Bruins Prospect Report: All-Star Showings, Beanpot Brilliance & Rising Stars Abroad
As the NHL season rolls along, the Bruins’ pipeline continues to flash serious promise across multiple levels of the hockey world. From standout performances at the AHL All-Star Classic to a Beanpot title run fueled by future Bruins, Boston’s next wave is making noise in all the right places. Let’s take a closer look at what the organization’s top prospects have been up to over the past week.
Providence Bruins Shine at AHL All-Star Classic
The AHL All-Star festivities in Rockford, Illinois, gave Bruins fans a glimpse of the talent brewing in Providence-and the group didn’t disappoint.
Patrick Brown, wearing the “C” as the Eastern Conference’s playing captain, was all over the Skills Competition, taking part in the Puck Control Relay, Pass and Score, and Breakaway Relay. But it was in the 3-on-3 tournament where he really made his mark.
Brown scored in the shootout to force a 1-1 draw against the Central Division, then followed that up with a goal and an assist in the Atlantic Division’s dominant 4-0 win over the North. The Michigan native showed poise, leadership, and a knack for the clutch moment-exactly what you want to see from a player knocking on the NHL door.
Frederic Brunet, meanwhile, brought his wheels and skill to the table. The smooth-skating defenseman competed in the Fastest Skater, Puck Control Relay, and Breakaway Relay during the Skills Competition.
He added a pair of helpers in the round-robin, one each in the Atlantic’s games against the Pacific and North Divisions. Brunet’s blend of speed and vision continues to stand out, especially in a showcase setting like this.
Between the pipes, Michael DiPietro made his second straight All-Star appearance and once again looked sharp. The Ontario-born netminder participated in the Rapid Fire, Pass and Score, and Breakaway Relay events during the Skills Competition.
In the round robin, he split time in net across three games and stopped 5 of 7 shots faced-solid work in a high-skill, high-speed format that doesn’t exactly favor goaltenders. DiPietro’s consistency and composure remain key assets as he continues to develop.
Beanpot Brings Out the Best in Bruins Prospects
TD Garden hosted a Beanpot Championship loaded with Bruins prospects-and four of them skated off with the trophy as Boston College topped Boston University, 6-2.
James Hagens was the star of the tournament and earned MVP honors after racking up five points (2G, 3A) over two games. In the final, he dished out two assists, including the primary on the game-winning goal.
Hagens now leads BC in both assists (16) and points (31) through 26 games, while sitting second on the team in goals (15). Drafted seventh overall in 2025, the Hauppauge, NY native is showing exactly why he was a top-10 pick-he’s got elite vision, pace, and the ability to take over a game.
Andre Gasseau brought the firepower in the championship, lighting the lamp twice on the power play. His first tied the game early, and his second helped put things out of reach in the third.
Add in two assists from the semifinal win over Harvard, and Gasseau finished the tournament with four points. He’s up to six goals and nine assists in just 13 games this season.
A seventh-round pick back in 2021, the California native is proving that late-round gems still exist.
Dean Letourneau also found the back of the net in the final, scoring BC’s fifth goal of the night. He added a goal and an assist in the semifinal, and now leads the Eagles with 16 goals while sitting second in points with 28. At 6-foot-5, Letourneau brings size, skill, and scoring touch-a tantalizing combo for a player taken 25th overall in 2024.
Cooper Simpson Lighting It Up in the USHL
Over in Youngstown, Cooper Simpson is keeping the goal light busy. The 2025 third-round pick has scored in three straight games, notching four points over that stretch. He found the net in both of the Phantoms’ wins against the Lincoln Stars last weekend, continuing a season that’s been nothing short of impressive.
Simpson currently ranks second in the USHL with 58 points and sits third in goals with 26. The Shakopee, Minnesota native is showing off a complete offensive toolkit-quick release, strong skating, and a feel for the game that can’t be taught. He’s trending in a big way.
Vashek Blanar Holding It Down in Sweden
On the other side of the Atlantic, Vashek Blanar is quietly putting together a strong campaign in the Swedish Junior Hockey League. The 2025 fourth-rounder has registered 14 points (4G, 10A) in 22 games with HV71 Jr., while also earning a call-up to the senior squad, appearing in three games with HV71 Jonkoping in the SHL.
Blanar, a Colorado native, plays a smart, steady game on the blue line. He’s showing the kind of two-way reliability that translates well to the pro level, and getting minutes in Sweden’s top league is only going to accelerate his growth.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s All-Star showcases, college rivalries, junior league dominance, or European development, the Bruins' prospect pool is delivering results. There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re a Boston fan looking toward the future. These aren’t just names to stash away-they’re players making real noise, gaining valuable experience, and building toward NHL readiness.
From TD Garden to Rockford to Sweden, the Bruins’ pipeline is alive and well.