Boston Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei has brought his game to a new level through his development. He has the size, offensive production, and consistent play to become a regular top-pairing player for the Bruins for years to come. Only in his second season, he has come a long way and has matured into a budding NHL star on the blue line.
Bruins' Mason Lohrei a big piece of the future
At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Lohrei is not hard to miss on the ice. With his size, he is very mobile and can shut down the opposition with a quick move inside or outside his zone. Only 24 years old, he has a bright future in Boston and he is one of the cornerstones to get Boston back to their winning ways.
Drafted by Boston 58th overall in 2020, he has developed into a star on defense and played his position extremely well for a player not far into his NHL career. On defense, he is right behind Charlie McAvoy in all-around play. He has had to step in and fill a big hole with McAvoy now out due to injury. The extra ice time and dependability have been to his advantage and he plays like he enjoys the extra pressure.
While he is no Paul Coffey, he is a very good skater for a player of his size. At the same time, he uses that size to eliminate any dangerous opportunities that come his way. His frame has also shut down passing and shooting lanes. He is not in the same mold as former Bruin Zdeno Chara, but he has the same impact when he is on the ice.
This season, Lohrei has four goals and 24 assists for 28 points in 57 games and has five points in his last five games. His games, assists, and points are all career-highs. for his NHL career, he has eight goals and 33 assists for 41 points in 97 games. Not bad for a seond-round pick.
Lohrei has come into a big role for a young player with McAvoy out. He is the presumed leader on defense and he has taken that position well. he is consistent and a difference maker while being a 24-year-old on the top-pairing of an Original Six team. A two-way defenseman who is a threat and dependable this early in his career is rare and hard to come by.
What's next for the Bruins' LohreI?
This is a big year for Lohrei as he is a restricted free agent (RFA) after this season. he has adapted to his new role and should command serious money on his new contract. This season, he has an annual average value (AAV) of $925,000.
If the Bruins were smart they would lock him up long-term. He will be a force to be reckoned with for the foreseeable future on the Bruins blue line and should be compensated as much. He has been one of the few bright spots for the Bruins in a difficult season so far.