By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
The Boston Bruins held the 25th pick in the 2024 National Hockey League Entry Draft. With that selection, General Manager Don Sweeney chose forward Dean Letourneau. If the season were to end today, the Bruins would project to have the 18th pick in the 2025 draft. There are several polarizing prospects expected to be available at that pick. It’s important to note that there is still a significant amount of time until the draft takes place, and the list of potential players could change based on how some of these athletes finish their seasons and whether Boston decides to trade their pick. Nonetheless, it is still fun to think about what could be.
Forward – Cullen Potter – Arizona State
Cullen Potter decided to attend college early. At just 17 years old, he joined the Arizona State Sun Devils in their pursuit of the team’s first-ever Frozen Four appearance. Last season, the Hortonville, Wisconsin native played for the United States National Team Development Program, where he recorded an impressive 46 points in 54 games. This season at ASU, Cullen has achieved 10 points in 17 games.
I have enjoyed watching the 17-year-old this season. He possesses impressive raw skill, and his shot, along with his remarkable patience, is outstanding. Potter’s trademark is his playmaking ability. At 5 feet 10 inches tall, this forward demonstrates incredible hockey sense and high hockey IQ. The level of awareness Cullen displays is astonishing, and his gameplay has transitioned well into the college level. Another fundamental thing I notice when watching him is that he is always flying. Potter must hit his top speed at least twice a shift. It is incredible. It was a bold decision for him to flip his commitment from Michigan State to Arizona State and forgo his U18 season with the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP), but it has paid off. The sky is the limit for him, and any team would be fortunate to have him in their system.
Defenseman – Kashawn Aitcheson – Barrie Colts
Kashawn Aitcheson strikes me as a defenseman who fits well with the Boston Bruins. He plays in the Ontario Hockey League for the Barrie Colts. Last season, the Toronto native recorded 39 points in 64 games and is on track to achieve 50 points in 65 games this season. Aitcheson also had the opportunity to participate in the CHL vs. USNTDP series, where he scored a goal in the CHL’s 6-1 victory.
Watching Aitcheson play is exciting; if there is a moment where he can don the black and gold jersey, he will surely become a fan favorite. Opponents know when Kashawn is on the ice; if they don’t, they’ll quickly find out. Standing six feet one inch, he is a mobile, two-way defender with significant offensive potential. One downside to his game is the number of penalties he incurs. In just 25 games this season, Aitcheson has racked up 52 penalty minutes. A hot topic within the Bruins organization is power play, and Aicheson quarterbacks are one of the Colts’ power play units. He brings a certain calmness to that quarterback spot, which helps make the man’s advantage work smoothly. Despite this, he is a tough player and well-rounded overall. You know exactly what you will get from him.
Forward – William Moore – USNTDP
I couldn’t create a draft projection without including a player committed to the Boston College Eagles. Will Moore is a dual citizen who was born in Mississauga. Last season, he scored 43 points in 50 games with the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP). This season, he has 23 points in 32 games. This point progression is why Moore’s draft stock has sunk recently.
The 6-foot-2 center is a solid choice. Moore is exceptionally well-rounded and can contribute to the power play and penalty kill. Previous coaches have noted that he doesn’t take shortcuts in the defensive zone and demonstrates a strong 200-foot game. The Mississauga native is valuable to any NHL roster because he can handle various game situations. One aspect I’ve noticed while watching him is his impressive puck control. I have also noticed that the offense runs through him when he is on the ice. Moore is constantly touching the puck in the O-zone and creating chances for his teammates. Additionally, his physical frame makes him an appealing option for teams looking to make a selection if he’s still available.
Defenseman – Blake Fiddler – Edmonton Oil Kings
Blake Fiddler is another dual player on this list, as he is eligible to play for the USA and Canada in international competition. However, the 6 foot 4 defenseman captained the United States at the Hilinka-Gretzky Cup this past summer. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because his dad, Vernon, played over 875 games in the NHL. Blake Fiddler registered 15 points in 63 games last season with the Edmonton Oil Kings. He is on pace for 29 points in 64 games, almost doubling his production.
Despite his massive size, the Nashville native is an exceptional skater. I particularly admire his ability to control spacing on the ice when watching him play. A defenseman of his stature can quickly close down space, making him a nightmare for the opposition. It’s impressive how opponents often remain unaware that they are just a split second away from danger. I would describe his playing style as suffocating. A massive difference I have seen recently is that Fiddler is much smarter with the puck. In some cases during the Hilinka-Gretzky Cup, I noticed him give the puck away when there was little pressure, and I am not seeing that same agitation this season with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Blake is an ideal candidate for any top penalty-killing unit, as he is unafraid to put himself in harm’s way to block shots for the team.
Forward – Caleb Desnoyers – Moncton Wildcats
As of now, this pick might be considered a stretch, but I enjoy watching him play so much that I want to discuss it. If the name sounds familiar, you might know his brother, Elliot, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers. Caleb spent his last two seasons with the Moncton Wildcats. Last season, Desnoyers scored 56 points in 60 games. This season, he is on pace for 105 points in 63 games, rapidly boosting his draft stock. Given how the Bruins ‘ season has gone, this possibility isn’t out of the question.
The six-foot-two center possesses extraordinary agility for a player of his size. While Desnoyers has some speed, his playmaking ability poses a significant challenge for defenders. His vision on the ice is exceptional. Caleb creates chaos for defenders with his attacking style, often keeping his strategies unpredictable. The Quebec native excels at drawing opponents towards him, which opens up opportunities for his teammates. Weighing in at 172 pounds, he demonstrates remarkable awareness, and his ability to read the game is awe-inspiring. I could continue to praise Desnoyers’ elite performance for days, and any team would be fortunate to have him.
I want to emphasize that this list will likely change before the draft. This draft class is full of talent, and I am excited to see what Don Sweeney will decide to do with the pick.
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