By: Ellie Man | Follow me on Twitter/X @ellieyym
The 2026 National Hockey League Entry Draft is soon approaching, with just a week left to go. The Bruins will be hoping to increase their prospect pool, but currently lack high-end draft capital. This has made successful selections all the more significant as the organization seeks to build for the future.
Ahead of the draft, we’re looking back at some of the best picks that the B’s have made. These helped shape the franchise as we know it today, leaving a lasting impact on the Bruins and their records.
David Pastrňák (2014: 25th overall)
Pastrňák is one of the Bruins’ players of pride on the current roster, as a franchise cornerstone and a reliable point producer. He has four 100-point seasons, with a career high of 61G, 52A. Regularly ranking among the league leaders in goals and points, he drives Boston’s offense and is also a creative playmaker to support the rest of the team. Following a concussion in 2014, his form wavered before the draft, and Boston benefited most. Recognizing and utilizing his offensive talent, the team has helped Pastrňák develop into a standout player. The Bruins picking him at 25th is a steal, and the value he has provided is clear, as he most recently placed sixth in the Hart Trophy voting.
Terry O’Reilly (1971: 14th overall)
Called a “typical Boston Bruins player” by the then-general manager Milt Schmidt, O’Reilly quickly proved he belonged at the highest level of hockey. He established himself as a steady presence and a key contributor, earning a total of 606 points (204G, 402A) over 891 games played. As demonstrated by his involvement in the infamous Madison Square Garden brawl, O’Reilly’s hustle and determination were enduring traits that bled through into his style of play and defined his character. This also earned him the accolade of being one of the most effective enforcers in the National Hockey League. He played his entire professional career with the Bruins, embodying exactly what it means to wear the Spoked-B.
Ray Bourque (1979: 8th overall)
Bourque made the Bruins’ team at just 18 and made history. He is often revered as one of the best offensive defensemen, with a career high of 96 points in the 1983-84 season. As a result, he holds several National Hockey League records, including the most career goals, assists, and points achieved by a defenseman. He also won the Norris Trophy five times and received widespread support in votes for the Hart Trophy despite his position. Bourque’s dominant play and his legendary career have been recognized in numerous ways, such as having his jersey number 77 retired in the rafters of TD Garden and being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Joe Thornton (1997: 1st overall)
Thornton was exactly what he was expected to be. Coming into the National Hockey League with a strong junior career already behind him, he quickly established himself as an elite offensive talent. His impressive vision while on the ice allowed him to make strong playmaking calls and thread difficult passes across the rink. Thornton captained the Bruins for three seasons, but he was later traded to the San Jose Sharks, where he fit in right away, going on to enjoy a storied career with the team. While this trade is largely considered one of the worst in Bruins history, it allowed Boston to shed his hefty contract and gave way for the team to build a new core around Patrice Bergeron.
Patrice Bergeron (2003: 45th overall)
The 2003 National Hockey League Draft was a stacked class, but few picks proved better value than Patrice Bergeron. Teams prioritized physical size and flashier offensive players, and as a result, Bergeron fell through the cracks. Boston selected him 45th overall in a remarkable steal, landing a player who would become an exceptional two-way forward. He went on to aid the Bruins to victory, scoring the game-winning goal in game seven against the Vancouver Canucks to bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston. He achieved 1040 points over 1294 games throughout his career, all played with the Bruins, and his jersey number 37 is set to be retired next season in honor of his achievements.
Brad Marchand (2006: 71st overall)
Similar to Bergeron, Marchand was overlooked for his smaller stature, standing at just 5’9” in height. Despite his feisty playing style and relentless ability to agitate opponents, no one expected him to become a core player for the Bruins. Instead, he exceeded every prediction and was able to rack up a career best of 36G, 64A in the 2018-19 season. This success led to him taking on captaincy and winning a Stanley Cup along the way, having developed into a franchise icon. Selected in the third round, Marchand remains one of the greatest value picks in Bruins history and serves as a reminder that draft position does not always correspond to impact.
Tyler Seguin (2010: 2nd overall)
Seguin remains a classic case of ‘what could’ve been’ as many B’s fans still wonder what his prime years in Boston might have looked like. His name is etched on the Stanley Cup with the 2011 Bruins, but he never truly got the chance to display his talent. Traded to the Dallas Stars after just three seasons with the Bruins, this deal is considered up there – along with Thornton’s – as a front office blunder. His off-ice reputation and lack of discipline were seen as incompatible with the Bruins’ culture, and the organization opted to cut ties. Now 13 years on, his production is slowing, and his mobility is reduced following multiple major injuries. But as the Bruins look to strengthen their center depth, you can’t help but wonder how Seguin could’ve helped to fill that void.
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