Ten Years Of NHL Draft No. 7 Picks: Can The Bruins Break The Trend?

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Post on May 14, 2025

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Ten Years of NHL Draft No. 7 Picks: Can the Bruins Break the Trend?

The Boston Bruins, fresh off a surprising playoff run, hold the coveted seventh overall pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. This presents a unique opportunity, but also a potential pitfall. A closer look at the last decade of seventh overall selections reveals a mixed bag of results, raising the question: can the Bruins buck the trend and find a future star at pick number seven?

The history of the seventh overall pick isn't exactly a hall of fame parade. While some players selected at this spot have blossomed into NHL regulars, true franchise-altering talent has been surprisingly scarce. This makes the Bruins' decision all the more critical. Let's examine the last ten years of seventh overall picks:

A Decade of Seventh Overall Picks (2014-2023): A Mixed Bag

• 2014: Sam Reinhart (Buffalo Sabres): Reinhart has had a solid NHL career, demonstrating consistent scoring ability, but hasn't reached superstar status. He’s a testament to the unpredictability of the draft.

• 2015: Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers): A reliable, defensive-minded defenseman, Provorov has been a cornerstone for the Flyers, solidifying his position as a top-four NHL defender.

• 2016: Pierre-Luc Dubois (Columbus Blue Jackets): Dubois has showcased high offensive potential, becoming a reliable top-six forward and establishing himself as a valuable player, albeit one who has experienced some team changes.

• 2017: Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils): Hischier has become the captain of the New Jersey Devils, showcasing leadership and strong two-way play. A successful pick, cementing his place as a core player.

• 2018: Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators): A power forward known for his grit and scoring ability, Tkachuk has become a fan favorite and a key offensive contributor for the Senators. A successful selection at #7.

• 2019: Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres): Cozens has shown promise but still needs to consistently produce at an elite level to justify his draft position. His development continues.

• 2020: Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings): Raymond's early career trajectory is extremely promising, indicating he could become one of the better players selected at number seven.

• 2021: Owen Power (Buffalo Sabres): Power, a defenseman, has displayed a high ceiling. He's a young talent showing potential as a top pairing defenseman.

• 2022: Juraj Slafkovsky (Montreal Canadiens): Slafkovsky's rookie season was underwhelming, leading to questions about his future prospects. He's considered a high-risk, high-reward pick.

• 2023: (To be determined): This year's pick holds significant weight for the Bruins. Their choice will contribute to shaping their future success.

The Bruins' Challenge: Identifying the Next Star

The Bruins face a critical decision. The historical data shows that the seventh overall pick is far from a guaranteed success. Their scouting team must meticulously analyze prospects, considering not just skill but also intangibles like character, work ethic, and hockey IQ.

Factors Influencing the Bruins' Decision:

• Team Needs: Identifying holes in the current roster is crucial. Do they need a high-scoring winger? A shutdown defenseman? A reliable center?

• Prospect Rankings: While rankings should be viewed with a critical eye, they offer valuable insights into potential talent.

• Risk Tolerance: Do they opt for a safer, proven prospect or take a chance on a higher-ceiling, riskier player?

The upcoming draft presents a significant opportunity for the Boston Bruins. They need to leverage their knowledge, experience, and scouting resources to avoid the pitfalls of previous seventh overall selections and potentially unearth a franchise cornerstone. The pressure is on to break the trend.