2025 NHL DRAFT Thread

[bbfan419]

I see him more like Hughes. I don’t really think either guy will be a big miss. And I don’t really have a preference, I just think that’s what they would do.

You could be right and Sweeney loves his NCAA and local guys, but I think Misa will be a much better player.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

You could be right and Sweeney loves his NCAA and local guys, but I think Misa will be a much better player.

The local player trope is so overblown. 3.5 % of Bruins picks have been from NE under Sweeney. Of course Hagens is from NY, and Sweeney has drafted players from NY far more often than players from New England. Honestly, ae big criticism someone could have is he has missed a lot of players in his backyard that he didn't take

That said Sweeney likes NCAA and European players, that is true, but it is also likely a symptom of where the Bruins tend to draft, and the fact you have a much longer "amateur" development time available with a player before they have to make a commitment to the player for a professional contract

I don't believe that means they would take Hagens over Misa or Martone, but we would see. And it is not unthinkable.

Hagens was the best player by a wide margin on the US National development team as a 17. He also put up 47 points in 26 USHL games as a 17 year old? Anyone think he might have put up 120+ points if he played junior this year? He was the leading scorer in the world Under 18 tournament in 2024 outpacing McKenna, and he was top 10 in scoring in the world Junior this year as an 18 year old. Plus being a PPG guy at BC this year.

I am not saying I would take Hagens first, just saying it certainly wouldn't necessarily be wrong

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Yes but I still think that the center position is more important for the Bruins than to draft a defenseman like Smith, Hensler or Mrtka

Whoever they draft it's not likely they will be in the NHL next season. Who knows what they will need by the time this player is ready to play for the B's.

 

[Oates2Neely]

Bruins currently sitting at 8th overall

 

[DKH]

I’m expecting Bruins to jump to 2 OA after the lottery

Who do we take ?

I’ve seen Hagens a few times Kobe I’m impressed

 

[HustleB]

Looks like the 8th draft slot today with 3 teams on either side of us in flux. I expect to be 7-9. Maybe I should make 7-10 to account for lottery luck. Either way right on the fringe between the upper tier and everyone else it seems.

 

[chrisab123]

The local player trope is so overblown. 3.5 % of Bruins picks have been from NE under Sweeney. Of course Hagens is from NY, and Sweeney has drafted players from NY far more often than players from New England. Honestly, ae big criticism someone could have is he has missed a lot of players in his backyard that he didn't take

That said Sweeney likes NCAA and European players, that is true, but it is also likely a symptom of where the Bruins tend to draft, and the fact you have a much longer "amateur" development time available with a player before they have to make a commitment to the player for a professional contract

I don't believe that means they would take Hagens over Misa or Martone, but we would see. And it is not unthinkable.

Hagens was the best player by a wide margin on the US National development team as a 17. He also put up 47 points in 26 USHL games as a 17 year old? Anyone think he might have put up 120+ points if he played junior this year? He was the leading scorer in the world Under 18 tournament in 2024 outpacing McKenna, and he was top 10 in scoring in the world Junior this year as an 18 year old. Plus being a PPG guy at BC this year.

I am not saying I would take Hagens first, just saying it certainly wouldn't necessarily be wrong

I could see them taking Hagens #1 if they win the lottery. Like you said he does fit the mold of what they usually like. Granted I'm not a draft expert but looking at Martone vs Misa vs Hagens it does seem like Hagens would be more of a fit for organizational need, however, they need everywhere. Do I trust that Sweeney will make the right choice? Absolutely not. But Sweeney is going to be here for a long time unless he decides to move on, so you have to hope that he gets it right. On the surface, any of these kids would be a much needed upgrade for the system.

 

[Dr Hook]

That said Sweeney likes NCAA and European players, that is true, but it is also likely a symptom of where the Bruins tend to draft, and the fact you have a much longer "amateur" development time available with a player before they have to make a commitment to the player for a professional contract

This and the development cycle- Sweeney seems to take CHL players every 2-3 years in a given position. Would require more analysis than I am willing to do but at a glance it appears that way. 2022 was a big year for CHL players. IIRC, Dom had a lengthy article about this some time back where he asserted that the Bruins are trying to time players being ready for NHL contracts in a way that they aren't forced to sign 5 or 6 all at once to ELCs. I am simplifying somehwat probably, but it's along those lines.

 

[Saxon Eric]

 

[Dr Hook]

I hope they draft Bear for his name alone, though it also appears that he is a player that would fit the type of forward Sweeney likes to draft. More seriously, they could get lucky in the lottery, but are more likely to be in the bottom half of the top ten where the Bear will be roaming.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

I could see them taking Hagens #1 if they win the lottery. Like you said he does fit the mold of what they usually like. Granted I'm not a draft expert but looking at Martone vs Misa vs Hagens it does seem like Hagens would be more of a fit for organizational need, however, they need everywhere. Do I trust that Sweeney will make the right choice? Absolutely not. But Sweeney is going to be here for a long time unless he decides to move on, so you have to hope that he gets it right. On the surface, any of these kids would be a much needed upgrade for the system.

Not sure if I made it clear. While they like the longer development cycle, I don't believe that would be part of the equation if they ended up with a top 2 pick this year. Clearly anyone they would take in the top 2 is expected to be in the NHL by the start of the the 2026 season at the latest and likely in camp this fall expected to make the roster

 

[TD Charlie]

I can’t listen on principle. The spelling of this is bothersome

 

[neelynugs]

I hope they draft Bear for his name alone, though it also appears that he is a player that would fit the type of forward Sweeney likes to draft. More seriously, they could get lucky in the lottery, but are more likely to be in the bottom half of the top ten where the Bear will be roaming.

would surprise me if they took bear, especially around 7-10. he's out for the year with an achilles issue
and from what i've seen of him, he's better on the wing. good player though.

 

[22Brad Park]

Let’s hope they win the lottery. That would be super.

If they fluked out and won lottery,who are you taking or are you trading back a couple spots?

 

[22Brad Park]

would surprise me if they took bear, especially around 7-10. he's out for the year with an achilles issue
and from what i've seen of him, he's better on the wing. good player though.

Yea, I am not touching him with that high a pick if I am Bruins.

 

[Grasshopperking]

If we don't get one of the top three, I've got my fingers crossed for Frondell or Bear.

McQueen seems like high bust potential to me.

 

[Hookslide]

Boston got 1st overall on my 4th spin. 9th and 10th on the first 3.

So, the Bruins should demand 4 spins.

 

[22Brad Park]

If we don't get one of the top three, I've got my fingers crossed for Frondell or Bear.

McQueen seems like high bust potential to me.

Erik Karlsson had same injury I do believe .Recovery time usually between 6 to 9 months and hockey is probably one of best sports to get it say compared to NBA.Bear is not ranked in top 10 let alone where Bruins are gonna pick though..And I am not saying picking him could not be a homerun but it's another reach hoping for it.( A short reach but still players ranked better)

 

[Grasshopperking]

Erik Karlsson had same injury I do believe .Recovery time usually between 6 to 9 months and hockey is probably one of best sports to get it say compared to NBA.He is not ranked in top 10 let alone where Bruins are gonna pick though..

Yeah tbh I hadn't even seen that he had an achilles injury until now. Pretty rough.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Yea, I am not touching him with that high a pick if I am Bruins.

Because of the injury, or because of the player?

It would be hard to take him over someone like O'Brien now. That said if this injury causes him to slip into the 20s, I am doing whatever I can possibly do to get up to a pick to get him there. Maybe not the 2026 pick, but basically everything else I can move, the 2 seconds, one or two of the Providence guys, etc.

 

[22Brad Park]

Because of the injury, or because of the player?

It would be hard to take him over someone like O'Brien now. That said if this injury causes him to slip into the 20s, I am doing whatever I can possibly do to get up to a pick to get him there. Maybe not the 2026 pick, but basically everything else I can move, the 2 seconds, one or two of the Providence guys, etc.

Both for me but mostly I think better players will be there when Boston picks.( I am a sofa junkie though not a scout ) .I read about the recovery status for hockey players and it's excellent, but I am not taking that risk with players ranked higher when Bruins pick.I agree with you about O Brien.

 

[RiverbottomChuck]

The center breakdown seems to be like this to me so far based on lists and some reports/profiles I've read about the players.

Tier 1 Misa/Hagens really a toss up on preference but I lean towards Misa personally for the size and it seems like he is more versatile to me.

Tier 2 Frondell who could be most NHL ready of the bunch then Desnoyers who may have a higher ceiling but a lower floor as well. Both seem like top six 2 way guys if they hit their peak.

Tier 3 McQueen and possibly Bear. McQueen is very intriguing to me as a possible steal and could end up a physical force but also could end up being more middle 6. I admittedly don't know much about Bear besides a quick highlight video or two and the elite prospects profile.

Tier 4 Obrien and also possibly Bear both of which i probably should do more research on before giving an opinion but both have good qualities as well.

The B's could utilize any of them and could get a great player but it'd be extra nice if it's one that can help sooner rather then later.

 

[neelynugs]

The center breakdown seems to be like this to me so far based on lists and some reports/profiles I've read about the players.

Tier 1 Misa/Hagens really a toss up on preference but I lean towards Misa personally for the size and it seems like he is more versatile to me.

Tier 2 Frondell who could be most NHL ready of the bunch then Desnoyers who may have a higher ceiling but a lower floor as well. Both seem like top six 2 way guys if they hit their peak.

Tier 3 McQueen and possibly Bear. McQueen is very intriguing to me as a possible steal and could end up a physical force but also could end up being more middle 6. I admittedly don't know much about Bear besides a quick highlight video or two and the elite prospects profile.

Tier 4 Obrien and also possibly Bear both of which i probably should do more research on before giving an opinion but both have good qualities as well.

The B's could utilize any of them and could get a great player but it'd be extra nice if it's one that can help sooner rather then later.

i'd put o'brien in the same tier as frondell and desnoyers, personally.

also carter bear is really a winger. everett even lists him that way. i like him as a skilled winger
with energy and grit, but he's not the answer to this team's long term C issue.

 

[bbfan419]

The center breakdown seems to be like this to me so far based on lists and some reports/profiles I've read about the players.

Tier 1 Misa/Hagens really a toss up on preference but I lean towards Misa personally for the size and it seems like he is more versatile to me.

Tier 2 Frondell who could be most NHL ready of the bunch then Desnoyers who may have a higher ceiling but a lower floor as well. Both seem like top six 2 way guys if they hit their peak.

Tier 3 McQueen and possibly Bear. McQueen is very intriguing to me as a possible steal and could end up a physical force but also could end up being more middle 6. I admittedly don't know much about Bear besides a quick highlight video or two and the elite prospects profile.

Tier 4 Obrien and also possibly Bear both of which i probably should do more research on before giving an opinion but both have good qualities as well.

The B's could utilize any of them and could get a great player but it'd be extra nice if it's one that can help sooner rather then later.

I would put O'Brien with or ahead of Bear and McQueen. The one that worries me about Bear, is the injury he suffered near end of the season. McQueen like you said, he screams bust to me and we already have a big Center project in Letourneau.

 

[22Brad Park]

i'd put o'brien in the same tier as frondell and desnoyers, personally.

also carter bear is really a winger. everett even lists him that way. i like him as a skilled winger
with energy and grit, but he's not the answer to this team's long term C issue.

Frondell is probably most NHL ready of the bunch but I had enough of the Swedes here personally. I agree with you about Bear and winger with Silvertips and not the answer here.Who knows what Sweenious will do though.In meantime keep hoping they fall further and make it easier come pick time.