Which Bruins prospects are NHL ready?

ESPN released their comprehensive evaluation of the prospects in the system for each NHL team, and the future for the Boston Bruins is looking bright.

Especially on defense.

Before diving in, let’s define a prospect as any player who has played less than 25 games in an NHL season and/or less than 50 NHL games total. Goalies won’t be included on this list, they’ll get their own ranking.

So, who could be the Bruins next rookie sensation?

Charlie McAvoy, Defense

Bostons first-round draft pick in 2016 looks set to make his Bruins debut this upcoming season. The 6’1, 212-pound Long Beach, New York native has had great seasons playing in the NCAA for Boston University, he racked up 5 goals and 26 points in 38 games last season, before joining the Providence Bruins for four games (and tallying two assists). He’s fast, agile, tough, and as smart with the puck as he is without it. The only knock against him is the same issue most young defenders have: they need more time to truly refine their defensive game. That’s fine, expect to see this 19-year-old contributing to the Bruins blueline depth when the season starts in October.

Urho Vaakanainen, Defense

Here’s a guy who could fit in nicely in pretty much any situation. The 2017 first-round draft pick is a two-way defender that can read the play, makes the correct pass even when under pressure, and on top of that has one heck of a slapper. At 6’5 and 185-pounds, he’s got a big frame that he can use against opposing offense, and has all the makings of that defensive defenseman every team can’t go without. The 18-year-old Finnish defenseman is projected to remain in the Finnish Liiga next season, but it might not be too long before he crosses the pond to play for Boston.

Jake DeBrusk, Left Wing

Another first-round pick, this time from 2015, DeBrusk looked good in his AHL debut last season, scoring 19 goals and 49 points in 74 games. A two-way winger who is willing to battle for the puck and just as willing to shoot it, the Edmonton, Alberta native has a ton of potential. While DeBrusk isn’t expected to make the Bruins roster to start the season, he’s a player worth keeping your eyes on when considering the Bruins’ future.

What does this mean for 2017-18?

Let’s be honest here, Charlie McAvoy is going to be a huge asset for the Bruins this season, but everyone else probably won’t be nearly as important. While the Bruins absolutely have a deep crop of prospects at almost every position, it’s only McAvoy who looks set to have an impact at the NHL level. DeBrusk and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson will likely get a shot at the Bruins roster, but both could easily end up back in the minors.

It’s just going to take a little longer for the Bruins to reap the benefits of their deep prospect pool.