Bruins Draft: 7 players Boston could possibly pick at No. 20

This year’s NHL Entry Draft is vitally important for the Boston Bruins. Over the last few years, the B’s have missed more than hit with their draft selections. Now, with the current core of players on their way out, Boston needs to start replenishing their depleted farm system before it’s too late.

While the B’s AHL team, the Providence Bruins, have been successful the previous few years, the players that have moved on to the big club have struggled to adapt to the NHL. Whether this is due to the organization’s development tactics or just poor drafting is unknown. But one thing is for certain, Boston’s prospect pool is very close to bone-dry.

Their top prospect right now is center Jack Studnicka, who has seen NHL ice over the last two seasons but hasn’t been able to make a case to remain with the big club. After Studnicka there’s a big drop-off. Defenseman Urho Vaakanainen (2018 18th-overall pick) and forward Jakub Lauko (2018 third-round pick) are probably the next two top prospects for the B’s.

The Black and Gold also have guys that are on the verge of losing their “prospect” tag. Defenseman Jakub Zboril (2015 13th-overall pick) and right wing Zach Senyshyn (2015 15th-overall pick) are a couple of names included in this list.

That being said, the B’s could take any position (besides goalie as they’re set in that department with Jeremy Swayman and Dan Vladar) but should prioritize wing (especially right wing) and defense over center. Here are seven players the Black and Gold could potentially take with the 20th-overall selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.