Boston Bruins 2025 NHL Draft: A Deep Dive into the New Recruits

The Boston Bruins made seven selections in the 2025 NHL Draft, a haul headlined by Boston College center James Hagens, selected seventh overall. This article provides a detailed look at each player drafted, incorporating comments from Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney and Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Nadeau.

James Hagens: A Skilled, Competitive Center (7th Overall)

Hagens, a left-shooting center from Boston College, is praised for his high-level skill, competitiveness, and ability to perform under pressure. Sweeney highlighted Hagens’ skill set and drive, emphasizing his proven ability to excel in high-stakes situations. Nadeau noted his strong facilitation skills, ability to attack with pace, and solid production despite playing alongside high-scoring linemates. While his point totals may not have reached some projections, Nadeau believes Hagens’ contributions to play-driving and overall offensive impact are significant.

Will Moore: A Creative Offensive Center (51st Overall)

Moore, a left-shooting center from the US National Team Development Program (USNDP), is described as a creative offensive player who excels at puck manipulation and driving offensive play. Sweeney noted Moore’s physical development potential, pointing to the benefits of a college environment for strength and conditioning. He also highlighted Moore’s unique background, maturity, and well-spoken nature. Nadeau emphasized Moore’s puck skills and offensive creativity. Moore himself expressed excitement about joining the Bruins and cited Matt Boldy as a player he models his game after.

Liam Pettersson: A Promising Left-Shot Defenseman (61st Overall)

Pettersson, a left-shot defenseman from Vaxjo Jr. in Sweden, was identified early in the scouting process. Nadeau explained that while Pettersson wasn’t a national team player, the Bruins’ extensive scouting network in Sweden, including three local scouts, allowed them to thoroughly evaluate him. His absence from major international tournaments didn’t hinder the team’s assessment, showcasing the effectiveness of their scouting strategy.

Cooper Simpson: A High-Scoring Left Wing (79th Overall)

Simpson, a left wing from Shakopee High School in Minnesota, impressed with his offensive talent and shooting ability. Sweeney highlighted his impressive goal-scoring rate in a brief stint with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm and his decision to finish his high school season, demonstrating commitment and strong character. Nadeau emphasized Simpson’s quick trigger, ability to manipulate the ice, and diverse shot repertoire. Simpson compared his style to Jimmy Snuggerud, emphasizing his offensive talent, hard work, and gritty play.

Vashek Blanar: A Raw But Talented Defenseman (100th Overall)

Blanar, a left-shot defenseman playing in Sweden, is described as a raw but highly promising prospect with great skating ability and competitive spirit. Sweeney acknowledged Blanar’s underdeveloped frame but highlighted his potential, comparing him to “a piece of clay” that the Bruins hope to mold. Nadeau detailed the challenges of scouting Blanar due to his playing in a lower Swedish junior league, but emphasized the effectiveness of their video scouting and international scouts in identifying him.

Cole Chandler: A Two-Way Center with High Compete (133rd Overall)

Chandler, a left-shooting center from the QMJHL’s Shawinigan Cataractes, is viewed as a solid two-way player who performs particularly well when the stakes are high. Sweeney noted Chandler’s late-season improvement, emphasizing the value of their scouts’ year-long evaluation process. Nadeau highlighted his growth, traditional two-way game, and ability to impact the game in all zones. Chandler described himself as a big, skilled, team-oriented power forward.

Kirill Yemelyanov: A Two-Way Center with Upside (165th Overall)

Yemelyanov, a left-shooting center from Loko Yaroslavl in Russia, is viewed as a 200-foot player with offensive potential and strong determination. Nadeau noted the contributions of the Bruins’ Russian and European scouts in identifying and tracking Yemelyanov’s development. His offensive ability, while not considered elite, is coupled with a strong work ethic and two-way game, presenting considerable upside.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bruins’ 2025 draft focused on acquiring high-skill, high-compete players.
• The team emphasized a multi-faceted scouting approach, utilizing both in-person and video scouting.
• Several draftees are projected to attend Boston College, enhancing their development.
• The Bruins’ draft suggests a long-term strategy focused on building a strong prospect pipeline.
• The team’s comments emphasize the character and work ethic of their draft picks.