Top defensemen to watch at Bruins Development Camp.
There are three intriguing names to watch out of the blueliners. I’ll start with Mason Lohrei. He is Boston’s top pick from 2020. He’s a big, 6-foot-4 defenseman who played for the Green Bay Gamblers last season in the USHL. He was the team’s top scorer, with 59 points in 48 games and was named USHL’s Defenseman of the Year. He’s an excellent puck mover with good vision on the ice. Lohrei will start this fall at Ohio State.
Here’s a full two-minute shift from Mason Lohrei, No. 20 in black, that highlights how much of a play-driver he is. Lohrei, whether even-strength or man-advantage, is the straw that stirs the drink for GB. This shift ends with Lohrei flying into the zone for an assist. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/4dBFAC4A99
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) January 31, 2021
Another is Brady Lyle, who played this past season with Providence. Starting on an AHL-only deal, he turned it into a two-year, entry-level contract in April. He now might be regarded as one of the Bruins’ top prospects among defensemen.
Lyle had seven goals and 14 points in 25 games with Providence. He has excellent hands for a defenseman and moves well along the blue line. He’ll return to Providence this fall as one of the top Bruins on the blue line.
Brady Lyle shake n bake #AHLBruins pic.twitter.com/SHyfzIOVPG
— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) March 8, 2021
The other name that stands out is J.D. Greenway. He’s the brother of former Boston University Terrier and current Minnesota Wild Jordan Greenway. The Bruins acquired the rights to him from the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. He was a 2016 third-round pick for the Leafs, but with the Leafs unlikely to sign him, he was shipped to Boston, who must have some interest.
After spending two seasons at Wisconsin, J.D. transferred to Maine, where he spent the last two seasons. The 6-foot-5 defenseman had 15 points in 48 games for the Black Bears. Penalties were a bit of a problem for Greenway, who, like his brother, doesn’t stray away from physical play and racked up 89 PIMs in his career in Orono. If his showing is strong enough, he could sign with the Bruins out of camp, otherwise, he’ll be a free agent.