The Boston Bruins will be up to make their first-round choice in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft’s first round at 21st overall Friday in the league’s second straight online/virtual event due to COVID.
The pick will actually be the 20th selection, given that the Arizona Coyotes have forfeited their first-round selection (they were also docked their 2020 second-rounder) as punishment for violating the NHL’s combine physical testing policy. It is the highest position in the draft for the B’s since defenseman Urho Vaakanainen went 18th overall in 2017.
With just their third first-round pick on the clock in the last five drafts, the pressure is on for the team to identify the best possible option for them, which could also be a need-based pick if it all lines up right.
Regardless of what you hear about the 2021 draft class being relatively thin after the top tier, there are always future NHL stars and impact performers to be found outside the top-10. With unprecedented challenges relating to the ability for NHL clubs to regularly scout players across the major feeder leagues that would happen in a normal season, a lot is on the line.
The following prospects are potential first-round picks based on projection, talent, style of play and other factors gleaned through live viewings and film study, plus engagement with myriad scouting sources across the community.
An obvious Bruins choice like U.S. National Team center Chaz Lucius or Chicago Steel winger Matt Coronato would be terrific given their natural scoring talent and high NHL ceilings, but the possibility they will be available at 21 is remote.
This analysis focuses instead on players who have a better chance of being there when Don Sweeney makes the call.
Forwards
Zachary L’Heureux, LW Halifax (QMJHL) 5-11/196 5/15/03
Although not tall with a build resembling a bowling ball, this competitive heat-seeking missile of a forward has skill, physicality and is just scratching the surface of his pro hockey potential. He lacks a top, game-breaking speed gear, but L’Heureux is a top-10 talent who could be had when Boston’s pick comes up because he’s had some discipline issues with multiple suspensions and is reportedly a loose cannon off the ice. However, he’s a nasty, high-pace scoring presence who loves to initiate contact and goes hard to the net. He’s a lot like another abrasive, hyper-competitive left wing that the Bruins once took a chance on in Brad Marchand and could have a similar payoff. One NHL source said that his team’s Quebec scout is sold on L’Heureux as having the biggest upside of any QMJHL draft eligible forward.
Brennan Othmann, LW Olten (Switzerland) 6-0/174 1/5/03
One of the most natural scoring wingers available, the Flint Firebird had to leave his native Ontario and the OHL to get games in across the pond in Switzerland. On the downside, a thin and reedy build works against him, as does a less-than-graceful skating stride and piano-on-the-back posture. However, he can get from point A to B well enough and brings a high-end competitive drive and natural knack for scoring goals. He’s smart and sees it; he knows where he needs to be on the ice to generate quality scoring chances, and has an elite release. If he were a better skater, Othmann would be a lock for top-5-to-10 draft position, but he could slide to Boston. If he does, he has the kind of attributes the B’s embrace, but doesn’t come without risk.
Aatu Raty, C Karpat (Finland) 6-1/180 11/14/02
There are always stories of players who are hurt by the extra year before they can be selected in the draft, and Raty is 2021’s exhibit A. The late ’02 would have gone inside the top-10 a year ago, but is now sliding due to a tough season and concerns about his long-term outlook. The big, strong playmaker was playing against men in Finland’s pro SM-Liiga, but struggled with the pace at times, and wasn’t even selected to his country’s World Jr. Championship, a red flag. If he can pick up a step and get his development back on track he has the hands and will to be a player eventually, but the once high NHL ceiling now looks more like a middle-six at best. The track record for early bloomers who fall off in their draft season isn’t great- look up Angelo Esposito for an extreme example, but that is a likely topic that comes up when teams debate Raty.
Tyler Boucher, RW U.S. NTDP 18 (USHL) 6-1/200 1/16/03
Francesco Pinelli, C Jesenice (Slovenia) 6-1/185 4/11/03
Zachary Bolduc, C Rimouski (QMJHL) 6-1/174 2/24/03
Sasha Pastujov, LW U.S. NTDP 18 (USHL) 6-0/184 7/15/03
Defensemen
Carson Lambos, D Winnipeg (WHL) 6-1/201 1/14/03
Big, skilled left shot blue liner is all over the map in terms of where he’s viewed on public lists, but looks the part of a solid pick where Boston is sitting. A powerful skater who can get pucks up the ice efficiently, Lambos is also a physical, tenacious defender. The B’s have quite a few needs, with center being a priority, but the defense (especially on the left side) needs some addressing, too. He played in Finland while the WHL was on hiatus and got some valuable experience. Like Othmann up front, Lambos brings the kind of values that the organization embraces and projects as a solid, steady top-4 defender in the NHL one day.
Corson Ceulemans, D Brooks (AJHL) 6-2/200 5/5/03
Breaking Bruins news: Hall, Krejci closing in on extensions
As we prepare for tonight’s expansion draft, word came out via veteran hockey reporter Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff) that Taylor Hall and the B’s are close to a deal that will keep him in Boston. Several sources close to the situation told New England Hockey Journal that the deal is coming together. One source said the alleged proposal locks up Hall for the next four years at $5.9 million per season.
Hall's willingness to not drive his asking price up has opened the door for the B’s to retain veteran unrestricted free agent David Krejci. An important piece of the team’s roster and culture, Krejci reportedly wants to return and is willing to do it for less than his previous $7.25 million per year cap hit. His 730 career points are second to Patrice Bergeron (917) among active Bruins players. Re-signing Krejci appears to be a realistic next step for the team and player as a priority order of business before free agency opens on the 28th.
Whatever you might think about management, Sweeney and his staff have been able to persuade players to stay in Boston on team-friendly deals. While the Hall and Krejci signings aren’t official yet, if the sources are correct, the GM is well on his way. Sweeney and his staff are doing the important work in managing the available cap space to improve the team this summer and next, when other key deals, headlined by Charlie McAvoy, will require negotiation.
As for the expansion draft, Seravalli and other media reported via social media that Seattle will select defenseman Jeremy Lauzon from the Bruins in tonight's event. This is not surprising, as Lauzon's mobility, effectiveness on the PK, $850k cap hit (for one more year) and toughness make him a good depth option or potential trade chip. Kraken assistant coach Jay Leach developed him in Providence and undoubtedly had a big influence on the pick.
