The Boston Bruins enter the offseason with a group of young players expected to compete for roles in the 2026-27 NHL season. Recent rankings and development camp evaluations highlight several forwards and defensemen as key pieces in the organization’s pipeline.
James Hagens ranks as the top prospect. The forward was selected seventh overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He signed a three year entry level contract with the Bruins in April 2026. Hagens appeared in two regular season games and three playoff games with Boston at the end of the 2025-26 season. He also played for Team USA at the World Championship. Reports indicate he will compete for a full time NHL roster spot this fall.
Dean Letourneau continues his development as a center at Boston College. The first round pick from 2024 stands 6 foot 7 and has shown progress in his college career. He attended the Bruins 2026 development camp at Warrior Ice Arena in late June and early July.
Will Zellers and Cooper Simpson are both scheduled to play at the University of North Dakota next season. Zellers was acquired in a prior trade and recorded 18 goals as a freshman. Simpson posted strong scoring numbers in the USHL before moving to the NCAA. Both participated in development camp.
Other names in the system include Matt Poitras, who remains a restricted free agent, and defensemen such as those evaluated during the recent camp focused on size and depth on the blue line. Goalie Michael DiPietro is also part of the organizational depth.
The Bruins held their annual development camp from June 29 to July 2 at Warrior Ice Arena. Prospects worked with the development staff, including Director of Player Development Adam McQuaid. The sessions allowed evaluators to assess skating, skill, and physical progress ahead of training camp.
Training camp for the 2026-27 season is expected to open in September. Several of these players will look to earn spots on the NHL roster or continue their development with the Providence Bruins in the AHL. The organization has identified Hagens, Letourneau, Zellers, and Simpson as the leading candidates for future contributions.