Bruins in danger of losing projected draft target before their turn

With the NHL Draft Combine underway, Boston’s interest in Jake O’Brien is no secret, but rising attention from other clubs could change the Bruins’ approach at seventh overall.

This year’s combine offers rare early signals on draft strategy

The NHL Draft Combine feels different this year, and it’s not just because of the players.

The structure of the event itself has shifted, with teams front loading their prospect meetings due to changes in the league’s draft format.

In previous years, some clubs preferred to save their one-on-one time for the days leading up to the draft.

Now, with the current setup, scouts and general managers are using the combine as their first, and possibly only, deep evaluation window.

It’s created a new dynamic, one where dinner meetings and informal interviews are carrying real weight.

Jake O’brien fits Boston’s mold, but may not reach pick no. 7

Jake O’Brien has climbed into Boston’s range for a reason.

He’s a dependable, two-way center who might not carry the flash of some of the elite prospects, but he offers a mature, projectable game.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t need to be sold to Bruins fans. He plays a style that fits their DNA.

Still, he might not be there when Boston picks.

Cam Robinson from Elite Prospects reported that the Utah Mammoth and Philadelphia Flyers have taken O’Brien out for a meeting during the combine.

For a player projected in the middle of the top 10, that kind of attention matters.

If either team sees the same qualities Boston does, O’Brien could be gone before the Bruins are on the clock.

O’brien’s rise could leave Boston with even more talent to choose from

Losing out on O’Brien might disappoint some in the Bruins circle, but it could create an opportunity elsewhere.

If he’s picked inside the top six, at least one elite forward will fall.

That includes names like Michael Misa, James Hagens, Porter Martone, Anton Frondell, or Caleb Desnoyers.

All five are considered players with far higher offensive ceilings.

With Matthew Schaefer expected to be off the board in the top two, that leaves Boston in a potentially great position to walk away with unexpected value at No. 7.

Bruins could benefit from how the top six unfolds 

There’s nothing wrong with drafting a safe, intelligent center.

That’s what O’Brien brings. But if someone with top-line upside slips instead, it may push Boston toward a more dynamic addition, one that could serve them better in the long run.

This isn’t just about taking the best player available. It’s about finding the right fit for where the organization is headed.

A lot of that comes down to how the top of the draft shakes out, and how much weight these combine meetings end up carrying.

Right now, it feels like the board is already shifting. Boston will be ready either way.