By: Jeff Playdon | Follow me on Twitter @PlaydonJeff
During the second day of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Brett Harrison with the 85th overall pick. Harrison was drafted from the Oshawa Generals in the OHL. During the 2019-2020 season, while on the Oshawa Generals, Harrison racked up 21 goals and 37 points in 56 games. Oh, by the way, he was only 16-years-old when he put up those numbers, making him one of just four rookies to hit the 20-goal mark that season.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic was happening, it delayed the 2020-2021 season, forcing Harrison to move out to Finland. He would then lace up the skates for the KOOVEE U-20 team. There he racked up four goals and nine points. Harrison also played for the Canada U-18 World Junior Championships, where he scored two goals in seven games.
Harrison seems to be Good Fit in Boston
The Bruins made sure to hit all points of need during the 2021 NHL Draft. With their first-round pick, they selected Fabian Lysell, who provides tremendous high-end offense and speed. Following up with that selection, they decided to pick up Brett Harrison, who provides much-needed size at the center hole. The left-handed center stands at 6’2″ and weighs 185 pounds. After getting selected, Harrison had this to say during an interview with eric Russo:
“It was a dream come true when I saw my name pop up, and a moment that I’ll never forget; I’ve always been a Bruins fan; it just ran through the family as my grandpa was best friends with Gary Doak. So So I’ve always watched the Bruins growing up. So many great players have been going through there. Just watching Patrice Bergeron, he’s just such a reliable player, someone that I really look up to, and someone that I would love to play like.”
Aggressive Play fits Perfectly with Bruins
Along with size and toughness, Harrison provides a smart/sharp style of play. Harrison is well known for his strong presence in front of the net, along with an aggressive forecheck, a strong shot, and an ability to find open ice and finish plays near the top of the opposing team’s crease. Harrison had this to say about his style of play in an interview with NESN:
“I’m a player that can play in all areas of the ice and all positions, I’m a centerman, but I can also play both sides of the wing as well. I have a very high hockey IQ and a really great scoring touch. I find the soft areas in front of the net and in the slot. I love going to the dirty areas and producing on my chances in front.”
Depth at the Center Spot
With an aging Patrice Bergeron (36-years-old), and an aging David Krejci (35-years-old), the Bruins made sure to build the future at the center position by selecting Brett Harrison. With this upcoming season being Patrice Bergeron’s last year on his contract and Krejci still waiting to be signed with the Bruins, this was a good time to pick up a center in the draft. While it’s uncertain at this time if Harrison will be returning to play for the Oshawa Generals or Team Canada’s U-18 team, Harrison will most certainly be at Bruins’ development camp August 2nd-6th in Brighton.
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