The Bruins’ prospect pipeline is no longer an afterthought. It’s starting to look like a real part of the plan.
Boston has been rebuilding that cupboard through a March 2025 teardown and a fresh wave of draft picks, and the early returns are showing up in a deeper group of young players. That matters because if the Bruins are going to keep moving forward around David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman, they’re going to need help from the next wave. Some of that help could arrive as soon as next season.
At the top of the list sits James Hagens, the forward ranked No. 1 in Boston’s system. Right behind him is Dean Letourneau at No. 2, another center who gives the organization more skill down the middle.
Will Zellers checks in at No. 3, followed by goalie Michael DiPietro at No. 4.
The rest of the top 10 rounds out a group that looks far healthier than the Bruins’ prospect pool of not long ago. Cooper Simpson lands at No.
5, Dans Locmelis at No. 6, and Frederic Brunet at No. 7.
Elliott Groenewold is No. 8, with Chris Pelosi at No. 9.
Boston’s ranking also includes DiPietro in a spot that reinforces how much attention the goalie pipeline is drawing. The Bruins have already been linked to him as a possible backup option behind Jeremy Swayman, and his place in the top five reflects that growing importance.
The full top 10, as released by the Bruins, is: 1.
James Hagens, F 2.
Dean Letourneau, C 3.
Will Zellers, F 4.
Michael DiPietro, G 5.
Cooper Simpson, F 6.
Dans Locmelis, F 7.
Frederic Brunet, D 8.
Elliott Groenewold, D 9.
Chris Pelosi, F
The Bruins shared the ranking on April 12, 2026.
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