Given the Boston Bruins’ thin prospect pool, it’s crucial for the organization to replenish it. Several players have already graduated to the big club, and last season saw surprising contributions from center Matthew Poitras and defenseman Mason Lohrei, who both played key roles. However, beyond them, the prospect pool needs restocking.

Being a Stanley Cup contender means consistently drafting late in each round, which can be challenging. However, success stories like David Pastrnak, who was drafted 25th overall in 2014, prove that valuable players can be found late in the draft.

General manager Don Sweeney managed to acquire a first-round pick during the 2024 NHL Entry Draft through a trade with the Ottawa Senators, reclaiming a pick originally belonging to the Bruins. This trade, which involved sending goalie Linus Ullmark to the Senators, allowed the Bruins to select center Dean Letourneau. Letourneau, a 6-foot-7 center with impressive skating and skill, has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Sabres’ Tage Thompson.

Sweeney was impressed by Letourneau’s combination of size, skating ability, and skill. Letourneau, who models his game after Thompson, has already shown potential during Bruins’ development camp. Player Development Coordinator Adam McQuaid praised Letourneau’s calmness around the net and his skillset.

With the Bruins needing a true number-one center, Letourneau’s development is key. Although they recently signed Elias Lindholm for seven years to fill that role immediately, drafting and developing a center remains crucial for the future. Letourneau will continue his development at Boston College, where he will face tougher competition and further hone his skills.

Letourneau’s impressive performance at St. Andrew’s College, where he scored 127 points in 56 games during the 2023-24 season, bodes well for his future. As he transitions to college hockey, he aims to use his size and skill to his advantage, working on getting stronger to compete against older and stronger players.

Overall, Letourneau’s selection is a bright spot for the Bruins, offering a combination of size and skill with tremendous upside. As he develops at the collegiate level, he represents a promising addition to the Bruins’ prospect pool.