2025 NHL Mock Draft: Which Dark Horse Prospect Could Transform the Bruins at No. 7?

When it comes to the NHL Draft Lottery, the Boston Bruins hoped fortune would smile their way this time around. Armed with the fifth-best odds to snag the prized No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, fans and front office alike were holding their breath. But, alas, Lady Luck decided to play hardball, and the Bruins found themselves sliding all the way down to the seventh spot—a slip that felt like a gut punch for this storied Original Six franchise. Now, with that No. 7 pick staring them in the face, General Manager Don Sweeney faces a tough crossroads: should he hold onto this selection and try to resurrect one of the NHL’s leanest prospect pools, or use it as leverage to snag an established veteran who can make an immediate impact?

Honesty time—the Bruin lineup is craving a top-six center. For all the buzz Elias Lindholm brings, he hasn’t quite cemented himself as that linchpin in Boston’s middle. The shadows of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci still loom large, and filling that void is urgent. This draft is more than just another event; it’s a real shot at finding a difference-maker down the middle. But with the pick falling short of their hopes, the question isn’t just who they’ll pick—it’s what kind of future they’re willing to gamble on.

Curious who could be in the running for that seventh choice? I sifted through the buzz from mock drafts and expert analysis after the lottery to bring you some of the hottest names—and what they might bring to the ice in Boston. Whether it’s a gritty two-way talent, a skilled center to anchor the team, or a high-ceiling offensive dynamo, the Bruins’ next move will echo for years to come.

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The Boston Bruins entered Monday’s NHL Draft Lottery with the fifth-best chance to win the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. But luck was not on the Bruins’ side.

In fact, they slid down to the No. 7 pick, which was the worst-case scenario for the Original Six franchise.

This outcome makes Bruins general manager Don Sweeney’s job a little tougher. Does he keep this pick and bolster one of the league’s worst prospect pools, or does it make more sense to look for a potential trade involving an established veteran?

If the Bruins do keep the pick, it would be wise to target a center.

The Bruins badly need a top-six center. They don’t really have one at any level of their organization. Sure, Elias Lindholm has played like a top-six center at times in his career, but he performed more like a No. 3 during his first season in Boston.

The Bruins still haven’t found legitimate replacements for recently retired centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Having the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft gives Boston a chance to find that player.

Which players should the Bruins target with the No. 7 pick in Round 1?

Here’s a roundup of predictions (with analysis, if given) from post-draft lottery mock drafts.

“This might be a little aggressive for this spot, but when looking at Boston’s pool, they do have a decent set of forwards on the way. That depth in their system is not evident on the blue line, so they take a risk with Smith, who plays a two-way game with great skating ability and the potential to add to his offensive profile.”

“The Bruins need skill in a big way at every position, but especially at center. The right-shot O’Brien checks multiple boxes as the Bruins rebuild around David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy. No. 7 will be the highest selection since 2010, when the Bruins took Tyler Seguin second after Taylor Hall.”

“Martone (6-3, 208) brings a physical, offensive game that’s been compared to Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry. Martone had the maturity to become Brampton’s captain as an 18-year-old. His decision-making with the puck, ability to use his body to hold off defenders and high hockey IQ also stand out, and he’s worked hard to improve his skating.”

“The Bruins need more offense, and McQueen has a high ceiling. He could technically go higher than this in the top 10, and he could fall altogether. However, Boston takes him here and hopes he can pad the scoresheet for years to come. We know the fans at TD Garden would love to see a guy like McQueen in a Boston uniform.”