The Boston Bruins have been in the process of improving their prospect pool. While they still have more work to do in the upcoming years, it is fair to say that it is starting to trend in the right direction a bit. This should only continue to be the case, too, as they have four first-round picks over the next two years alone. 

In a recent article for The Athletic, Scott Wheeler ranked the top 100 drafted NHL skater prospects. Bruins prospects James Hagens and Matthew Poitras made the cut. 

Wheeler certainly views Hagens as having a lot of potential, as he ranked him at the No. 8 spot on his list and even compared him to Utah Mammoth star Logan Cooley. It is understandable, as Hagens could very well become Boston's first-line center in the future due to his incredible offensive skill. His high upside is why many thought he would go earlier in the draft than the seventh overall at the draft this year. 

Hagens also just had a strong first season with Boston College in 2024-25. In 37 games during his freshman year with BC, the New York native recorded 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 points, and a plus-21 rating. Hagens having a season like this is encouraging, and it will be very intriguing to see what kind of campaign he has during his sophomore year with the school. If he takes a big step forward, it would undoubtedly be great news for the Bruins, and it would help his chances of landing his NHL entry-level contract after BC's season is over.

As for Poitras, Wheeler had him at the No. 88 spot. When noting that Poitras has shown promise early on in his career, it makes sense that he made this list. The 21-year-old forward is easily one of the Bruins' brightest youngsters, and the potential for him to become an impactful player for them is there. 

Wheeler believes Poitras could become a "middle-six/PP2 forward" for the Bruins, and I think that's fair. There is no question that Poitras has shown flashes of being a smart offensive player, so it would be excellent for the Bruins if he could take that next step and emerge as a full-time NHL player. In 66 games over two seasons with Boston, he has posted six goals, 20 assists, and 26 points. 

Bruins Reveal 2025-26 Schedule, Marchand's Return To Boston The<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/"> Boston Bruins</a> have revealed their schedule for the 2025-26 season. They will kick off their campaign on the road against the Washington Capitals on Oct. 8 and then immediately play their home opener on Oct. 9 against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Photo Credit:  © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Like what you read? Join The Hockey News Boston Bruins as a member to keep up with the latest stories from the site!