Boston Bruins: Analyzing and grading the Riley Duran pick

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the Boston Bruins’ decision to draft center Riley Duran in the 2020 NHL Draft.

In the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins decided to select center Riley Duran. Duran is an 18-year-old American-born player from Woburn, Massachusetts.

In 2019-20, Duran played in 27 games for Lawrence Academy of the USHS Prep league. For Lawrence Academy, he was an alternate captain and the team’s top scorer with 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists).

Additionally, Duran played for the Cape Cod Whalers 18U AAA team in both the EHF 18U Elite league and the 18U AAA league.

In the EHF 18U Elite, Duran played nine games and notched eight points (four goals, four assists). In the 18U AAA, the young center suited up for 27 games and recorded 12 points (five goals, seven assists).

So far in 2020-21, Duran has played three games for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL). In those three games, Duran has failed to score a single point.

For 2021-22, Duran is committed to playing college hockey with Providence College.

What grade do the Boston Bruins get for drafting Riley Duran?

Duran is a player that has a great work ethic and is driven to be his best every game. He has an NHL-caliber shot and great skating ability to go with it. Additionally, if you look at his stats, Duran has the ability to create plays, just as much as he has the ability to finish them.

At 6-foot-2, Duran already has the frame to be an NHL player. However, at just 185 pounds, he could still add some muscle.

The odds are we won’t see Duran in the NHL for quite a few years. He is still very raw and needs a lot of time to fully develop his game.

There’s no doubt that the Bruins were more inclined to pick Duran because of his Massachusetts routes, however, this could be a very good value pick in the sixth round.

Duran has the potential to be a middle-six forward in the NHL, and with his work ethic and compete level he should reach it.

Personally, I really liked this pick. With Duran’s potential, this was good value for a sixth-round selection. I think the grade of a B+ is fair.

Grade: B+