Revisiting the Bruins’ 2020 Draft Class After 5 Years

Five years have passed since the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, a virtual event held during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the New York Rangers selected Alexis Lafreniere first overall, and other top picks like Quinton Byfield, Tim Stutzle, Lucas Raymond, and Jake Sanderson have begun to find their footing in the NHL, it's time to revisit how the Boston Bruins' selections have fared. Due to earlier trades, including one that sent their first-round pick to the Anaheim Ducks, the Bruins entered the draft with only four selections. Those picks were used to select Mason Lohrei (second round), Trevor Kuntar (third round), Mason Langenbrunner (fifth round), and Riley Duran (sixth round).

Looking back, this draft class could be considered one of General Manager Don Sweeney's better efforts, especially considering the limited number of picks. Two of the four players have made NHL appearances, and three remain within the Bruins' system, making them intriguing prospects to monitor in the upcoming 2025-26 season. In a year where the Bruins were without a first-round pick, the pressure was on to find value in the later rounds, and the returns have been mixed but promising.

Mason Lohrei: Selected 58th overall, Lohrei is the clear standout from this draft class. The big-bodied, two-way defenseman, who played in the USHL for the Green Bay Gamblers before joining the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAA, has not only played significant NHL minutes but has also demonstrated genuine NHL talent. After a brief stint with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, Lohrei quickly earned call-ups to Boston, playing 41 NHL games in the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 season, Lohrei's offensive capabilities were on full display, as he finished with 33 points in 77 games, leading all Bruins defensemen in scoring. While his defensive game is still developing, his offensive potential and performance on the power play make him a valuable asset for the Bruins. With his entry-level deal expiring, Lohrei has established himself as a key part of the Bruins' future. Some analysts suggest that Lohrei would easily be a first-round pick if the 2020 draft were re-done today.

Trevor Kuntar: Drafted 89th overall, Kuntar, a center, was lauded for his shooting ability and puck-winning skills while playing in the USHL. He then played three seasons at Boston College, showing consistent improvement. Kuntar's best season at Boston College saw him score 13 goals and 29 points in 34 games. After turning pro, Kuntar's development seemed to plateau. While he recorded a respectable 10 goals and 10 assists in 70 AHL games with Providence in 2023-24, his penalty minutes were also high. His production dipped in the 2024-25 season, raising questions about his long-term potential within the Bruins organization. The upcoming season will be crucial for Kuntar to demonstrate his ability to translate his earlier potential into professional success.

Mason Langenbrunner: The Bruins picked Langenbrunner, a right-shot defenseman, in the fifth round (151st overall). The son of former NHL player and Bruins' player development coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner, Mason was considered a raw talent when drafted, having not yet played in major junior leagues or the NCAA. Langenbrunner is committed to Harvard University. Langenbrunner has since become captain for Harvard, showcasing his leadership qualities. While he has shown some offensive improvement, his strength remains his defensive play. While his NHL pedigree and leadership are valuable assets, it remains to be seen if Langenbrunner will ultimately earn a consistent spot in the Bruins' lineup.

Riley Duran: Duran, a right-shot centerman from Massachusetts, was the Bruins' final pick in the 2020 draft (182nd overall). Duran is an intriguing prospect who impressed the Bruins' front office with his scoring ability. He earned a call-up for two games at the end of the 2024-25 season. Depending on the Bruins' roster construction, Duran could potentially compete for a spot on the NHL roster in the upcoming season.

Overall, the Bruins' 2020 draft class is a mixed bag. While the team only had four picks, the Bruins managed to find a potential top-pairing defenseman in Mason Lohrei. The development of Kuntar, Langenbrunner, and Duran will determine the ultimate success of this draft class.