How acquired: Traded from the Colorado Avalanche on March 7, 2025
2025-26 season: North Dakota (NCAA): 38 GP, 18-16-34
Zellers (5-10, 163) has emerged as a key prospect in the Bruins’ revamped system in the past two seasons, with a 71-point season with Green Bay of the United States Hockey League followed by a 34-point season as a freshman at the University of North Dakota.
But the performance that might have been even more notable was at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, when he led Team USA with eight points (five goals, three assists) in five games, with Hagens finishing second at seven points. The 20-year-old, who was not named to the initial roster, worked his way onto the team and ended up scoring three game-winning goals.
“He certainly has the ability to be as high as a top-six scoring winger that you can use in different situations,” McQuaid said. “… He knows the right times to try and create.”
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
How acquired: Selected with No. 79 pick in 2025 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Youngstown (USHL): 61 GP; 34-40-74
Simpson (6-0, 180) brings high-end talent and a serious shot, which he demonstrated last season in the United States Hockey League after a jump from Minnesota high school hockey. The forward can add offense to a team that needs it, and the hope is that he will continue his upward trajectory.
Simpson, 19, is set to join Zellers at North Dakota next season.
“I think a lot of my little habits got a lot better,” Simpson said, of what he improved in the USHL. “I think my defensive side, like stick positioning, all that stuff. I also think the mental side, figuring out what to do and staying strong.”
Projected NHL arrival: Next season
How acquired: Selected with No. 119 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Providence (AHL): 43 GP: 15-13-28
No Bruins prospect performed on a bigger stage than Locmelis, who scored two goals in four games for Team Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old scored two tying goals in a 4-3 upset of Team Germany in the preliminary round.
But Locmelis (6-0, 179) aggravated a shoulder injury at the Olympics, costing him the rest of the season, with a six-month recovery time from surgery. He is expected to be ready for training camp and could compete for a spot on the Bruins.
Projected NHL arrival: This season
