Bruin’s Front Office Member Speaks On Pair Of Top Prospects In NHL Draft

With Marco Sturm now in place as head coach, the Boston Bruins are turning their attention to another critical piece of the puzzle: The 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles.

This week’s scouting combine in Buffalo comes at a pivotal moment. Boston owns the No. 7 overall pick — its highest selection since taking Tyler Seguin at No. 2 in 2010 — and is one of the few playoff-caliber clubs drafting inside the top 10.

“It’s been exciting,” director of amateur scouting Ryan Nadeau told reporters, as transcribed by Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald. “You’re fishing in different water.”

Boston has already conducted about 85 short-length prospect interviews. It is a chance for general manager Don Sweeney and Nadeau to personally evaluate players they have only seen on tape or heard about from area scouts.

“We see them on the ice all year, but this lets us get to know the kid a little bit,” Nadeau said. “We’re looking for who they are beyond the game.”

Swedish center Anton Frondell, who played pro hockey this year, is one potential target.

“He plays a mature game,” Nadeau said. “Strong frame, good away from the puck, and he’ll go to the net.”

OHL standout Jake O’Brien, who posted 98 points for Brantford, also drew praise.

“He’s really improved his skating,” said Nadeau. “He slows the game down with the puck, plays responsibly in his own zone, and brings offensive pop.”

Other centers in play include Brady Martin, Roger McQueen, Caleb Desnoyers, and Boston College’s James Hagens.

Still, Nadeau tempered expectations. While the team will likely listen to this summer’s trade market, the draft isn’t expected to yield immediate results.

“It’s certainly remote that a player makes our team right away,” he said. “We’re focused on what they can be in three, five, ten years — not October.”