The Boston Bruins have done a lot to improve their prospect pool over the past few seasons, and not only do they have players knocking on the door for an opportunity at the NHL, they have long-term projects playing in North America and all over Europe. With that, there are even more names to keep an eye on.
We just completed a top 15 prospect ranking, looking at both the long-term projects and players knocking on the door, but there were several prospects who did not make the list and are still worth keeping an eye on. NHL readiness factored heavily into the rankings, while these players are a few years out. The prospects also had to be under 23.
If you missed the ranking, check out the top five, Nos. 6-10, and Nos. 11-15.
Let’s dive into some more:
SKATERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Forwards
Cole Chandler: The Bruins went to Nova Scotia during the 2025 draft, and he will come to Boston for the 2027-28 season. Not as a pro, but Chandler’s college career will begin at Northeastern University under head coach Jerry Keefe. Chandler had 52 points (20-32–52) with the Shawinigan Cataractes last season, and he will play with the Cape Breton Eagles before heading stateside.
We caught up with Chandler at development camp, and he talked about playing for both Cape Breton and Northeastern.
Also Read:Bruins’ Prospect Cole Chandler Set for Northeastern After One More Year Close to Home
Oscar Olsson: In the fourth round of June’s draft, the Bruins went back to Sweden for Oscar Olsson. He finished with 30 points (14-16–30) in the U20 Nationell as a 17-year-old, and he added five goals in the playoffs. He made a lasting first impression at development camp, showing off his quick hands and shot.
Olsson has plenty of time left to develop, and having a greater role with Örebro will only speed up the development.
Ryan Walsh: Walsh is entering his senior year at Cornell, and it’s his second as the team’s captain. He finished with 33 points (10-23–33), second on the Big Red roster, and emerged as the team’s top power play scorer. His numbers have improved over every season, and this past year, he played for the US Collegiate Selects team at the Spengler Cup.
Walsh was not at development camp this year, and Don Sweeney noted that it was due to his training schedule and said the organization was comfortable with the decision.
Kirill Yemelyanov: The Bruins have time to wait this one out, but there is potential with their 2025 sixth-round selection. Kirill Yemelyanov is developing in Russia, and the 19-year-old is coming off a point-per-game season in the Russian junior league. He also won the Kharlamov Cup and led Loko Yaroslavl with 10 goals on the playoff run.
He and his teammate Matvei Kotkov will continue to progress together, and the Bruins hold both of their rights “indefinitely.”
Credit: Connor Nee / Boston Hockey Now
Defensemen
Loke Johansson: Johansson moved up from QMJHL Moncton for the 2025-26 season, splitting time between Providence and Maine Mariners. He primarily played in Maine, finishing with four points (2-2–4) in 36 games. He is 20 years old, a defensive defenseman, and signed to an entry-level contract.
The 6-foot-3 left-shot defenseman dominated while in Moncton and found another gear while in the playoffs. Once he lands a full-time spot in Providence, his development is one to keep an eye on.
Cullen McCrate: The Bruins needed a right-shot defenseman in the pipeline and took McCrate in round seven of the 2026 draft. He is coming off a 30-point (10-20–30) season with the Fargo Force (USHL) and is committed to Michigan State. The Spartans are loaded, and they have a lot of depth on defense.
Right-shots are at a premium, with Chase Reid, Tommy Bleyl, Sean Barnhill, and Cole Ward on the depth chart as well, so I am intrigued to see where McCrate fits in the lineup.
Jacob Vandeven: Also in the 2026 draft, the Bruins drafted left-shot defenseman Jacob Vandeven. He is one to watch as he grew up playing forward, but transitioned to the blue line in December. The 6-foot-6, 18-year-old then joined the London Knights in January, played forward in the playoffs, and will continue with the Knights next year.
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