In the 2020 NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Mason Lohrei as a large puck-moving defenseman with some offensive flair. They hoped he could blossom into a staple on their blue line.
Lohrei made his NHL Debut with the Bruins this season, appearing in 41 games. His offensive production wasn’t where the Bruins would have hoped, and he had some obvious growing pains early in the season. Lohrei was eventually sent to AHL Providence, where he played in 21 games and had much more offensive success. Overall, things were looking positive for Lohrei’s future with the Boston Bruins.
Enter the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs
To start the playoffs, Lohrei wasn’t a thought in Montgomery or Sweeney’s mind. After an unfortunate injury to Andrew Peeke, Lohrei got his chance to shine entering Game 3 in Toronto. Through the rest of the series, he was noticeable all over the ice, comfortable moving, handling the puck in traffic, and making stretch passes. There have been no rookie jitters or none that were apparent on the ice.
Lohrei has actually played VERY similarly to another Boston Bruins defenseman, Charlie McAvoy.
McAvoy broke in with the Bruins during the 2016-17 Stanley Cup Playoffs and played six games with the B’s. In those six games, McAvoy had 3 assists, 2 PPPs, 2 PIMs, and was a -2.
In the six playoff games that Lohrei has played, he has tallied 1 goal, 2 assists, 4 PIMs, 1 GWG, and is +2.
With his recent play and increased ice time, it’s safe to assume Lohrei has earned himself a spot on this roster for the time being. But could this 58th overall pick follow in the footsteps of his teammate and become a top pairing defenseman? The jury is still out…but the experience he is gaining during this playoff run should certainly get him farther than some others in his draft year.
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