Here’s how NHL analysts graded the Bruins’ draft selections

The 2024 NHL Draft is over and the Bruins added four new prospects into their pipeline over the two-day event.

First-round selection Dean Letourneau headlines the group, which also consists of fellow forward Jonathan Morello (pick No. 154), as well as defensemen Elliott Groenewold (pick No. 110), and Loke Johansson (No. 186 overall).

Boston leaned heavily into size in this year’s draft, taking players with boom-or-bust potential given their big bodies and skillset to go along with the frame.

Here’s how NHL analysts graded the Bruins draft selections:

Corey Pronman, The Athletic: C+

“I liked what the Bruins did at the draft this season given how few picks they had. Dean Letourneau is full of potential. Even if there is a lot of uncertainty in how he’ll perform at higher levels, he has the tools to be a top-six NHL forward if his development goes well. Jonathan Morello was one of my favorite mid-round picks. He is a clear NHL athlete along with Elliott Groenewold, and I could see one of them playing NHL games.”

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Kyle Cushman, theScore: C+

“Letourneau is among the biggest swings in the draft. The physical tools are tantalizing as a 6-foot-7 center with good puck skills and scoring prowess, but the lack of competition above the Ontario high school level is a concern. He heads to Boston College in the fall, where the Bruins will surely keep close tabs on him as a developmental project.”

The Bruins were tied with the Detroit Red Wings for the second-best ranking in the Atlantic Division. Montreal’s A+ grade ran away with first place among division foes.

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Analysis & grades of pick No. 25 Dean Letourneau:

Bleacher Report: B-

“Dean Letourneau is a reach at No. 25 (we felt he might be a bit of a reach at 32), but the Boston Bruins clearly feel they can be patient enough for the risk to pay off. He played prep school hockey this season, and he dominated—but he’s quite a raw player.

He is a very agile skater, especially for his 6’7″ size, which will serve him well as he works to refine the consistency with which he uses his high-end skill set.”

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Ryan Clark, ESPN: No Grade

“Letourneau gives the Bruins extreme size down the middle. The fact he scored more than 60 goals and 127 points proves there is offensive upside, too.

He’ll attend Boston College starting in 2025, so the Bruins can keep a close eye on his development. Perhaps the most fascinating part is that the Bruins are hoping to strike it rich with Letourneau given they’ve only had four draft picks since 2018 who have reached the NHL.”

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Bryan Murphy, Sporting News: B-

“When you’re 6-6, 214 pounds at the age of 18, you’re going to get NHL attention — and is there any team that fits that mold more than the Bruins. Dean Letourneau’s size stands out, but he also plays with a ton of finesse and range, a rare talent for a player at his build.

There are some scouts skeptical of the Boston College commit given his playing competition, but he most certainly will get attention simply because of his frame. The Boston College commit needs to play more physically, especially if he wants a role on the Bruins, but he has the size for it.”

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Clutch Points: B+

“The Bruins reacquired this pick in the Linus Ullmark trade earlier in the week. And they take a player that simply screams ‘Bruins hockey.’ Letourneau dominated Canadian prep hockey while flashing clear offensive skill. The level of competition isn’t the best, but his 6′7″ size combined with the offensive ability could see him turn into a very valuable middle-six player for the Bruins.”

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USA Today: B-

“Dean Letourneau might be a big forward, but if his recent numbers are any indication, he can certainly score. We’ll have to see how it holds up at the NHL level, but this is a big swing by Boston.”

Read the full article here.