Team: 2021-22 Boston Bruins

Initial Creation Date: Dec. 13, 2021

Published: Dec. 13, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

These are in the same order that I wrote them last time, with new updates at the end. Every 5 updates, I think I'll make an all prospects roster (U26), just to show how I value these players that I'm talking about in relation to each other.

Fabian Lysell: Last update, Lysell had put up 6 goals and 12 assists (18 points) in 17 WHL games. Since then, his offensive production has not dropped off, and he's easily cemented himself as a top prospect for Boston, now boasting 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 23 games. His play has also earned him a spot on Sweden's WJC camp roster, and it's pretty much a guarantee that he makes the cut. Lysell's ability to not only play the game at a fast pace, but also to think the game at an equally fast pace is what has really cemented himself as a constant scoring threat in the WHL so far this season. I look forward to seeing how the WJC goes for him, as I think he'll be given plenty of opportunities against other top prospects, and I hope to see his skills on full display.

Brett Harrison: In the last update, Harrison had put up 8 goals and 7 assists in 12 OHL games for Oshawa. Since then, he's continued to put up numbers at a consistent pace, now with 15 goals and 11 assists (26 points) in 21 games, and he was totally snubbed from Team Canada's U20 camp for the WJC. Not saying he'd make it, but his size and his ability to crash the net and to be constantly active and dangerous around the net front I thought would entice scouts enough for at least a shot at the WJC. I went back recently and looked at where Harrison was projected to go in the 2021 draft, and the consensus from scouting agencies seemed to be early to mid second round, with one scouring organization having Harrison gone in the first round. So, I really don't know how he fell to Boston in the 3rd round. Even with the small sample size of games in the 2020-21 season when he went overseas to play in Finland, players were drafted ahead of him who missed the entire year hoping for the OHL to get back in business. I think that Harrison could prove to be the best center prospect in the Bruins system right now (quote me on that).

Jake Schmaltz: Last update, I'd noted that Schmaltz had been putting up a respectable point pace with 4 goals and 7 assists in 15 NCAA games for North Dakota. Since then, he's only scored one goal in the past 4 games, brining his stat line to 5-7-12 in 19 games. Not bad for a guy heavily relied upon defensively and not given much opportunity in the offensive zone, but the production has dipped in the past couple of games. What has been on display, however, has been the hockey IQ and the strong positional play that allows Schmaltz to be an effective penalty killer for North Dakota. One thing he needs to improve is his strength, as he's light for his size and putting on some muscle would do wonders for his ability to play along the boards, which would help round out his game both offensively and defensively.

Quinn Olson: Last update, Olson had produces 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points in 14 games for Minnesota-Duluth. I'd mentioned that his lack of speed has really hindered his ability to use his offensive toolkit, which is impressive if the team gets sustained pressure, but you might as well forget about Olson if the offense is generated through the transition game. Since then, however, Olson's offensive output has rebounded, and he now has 3 goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 18 games, with a goal and 2 assists in the 4 games since the last update. Not bad, but the issues still remain. And another one has revealed itself: Olson needs to be better disciplined with his stick. He's in the box too often for my liking, and it often comes as a result of his inability to keep up with his opposition.

Ty Gallagher: Last update, Gallagher had put up 2 goals and 4 assists in 15 NCAA games as a freshman for BU. He's playing well in all three zones and has been easily one of the biggest surprises for Boston this season. He now boasts 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 points in 18 games, 3 assists in the three games since last update. That's excellent production for a freshman defenseman, especially one that was a seventh-round pick and isn't an offensively-minded defenseman by any means.

Trevor Kuntar: Last update, Kuntar had posted 4 goals and 4 assists through 14 games for BC. Now, he's got 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points in 16 games, which ties his point total from last season in 7 fewer games. Kuntar's shot is what makes him dangerous, as he rarely misses where he wants to put it and his release is quick. Like I noted last time, Kuntar needs to improve defensively if he wants to take the next step towards being a legitimate NHL prospect.

Mason Lohrei: I don't think there's any doubt who the best defensive prospect in the Bruins system is. Lohrei is firing on all cylinders for Ohio State in the NCAA, putting up 2 goals and 12 assists in 16 games for the Buckeyes, leading the team in points as a freshman defenseman. Everything about Lohrei's smooth transition from the USHL up to the NCAA has impressed me, and I'm definitely excited to see Lohrei transition up to the AHL in a couple of years.

John Beecher: I haven't missed a game of the Michigan Wolverines hockey this season (Go Blue!), and watching them has made me realize one thing: John Beecher will never be a prolific scorer. Ever. Doesn't matter what situation you put him in, his play style doesn't translate to offensive production. He makes his mark defensively and physically, and he is dominant in both of those regards. Still, he posts 2 goals and 2 assists through 12 games so far for the Wolverines. It's time to give up on Beecher as a top six center. His offensive abilities will never be good enough to put up the numbers needed by a 2C. He is, however, very close to NHL ready, I think. A move up to the AHL next year is in order, and I think he'll prove that his defensive output and his physicality, along with his speed, are enough to be a useful bottom six center, and I think he fits a third line role really well.

Oskar Jellvik: I was really hoping that Jellvik would get a chance at the WJC by making Sweden's camp roster. Alas, he wasn't given a shot, but his offense has been solid for Djurgardens in the Swedish J20 Nationell, putting up 11 goals and 14 assists for 25 points in 23 games, 7 of those points coming in the 4 games played since the last update. What's most interesting about Jellvik, though, is that he very recently committed to Boston College for next season. He's coming over to America! Next year will be a real indicator of what we have with this kid, as he should be given a very good opportunity to showcase his offensive toolkit for the Eagles next year.

Ryan Mast: The big blue liner for the OHL's Sarnia Sting has been very good in all three zones thus far, as Mast has put up 3 goals and 11 points in 25 games for Sarnia so far this year. Offense isn't really the name of the game for Mast anyway, but I'm happy with his production at this point, as his rookie season saw Mast put up 11 points in 58 games, more than double what he needed this year put up the same number of points. Watch for him to get signed to his ELC at the end of the year, as I think t=he may get a shot sooner rather than later at least in the AHL with his easily translatable defensive play-style.

AHL players that have impressed me are: Oskar Steen, Zach Senyshyn, Jesper Froden, Jack Ahcan, Jack Studnicka, Jakub Lauko, Samuel Asselin, Eduards Tralmaks, Kyle Keyser.

AHLers dropped out: John Moore (Up in NHL), Brady Lyle

Player(s) who have dropped off my radar for now: Andre Gasseau

Here's my Bruins U26 roster: (Taxi Squad is honorable mentions)