Top prospects for Boston Bruins

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Boston Bruins, according to NHL.com.

1. Mason Lohrei, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 58 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Ohio State (NCAA): 40 GP, 4-28-32

Lohrei continued to blossom as a sophomore at Ohio State, and as a result, the 22-year-old signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins on May 10 before playing in five games with Providence of the American Hockey League.

Lohrei (6-foot-4, 195 pounds) is expected to challenge for a spot on the blue line this season, with general manager Don Sweeney praising his size and puck poise. Having switched at the age of 16 from forward to defenseman, Lohrei's offensive instincts outpace his defensive ones, but that side of his game is catching up.

"I think he's just still scratching the surface," Ohio State coach Steve Rohlik said. "He's just so talented. … He just wants it so bad. He eats, drinks and sleeps the game of hockey."

Projected NHL arrival:This season

2. Fabian Lysell, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 21 pick in 2021 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Providence (AHL): 54 GP, 14-23-37

Lysell (5-11, 176) didn't exactly have the breakout season in 2022-23 that the Bruins were hoping for, but the 20-year-old still has plenty of potential with his blend of speed, skating and scoring, all things they could use on the roster.

Boston's prospect pool lacks high-end offensive talent, making Lysell stand out, and as he continues to put on additional strength and size, he could be a significant addition to the team's top-six forward group.

"He plays with a lot of courage. He's got to learn how to be a little bit safer, make sure he doesn't put himself in some spots once in a while," Bruins assistant general manager, player personnel Jamie Langenbrunner said. "He wants to control the puck, he wants to make plays. I think he's continuing to work on his shot to be that double threat we want him to be."

Projected NHL arrival:This season

3. Matthew Poitras, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 54 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Guelph (OHL): 63 GP, 16-79-95

Poitras (5-11, 176) is coming off a breakout season with Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League, one that is helping him rise up Boston's prospect list. The 19-year-old tied for fifth in the OHL in points last season and has an elite hockey mind.

"He had a terrific year and his hockey sense, his skill, really stand out for us," Sweeney said. "The pace of play and the strength of play against NHL players is what dictates whether a player can make that jump. It's a big jump, but we really like his hockey IQ.

"He needs to focus on being a little bit more shot ready -- I think he's a pass-first guy -- but he sneaky has a really good shot."

Projected NHL arrival:Next season

4. Jakub Lauko, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 77 pick in 2018 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Boston (NHL): 23 GP, 4-3-7; Providence (AHL): 35 GP, 10-7-17

Lauko got his first taste of the NHL last season, playing in 23 regular-season games and three Stanley Cup Playoff games (one assist).

The Bruins like his mix of skills, including his ability on the penalty kill, so the 23-year-old (6-foot, 190) should get even more of a chance to earn a regular role out of training camp.

"We love his tenacity, his speed, his ability to forecheck," Sweeney said. "He started in the defensive zone, he didn't have to be sheltered or buried. … Be ready to go because the opportunity will be there."

Projected NHL arrival:This season

5. Georgii Merkulov, F

How acquired:Signed as undrafted free agent on April 9, 2022

2022-23 season:Providence (AHL): 67 GP, 24-31-55

Merkulov (5-11, 179) played his first professional season in Providence, where he led the team in goals and points. The 22-year-old also ranked second in the AHL in points among rookies, behind Tye Kartyeof Coachella Valley (57).

Merkulov, like Lysell, is a tantalizing offensive prospect for a team that is looking for high-end skill and speed.

Projected NHL arrival:Next season