Bruins' young core making bold statement with early-season success

Boston Bruins goaltender Michael DiPietro. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bruins' young core making bold statement with early-season success

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 12:47 PM ET

The Boston Bruins' young core has done a stellar job in leading the team to a 6-2-0 record with four wins in a row.

This season, head coach Marco Sturm has flipped the switch on management leaning towards veteran experience, and so far, the youth movement is paying off.

In the team's 4-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, it gained solid contributions from Michael DiPietro, Frederic Brunet, James Hagens and Matthew Poitras.

DiPietro earned his first NHL win and recorded 25 saves, Brunet recorded his first NHL goal, Hagens got two assists and Poitras collected his third goal in five games. Brunet has also notably stepped into a large role with the team as a third pairing defenseman, and at just 23 years old, he continues to look more like an everyday top-six fixture.

Another encouraging night from the Bruins when it comes to the youth movement: DiPietro: 1st NHL win, 25 saves Brunet: 1st NHL goal Hagens: 2 assists Poitras: 3rd goal in 5 games Bruins have now won four in a row.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 17, 2026

Bruins' youth movement is paying dividends

When Poitras returned from the injured reserve on Oct 5, he also took over veteran Sean Kuraly's spot as a fourth-line center. Poitras has been highly efficient, converting three goals on eight shots, generating a 37.5% shooting percentage that ranks in the 97th percentile.

The Bruins have also gained an early impact from 22-year-old center Fraser Minten who leads the Bruins with four goals and ranks second on the team with seven points across seven games.

26-year-old defenseman Mason Lohrei has also emerged into a reliable blueline weapon, logging two goals and five points. As well, both Brunet and Lohrei have logged critical defensive minutes with the Bruins while veteran Connor Clifton has occasionally sat out.

Overall, in turning the page from its once veteran core, the youth movement's hunger has been driven by primary assists, fast skating and reliable offense.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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