This Local Star Could Be Bruins’ Pick At No. 7

The Boston Bruins will pick seventh in this Friday’s NHL Draft, but there is not much consensus on who will still be available.

Top prospects Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely expected to go first and second overall, but the picture beyond that remains murky. Boston’s lottery slide from No. 5 to No. 7 leaves general manager Don Sweeney with options, and some risk.

“History says that there will be a lemon or two in the top 10. Given their situation, it is imperative the B’s avoid them,” as noted by Steve Conroy of The Boston Herald.

Three potential fits stand out, especially given the Bruins’ need to develop a true No. 1 center.

Roger McQueen has the frame and upside teams covet. The 6-foot-5 right-shot pivot from the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings tallied 20 points in 17 games, but a lingering back issue kept him sidelined much of the year. McQueen still projects as a top-12 pick, though it would take conviction from Sweeney to gamble on both the player and his future health.

James Hagens offers more certainty. The Boston College standout opened the year as the consensus No. 1 prospect and held his own as a 17-year-old centering a top line for the Eagles. Hagens finished with 37 points in 37 games. He is only 5-foot-11, but his vision and skill level make up for a lack of physicality.

Then there is Brady Martin, a hard-nosed Ontario native who fits the Bruins’ traditional mold. Raised on a dairy farm, the 6-foot, 186-pound center logged 72 points in 57 games for the Soo Greyhounds and plays a well-rounded, two-way game. He also confirmed the Bruins took him out to dinner during the scouting combine, indicating serious interest.

Whether they prioritize upside, polish, or familiarity, the Bruins’ choice will be a critical step in shaping their long-term core.