Ranking the Bruins top five prospects going into 2021.
If there is to be an addition to the Boston Bruins roster heading into the 2020-21 season, it can come a couple of ways. They can sign a free agent as they did with signing Craig Smith away from the Nashville Predators. Another option that general manager Don Sweeney has is that he can make a trade for a player, most likely having to part ways with a prospect or two.
If the Bruins are going to send a prospect to another team to fill a need, then so be it. With that said, here are who I think are the five top prospects in the organization heading into an uncertain 2021 season.
5. Jeremy Swayman – Goalie
Following his junior season at the University of Maine in March, Swayman signed his entry-level contract with the Bruins. This past season, he was 18-11-5 for the Black Bears with three shutouts and a 2.07 goals-against average (GAA) and a .939 save percentage (SV%).
His sophomore season at Maine saw his goals-against average hit 2.77, before drastically lowering it in 2020. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, he was voted Hockey East Goaltender of the Year and was voted Hockey East Player of the Year.
Drafted 111th overall in the fourth round of the 2017 Entry Draft, he will battle with Daniel Vladar in Providence for time this coming season. With questions surrounding the future of Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak following the 2021 season, there is too much of an upside to Swayman and holding onto him to see how things go in the AHL is a wise decision.