Latest mock draft has Bruins taking center who could ‘quickly reset organization’

The Bruins have struggled at center since Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired in 2023. But with the seventh pick in next month’s NHL Entry Draft, Boston could address a big need.

The Athletic’s Corey Pronman and Scott Wheeler released their latest mock draft earlier this week, and Pronman has the Bruins selecting “rare game-breaker” center Roger McQueen.

“Boston rolls the dice on a player who could quickly reset their organization if he hits,” Pronman wrote. “McQueen is the rare game-breaker you can get at 7, and is here solely due to injury concerns. He addresses a critical need for them at center. In an ideal world, there isn’t a huge run on centers like there was in this mock.”

McQueen is a physical, 6-foot-5 player who knows how to score. The right-handed center had eight goals in his first 12 goals for the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings.

Before a back injury derailed his season last year, McQueen was looked at as a potential No. 1 pick. But a setback suffered during the playoffs has caused him to slip.

McQueen could be a risk for the Bruins. They are in need of a center, but whether they want to draft someone with injury history is unknown. However, if McQueen stays healthy and turns into the NHL player many believe he can, he could be exactly what the Bruins need.