Get to Know the Boston Bruins’ 2026 NHL Draft Class

Key Points:

• The Boston Bruins added seven new prospects in the 2026 NHL Draft held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, focusing on players who fit their targeted areas and organizational needs, according to director of amateur scouting Ryan Nadeau.
• Their first pick was 17-year-old goaltender Yuri Ivanov (56th overall), who impressed the Bruins with his live and video performances in Russia’s MHL, posting a .924 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average.
• Other notable selections include Swedish forwards Nils Bartholdsson (88th overall) and Oscar Olsson (122nd overall), both with strong offensive stats in the Swedish U20 Nationell League, and Russian forward Matvei Kotkov (104th overall), the playoff MVP for Loko Yaroslavl.
• Defenseman Jacob Vandeven (157th overall) was drafted after a season split between the OHL's London Knights and the GOJHL, showcasing his size and scoring ability, while Slovak goaltender Roberto Henriquez (170th overall) impressed in the USHL and is set to play NCAA hockey at Boston College.
• The Bruins made strategic trades during the draft, including exchanging their first-round pick for JJ Peterka and moving a fourth-round pick to Pittsburgh to acquire Henriquez and a future fourth-round pick, emphasizing a balance of immediate and long-term organizational value.