Mailbag: Undrafted NCAA players BOS should keep an eye on; Trade rumor season continues

To be featured in a future mailbag, submit questions on X @briandefelice_, @ThePuckUps, or email at info@puckups.com

---

Thanks for the question, Mike.

I'm unsure of any prospective NCAA free agents signing with Boston later this summer because I don't have access to a full list of aged out NCAA, free agent players.

That said, here are three names returning to NCAA action this season to keep an eye on and that the Bruins could try to sign at the conclusion of next NCAA season - two of whom attended Boston Bruins Development Camp this past July.

First is Dartmouth College standout defenseman, CJ Foley.

Foley, 21, has totaled 16G, 34A, 50PTS, in 65GP over his first two seasons for the Big Green.

The right shot defender skates well, is offensively creative, and reminds me of a taller, right shot version of Matt Grzelcyk.

Foley was the 2024-2025 Ivy League Player of the Year, All Ivy First Team, Unanimous All-ECAC First Team, ECAC Player of the Year Finalist, and a Hobey Baker Nominee.

Boston signing him to a minor league contract at some point wouldn't surprise me - he showcased himself well at development camp.

Next is left shot defensemen, Ben Robertson.

Robertson, who turns 21 in September, is transferring to Michigan University for his Junior year after two solid seasons playing for Cornell University.

Hey, Ben, where'd you go to school for your freshman, and sophomore year again?

Got it thanks, just making sure.

Anyways, Robertson was very noticeable to me at development camp - great puck mover, shooter, and skater with above average edge work.

During his time at Cornell, Robertson had 7G, 31A, 38PTS, in 71GP - good for over half a point per game as a defensemen.

Curious to see if and how his game flourishes with another year under his belt and at an elite college hockey program in Michigan.

Safe bet the Bruins will be keeping tabs on both Robertson, and Foley considering they've already been invited to a Boston development camp.

Thirdly, is a now Wolverine teammate of Robertson in soon to be Michigan Senior forward, T.J. Hughes.

There's no reason to believe that the Bruins have any more or less interest in Hughes than the other 31 NHL teams as he's been a notable, and prolific NCAA scorer throughout his first three seasons.

He's accumulated 47G, 75A, 122PTS, in 116GP - however, nearly half of his goal scoring production so far has been on the power play (22 out of 47).

With a little more even-strength production, there's no reason to think he can't put up a 50-60PTS next year and finish his collegiate career with around 170-180PTS - which would really cement him as a coveted NCAA free agent next spring.

Hughes is a smart, crafty playmaker and finisher but his ability to score and make plays at the pro level won't be a guarantee like some other NCAA prospects who will eventually turn pro - Hughes is a good skater but not necessarily above average.

Hey, James - thanks for the question!

Yes, this summer, it feels like every day of the week that ends in "y" has had trade rumors surrounding Casey Mittelstadt, and Pavel Zacha for that matter.

Which is interesting because on the surface the Bruins aren't really in a position to be dealing away any of the little top-six talent they have right now.

That said, in my opinion, the list of players in the Boston Bruins organization who are untouchable at the moment is a short one and it starts and ends with David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and James Hagens.

If there's a trade involving Mittelstadt, or Zacha that benefits the team long term, then it has to be considered.

For example, a listener submitted a question in a recent episode of The Skate Podcast where myself, Scott McLaughlin, and Bridgette Proulx were asked about the idea of a trade centered around Pavel Zacha, and Rasmus Anderson of the Calgary Flames.

Now in that case, I would indeed trade Zacha - even though he's signed to a great valued contract for two more seasons - because Anderson, 28, (with an extension) would fill the Bruins need of a true top four right shot defensemen and Boston doesn't currently have that prospect in their system, and can't rely on the trade or free agency market to do so either.

Conversely, the Bruins ability to replace a top-six forward in Zacha is greater.

For one, they have more top-six forward projected prospects than top four right shot defensemen prospects. James Hagens for sure, likely Matthew Poitras, potentially Dans Locmelis, maybe Fabian Lysell, and possibly way further down the line Will Moore, Will Zellers, and Cooper Simpson.

Additionally, replacing Zacha would be easier from a positional perspective and purely based numbers - there are more top six forwards in the NHL than there are top four right shot defensemen and so it's easier to acquire one of them via trade or free agency.

Now James, regarding your proposal on Mittelstadt.

I don't think that's a terrible offer for Mason McTavish, in fact it's pretty fair.

But I don't see Anaheim being interested for a few reasons.

First is because I still don't see why the Ducks would want to trade McTavish.

Not only is he a great up and coming forward who's already established himself well, but he's the only remaining NHL roster player the Ducks have to sign and they still have $20M in cap space.

McTavish is currently penciled in as the Ducks' No. 2 center behind Leo Carlsson.

But even if Ryan Strome ends up getting more minutes as Anaheim's No. 2 center in the short term, and or Roger McQueen (who will be playing for Providence College next season) ends up surpassing McTavish on the depth chart after he turns pro - the Ducks would still want McTavish because he would worst case scenario be among the best, if not be the best No. 3 centers in the NHL for years to come.

However, if the Ducks were open to trading McTavish, it's believed they would want a top four defenseman, or projected top-four right shot defenseman in return - not exactly a position of organizational strength for the Bruins.

In fact, beyond Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins are paper thin when it comes to impact, top four caliber, right shot defensemen.

Doesn't seem like Mittelstadt who's stock is low, and TOR 2026 1st round pick (likely between 20th-32nd overall) would be enticing enough for the Ducks to trade McTavish, especially when cap space isn't an issue.

Still, I could see the Bruins wanting to make a trade before the season starts but it seems less and less likely to me with training camp a month away.

---

That does it for this week, thank you all for reading, and or submitting questions.

Until next time!