The Boston Bruins have had a hot start to the 2023-24 season, winning each of their first five games. If they continue to have this kind of success as the season continues, they will likely be buyers at the trade deadline yet again this campaign. If this does occur, they have a few prospects who should be untouchables. Let’s discuss three of them now.
Matthew Poitras
After a marvelous preseason, Matthew Poitras not only emerged as the Bruins’ top prospect but made their NHL roster in the process. The 19-year-old is starting to adjust to NHL regular-season play well, too, as he recently put up a two-goal performance against the Anaheim Ducks. With Poitras already looking NHL-ready and appearing to have the tools to become a top-six center, the Bruins absolutely cannot and will not consider moving him this season.
The Bruins notably lost two franchise legends, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, to retirement this offseason. As a result, there has naturally been concern about their depth down the middle, both for the present and for the future. However, the sudden arrival of Poitras has changed that, and he now has given the Bruins somebody to potentially build around.
Ultimately, the Bruins would be wise to search the center market this season and/or during the next offseason, but that should not come at the expense of losing Poitras.
Mason Lohrei
Mason Lohrei is another prospect whom the Bruins should not consider parting ways with. He is their top defenseman prospect, and he showed during the preseason that he is close to being NHL-ready. In fact, the Bruins were so impressed with his preseason play that they reportedly looked to make room for him on their roster spot before the start of the season.
When injuries inevitably occur during this season, Lohrei will likely receive some call-ups. Many believe that the 22-year-old has the tools to one day become a top-four NHL defenseman. This is because he provides offense, physicality, and steady defensive play. With that, he should be a regular in the Bruins’ lineup by next season, as fellow left-shot defenseman Derek Forbort and Matt Grzelcyk are both pending unrestricted free agents (UFA).
Related: Bruins News & Rumors: Poitras, DeBrusk, Lucic & Forbort
Latest THW Headlines
It is clear that Lohrei has a very bright future, and he should be a part of the Bruins’ blueline for quite some time because of it. Due to this, he should be among the Bruins’ untouchable prospects this season.
Fabian Lysell
Fabian Lysell is the final Bruins prospect who the team should not move on from this season. Although he is taking some time with his development, the general expectation is that he will become at least a middle-six forward at the NHL level later down the road. With the Bruins’ roster being older and their prospect pool not being the strongest, Lysell should not be given up on yet.
Although Lysell struggled to stay consistent in 2022-23 with the Providence Bruins, he ended the campaign with decent stats. In 54 American Hockey League (AHL) games, the 5-foot-11 winger posted 14 goals and 37 points. Overall, it was a soli start to his professional career, but now the Bruins are hoping the 2021 first-round pick takes another step forward in 2023-24. In five games with Providence so far this season, he has a goal and an assist.
Ultimately, this is a big year for Lysell’s development, and it will be intriguing to see if he takes the leap forward that the Bruins are expecting him to. Yet, if he does not progress or even takes a step back, the Bruins may start to think about his long-term future with the organization.
Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see how these three Bruins’ top prospects perform from here. Poitras, Lohrei, and Lysell all have the potential to become notable parts of Boston’s roster, so at this time, the club should not consider moving them.