By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis
The time has come and gone for the 2025 Boston Bruins Development Camp. 30 skaters (17 forwards, nine defensemen, and four goalies) laced up at camp last week, looking for their chance to make a name for themselves. With a highly-touted draft pick and elite goal scorers in the prospect pool, the Bruins had a wave of talent take the ice for this summer’s session.
This training camp was one of the more exciting ones we have had recently, and colleague Jack Studley and I were both fortunate enough to represent Black N’ Gold Productions with coverage from Warrior Ice Arena throughout the week. Here is what we saw from the 17 forwards:
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Dalton Bancroft
Age: 24
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 207 lbs
Position: LW/RW
Stats: 15-12–27 in 36 games
Draft: FA Signing
2025-26 Team: Providence Bruins
Calautti: Bancroft plays probably the most mature game of any prospect at Development Camp this year. He wins battles along the walls, uses his size/frame to gain inside position, and has the speed and skating ability to compete up and down the ice. The question for him is whether or not he can further refine his scoring touch. He has the ruggedness and tenacity to be a fourth line contributor, but improving his offensive game will take him to a whole nother level.
Studley: The organization is high on their undrafted free agent, and he showed why. He plays a calm game while embodying the physicality that the Bruins are rooted in. Bancroft made his physical presence felt on days three and four of camp, not being afraid to throw his body around and using it to win pucks. He is a smart player; seeing his game grow as he joins the Providence Bruins will be exciting. His scoring touch was also on display last week, and he scored one in his five-game stint with Providence last season.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Cole Chandler
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 176 lbs
Position: C/LW
Stats: 13-19–32 in 64 games
Draft: 2025 5th Round Pick
2025-26 Team: Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Calautti: Chandler made a solid impression during his first few days in a Bruins jersey. The centerman has an excellent shot to go along with a solid frame and smooth hands. He needs to work on his acceleration if he wants to take his game to the next level, but all in all I really liked what I saw from the 2025 fifth-rounder.
Studley: Chandler impressed throughout the week; he showed off his shot, smarts, and ability to find open lanes. He battled an injury that impacted his performance two seasons ago, and an illness interfered with the first half of this past season. The second half of last season and the playoffs went well for Chandler, and he parlayed that performance into the development camp. He should be a key piece for the Shawinigan Cataractes this season, and hopefully, he can continue to produce at the levels he was at towards the end of the QMJHL season and playoffs.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Andre Gasseau
Age: 22
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 224 lbs
Position: C/LW
Stats: 15-15–30 IN 36 games
Draft: 2021 7th round pick
2025-26 Team: Boston College
Calautti: Gasseau is about to enter his senior season at Boston College, and if rumors are true, he’ll make an excellent captain for the Eagles. The California big man has steadily improved his game over three seasons, first establishing himself as a physical presence, then developing a rocket of a shot, to showing off improved vision and passing at camp this year. The knock on him has been his skating, but this year his first step looked more explosive than before. He could be in for a big season.
Studley: I like Gasseau, and I thought he had a good season for Boston College last year. He played all over the ice for BC, moving around the center and the wing spots. That is to his advantage, as the Bruins now have a deep pool of prospects at center. A seventh-round pick from 2021, Gasseau has improved his game over the years; he is a smart player who is very aware of the play around him and uses his size to his advantage. Throughout the week, Gasseau demonstrated his size being an advantage, bumping into bodies to win the puck while bringing a hard shot to the table. He is a leader and will likely be the next captain of Boston College next season, a team flooded with Bruins prospects.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
James Hagens
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 190lbs
Position: C
Stats: 11-26–37 in 37 games
Draft: 2025 1st round pick
2025-26 Team: TBD
Calautti: I say without hyperbole that James Hagens was far and away the best player at Development Camp. His straightline speed, agility, and edgework are a coach’s dream. He’s one of the best pure skaters I’ve ever seen in person. Put a stick in his hand and the playmaking becomes obvious. He constantly has his head up, looking to read defenses and make plays before they develop. He didn’t rack up goals last season but does have an impressive and deceptive shot. I was high on Hagens when the Bruins took him, and I’m even higher now that I’ve seen him in person.
Studley: The Boston Bruins landed a gift from the hockey gods. James Hagens has all of the talent that was advertised. His ability to flawlessly skate, create plays, and wheel around the ice makes him one of the brightest lights as we look ahead to the Bruins’ future. He had the highest expectations going into camp and found ways to play at that level. Most notably, his skating is phenomenal. Hagens was easily the most talented player on the ice and will remain valuable for the Bruins. That said, he should not be rushed – let Hagens return to Chestnut Hill and dominate, and then get some reps in at the 2026 World Junior Championships in Minnesota.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Beckett Hendrickson
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 170 lbs
Position: C/LW
Stats: 3-9–12 in 39 games
Draft: 2023 4th round pick
2025-26 Team: Minnesota
Calautti: Hendrickson played a bottom-six role for a good NCAA team last season. His numbers may not pop off the page, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an exciting prospect. The fourth-rounder shined in the 3v3 scrimmages, winning puck battles and using his defensive instincts and precision passing to set up teammates for grade-A chances. His defensive game is well-rounded and his passing is a calling-card, the question will be can he earn more ice time and become more of a play-driver on offense.
Studley: Hendrickson stood out to me on day four while scrimmaging. Paired with Cole Simpson, those two executed well and found each other often. He was also unafraid to get into the dirty areas and play physically to win the puck. Seeing how Hendrickson develops as he returns to Minnesota will be interesting. If he is in an elevated role this season, he will be a fun prospect to watch as the Big Ten stacks up in competition.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Dean Letourneau
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 6’7”, 221 lbs
Position: C
Stats: 0-3–3 in 36 games
Draft: 2024 1st round pick
2025-26 Team: Boston College
Calautti: Letourneau took some massive strides from Development Camp 2024 to Development Camp 2025. He looks more comfortable in his 6’7” frame, has improved his skating, and still has the soft hands and stick-handling ability that’s so rare for someone his size. The Ontario native seemed eager to atone for last season’s disappointing performance, and looks ready to make a jump. He played the body well during the scrimmage (leveled 6’6” Kristian Kostadinski), won puck battles in tight, and set up some golden opportunities. He’s still a ways away, but the arrow is definitely pointing up for the former first-round pick.
Studley: I was very impressed with the Bruins’ 2024 first-round draft choice, my favorite forward from the camp. He showed poise and confidence, and looks highly motivated to prove himself during his sophomore campaign at Boston College. His shot is dangerous (he scored 75 goals in his senior year of HS), and he showed a great ability to generate offense. He has gotten more comfortable utilizing his 6’7” frame, especially net front. Do not let year one’s numbers at Boston College deceive you; he was playing with a broken hand and was adjusting from Canadian high school to collegiate hockey, and he played mostly bottom-six minutes on that stacked BC team.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Bret Link
Age: 23
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 195 lbs
Position: LW/RW
Stats: 7-14–21 in 37 games
Draft: Undrafted FA
2025-26 Team: Colorado College
Calautti: Link had a very quietly solid week at Development Camp. Based on his size and frame (6’3”, 195), it’s obvious why the Bruins took a chance on him. He was a big part of the squad that won the 3v3 scrimmage and showed that he has the physical tools to compete with other prospects. If he has a big year in Colorado, the Bruins may come knocking with an AHL deal.
Studley: The invite from Colorado College stood out throughout the development camp, leaving the impression that he will garner interest with a productive season at Colorado College. He put shots on target and displayed his ability to pick a spot on the net. He can also wheel down the ice, which is ideal with his frame. He also connected passes to tape, setting up offensive chances throughout the week. He was on the 3v3 team that won the scrimmage tournament, displaying his smarts in a game situation.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
William Moore
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 181 lbs
Position: C
Stats: 27-32–59 in 64 games
Draft: 2025 2nd round pick
2025-26 Team: Boston College
Calautti: Moore sticks out simply because of how big he looks on the ice. He stands at 6’3” but moves so quickly and is such a gifted skater that he almost seems larger. Moore describes himself as a playmaker and it’s easy to see why. The BC-commit constantly looks for teammates (sometimes to a detriment) and uses his length to hold on to pucks and create time and space. There were more than a couple times he rang the posts and dented the end boards, so getting him to become more shot happy will be a priority. Another player who had a solid camp.
Studley: The 51st overall selection at this year’s draft did well at camp, but my takeaway is that the organization does not need to rush Moore. Moore has a great shot; his stickwork and ability to create offense make him a valuable prospect for the Bruins in the future. He has all of the attributes of a solid NHL player, but working on the final touches at a school as highly regarded as Boston College should help Moore propel to the next level. He was also very passionate, adding to his excitement as a prospect; he did not let a brutal travel weekend get in the way of his first time on Bruin ice, and he expressed his frustration if a shot hit the post or the end boards, only to follow up the next sequence with a shot on frame.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Jonathan Morello
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 192 lbs
Position: C/LW
Stats: 8-20–28 in 59 games
Draft: 2024 5th round pick
2025-26 Team: Boston University
Calautti: I was high on Morello after last year’s Development Camp, and I’m even higher after this one. There was a major increase in talent among this season’s invites (Hagens, Moore, Zellers, etc.) and when the 5v5 scrimmage came around, Morello was one of the standouts. He’s grown into his frame and is an excellent skater. He’s able to use his strength to win battles and hold onto pucks while also utilizing speed to win races and make defenders uncomfortable. I’m not sure where he’ll play in the lineup for a deep BU team, but he’s someone to keep an eye on as a sleeper prospect in this organization.
Studley: Morello stood out to me during the 5v5 scrimmages. He is calm when he has the puck and plays bigger than his height and weight. He uses his body to keep the puck on his stick. Morello can skate fast, too. He displayed those attributes throughout the week, but other than that, I believe he flew under the radar on days one through three. I am intrigued to follow his development at Boston University, and although they are deep, he could become an impact player down the line.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Logan Morrell
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6’3”, 194 lbs
Position: RW/LW
Stats: 11-10–21 in 32 games
Draft: Undrafted FA
2025-26 Team: Arizona State
Calautti: Logan Morrell is another guy that quietly put together a solid camp. He was one of the more physically mature skaters at the rink but didn’t sacrifice any speed or skill. The Arizona State commit doesn’t have any highlight traits, but is one of those players that does a little bit of everything pretty well. He was the best of the non-goalie camp invites, and he’ll be someone Boston’s development team keeps an eye on out west.
Studley: Morrell was not a player that ‘wowed’ me per se, but his attributes make him a quality player, and his development is something that the Bruins should keep their eye on going forward. His physical play was notable, getting involved throughout the 5v5 scrimmages on day four. Throughout the 2023-24 season, Morrell counted for 97 penalty minutes in 43 games in the BCHL. Last year, he had 29 penalty minutes and 11 goals in 32 games for Michigan Tech, and the Mesa, AZ native will transfer to Arizona State for the fall.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Casper Nassen
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 214 lbs
Position: RW/LW
Stats: 6-4–10 in 34 games
Draft: 2023 7th round pick
2025-26 Team: Miami University (Ohio)
Calautti: Nassen’s calling card is the fact that he can absolutely rip pucks from wherever he stands on the ice. Whether in transition or completely flat-footed, he has the ability to fire it from anywhere. Nassen has the size Bruins executives salivate over, but needs to improve his skating and add a bit of bite to his game. He has an opportunity to take the reigns at Miami (Ohio) next season, and will need to do so to become a more prominent prospect.
Studley: Nassen had more of a quiet showing during the week of the development camp. Nassen was not afraid to hold back his shot last week, and as Tom mentioned, it can come from anywhere. There were times when he blended in with the crowd, but the Swedish winger still has potential with his shot and frame. In his last season in Sweden, he scored 31 points in 41 games at the under-20 level, so hopefully Nassen can return to form and find his rhythm in his second season at Miami (OH).
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Chris Pelosi
Age: 20
Height/Weight: 6’2”, 183 lbs
Position: C
Stats: 13-11–24 in 38 games
Draft: 2023 3rd round pick
2025-26 Team: Quinnipiac University
Calautti: Pelosi is another who took major physical and developmental steps from last camp to this one. He’s always had the willingness and ability to get to the dirty areas and win battles, but now he has the frame, strength, and poise to do so. He centered the second line for a Quinnipiac team that made the elite-eight last season as a freshman, so there’s reason to believe his arrow is pointing up. He’s a solid skater, good defensively, has a knack for the net, and competes up and down the ice. I expect big things from him.
Studley: Pelosi’s game was extremely fun to watch because he seemingly always was in a position to succeed. If a play were developing, Pelosi would find the open lane, fly down the opposite wing, and get involved in the offense. He also demonstrated aggression on second and third chances; if his stick got lifted, he fought right back to ensure the puck stayed with him. His game will be fun to watch at Quinnipiac this season, especially after his performance last year. I would not be surprised to see Pelosi in the NHL in a few years.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Cooper Simpson
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 180 lbs
Position: LW/RW
Stats: 7-1–8 in 9 games (USHL); 41-34–83 in 31 games (HS-MN)
Draft: 2025 3rd round pick
2025-26 Team: Tri-City Storm
Calautti: Cooper Simpson is an incredibly gifted offensive hockey player. He was quiet to start the week, but when it came to the Thursday scrimmages, he was arguably the best player on the ice. The 18-year-old has a lethal shot that he both gets off quickly and locates with precision. His offensive instincts are impressive for his age, as he effortlessly creates time and space for himself and holds onto pucks when on the attack. His game needs work defensively and on the back end, but it’s easy to see why Don Sweeney reached for him in the third round. Simpson has some raw offensive tools that you just can’t teach.
Studley: Cooper Simpson knows how to find the back of the net. His shot was really impressive. He was another guy who could slow down and set the pace of the play around him. He will play another year of juniors before heading to North Dakota for the 2026-27 season, and after his nine-game stint (7-1–8) with Tri-City this season, one more year with the Storm might be enough time for Simpson to continue developing before he moves to Grand Forks, ND. He is also coming off a 49-goal season for Shakopee High (MN). The talent is apparent, and the future looks promising for a prospect like Simpson.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Ethan Whitcomb
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 209lbs
Position: RW/LW
Stats: 6-5–11 in 39 games
Draft: Undrafted FA
2025-26 Team: UConn
Calautti: Whitcomb was easily one of the biggest skaters on the ice, and I’m talking about both height and frame. The UConn forward has all the hallmarks of being an effective bruiser, punishing defensemen on the forecheck and making life difficult in the corners. Development Camps aren’t the best place to show off those traits, but when it came to winning battles and displaying brute strength, he stood out. Another invite to keep an eye on this season.
Studley: Compared to the rest of the group, Whitcomb’s performance did not stand out regarding offensive production. His style of game is more hard-nosed and aggressive. His frame benefits him greatly, and he was able to make his presence felt along the glass while battling for the puck. He took full advantage of what was offered to him last week, sticking around after sessions concluded to work with coaches on specific areas of development. It will be fun to watch him this year at UConn, and his style of game makes him a target for Bruins scouts to keep their eyes on throughout the Huskies’ season.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Kirill Yemelyanov
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 6’0”, 170lbs
Position: C
Stats: 13-10–23 in 35 games
Draft: 2025 6th round pick
2025-26 Team: Loko Yaroslavl
Calautti: Yemelyanov was the last player taken by the Bruins in this year’s draft, and despite going in the sixth round, the Russian forward has some intriguing upside. The thing that stands out most about Yemelyanov are his defensive instincts. He’s always in the right position (both physically and with his stick) and has the situational awareness to use that positioning to his advantage. He has a decent shot and is a solid skater but will need some time and training to fill out his frame. He’s a buy-low prospect that could potentially earn himself some more eyes with a solid upcoming season.
Studley: Yemelyanov, for a sixth-round pick, impressed last week at the Bruins’ development camp. He has very calm hands, yet he can be shifty with the puck on his stick. He looked solid as a two-way forward and demonstrated his knowledge, knowing where to be on the ice and when. He is only 18 years old, so he still has room to grow, both height and weight-wise, but also developing his game – touching up his shot and adding some size are the keys to Yemelyanov’s development.
(Photo Credit: Connor Nee / BNG Productions)
Will Zellers
Age: 19
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 170lbs
Position: LW
Stats: 44-27–71 in 52 games
Draft: 2024 3rd round pick (Colorado)
2025-26 Team: North Dakota
Calautti: I’ve never seen a scorer so polished and efficient at such a young age. The only way to describe Zellers’ release is lethal. He’s able to laser pucks in a split second or less, using both deception and speed to create space for the lightning quick release. Whenever the puck is on his stick you better be watching because something impactful could happen. Despite being a bit undersized, Zellers has a high-motor and a really solid compete level. He isn’t afraid to play the body or get gritty with his game. He needs work away from the puck and as a passer, but man can he score.
Studley: Will Zellers scored 44 goals for the Green Bay Gamblers last season, and last week at development camp, he was showing how he scored that many. He found the open areas of the net, making it hard for any of the four goalies to challenge his shot. He was also very calm and collected with the puck. Zellers was not forcing plays and looked smart with the puck on his stick. Throughout the camp, Zellers showed he would get scrappy in the dirty areas, winning pucks along the boards and throwing his body around. He impressed throughout the week, and his transition year in the USHL is complete – we will see Will Zellers playing college hockey this fall at the University of North Dakota.
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