The Boston Bruins are in the middle of retooling their roster after their rough 2024-25 season. Due to this, there is a chance that the Original Six club could end up giving their prospects more opportunities on their NHL roster next season because of it.
While the Bruins' prospect pool is not necessarily known for being among the strongest in the league, they do have some promising young players who have the potential to become solid NHLers in the near future. Due to this, let's go over five Bruins prospects who are knocking on the door to the Bruins' roster now.
Matthew Poitras
Matthew Poitras will certainly be looking to prove that he is ready to be a full-time NHL player next season. The 21-year-old center had some growing pains while playing for Boston this campaign, posting one goal, 10 assists, and a minus-5 rating in 33 games. However, he also thrived after being sent down to the AHL with the Providence Bruins, as he had 17 goals and 41 points in 40 games.
Seeing Poitras put up strong numbers in the AHL is certainly encouraging. The 2022 second-round pick appeared to gain more of his confidence back, and he will certainly be a player to watch at training camp because of it. With the Bruins needing help at center, they will be hoping that Whitby, Ontario native takes a big step forward next year and blossom into a key forward for them in the process.
Fraser Minten
Fraser Minten was acquired by the Bruins in the trade that sent Brandon Carlo to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was undoubtedly notable that the Bruins were able to land Minten in this move, as the Bruins need center help. In addition, the 20-year-old forward has a real shot of becoming an impactful NHL forward later down the road.
Following the trade to Boston, Minten showed promise while with the NHL squad. In six games with Boston, he posted one goal and 12 hits. He also recorded three goals and seven points in 11 games with Providence. Now, the young forward will be looking to hit another new level next season.
When looking at Boston's roster, it is fair to argue that Minten could have a real chance of competing for a spot in their bottom six. Besides having solid offensive upside, the young forward is also smart defensively and is not afraid of the physical side of the game. Thus, don't be surprised if he gets plenty of reps with Boston next season.
Frederic Brunet
Don't sleep on Bruins prospect Frederic Brunet. The 21-year-old defenseman had an impressive season down in the AHL with Providence in 2024-25, as he hit new career highs with five goals, 20 assists, 25 points, and a plus-15 rating. He also played in his first career NHL game with Boston in their season finale against the New Jersey Devils and did not look out of place in the slightest.
Given how well Brunet played this season with Providence, he undoubtedly has a good shot of getting more opportunities with Boston in 2025-26. When looking at the Bruins' current roster, he could at least be their top call-up option when injuries arise on their blueline. However, the 21-year-old could also make a case for himself to be their seventh defenseman. No matter what happens on that front, the Bruins having a promising young blueliner in the 2022 fifth-round pick.
Fabian Lysell
It is starting to feel a little bit like "now or never" with Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell. The 2021 first-round pick played in his first 12 NHL games this season with Boston, where he had one goal, two assists, and a minus-4 rating. He also had a down year with Providence, as he had AHL career-lows with 11 goals, 23 assists, and 34 points in 52 games. This was after he had 15 goals and 50 points in 56 games with Providence in 2023-24.
The Bruins will certainly be hoping that Lysell takes a big step forward next season and proves he is ready for a full-time spot in their lineup, as he is considered one of their top prospects. The potential for him to become an impactful NHL player is still there, and it is going to be very fascinating to see what kind of season he can put together in 2025-26 from here.
John Farinacci
While Georgii Merkulov could have made sense as the final name on this list, John Farinacci could be a dark horse candidate to watch for Boston's bottom six next season. The 24-year-old forward impressed this season with Providence, as he recorded 10 goals and 38 points in 58 games with the AHL squad. This was after he had 38 points, but in 71 games with Providence during this past season.
Farinacci also stood out during his NHL debut in the Bruins' season finale against the Devils, as he scored a great goal during it. While he may not be the flashiest prospect in the Bruins' prospect pool, the potential for him to become an NHL talent is there, and he could very well get more chances with Boston next season because of it.
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