Boston Bruins Eyeing Physical Forward in NHL Draft

The Boston Bruins are positioned to do something they haven’t done since 2011, select in the top ten of the NHL Draft. After missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years and having a prospect pool that is still among the worst in the league, it seemed reasonable to think that the Bruins needed to hit on the seventh selection in the draft on June 27. However, rumors of possibly trading the pick are starting to surface. If a deal isn’t made, however, the Bruins are clearly interested in a physical forward who has jumped into the top ten in many mock drafts.

Brady Martin is an 18-year-old center who just finished his second season with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League, and has drawn interest from many teams picking in the top ten, including the Bruins. The Ontario native has a strong work ethic and plays a heavy game that the Bruins desire. The 6-foot, 190-pound wins board battles and plays hard every shift. Some think the projected ceiling for Martin is a bottom-six NHL player, but there is some upside that could turn into a viable offensive player.

John Dean, Martin’s head coach in the Soo, told the Athletic, “His work ethic is extremely high, his care factor is extremely high, and those are two things which he naturally comes by from his farm upbringing.” Martin exploded this season for 72 points after totaling just 28 the year before. Even more encouraging was the fact that Martin potted 33 goals and showed an ability to get to the net and finish.

The Bruins want to play a heavier game and have a need at the center position. If Boston hangs onto this pick and Brady Martin is not drafted by the likes of Utah and Philadelphia, the Bruins could very well select Martin with the seventh overall pick.