the Bruins after the first round. Big strong kid. I believe he had 84 points. Plays power play and PK. 2 shorties this season. Not sure Sweeney will stick to the CHL.

 

[DominicT]

I am almost certain the Bruins will seriously consider this player in the fourth round. They've already scouted him for 2 years. Will play in the OHL with Kingston next season and then head to the NCAA with Penn State for 2026-2027.

Kieren Dervin – Kingston Frontenacs – Player Profile

HTWTDOBPOSSHOHL DRAFTNHLCSNAT6’2”181Mar 31, 2007CLeft86th 202371st NACAN SEASONLEAGUETEAMGPGAPTS2023-2024U18 AAASt Andrew’s College49153247 PHCSt Andrew’s College12210122024-2025U18 AAASt Andr…

ohlwriters.me

 

[Jim]

Every draft eligible player is going to get praise and comparison from their coaches prior and past, its the nature of the beast. In the end its all up to the bruins brain-trust on who they take. O'Brien could be there and is a pretty likely target

Yeah it’s like audiophiles reviewing new speakers. You almost never read an article where the guys just say, “they’re ok.”

 

[DaBroons]

I just find the line between a C and Winger has becoming increasingly blurred every passing year, at the NHL level specifically, with the speed, pace and style of today's NHL game.

I recall a point you made awhile back about defensive zone systems, and how maybe the zone D systems are going the way of the dodo bird. And watching these playoffs I'm starting to think you are bang on. In a zone D, you need that strong defensive player in the middle to help defend down low. Is these more fluid hybrid or man-to-man systems which seems to be where the game is trending, I don't think it matters as much. You get situations where the wingers have to come down low, centers chasing up high. In the offensive zone in the case of a turnover, the high forward is just that, the high forward, doesn't really matter what position they started on the face-off.

Going back to the draft, I don't look at it as it's super-hard to find elite centers outside of the Top 10 of the draft, I see it as it's super-hard to find truly elite players outside the Top 10 of the draft. This league is driven by elite players, the more of them you have, the better.

Colorado found that out the hard way this year. For years people screamed that Toronto needs to trade Nylander and spread his cap around to beef up the D and G. I think it's clear they made the right call holding onto Nylander who may be their best player. I don't see them letting Marner walk this summer.

The only reason the Bruins didn't fall off earlier like Chicago is because they found an elite player in Pasta in the later part of the 1st round, and found a pseudo-elite D-man in McAvoy outside the Top 10. Those two picks extended the Bruins window beyond that of their late 2000s/early 2010 contemporaries.

If I'm drafting high, I wouldn't be picky and try to identify a positional need. Whoever I feel the best player available is, should also be the one with the best chance of becoming an elite player, take that player.

True enough. Whoever plays center has to do well at faceoffs. I always thought that Taylor Hall would be a great center, although I have no idea whether he's any good on the draw. He skates like the wind and is more of a passer than a shooter, although he shoots well enough.

Couldn't agree more on the BPA and the player with the highest upside.

 

[PlayMakers]

I just find the line between a C and Winger has becoming increasingly blurred every passing year, at the NHL level specifically, with the speed, pace and style of today's NHL game.

I recall a point you made awhile back about defensive zone systems, and how maybe the zone D systems are going the way of the dodo bird. And watching these playoffs I'm starting to think you are bang on. In a zone D, you need that strong defensive player in the middle to help defend down low. Is these more fluid hybrid or man-to-man systems which seems to be where the game is trending, I don't think it matters as much. You get situations where the wingers have to come down low, centers chasing up high. In the offensive zone in the case of a turnover, the high forward is just that, the high forward, doesn't really matter what position they started on the face-off.

Going back to the draft, I don't look at it as it's super-hard to find elite centers outside of the Top 10 of the draft, I see it as it's super-hard to find truly elite players outside the Top 10 of the draft. This league is driven by elite players, the more of them you have, the better.

Colorado found that out the hard way this year. For years people screamed that Toronto needs to trade Nylander and spread his cap around to beef up the D and G. I think it's clear they made the right call holding onto Nylander who may be their best player. I don't see them letting Marner walk this summer.

The only reason the Bruins didn't fall off earlier like Chicago is because they found an elite player in Pasta in the later part of the 1st round, and found a pseudo-elite D-man in McAvoy outside the Top 10. Those two picks extended the Bruins window beyond that of their late 2000s/early 2010 contemporaries.

If I'm drafting high, I wouldn't be picky and try to identify a positional need. Whoever I feel the best player available is, should also be the one with the best chance of becoming an elite player, take that player.

Very good post.

 

[pucksindeep92]

Jack Nesbitt , 6'4" 184 pound C from the OHL Windsor Spitfires is another option for the Bruins after the first round. Big strong kid. I believe he had 84 points. Plays power play and PK. 2 shorties this season. Not sure Sweeney will stick to the CHL.

I see him dealing into a late first somehow to target Nesbitt, and have been mentioning him as of late. Amico would be the other big body to make moves for imo. Gut feeling is he wants as many dart throws as possible, and that draft will see some bold action carried over from the TDL

 

[Tbaybruin]

I’ve ran the draft simulator 128 times this week I can’t believe 128 7th pick. Unlucky.

 

[Coach Parker]

Someone always falls, but will he be high on the Bruins list?

They are still in a good spot. Top 6 winger in Martone or Eklund or a center in JOB I am guessing. Would not be thrilled with Martin as he has 3C written all over him. Might be "safer" than JOB but they need that creativity down the middle, they just need to figure out if they can coach up his defense and 5v5 play.

Am I the only one who wants McQueen over Desnoyers, Martin and O'Brien?

I remember when injuries pushed teams away from drafting a young Czech winger so the Bruins got him late.

I am genuinely curious as to how much the Bruins and other teams medical staff will have access to McQueen.

Once Boston loses out on Misa, Hagens and Frondell at that point I am genuinely curious as to who would take a risk on the upside of McQueen over the 2nd line potential of Desnoyers, O'Brien and Martin.

Maybe Desnoyers upside is higher than what I've read.

 

[Coach Parker]

I tuned in Monctonlast fall to watch Loke Johansson but ended up watching Caleb Desnoyers many times this season. He's definitely my favorite. Dropping the two spots through the lottery could prove costly.

There are also a few others I've seen play a whole lot of games. Swedish wingers Anton Frontell and Victor Eklund of Djurgården (my team in Sweden) next also Eric Nilsson for midround. If the Bruins can get one of them it would great.

Some of these I've seen play only a few games but from WHL Jackson Smith, Cole Reschny, Braeden Cootes, Lyndon Lakovic are among the best, but are probably to early or too late for Bruins.
OHL prospects Porter Martone is a favorite and Brady Martin and Jack O'Brien are fast becoming one. For a while I was hoping to win the lottery to grab Matthew Schaefer who could be a cross between Ray Bourque and Paul Coffey. Lol... really not that level but heck of a talent

Some players I've noticed while watching Bruins prospects at BC of course are James Hagens and USHL Dubuque (Sean Barnhill D) and USNTP (William Moore, Cole McKinney, William Horcroff, Jacob Kvashnicka, L.J. Mooney) all forwards.

Others who impressed in the games I've seen from WHL for round 2-3-4 are D Peyton Kettles and Josh McGregor from Swift Current. Forwards Ben Kindel and Brandon Gorzynski from Calgary. From QMJHL Justin Carbonneau RW and Mateo Nobert C (Brainville-Boisbriand). These are notes from watching and even though a very small sample I look forward a Bruins draft and thought I'd share some.

Thank you very much for posting this here for us!

 

[tradefirst]

Am I the only one who wants McQueen over Desnoyers, Martin and O'Brien?

I remember when injuries pushed teams away from drafting a young Czech winger so the Bruins got him late.

I am genuinely curious as to how much the Bruins and other teams medical staff will have access to McQueen.

Once Boston loses out on Misa, Hagens and Frondell at that point I am genuinely curious as to who would take a risk on the upside of McQueen over the 2nd line potential of Desnoyers, O'Brien and Martin.

Maybe Desnoyers upside is higher than what I've read.

Am I the only one who wants McQueen over Desnoyers, Martin and O'Brien? YES

Bruins prospect list is thin, very thin
They have been fortunate to draft Lohreil & Poitras in round 2

Lysell seems to be a 1st round miss

BPA or Trade down for draft capital

#7 to Detroit for #13 + a 2nd

 

[LJReborn]

Am I the only one who wants McQueen over Desnoyers, Martin and O'Brien?

I remember when injuries pushed teams away from drafting a young Czech winger so the Bruins got him late.

I am genuinely curious as to how much the Bruins and other teams medical staff will have access to McQueen.

Once Boston loses out on Misa, Hagens and Frondell at that point I am genuinely curious as to who would take a risk on the upside of McQueen over the 2nd line potential of Desnoyers, O'Brien and Martin.

Maybe Desnoyers upside is higher than what I've read.

If you're comfortable with McQueen's medicals I would put him after Desnoyers but well in front of JOB and Martin.

 

[bbfan419]

Just got back from game 1 of the QMJHL Finals, Moncton beat Rimouski 4-1 and the score flatters Rimouski, Wildcats out-shot them 38-14. Desnoyers had an assist, beautiful no look pass on the first goal, he also had a real slick little play where he completely fooled the goalie and went around him, just hit the post, so close to a nice goal. Overall good game for Desnoyers who played so well with Pekarcik.

 

[pucksindeep92]

BPA or Trade down for draft capital

#7 to Detroit for #13 + a 2nd

The gap between #7 and #13 is worth quite a bit more than a 2nd…

 

[BiteThisBurrows]

Jack Nesbitt , 6'4" 184 pound C from the OHL Windsor Spitfires is another option for the Bruins after the first round. Big strong kid. I believe he had 84 points. Plays power play and PK. 2 shorties this season. Not sure Sweeney will stick to the CHL.

Second round I like Vaclav Nestrasil. Big boy. Has similarities to Washinton's Protas imo.

 

[KnightofBoston]

The gap between #7 and #13 is worth quite a bit more than a 2nd…

Yea, now that would be the reach that would have everyone pulling out their pitchforks

 

[Clint Eastwood]

Am I the only one who wants McQueen over Desnoyers, Martin and O'Brien?

I remember when injuries pushed teams away from drafting a young Czech winger so the Bruins got him late.

I am genuinely curious as to how much the Bruins and other teams medical staff will have access to McQueen.

Once Boston loses out on Misa, Hagens and Frondell at that point I am genuinely curious as to who would take a risk on the upside of McQueen over the 2nd line potential of Desnoyers, O'Brien and Martin.

Maybe Desnoyers upside is higher than what I've read.

On the flip side, I remember the injury concerns with Nolan Patrick. The Flyers took him at 2OA still and it tailspun his career like no tomorrow. One of the most unfortunate draft stories in the last decade.

Roger McQueen reportedly has spondylosis. It can be a chronic injury that affects the spine. A chronic back injury raises a BUNCH of red flags to me. The back ain't something to take lightly. I think with our prospects being as bare as they are, the risks outweigh the possible reward with him.

As you said, it really depends on how Boston's medical staff sees him. If they think this could be dealt with then it might be a chance worth taking in Sweeney's eyes. I just think that's a pick that a team like Anaheim or Buffalo could afford to take a swing on as they're not lacking in prospects.

I think with McQueen having the injury history he's had, the risks could lead to either

A) Stunt his career completely
B) Stunt his development if he can't stay healthy in his formative years which can limit his ceiling
C) lead him to be an effective, even high end NHLer who can't play a full 82.

I think the optimistic way to look at it is looking at Gabe Vilardi. He also had some reported chronic back issues and he's turned out to be an effective player. Even then, he's yet to play a full 82.

Either way, I hope he overcomes it no matter where he's drafted.