For the first time since 2013, the Bruins lack a first-round draft pick. Don Sweeney sent the pick (26th overall), Ryan Spooner, and Ryan Lindgren to the Big Apple in return for Rick Nash. Stocked with five selections, the Bruins still have ample opportunity to add impact prospects to their ranks.
Here are five players for the Bruins to keep an eye on.
Lukas Dostal, G, Trebic - Czech-2
Debatably the best goaltender in the class, Dostal would be a welcome addition to a goaltending pipeline bereft of top-notch talent.
Dostal received his first professional action this season, earning a .921 save percentage with Trebic. Dostal’s style is easily the most aggressive of all the goaltenders eligible for the draft, as he borderline hurls his body across the blue paint. His aptitude to make dramatic saves often forces his hand. His diminutive stature (6-foot-1, 165 pounds) ensures that he needs to venture out further in the crease to cut down shooters’ angles. This exposes the rest of the net to a cross-ice pass, yet his tremendous agility allows him to rack up flailing highlight-reel saves. Dostal tracks pucks well and can locate pucks through large crowds at a high level. He could have the highest ceiling in a weak draft class of goaltenders, and the Bruins would be wise to scoop him up if he slides into the second round.
Jay O’Brien, C, Thayer Academy - USHS
The Bruins love to draft local prospects (Matt Grzelcyk, Ryan Donato), so the addition of O’Brien would not be unheralded. The Hingham native is coached by former NHL player Tony Amonte, who represented the United States twice at the Winter Olympics. He lead the USHS in scoring with 80 points in 30 games. A talented distributor, O’Brien has the hands to juke multiple defenders. He boasts a deadly wrist shot and can score from any area on the ice. Don’t be surprised to see him fill up the stat sheet next season at Providence College.
Olivier Rodrigue, G, Drummondville - QMJHL
The Bruins could look at another undersized goaltender - this time the top-ranked North American goaltender. Rodrigue’s measurables don’t pop (6-foot-1, 159 pounds), but he has tremendous fundamentals. The butterfly goaltender squares to shooters and possesses extreme post-to-post quickness. Rebounds are non-existent against Rodrigue, as he steers pucks away with ease using an active stick. He combats high danger chances with a combination of phenomenal athleticism and good positioning. The Bruins need another goaltender in their system and Rodrigue would make a compelling fit.
Blade Jenkins, LW, Saginaw - OHL
Jenkins scored 20 goals and was named to the 2017-18 OHL first all-rookie team. Armed with high hockey IQ, Jenkins possesses pucks well down low and attacks the net. He battles in front of the net and uses his size to drive his north/south style of play. He resembles more of a traditional power forward, as someone who is capable of scrapping for pucks down and is difficult to play against. His scoring acumen will only improve as his speed and agility do. He can create opportunities for his linemates, especially below the dots. Jenkins is the type of player that would be welcomed in Boston for his physicality and goal-scoring.
Kevin Bahl, D, Ottawa - OHL
Bahl’s towering frame (6-foot-6) allows him to physically dominate opponents. He wins one-on-one battles by imposing his will on smaller forwards. He’s a smooth skater, but his skating ability does not translate to much on the offensive end. Known as one of the Ontario Hockey League’s premier shutdown defensemen, Bahl will need to round out the offensive side of his game in order to truly become a threat. Strong high IQ and a seemingly never-ending poke check allow for Bahl to eliminate opponents’ time and space with ease. Future Zdeno Chara? Possibly.