Bruins Address Massive Need In Latest NHL Mock Draft

The Boston Bruins are starving for a franchise center, and with a top-10 pick in a center-heavy draft the chance to fill that role has never been better.

With the No. 7 overall pick and a deep class of centers, Boston is in position to make a franchise-altering decision.

In Corey Pronman’s latest mock for The Athletic — a full projection of all 224 picks — the Bruins land one of the most intriguing names on the board: Roger McQueen.

The Brandon Wheat Kings standout checks plenty of boxes. At an impressive 6-foot-5 and 192 pounds, McQueen brings NHL size right from the jump, along with a smooth skill set.

Despite his size, he navigates tight spaces with strong stickhandling and vision, using his length to maintain possession and exploit passing lanes, according to EliteProspects.

But the Bruins are also aware that McQueen’s draft stock comes with real risk. The 18-year-old played just 17 games this past season due to a lower back issue that was diagnosed as a stress fracture in his lower spine known as spondylolysis. While it is a treatable injury, it will raise red flags for NHL teams.

His mechanics can fluctuate, too. McQueen has the tools to dominate shifts — speed, hands, physicality — but scouts have also noted lapses in pace and intensity. At times, he leans too heavily on stick skills instead of imposing his size.

Still, the upside is hard to ignore. If the Bruins front office believes the back injury won’t linger, McQueen could be the high reward swing they need. His blend of size, skill, and fearlessness at the net could eventually make him a matchup nightmare, assuming he stays healthy and consistent enough to reach that ceiling.