By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44
The Boston Bruins’ 2026 Draft Class is off to a strong start. Despite not having a pick in the first round, having sent it to the Utah Mammoth as part of a package for JJ Peterka, the early returns on the B’s newest group of prospects are promising. Yuri Ivanov has had a solid start to the MHL season; Matvei Kotkov is playing 10+ minutes a night in the KHL, but perhaps the most impressive start to the 2026-2027 season has been by the B’s seventh-round selection, Cullen McCrate. So, how did the Adrian, Michigan, native and the rest of the Bruins’ prospect pool do this week?
CHL
Cole Chandler this week for the Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL): Two games played, three assists, two penalty minutes, -2 rating.
Chandler continued his strong offensive start to the QMJHL season, with three assists this weekend. He’s up to 1-5-6 in four games, including two assists on Saturday in a 5-4 overtime win over the Saint John Sea Dogs, reaching 100 career points in the QMJHL.
Cullen McCrate this week for the Brantford Bulldogs (OHL): Three games played, one goal, four assists, two penalty minutes, +5 rating.
McCrate had a monster weekend, recording five points in three games, including his first OHL goal in a 10-4 win over the Kingston Frontenacs. The Bulldogs are 5-0-0 to start the OHL season, and McCrate is a big reason why. He has impressed me both in the OHL and with a strong showing in the prospect showcase in Buffalo, against stronger competition. He’s committed to Michigan State for next season.
Jacob Vandeven this week for the London Knights (OHL): One game played, no points, two penalty minutes, +3 rating.
Vandeven helped London to a 7-4 win over Owen Sound on Friday. He has yet to record a point this season, but is a +6 in three games.
Europe
Nils Bartholdsson this week for Rogle BK (SHL): One game played, no points, no penalties, Even Plus/Minus.
Bartholdsson had two shots on goal and played 11:47, in a 2-1 overtime win for Rogle over Linkoping.
Vashek Blanar this week for HV71 U20 (U20 Nationell): Two games played, one assist, two penalty minutes, -4 rating.
Blanar made his season debut this weekend, as HV71 dropped games against Vasteras IK and Orebro HK.
Yuri Ivanov this week for MHK Spartak-MAH Moskva (MHL): One game played, .919% save percentage, three goals against, 0-1-0 record.
Yuri Ivanov this week for MHK Spartak Moskva (MHL): One game played, .952% save percentage, one goal against, 0-1-0 record.
Ivanov played very well this weekend for both of Spartak’s junior teams, including a game in which he allowed only one goal on 21 shots. Unfortunately for Ivanov, his teammates couldn’t score a goal, and he was on the wrong end of a 2-0 loss to Dinamo-Shinnik.
Matvei Kotkov this week for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL): Three games played, one assist, no penalties, Even Plus/Minus.
Kotkov picked up an assist on Sunday in a 2-1 win over Novosibirsk, where he played 12:30. He’s regularly playing between 11 to 14 minutes for Lokomotiv, who are 8-2-0 in their opening 10 KHL games.
Oscar Olsson this week for Örebro HK U20 (U20 Nationell): Two games played, two goals, four penalty minutes, Even Plus/Minus.
Olsson scored in both of Orebro’s games this weekend, including the team’s only goal in a 5-1 loss to Frolunda, as well as in a 7-3 win over Vashek Blanar’s HV71. He’s up to 3-4-7 in eight games in the U20 Nationell.
Liam Pettersson this week for Djurgardens IF (SHL): Three games played, no points, no penalties, -1 rating.
Pettersson played his first three games of the SHL season this week, where he played a season-high 10:12 against Vaxjo in a 4-3 overtime win. He’s still searching for his first career SHL point.
Kirill Yemelyanov this week for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL): One game played, no points, no penalties, Even Plus/Minus.
Yemelyanov dressed for Lokomotiv on Wednesday in a 2-1 win over Admiral Vladivostok, but did not see any ice time. Although he didn’t play, it was technically his KHL debut.
Leave a Reply