Boston Bruins 2025 NHL Draft: A Deep Dive into the Prospects

The Boston Bruins made seven selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, adding a mix of high-potential prospects and players with specific skills to their organization. This article provides a detailed breakdown of each player selected, focusing on their strengths, potential, and what they bring to the Bruins’ system.

James Hagens: A Top-10 Pick with High Expectations

Selected seventh overall, James Hagens, a center from Boston College, is the headliner of the Bruins’ draft class. Scouts praise his skill, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure. His 37 points in 37 games for Boston College showcase his offensive potential, while his performance at the World Juniors further solidified his high-end skillset. The Bruins see Hagens as a player who can drive play and create scoring chances, fitting their need for high-level offensive talent. His transition to professional hockey will be a key focus for the organization, with expectations of continued development and refinement of his skills.

Will Moore: A Creative Center with a Unique Background

Selected in the second round (51st overall), Will Moore, a center from the US National Team Development Program, brings a creative offensive style to the Bruins. His 47 points in 55 games demonstrate his ability to generate offense. Beyond his hockey skills, Moore’s unique background—including a musical talent—adds an intriguing dimension to his profile. His commitment to Boston College for his collegiate career suggests a path of steady development within a structured environment. The Bruins see his creative playmaking and offensive instinct as valuable assets that they expect to develop further in the coming years.

Liam Pettersson: A European Defenseman with Potential

The Bruins’ second-round pick, Liam Pettersson (61st overall), is a left-shooting defenseman from Sweden. While not a national team player, he consistently impressed scouts with his performance in the U20 league. Pettersson’s profile highlights the Bruins’ international scouting network, demonstrating their ability to identify talented players outside the traditional high-profile leagues and tournaments. The Bruins’ scouting team sees Pettersson as a player with definite potential, highlighting his ability to make an impact on both ends of the ice. His development will be closely monitored, as he continues his career in Sweden.

Cooper Simpson: High-Scoring Left Wing with NHL Potential

Selected in the third round (79th overall), Cooper Simpson is a high-scoring left wing from Shakopee High School and the Tri-City Storm of the USHL. His exceptional goal-scoring ability (49 goals in 31 games) is a noteworthy attribute, and his transition to the USHL further demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform at a higher level. He’s considered a gifted offensive player with a quick release and diverse shot repertoire. His commitment to the University of North Dakota suggests a planned developmental path, with the potential for a future NHL career. The Bruins’ hope is that he can sustain and further develop his goal-scoring prowess.

Vashek Blanar: A Raw but Talented Defenseman

The Bruins selected Vashek Blanar, a left-shooting defenseman, in the fourth round (100th overall). Blanar, playing in Sweden after relocating from the Czech Republic, is considered a project player with significant raw talent. He’s described as a great skater with a competitive spirit. The Bruins see him as a player with high potential who needs further development. His selection highlights the Bruins’ willingness to invest in players who may require more time and attention to reach their full potential.

Cole Chandler: Two-Way Center with a Strong Work Ethic

Cole Chandler, a center from the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, was a fifth-round pick (133rd overall). He’s described as a two-way player who consistently performs well in crucial games. Chandler’s consistent improvement and ability to contribute on both offense and defense make him an attractive prospect. The Bruins’ scouting team saw his potential and his strong performance in key games as a sign of his future potential.

Kirill Yemelyanov: A 200-Foot Center from Russia

The Bruins rounded out their draft with Kirill Yemelyanov, a center from Russia, in the sixth round (165th overall). Yemelyanov has a strong two-way game, contributing both offensively and defensively. His selection showcases the Bruins’ international scouting reach, identifying talented players from various leagues and providing depth to their prospect pool. His performance in his hometown league in Russia highlights his potential and his ability to contribute across various aspects of the game.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bruins’ 2025 draft prioritized skill and potential.
• Hagens is the headliner, a high-skill center with immediate upside.
• The draft included a mix of high-scoring forwards and promising defensemen.
• Several picks represent players with significant developmental upside.
• The Bruins demonstrated a strong international scouting presence.