Mock draft has Bruins taking ‘cerebral center' at No. 7
The Boston Bruins have a big decision to make next month with the seventh pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
While the prospect class isn't as strong as it's been in year's past, the Bruins still have the opportunity to bolster their team — particularly at the center position.
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The Athletic's Corey Pronman released his mock draft on Tuesday and has the Bruins doing just that by selecting Jake O'Brien.
'O'Brien is a cerebral, playmaking center with top-line upside,' Pronman wrote. 'His skill and vision are clear NHL traits and address Boston's massive need for a center who can drive play and create offense.'
O'Brien, 17, plays for the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League and was the OHL's Rookie of the Year last season after he led all rookies with 64 points in 61 games.
'His edge work is elite. His shot's elite. His stickhandling ability in complicated drills and taking pucks off the wall,' O'Brien's skills coach, Dan Sisca told The Athletic in a March interview. 'No matter who he is skating with, whether he's skating with NHL players now or other OHL players, his skill set in a skills session is like a wow factor.'
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The Bruins have struggled at the center position since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired in 2023. They signed Elias Lindholm last offseason, but a back injury hindered him throughout the season. Boston then traded Charlie Coyle — who was a staple at center on the third line — to the Colorado Avalanche at the deadline.
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