After a disappointing 2024–25 season, the Boston Bruins find themselves with a prime opportunity to restock their thin prospect pool.
With the 7th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Boston has a chance to land a high-impact player who can grow into a core piece of the franchise’s future.
The team is reportedly doing its homework on several top names, and there are a few standout prospects who make sense for the Bruins’ long-term vision.
Here are five players worth considering when the Bruins go on the clock this summer.
1. James Hagens – C, Boston College
If James Hagens is still available at No. 7, don’t be surprised if the Bruins jump on the chance to draft him.
A natural center with elite offensive instincts, Hagens made an immediate impact in his freshman year at Boston College, posting 37 points in 37 games while maintaining a stellar +21 rating.
At just 18, he already looks like a future top-six center — something the Bruins desperately need after parting ways with veterans like Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle.
Hagens brings:
- High hockey IQ
- Strong two-way play
- Elite skating and puck control
He fits perfectly into Boston’s system — and could develop into a long-term solution down the middle.
2. Jake O’Brien – C, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
Another name the Bruins have reportedly shown interest in is Jake O’Brien, and for good reason.
O’Brien took a massive leap forward this season in the OHL, scoring 32 goals and 98 points in 66 games — up from 64 points the year before.
Standing at 6’2″, he combines size, skill, and playmaking ability, making him a versatile option who could slot in anywhere from second-line center to power-play quarterback.
His production and upside make him a strong fit for Boston’s rebuilding plan, especially if he’s still on the board at 7.
3. Brady Martin – C, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Brady Martin is flying up draft boards thanks to his breakout season in the OHL, where he tallied 33 goals and 72 points in 57 games.
Known for his physicality as much as his scoring touch, Martin plays a rugged but effective game that aligns well with Boston’s identity.
He also recently confirmed that the Bruins were among the teams he had dinner with leading up to the draft — a sign of clear interest from both sides.
Martin’s combination of grit and offense makes him a dual threat — and exactly the kind of player the Bruins love developing.
4. Anton Frondell – C, Djurgardens IF (Sweden)
For a team needing depth and versatility, Anton Frondell offers real value.
Playing against professional competition in Sweden’s top league, Frondell put up 25 points in 29 games at just 18 years old — impressive by any standard.
He’s been praised for his two-way game, particularly his defensive awareness and poise under pressure.
While not the flashiest name in the draft, Frondell could become a reliable, two-way center — a key missing piece in Boston’s pipeline.
5. Porter Martone – RW, Brampton Steelheads (OHL)
Though the Bruins do need help at center, they also lack high-end wing talent in their development ranks, which makes Porter Martone an intriguing option if he’s still around at 7.
Martone enjoyed a career year in the OHL, scoring 37 goals and adding 61 assists in 57 games — all while showcasing a powerful, physical style that fits the Bruins’ mold.
At 6’3″ , he has the frame to be a power-forward presence in the NHL, and his offensive numbers suggest he could evolve into a consistent goal-scorer.
If the right center isn’t available, Martone could offer the next best thing: a dynamic winger who thrives in traffic and doesn’t back down from contact.
The Bruins’ Draft Strategy Amidst Roster Shakeup
This past season was one of the most turbulent in recent Bruins history.
General manager Don Sweeney made bold moves at the trade deadline, sending out fan favorites like Brandon Carlo, Trent Frederic, and even longtime captain Brad Marchand.
That shakeup left the roster younger, thinner, and more reliant on future talent than ever.
The 2025 draft is a crucial step in that rebuild, and with the 7th pick, Boston has a golden opportunity to add a foundational piece.
Final Takeaway: Opportunity Knocks for the Bruins
With one of the weaker prospect pools in the league, the Bruins need this draft to hit — and hit hard.
Whether it’s James Hagens bringing elite skill to the middle, Jake O’Brien offering two-way polish, or Porter Martone giving them a new breed of power forward, Boston has options.
And if Brady Martin or Anton Frondell slip into the teens, expect the Bruins to reconsider and possibly trade up to grab them.
This draft is more than just another selection for Boston.
It’s the start of something bigger.
