By: Andrew Taverna | Follow me on Twitter @andrewtaverna
Woburn, MA native Riley Duran was drafted 182nd overall by the Boston Bruins during the 2020 NHL Draft. The 6’2″ center is coming out of Lawrence Academy heading to Youngstown (USHL) this season. After his trip to Youngstown, he’s expected to make his debut for Providence College in 2021-22.
With the 182nd pick in the 2020 #NHLDraft, the #NHLBruins select forward Riley Duran. pic.twitter.com/OabEGhCKn3
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 7, 2020
In 27 games with Lawrence Academy, he scored 22 goals with 22 assists for a total of 44 points. Duran is a gifted skater with an ability to cycle the puck below the dots. Duran’s 6’2″ frame will allow him to build out a bit and become a versatile player on a middle-six role in the NHL. While drafted as a center, Duran played as a top-line wing for Lawerence Academy, which only strengthens the argument that he can be a versatile player.
With his size and ability to play below the dots, he seems like a prime candidate for a north-south game, becoming increasingly important in an NHL role. In addition to playing below the dots, his role on the penalty kill became increasingly important during his last season at Lawerence Academy.
Bruins pick up a MA kid in Duran, who's from Woburn and played for Lawrence Academy.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 7, 2020
6-foot-1 center is expected to play for Youngstown (USHL) this season and move on to Providence for 2021-22.
Duran appears to be a player with a lot of potential, but is a long way from making his NHL debut. Over the next couple of years, his success with Youngstown and Providence College will be critical to him getting his chance.
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