This will be my first installment of my Bruins Prospect Update, in which I detail each notable Bruins prospect's performance every couple of weeks. This year, unlike last year, I have decided to include players playing in the AHL, as many of the top prospects which I discussed last year are now playing for the Providence Bruins, and I believe that it'd be a good idea to make you all aware of their performance at that level. Prospects are listed alphabetically.

Jack Ahcan, Providence Bruins (AHL): Ahcan has had a bit of a slow start to the 2022-23 campaign, going pointless in the opening 2 games of the season. Overall, there isn't much to say about him so far: he hasn't provided many positives in any areas, but hasn't been particularly bad in any areas, either. Overall, I'll need to wait to give you a more comprehensive report.

John Beecher, Providence Bruins (AHL): Beecher, while not registering a point yet in 2 AHL games, has been effective on the ice. His speed and high hockey IQ are evident whenever he's on the ice, and he makes himself known through his effort and willingness to be physical. He's playing like a veteran player, and I believe that the offense will come. He has adjusted well to the speed of the game from college to the AHL, and I think that he's played very well in his role to open the season. Obviously, you'd hope for eye-popping offensive numbers, but Beecher just isn't that guy. He's going to be more of a value in the defensive zone than on offense, and he's already proving that he can continue to be that kind of player at the AHL level.

Frederic Brunet, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): Brunet, a 2022 draft selection of the Bruins, is off to a pretty solid start to his QMJHL campaign, registering 6 assists in 8 games for the Oceanic. What's interesting to me with Brunet is that the Oceanic staff has been playing Brunet at center about as much as he's been at his natural defensive position. It may be because Brunet has struggled defensively to open the year. He is a more natural offensive defender, using his good skating ability and puck handling skills to be effective on the rush. He's been given more opportunities to do that as a center than on defense, so maybe it'll be a permanent transition. It'll be interesting to follow Brunet's development in the coming weeks.

Riley Duran, Providence College (NCAA): Duran might be off to the best start of any Bruins prospect, registering 4 goals and an assists for 5 points in 3 games. What's equally impressive is his defensive game: it appears that he put in a lot of work in that end over the summer, and it's paying off right now. He is much more active in the defensive end with his stick, blocking passing lanes and being more productive with generating turnovers. Offensively, Duran was good last year, just wasn't playing much. Now, he's getting prime opportunities to play, and he's taken off as a result. It's early, but expect big things out of Riley Duran this season.

Ty Gallagher, Boston University (NCAA): Gallagher's start to his second NCAA campaign has been a quiet one, but that's kind of a good thing. Gallagher has put up one assist in 3 games, but what he's provided the Terriers is good, reliable, and consistent defense that has provided him opportunities for more ice time than he was receiving last season. Still, I'd be lying if I said I'm thrilled with Gallagher's offensive output. His shot is really good, and I'd like to see him use it more. Still, it's early, and Gallagher has played fairly well. I hope more is to come for him.

Brett Harrison, Oshawa Generals (OHL): Harrison isn't off to a very good start to his OHL campaign, scoring 1 goal in 2 games, but also looking a bit lost defensively and physically, which is a big part to his game. I need more time to view him before I get really concerned, but of my viewings this season, Harrison looks rusty. I'll wait and see if he can snap out of it.

Dans Locmelis, Lulea J20 (J20 Nationell): Locmelis, another 2022 draft pick for Boston, is off to a pretty good start with his J20 team in Sweden, putting up 6 goals and 6 assists for a very balanced 12 points in 10 games. What's interesting is that he's committed to play in the NCAA next season for Northern Michigan University, not a top university by any means but it'll still be good to see him perform at the NCAA level, instead of wondering how he'll do in the smaller rinks here in the states. Locmelis is a do-it-all offensive threat who needs to work on the details of his game, particularly defensively. But, raw as he is, I think Locmelis could play his way into an SHL stint this season, should he continue to perform this well. And a second WJC bid from him wouldn't be out of the question, either.

Mason Lohrei, Ohio State University (NCAA): On paper, the Bruins top defensive prospect may be seeing a slow offensive start to the year. He's got 3 assists in 6 games thus far. But, the team around Lohrei has gotten significantly worse than last season, and it's clear that Lohrei is far and away the best player on this Buckeye's roster. He's been playing over 22 minutes a game, and even hit 30 a few games ago against Wisconsin. He's a defensive stalwart, offensively gifted, and a well above average skater with a huge frame. While the points might not come as much as last season, Lohrei is still playing at a very high level, and I'd expect a Providence Bruins stint by the end of the season.

Fabian Lysell, Providence Bruins (AHL): If Duran hasn't had the best start to the season for Bruins kids, then it's definitely been Lysell. He's put up a goal and three assists for 4 points in 2 games to start his professional career in North America. Lysell's talents are well documented, so I won't bore you with the same schtick about his skating or offensive talents. What I will tell you is that he's playing a professional, and a real good one at that. He should be knocking on the big club's door very soon should he keep this up, and I think his first call up will be his last, and he'll say goodbye to the Providence Bruins for good.

Marc McLaughlin, Providence Bruins (AHL): We all know how good McLaughlin is. The skating, the shot, the effort, it's all there. He's put up an assist in the first two games of the season, and I expect a big year from him, that probably sees him hit the NHL at some point. Let's all hope for a good season from this kid.

Georgii Merkulov, Providence Bruins (AHL): Nice start to the season from Merkulov, putting up 2 goals in 2 games to open up his first full season in the AHL. I think Merkulov still has work to do before being considered for the NHL, especially working on the details in the defensive end of the ice. Still, it's nice to see that his offense has translated fairly well from the NCAA to the AHL, as it appeared to do last season in that short AHL stint as well. I'm not sure what to expect from Merkulov: a one-and-done in the NCAA, and one of the least documented NCAA free agents from this past season. Still, numbers don't lie, and they seem to be in favor of this kid. Wait and see, he may be a sneaky pick up for Boston.


I left out Gasseau, Kuntar, and Jellvik, as I haven't been able to watch any Boston College games yet this season. Hopefully by next update I'll have found the time to watch them and will have a report for you guys. Other guys I have yet to view but will have reports for eventually: Ryan Mast, Matthew Poitras (nice start from him tho), Cole Spicer. Sorry, not a ton of free time recently, and I'd like to view them myself before writing a report.

This Will be the Second Installment of my Bruins Prospect Updates this year, and this forum will be the master thread for all of my installments this year. Also, unlike last year, I will be dong these updates monthly, as opposed to the bi-or-tri-weekly installments of last season. It just makes more sense for me to really take time to watch the players and take my time on these installments than to rush out installments where I haven't watched half of the players I'm writing about in the interim. Anyways, let's get to it.

Jack Ahcan, Providence Bruins (AHL): Ahcan is still waiting for an offensive breakout as the 2022-23 season leaves its preliminary stages. Ahcan has so far put up just 3 assists over 12 games, which is three assists in the 10 games since the first update. He seems a bit less confident with the puck than in the past: he's been a very effective puck moving defender in the past, very effective on the breakout with his quick feet and hands and high-level vision and passing ability. But this year just feels different. If he continues to play this way, I wouldn't expect to see him in the NHL for a stint like he got last year, but I also don't expect this play to last for too long. Still a wait and see for him, but let's say that my optimism is slightly lower for him than it was earlier this year.

John Beecher, Providence Bruins (AHL): Beecher has continued to be an effective two-way pivot for the Baby Bruins, but he now has some points to his name unlike last update. Beecher currently has 2 goals and an assist for 3 points in 12 games in the AHL, all 3 points coming in the 10 games since the last update. Of course, those aren't eye-catching numbers by any means. But, as I've mentioned at length over the past season and a quarter; Beecher will never be a points-oriented forward. He is very detailed-oriented, plays the game the way coaches love, and is far more interested in keeping the puck out of his own net than putting it in the opponent's. That isn't to say that Beecher doesn't have some skills in the o zone: his shot is very powerful and he's very effective in transition with his skating. But he just doesn't play all that offensive-minded. And that's okay; it works for him. He projects as an NHLer, he's probably been the most consistent prospect in the AHL for the Bruins in terms of effort and results, but the results that Beecher put up simply don't show up on the stat sheet. I'd expect Beecher to be called up at some point during the season for a bottom six role, especially if there are injuries. He's playing well enough to have earned it, in my opinion.

Frederic Brunet, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): Brunet was one of those names in the 2022 draft that I didn't expect to get selected as an overaged player. That being said, Boston took him, and he's been playing some fantastic hockey this season in the Q. Brunet, an offensive defenseman by trade, currently has put up 3 goals and 18 assists for 21 points in 20 games, which is 3 goals and 12 assists in the 12 games since the last update. Last update, I mentioned the move by the Oceanic staff to give Brunet opportunities at both center and defenseman, as Brunet's defensive game was struggling to open up the year. Since then, those opportunities have continued to happen for Brunet, but he has settled down a bit defensively. Don't get me wrong; Brunet has quite a way to go before being considered even a two-way defender, but he hasn't been as reckless in his own end as he had been to open up the year. A quick turnaround for him in that regard, and the offense has continued to flow, even more so in fact. Brunet could be in for a big year, and I'm excited to see what he can do in the coming months. Don't be too shocked, should Brunet continue to play this well, if he receives an ELC following this year.

Michael Callahan, Providence Bruins (AHL): Callahan has yet to show up on the score sheet over 10 games this season for the P-Bruins, but he's been decent overall as a player. We have to remember that Callahan is not an offensive defender (that one year in college was an anomaly), and that Callahan is a physical and defensive-minded defender by trade. He has very much played to his strengths this season, and has done pretty well in his albeit limited roles. His physicality is what stands out the most; the kid likes to hit. It's apparent that Callahan hasn't won over much of the coaching staff in Providence; he plays third pairing minutes and has even been scratched for 2 games over the course of 12 games to open up the year. But, in time, I think that Callahan might become a defensive anchor for the P-Bruins, maybe even by the end of the year. He just needs an opportunity to perform, as the game, I think, is there.

Riley Duran, Providence College (NCAA): Duran, despite losing his point-per-game pace of the previous update, has been far-and-away the best all-around player for the Friars this year, and the best Bruins prospect not playing for the P-Bruins this year. Yes, that includes Mason Lohrei. Duran currently has put up 7 goals and three assists for 10 points in 11 games for the Friars, which is 3 goals and 2 assists for 5 points in 7 games since the last update. Duran, like I mentioned last update, has been much better defensively than at any other point in his hockey career to date. He's playing like a kid who wants his ELC now, and I think he's going to earn it. He's not NHL ready, but give this kid a year or two in the AHL, and you'll see him fighting for a roster spot on the big club. I'm overexcited to see what this kid can do going forward, and I have high hopes for what is a former sixth round selection.

Jackson Edward, London Knights (OHL): Edward, another late round selection of the Bruins, has been playing pretty well for the Knights to kick off this year. So far, he's got 3 goals and 6 assists for 9 points in 16 games, but more importantly, Edward has appeared to develop quite a ways defensively since last season. Last year, my biggest critique of Edward was that he was an extremely raw prospect, aside from his ability to play physical. He needed a lot of work before we could even get a decent idea of the type of player that Edward would be. Now, we are starting to get that idea, but I still think that there is a long way to go before we truly have a trajectory for Jackson Edward. He's a two-way defender that cares far more for the defensive end of the ice than the offensive one. He can skate pretty well, can facilitate the breakout as a passer fairly consistently, and is a very aggressive player who uses his size and power to get an advantage over his opponents. I am looking forward to seeing Edward continue to progress as the year goes on, and I think that the Bruins could have something with this kid. His ceiling probably isn't too high, but as a future depth piece, I think that Edward has a place in the NHL down the road.

Ty Gallagher, Boston University (NCAA): Offensively, Gallagher's sophomore campaign has continued to be quiet, but he has continued to be a strong presence on the ice. Defensively, Gallagher might be the best player on the ice for BU, but I am hoping to see him re-find his offensive game. His shot is very good, and that's been something that he's been good at utilizing over the years. He's struggled to use his shot this year, and I think that it's the catalyst to his offensive struggles. I hope to see him turn it around, but this defensive group on BU is stronger than it was last year, so opportunity for a struggling player may be fewer. Gallagher may turn into a defensive specialist for the Terriers, and I pray that that won't be the case.

Andre Gasseau, Boston College (NCAA): I won't be continuing with Andre Gasseau this year, this will be his only installment on my updates. Why? He's hardly playing. He's not getting enough ice to allow him an opportunity to prove his worth on a deep NCAA team. Give him a year or two, and maybe he'll work his way into a significant role. For now, we have to wait.

Brett Harrison, Oshawa Generals (OHL): Harrison has continued to struggle this year, and I hope that he can turn it around, but the team around him is also struggling, so that is certainly not helping him out. Still, 6 goals and 2 assists for 8 points in 11 games on paper sounds alright, but considering he's 19 years old (turning 20) in the OHL playing against 15-20 year olds, AND he's a former 3rd round pick who's supposed to thrive at the net front as a greasy goal scorer a-la Mark Recchi, the numbers need to be better. It's extremely frustrating to watch a player, especially one that I've been a fan of for many years now, since he's entered the OHL, struggle to reach his potential. So frustrating, in fact, that I considered removing him from these updates, but again, I like him too much. Still, if Harrison continues to struggle, you might be able to write him off this year.

Oskar Jellvik, Boston College (NCAA): Jellvik has been playing pretty well for his first year in North America, which for a player who plays the way that Jellvik does, should slow him down to open the season. Still, he's been able to put up 1 goal and 6 assists for 7 points in 9 games to start the year. As a freshman in the NCAA, and as a European player playing his first hockey on smaller rinks at the NCAA level, Jellvik is playing very well. Certainly better, for a start, than I expected. He's playing some good minutes, and he's capitalized in those opportunities. I look forward to watching Jellvik play for the remainder of the season, and I think that Jellvik has a shot to produce even more than he has been so far.

Trevor Kuntar, Boston College (NCAA): Like, Jellvik, Kuntar is making the most of his opportunities with the Eagles. Unlike Jellvik, however, it's about time that Kuntar lived up to the potential. as a 21 year-old already, Kuntar needed to show up in a big way this year, and he has. He's been a big time player for the Eagles, providing excellent offensive output and better defensive play than he's provided in the last two seasons in the NCAA. He still has a way to go defensively, but I like what I've seen from Kuntar so far. Let's hope it continues.

Dans Locmelis, Lulea HF J20 (J20 Nationell): It's been a good year so far for Locmelis, and I think that a WJC bid AND an SHL stint will be in the cards for him this year. He's been an elite offensive talent in the top U20 league in Sweden, with 8 goals and 12 assists for 20 points 17 games. Still, it is difficult to get a true read on how good Locmelis actually is until he plays in better leagues. His NCAA debut next year will be a step in the right direction, especially on a team where he'll get opportunities right away like Northern Michigan. I might take Locmelis off of this update, for my time concerns only, unless he plays for better teams like in the SHL or in the WJC. Still, he's been great, and I will continue to watch him.

Mason Lohrei, Ohio State University (NCAA): The Buckeyes are struggling so far this year, so Lohrei's numbers aren't quite as good as they were last year. Still, Lohrei has been the best player for Ohio State by a long shot this year, and has been among the very best defenders in his own end in the entire NCAA. He's got 8 assists in 12 games so far this year, and he's been a fantastic all-around player despite the lack of eye-catching numbers. There isn't really much to say about Lohrei that I haven't mentioned already in these updates, but I will reiterate how much I like this kid. I expect big things from him when he gets his ELC, which I'd bet will be following this NCAA season.

Fabian Lysell, Providence Bruins (AHL): Lysell has continued his great offensive production as the P-Bruins continue their excellent start to their campaign, not with 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in 11 games. It's apparent that Lysell has excelled at the AHL level, and an NHL stint should in order for him before ANY other player in the Bruins system. That includes the veterans like Wagner, or even Lauko or Steen. He's been among the best players on this team night-in and night-out, and he's bound to be the best prospect Boston has had in their system since Pastrnak. In fact, you could make a lot of comparisons between Pastrnak's rise to the NHL and Lysell's current trajectory. Will his ceiling be the same? Probably not, but one can dream,. right?

Ryan Mast, Sarnia Sting (OHL): Mast has brought in his success from last year and improved on it this time around. He's now got 8 assists in 14 games, but he is easily the best defensive defender in the OHL right now. He NEVER makes a bad read in his own end, and he's been able to play the body and the puck with efficiency that's bound to get him an AHL look next season. Like I mentioned this season, Mast has an extremely high floor as a prospect, as he's near NHL capabilities, especially in his own end. His ceiling is what's in question, and though there has been clear development in his game from last season to now, that's still the big question with Mast. An AHL debut sometime within the next year or so should be a good indicator for his future, and I have high hopes for this kid.

Georgii Merkulov, Providence Bruins (AHL): You may have noticed that I've skipped Marc McLaughlin, who I had in the last update but will refuse to put on here this time around. That's because if he continues to play the way that he's been playing, I won't consider him an NHL-calibur prospect. For Merkulov, however, he may prove to be the best NCAA free agent that the Bruins have picked up in a while. And remember, the Bruins have had some success from the NCAA pipeline. Merkulov currently has 4 goals and 8 points for 12 points in 11 games in the AHL AS A ROOKIE. He's been playing center and wing for the P-Bruins, but I think he projects better as a winger in the NHL, a left-winger to be specific. His offensive talents are very high-end and well-rounded; he can beat defender in a number of ways. I am going to keep this report short, as I think he's been well-documented recently by the hockey media surrounding the Bruins with his success. But I am really starting to like Merkulov, and he may be playing his way into an NHL stint this year.

Matthew Poitras, Guelph Storm (OHL): The Bruins first selection form this past draft has lived up to his hype as a second-rounder, and he's been a fantastic player for the Storm this year. He's currently got 4 goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 14 games. Poitras has, in my opinion, been the best center on the Storm, ahead of the likes of Danny Zhilkin, who I actually called for the Bruins to draft over Poitras when it happened. Poitras has been even better defensively than I'd expected him to be this year; it's clear that he's put in work in that regard. And his offensive game has continued to progress as one would expect that it's happened. I expect Poitras to continue to have a big year, and I hope that he gets a WJC look this season. (Although, the Canada squad is so deep, I doubt he gets a look, but he's played well enough for one).

There are other prospects that I haven't included that deserve some recognition, but maybe for another time or for later down the road. They include: Marc McLaughlin (Needs to play better, as I've mentioned), Jonathan Myrenberg (I haven't viewed him yet personally, but welcome to the Bruins system), Quinn Olson (Probably won't cover him this year unless he receives an ELC), Jake Schmaltz (Same as Olson), Cole Spicer (Not playing nearly enough to showcase skills on a deep NCAA team, I'll wait until next year to do write-ups about him).

This is the December installment of the 2022 Bruins Prospect Updates. The B's kids have been good in the past month-plus, so this'll be a fun one:

Jack Ahcan, Providence Bruins (AHL): Ahcan has been playing significantly better in the past 10 or so games since my previous update, and the points are starting to add up for him. In 23 games, Ahcan has 1 goal and 11 assists for 12 points, which is 9 points in 11 games since the previous update. Ahcan has been noticeably more confident with the puck than he had been in the previous couple of months. He's moving the puck extremely well, and is very effective in transition, both as a passer and as a skater. At 25 years old, I question Ahcan's ceiling to be much higher than what he's playing at right now. But, don't be too surprised if Ahcan gets an opportunity to be a power play QB and puck mover on an NHL third pair in the near future, even if it's not with the Boston Bruins.

John Beecher, Providence Bruins (AHL): Beecher's numbers won't instill much confidence, but his play definitely will. Beecher now has 3 goals and 4 assists for 7 points in 23 games, which is a goal and 3 assists in the 11 games since the previous update. Beecher is a strong, physical, 200-foot pivot who's also been playing the left wing a little bit this year in the AHL, which he hadn't done since his draft year on the USNTDP. He's a powerful skater, an elite forechecker, and has the ability to move the puck with ease. He reminds me a little of Charlie Coyle in how how he plays: details-oriented, good penalty killer, strong forechecker, can play center or wing. Beecher is the better skater, but Coyle has the better offensive output. Still, the move to wing is an interesting note, I think. That primes Beecher to have the flexibility to play in the NHL in the case of injuries, or a trade. He could slot into the bottom six right now and play very well. If the Bruins move someone (say, Craig Smith?), look for Beecher to be the replacement winger or center in the bottom six. (a Beecher-Nosek-Foligno fourth unit would be sick)

Frederic Brunet, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): Brunet has been struggling offensively and defensively in the past 10 games, and I'm not sure that I care enough about his game to continue writing these updates on him. Currently, Brunet has 4 goals and 25 points in 30 games, which is just a goal and 4 points in the 10 games since the last update. I've had the opportunity to watch the Oceanic quite a few times in the last couple of weeks, and I have made this conclusion: Frederic Brunet is not an NHL player. Not as a defender, anyway. His defensive game has reverted to early season form, and his offensive game, which was at least solid throughout the first quarter of the year, has suffered, too. His inconsistency, extremely raw all around game, and now lack of production, makes me think that Brunet has to undergo a serious course of development before getting a sniff of an ELC. In other words, write Brunet off for the year. We'll revisit this kid next year.

Michael Callahan, Providence Bruins (AHL): Callahan has finally put up some numbers this season, and his game has been decent. in 17 games, Callahan has a goal and 2 assists for 3 points, all of which in the 7 games since the previous update. Still, there has been no indication that Callahan's game is changing. He's a defense-first defender, and he's been playing more consistently in that way over the past little bit. He's been physical, poised, and all-around talented in his own end, and that's great for him. At 23 years old, I'm unsure of Callahan's ceiling to this point. I foresee Callahan as a decent third pair, stay-at-home defender in the future, but he could end up not being much better than he already is. This season is a big one for Callahan, and I'm interested to see what he's capable of.

Riley Duran, Providence College Friars (NCAA): Duran is playing great, and he's looking to smash his freshman-year point totals this year. Currently, Duran has 14 points (7 goals) in 17 games, a 31 point pace over the same 38 games which he played last year. And, that's 4 points in the six games since the November update. Duran has continued to be an elite force in all ends of the ice for the Friars, and the future seems pretty bright for this kid. I wouldn't expect an ELC for Duran this year; rather, I think he returns for at least his junior year. As a 20 year old, former 6th round pick, Duran looks like a potential steal. I look forward to seeing this kid continue to grow in his game with the Friars as the year continues.

Jackson Edward, London Knights (OHL): Edward has continued his excellent sophomore campaign with the Knights this year. Currently, Edward has 3 goals and 13 points in 26 games, which is 4 points in the 10 games since the previous update. Edward is an ultra physical defender who's game has come a long way in his own end from last year. Edward was considered a bit of a boom-or-bust kid in the draft, which made him fall pretty significantly. While I still don't see Edward as much more of a depth defender at the professional level, I appreciate how far his game has come in just the last few months. Keep an eye on this kid, he could surprise.

Ty Gallagher, Boston University Terriers (NCAA): Gallagher hasn't performed much differently this season than last year, but I don't think it's a bad thing. Currently, Gallagher has 8 assists in 16 games, which is a better point pace than he was on last year. But he's done it quietly, no goals is odd for a defender with the shot he's got. The Bruins should be very happy to have this kid as a prospect in their system, as he's just a well-rounded kid who seems to be moldable into pretty much whatever kind of player they need him to be. He plays in all situations, is good in all ends of the ice, and is just a poised, mature defenseman in every scenario. I would imagine Gallagher will stick around with the Terriers for at least the next season, if not both of his remaining NCAA eligibility years, before he receives an ELC. But, in time, I think that Gallagher will be a great addition to the P-Bruins, and hopefully the Big Bruins, in the future.

Brett Harrison, Oshawa Generals (OHL): Finally, I can say that Brett Harrison is playing up to his talent level this season, and he's burst onto the scene in all ends of the ice like I'd been hoping to see for the first two months. Currently, Harrison has 16 goals and 10 assists for 26 points in 22 games, which is a whopping 18 points in 11 games since the last update. Also, in his last five games, he's got 6 goals and 11 points. He's playing with confidence that you haven't seen from Harrison since last season, and his abilities and development are finally starting to show. He's a gritty player who plays hard in all ends of the ice. His shot is snappy and accurate, and his strength is one of his best assets. Also, his positioning is fantastic, and that's been the case for the majority of the year, even when the offense hasn't been there. The pucks are just starting to find him more, and he's making the best of his opportunities. I look forward to seeing what Harrison can do to end the season, an my expectations are high once again.

Oskar Jellvik, Boston College Eagles (NCAA): It's a crime that Jellvik isn't going to the WJC this season for Sweden. He's currently got 9 points (1 goals) in 13 games as a freshman in the NCAA, the Hockey East no less, which is 2 assists in the 4 games since the November update. What's more, is that Jellvik has played three games for the Swedish U20 team, with a goal and an assist in 3 games. He played well (9th among forwards, but tied for 6th in ppg), and Jellvik should get an opportunity to perform at the top level of U20 competition. Still, if he does not get the opportunity, Jellvik will continue to perform as well as he's been playing at the NCAA level this year.

Trevor Kuntar, Boston College Eagles (NCAA): Kuntar's been great for the Eagles since November, and my opinion on him is starting to improve in his junior year. He's currently at 6 goals and 8 assists for 14 points in 14 games, which is a consistent 6 points in his last five games, and up to 11 points in his last 10. His consistent offensive production, as well as his vastly improved defensive play, and his continued ability to be physical and powerful in all facets of the game, makes me think that he's got an ELC coming to him after this season, should be willing to move on from college hockey before his senior season. Kuntar has also been playing wing in college, likely to hide his defensive issues, but he's been much better as a center with these defensive improvements, and I wonder which position he'll play at the next level. Look for Kuntar to perform well to close out his junior campaign, and perhaps an AHL stint to close out 2022-23.

Dans Locmelis, Lulea HF J20 (J20 Nationell): Huge news for Locmelis this year, and it has nothing to do with the WJC, but he's a lock for team Latvia. Previously, I'd mentioned that Locmelis committed to Northern Michigan, which I was happy about for him to join the NCAA but wasn't overly impressed at the strength of school. Now, consider me impressed. UMass flipped Locmelis to their school, which will be HUGE for him to his own exposure. Currently, Locmelis is performing very well at the J20 level, with 12 goals and 33 points in 27 games, which is 13 points in the 10 games since the November update. It's time to consider Locmelis as a great pick in the 2022 draft (Locmelis was a 4th round pick), and I'm super excited to see this kid both at the WJC and in North America next year.

Mason Lohrei, Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA): Mason Lohrei is just so good. I don't even know what to write about this kid anymore, other than that he's easily been the best Buckeye this season, and he's well on his way to earning his ELC after this year. He's currently got 13 assists in 18 games, and while no goals is odd, the fact that he's been so elite in every facet of his game, I don't mind the lack of goals. What more do I say? I've been covering Lohrei at-length over the past year and a half, there's not much new stuff to discuss. I'll say this: Lohrei is a top four NHL defender in the future. He plays a bit like Hampus Lindholm, with his size, skating, and well-rounded, high IQ game. A future top four of McAvoy, Carlo, Lindholm, and Lohrei will be so fun to watch in the near future. I'd expect to see him don a P-Bruins jersey by the end of the season, and I hope his game continues to flourish in the future.

Fabian Lysell, Providence Bruins (AHL): Fabian Lysell has continued to be an excellent player for the Baby Bruins, now with 7 goals and 17 points in 19 games, also going 5 points in the last five games and 6 points in the 8 games since the last update. Lysell is obviously the best Bruins prospect, and, like Lohrei, I'm out of topics to discuss about this kid. I'll say this, teams better watch out for this Swedish WJC squad. A line with Lekkerimaki and Lysell would easily be the most entertaining U20 hockey pair I've ever witnessed imo (obviously saying that as a huge fan of both of those prospects). An NHL stint looks likely for the kid at some point this year, but I doubt he'd stick this year due to the impressive play of the NHL Bruins and the fact that Lysell is far more valuable playing top minutes in the AHL, especially for development purposes, over playing depth roles in the NHL. Next year, lock Lysell into the big squad's top nine.

Ryan Mast, Sarnia Sting (OHL): The Bruins draft well in the late rounds. This seems to be a revelation worth making given the success of the last couple of draft classes the Bruins have pumped out. Ryan Mast is the defensive-defender of the year in the CHL, hands down. Shot blocking, positioning, physicality, poise, gap control agains the rush, stick usage. It's all there, and it's all at a high level. Ryan Mast looks like a professional hockey player. The points don't really matter: he'll never be more than a 5 goal, 20 point guy in the NHL, and that's okay. Think Derek Forbort. His point total is rough, but no one bats an eye at it. Mast is the next guy like that for the NHL, and it's no secret that the Bruins value those types of guys in their big club.

Georgii Merkulov, Providence Bruins (AHL): In a month where multiple Bruins prospects have been fantastic, we were due to have a bit of a let down. Merkulov has cooled down over the last month, now sporting a total of 5 goals and 16 points in 21 games, which is a goal and 4 points in 9 games since the November update. Not bad numbers, especially since he's an AHL rookie, but the production has been better for him in the past couple of months. No cause for concern, though. He's been playing as well as he had been, but the bounces haven't been going in for him. It happens. Give it time, and the points will start to rack up again. The Bruins may have found a gem in this kid, and I am very excited for his future.

Jonathan Myrenberg, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan): Welcome to the Bruins system, Myrenberg. I've only been able to watch a single game of his since he's joined the Bruins prospect pool in the Studnicka trade, but after reading reports from others and matching them up with my own, limited viewing, here's what I've come up with: Myrenberg is a smooth skating, puck moving defender who's got good size and does most of his best work on the breakout as a passer. The numbers aren't great, but are okay for a 19-year-old defender in a men's league at 3 goals and 3 assists for 5 points in 22 games with Mora IK. He doesn't get a whole lot of ice time, but he makes do with what he's got. I'm probably won't continue posting updates about him unless he moves up to the SHL, which I'd say is unlikely, but not impossible. But I wanted to make a quick update on him, as he's a Bruins prospect.

Matthew Poitras, Guelph Storm (OHL): Every time I watch Matthew Poitras, I'm more impressed. His offensive toolkit is extensive, and he's easily been among the best OHL players this season. Poitras currently has 6 goals and 32 points in 25 games, which is 17 points in the 11 games since the November update. And let me tell you this: Poitras gets no help from the Storm squad, which, plainly, sucks. Still, he's 33rd in the OHL for points, 21 in ppg, and the best player on there Storm by a mile. And yes, he was better than Sasha Pastujov when he was on the Storm, too. His lack of talented teammates will stifle Poitras' numbers this season, especially since he's a pass-first player by trade, but it clearly hasn't stopped him so far. Watch him to be in the WJC mix next year, and in the ELC mix this year.