Mailbag: Could the Bruins really be drafting another BC Eagle in the 1st round of the 2026 NHL Draft?

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Thanks for the question, Mark.

Haha, get it.

Question, Mark (?)

Forget it, i’ll let myself out …

For the sake of transparency, he had asked this question prior to Boston's most recent win over Edmonton - a game in which David Pastrnak was able to break through with a three point performance tallying two goals, and an assist.

Before then however, Pastrnak's negative body language was indeed noticed.

While it wasn't great to see, it mainly seemed rooted in frustration with himself rather than with his teammates - though there was probably some of that too.

Since returning to the lineup a few weeks ago, Pastrnak has seemed a bit off to me and it likely has to do with the fact that he's probably still nursing an injury.

Because of that, his game hasn't been as dominant or productive - relatively speaking - as he'd like it to be.

So in an effort to rectify some woes, he'd been trying to do too much and in doing so was guilty of too many low percentage plays.

He needed to simplify, and bear down.

Last game was a step in the right direction.

Appreciate the question, Ed!

Generally speaking, the Bruins effort has been pretty honorable this season.

Their troubles - most of the time - have stemmed from a lack of speed and skill rather than a lack of effort.

So far this season, there's been about 6, or 7 games where Boston's effort no showed.

The rest, Boston gave an honest effort for the most part - even if other areas lacked.

So all in all, their effort grade is a B+.

As for their record grade.

They have a record of 21-18-2 and their points percentage is .537 - which is last in the Atlantic Division, and 14th in the Eastern Conference.

Now on the one hand, it's pretty abnormal that a team above .500 is ranked that low in their division and conference.

But on the other hand, the standings are what they are and Boston ranks lower.

Because the Bruins have won more games than they've lost - albeit slightly - their record grade is a C for average.

But we all know that average is never good enough in the NHL.

Thanks for the question, Unofficial!

You're not joking - despite how funny it is that this could end up making sense.

Right now the Boston Bruins would have the 11th, and 13th (TOR) overall picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft (pre lottery).

Oscar Hemming is a consensus 1st round draft prospect by every outlet - with most lists projecting him as a mid 20's selection.

Here's the interesting part though that are BOS Unofficial GM is eluding too.

Hemming has been added to Boston College's roster for the 2nd half of the 2025-2026 season - which means a 2026, 1st round projected, NHL prospect will now be in Boston's back yard as they continue to closely evaluate an Eagles roster that already has 6 Bruins prospects on it (James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, Will More, Andre Gasseau, Oskar Jellvik, and Kristian Kostadinski)

Hemming is a 6' 4", 200 lbs, left shot forward who will absolutely be on Boston's radar.

Have to imagine that based on organizational need, Boston aims to draft a right shot defensemen with one of their two (current) 1st round selections in 2026.

But as for the other?

It depends on where the Bruins end up selecting.

If they somehow end up with a few picks in the top-15, perhaps Hemming would be a reach - assuming his draft stock doesn't dramatically increase.

But if one of their picks ends up being closer to 20th overall, then yes, Hemming could be a real possibility due to the combination of his size, skill, and value the Bruins put in having prospects playing close to home.

Appreciate the question as always, Marchy and congrats on making the Canadian Olympic team!

Right now, Hagens playing in Boston at the end of the season probably depends on where the team is in the standings upon the completion of his sophomore year.

If the Bruins are in the hunt for a playoff berth, then perhaps Hagens joins the team to try and infuse the roster with speed, and skill while gaining some NHL regular season, and perhaps playoff experience.

From an interpersonal perspective too, it could definitely be wise for the Bruins to appease their blue chip prospects desire to be in the NHL after he agreed to go back to college for his sophomore year rather than turning pro.

Boston has a history of preaching patience with young prospects - but they haven't had a blue chip prospect like Hagens in a long time.

And the more recent ones they did have, like Charlie McAvoy, and David Pastrnak - more or less went straight to the NHL with little to no time in Providence.

There is the risk however of Hagens burning the first year of his ELC if he signs this spring and plays enough games - and there's a financial argument to be made about getting three full seasons out of Hagens on an ELC starting next season.

It feels 50/50 to me at the moment on if he makes his NHL debut in the spring or the fall - but my gut tells me he ends up signing at the end of his sophomore season this spring.

It's simply what blue chip prospects do.

As for who should be next in line as a call up from Providence to provide scoring?

To be honest, I don't see them calling up Fabian Lysell or Matt Poitras any time soon but if they had to bring one of them up - it should be Lysell in my opinion.

Simply put, he's producing more and feels like it's been now or never for him for a but now regarding a role in Boston.

He has speed, and skill and has 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points, in 24 games played.

His details, and effort may still be a question but give him a shot if the opportunity presents and see if he sinks or swims.

But as mentioned - don't think the Bruins are interested in calling one of them up.

Thanks for the question, Brom!

Honestly, while all for it, waiving Korpisalo right now would surprise me.

Boston may not feel like any potential delta between DiPietro and Korpisalo is worth the logistical headache of waiving Joonas and having him end up miserable in Providence.

I'm not saying that's the right way to go about business but it could be how they feel.

Korpisalo probably wouldn't get claimed at the moment.

Perhaps the Bruins plan on letting some more time pass to see if Korpisalo's game improves - and if it doesn't, then maybe another team falls into injury trouble in net closer to the trade deadline and Boston can look to move him then.

Worse case, the Bruins could wait to waive Korpisalo until later in the year when the marriage in Providence doesn't have to last as long.

Last thing worth mentioning is that waiving Korpisalo and brining up DiPietro would be a winning focused type of move.

But deep down, does Don Sweeney really care to ruffle feathers for the sake of a backup goaltending upgrade and the hope of maybe squeaking into the playoffs?

Or would he rather just let the chips fall where they may with Korpisalo and if the team ultimately finishes with better draft odds because of it then so be it? (wink, wink).

I don't know - just some food for thought.

Good question, Jeff.

There's no way they add via rentals - maybe a player with term who is either in their prime or has youth and upside.

As for selling?

They'll likely move on from a few pieces.

Who and how many may depend on where they are in the standings.

For example, if they are in a playoff spot or close to it - then they won't trade Pavel Zacha.

But if they are in or near the basement of the league - I could see them selling high on Zacha to a playoff team for a large return.

Players they should move on from regardless of team standing are Viktor Arvidsson, Andrew Peeke, and Casey Mittelstadt if they can.