What a difference just a few months can make for Mason Lohrei!
At 6-foot-5 and 211 pounds, Lohrei has always been a standout prospect for the Boston Bruins, combining impressive size with exceptional playmaking skills on the blue line. Initially, many viewed him as a long-term project, needing time to develop his game in the professional ranks. However, he quickly dispelled that notion last season.
Lohrei kicked off the 2023-24 season with a strong preseason, which set the stage for his debut on November 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. From there, he made a significant impact, playing in 41 games and showcasing his offensive talents. He scored his first NHL goal just three games into his career, gaining confidence with every shift.
Despite the typical growing pains associated with adjusting to the NHL—especially for a player who transitioned from forward to defenseman at just 16—Lohrei continued to improve with each call-up. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he had transformed into the player the Bruins had envisioned for him.
The postseason presented a challenging matchup against the forechecking-heavy Florida Panthers, but Lohrei rose to the occasion. He recorded a goal and three points over six games, averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game. His ability to thrive under pressure caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Looking ahead, Lohrei’s future with the Bruins appears bright. With the potential to play alongside established defensemen like Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, he is poised to become a key player in Boston’s lineup for the upcoming season. After exceeding expectations last year, there’s no doubt that Mason Lohrei is ready to make his mark in the NHL.
What a shot from Mason Lohrei.
2-1 Bruins.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) May 7, 2024
The 23-year-old defenseman Mason Lohrei has surpassed all expectations set for him last fall. With the upcoming 2024-25 season on the horizon, Lohrei is poised to secure a regular spot on Boston’s blue line, especially considering the Bruins’ plans for his role this year.
Charlie McAvoy praised Lohrei in May, stating, “The sky’s the limit for him. He’s got an extremely high ceiling. His potential is off the charts. … He’s worked really hard. And he deserves to be here.”
Lohrei possesses the qualities of a top-four defenseman, thanks to his impressive playmaking skills and athletic build, which should enable him to log over 20 minutes of ice time as he continues to develop physically.
While it might be tempting for the Bruins to give Lohrei 19-20 minutes per game alongside McAvoy or Brandon Carlo, their offseason acquisitions will allow him to ease into his first full NHL season without overwhelming him.
Following the signing of tough defenseman Nikita Zadorov, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney noted that Zadorov’s presence in the top four would help Lohrei face more manageable matchups, likely pairing him with Andrew Peeke on the third defensive line.
At this stage, Lohrei may be better suited for 17-18 minutes of ice time lower in the lineup, but the Bruins also plan to give him a significant role on their second power-play unit. This opportunity will allow him to showcase his offensive skills and build confidence as he adds points to the scoreboard.
Sweeney emphasized that this setup will help Lohrei grow his offensive game without the pressure of playing 20 minutes a night in a top-pairing role. “He can, and he’s done a good job, but it just balances things out,” he said.
The Bruins would be thrilled if Lohrei continues to develop at the same pace as last year during the 2024-25 season. However, they don’t necessarily need him to be a 40-point scorer logging 21 minutes a night for their defense to succeed.
With both Hampus Lindholm and Zadorov ahead of him on the depth chart, Lohrei is likely to avoid a steep learning curve next season while gaining valuable experience on the power play. This opportunity should be beneficial for Lohrei, who is still just beginning to tap into his vast potential.
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