Is Boston Bruins Prospect Finally Realizing His Potential?

Boston Bruins Head Coach Marco Sturm said recently that young Bruins players need to do “special things” to make an impression and find a consistent roster spot on the NHL team. Many young prospects were on display last night in Washington in a 3-1 win against the Capitals. One in particular, who has fallen down the prospect rankings, responded with a much-needed stellar performance.

Brett Harrison, the 22-year-old forward, who had yet to play a preseason game with Boston, tallied two goals in the win and re-entered the conversation when it comes to Bruins young players.

​“We wanted to give him (Harrison) a shot because he’s worked extremely hard this camp so far,” Sturm said. “I like his effort, I like his attitude, he’s a good kid. Every time in practice, a drill, you name it – he will give you everything. That is why we want to reward him.”​

Harrison was a third round draft pick in 2021 and was hyped as an offensive threat with the ability to shoot the puck at an NHL level. After back-to-back 60-plus point seasons in the OHL, the 6-foot-3 forward has struggled at the AHL with the Providence Bruins. Harrison has scored just 11 goals in 94 AHL games and was slipping off the radar before a solid Prospects Challenge in September.

​“It was good to get my first preseason game,” Harrison said. “All the practices and playing with the NHL guys in practice really gets you into game shape. Coming into this game, I was feeling good about my game.”

The goal for Harrison is to be more of a factor for Providence this season and show the Bruins’ management that he is a viable candidate to play NHL minutes after all.