With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching in Los Angeles, all eyes are on the Boston Bruins and what they will do with their highest draft pick in over a decade. Holding the No. 7 overall selection, the Bruins have a golden opportunity to inject high-end talent into their prospect pool. After missing the playoffs this past season, the pressure is on General Manager Don Sweeney to make the right choice and set the team up for future success. Here are three predictions for what the Bruins might do at the draft.
1. Bruins Keep the Seventh-Overall Pick and Draft a Center
The Bruins' most glaring need is depth at the center position. The 2025 draft is rich in talented centers, making it an ideal year for Boston to address this weakness. While Sweeney has shown a knack for trades, any package involving the seventh-overall pick might not provide the immediate impact the Bruins need to compete in the 2025-26 season.
Several mock drafts predict the Bruins will target a center with their pick. Potential options include Jake O'Brien from the Brantford Bulldogs, known for his two-way skill set and offensive capabilities. Brady Martin of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds is another possibility, bringing a combination of skill and a hard-nosed playing style. Roger McQueen from the Brandon Wheat Kings, if fully recovered from his back injury, could also be a high-reward pick with top-line potential. Caleb Desnoyers from the Moncton Wildcats is seen as a safe pick, a smart playmaking center.
2. Bruins Draft Jake O'Brien
Numerous mock drafts point to Jake O'Brien as a strong possibility for the Bruins at pick number 7. O'Brien is described as a well-rounded player with a high compete level and strong offensive instincts. He possesses the ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He tallied an impressive 66 assists in 66 games for Brantford last season, showcasing his playmaking abilities. O'Brien's two-way skill set and ability to play in all situations make him an appealing option for the Bruins, who are looking to add a versatile and impactful player to their roster.
3. Bruins Draft Porter Martone
Another potential target for the Bruins is Porter Martone. Martone is a right-winger known for his combination of power and finesse. He is hard to knock off the play along the boards and in front of the net, making him a difficult player to defend. Martone captained the Brampton Steelheads, recording 37 goals and 61 assists for 98 points in 57 regular season games. Some have compared Martone to Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry.
