With four left-shot NHL defensemen currently on the Bruins’ roster, there is no rush for the B’s to force Mason Lohrei into a big league lineup.
Still, the B’s executives are fully expecting the former Ohio State Buckeye to them something to think about come training camp in September.
Lohrei, who left Columbus after signing his entry level deal with the B’s after the OSU was bounced from the NCAA tournament last spring, is participating in this week’s Development Camp at Warrior Ice Arena with the fellow Bruin prospects. If any of the kids here have a shot at making the varsity, Lohrei is the leading candidate from a defense standpoint.
Taken as a 19-year-old in the second round of the 2020 draft (58 overall), the 6-foot-4, 204-pound Lohrei was a standout offense-oriented defenseman in his two years at Ohio State, posting 8-53-61 in 71 games over his freshman and sophomore seasons. That was enough for both the Bruins and him to agree that it was time to leave school and turn pro.
Lohrei got in a handful of games down in Providence at the end of the season. He picked up an assist and, more importantly, a taste of what’s in store for him.
“I think the biggest thing I gained was just confidence, first, and the experience,” said Lohrei after the first day of camp on Monday. “You can’t say enough about the experience of just being there and learning from older guys and ultimately just seeing what the league is like, what pro hockey is like, the schedule, guys were just lot heavier, harder. It was good to just get the experience and take it into the summer. It can be really beneficial going into this year and training camp and trying to make the team in September, October.”
Adam McQuaid, as player development coordinator, has kept a close eye on Lohrei since he was drafted and believes his overall game has made strides.
“You see it right away – his size, and his mobility with that size,” said McQuaid. “He has offensive instincts. I think his defending has come a long way. When he’s simplifying his game, he can be really efficient. And when he has the opportunities on the offensive side, he can make plays. He’s continuing to walk the line on learning when to manage the puck properly. There’s still things that he’s learning but we’re just really excited about him turning pro. I think it was a good opportunity for him to get in some pro games in Providence and that should give him a leg up going into this week and also training camp in September.”
One thing McQuaid would like to see from Lohrei is for him to move the puck a little quicker than he does. Lohrei likes to create, but there are different ways to do it.
“Things happen quicker and he likes to have the puck on his stick, which is not a bad thing, because he can make things happen, usually good thing,” said McQuaid. “But at the same time, there’s a time and place for that. But it’s just getting up to speed with the pro level. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a real push in training camp. We’re hoping for that. But like any young player, he still has things to work on. But he’s a fast learner. He’s going to pick up on things and continue to grow.”
Lohrei is big, but the man-strength he was facing when he jumped to the AHL was eye-opening for him. With that in mind, he’s been working out at Warrior for the past month. He plans to go home to Wisconsin after this camp is over but then return in August to ramp up for training camp.
(Pro hockey) is just heavier. Everything’s heavier. So it just about getting stronger, and I’ve been here all summer working on my strength and getting bigger, strong, faster,” said Lohrei. “All that stuff’s going to help. It’ll come. It’s just like any jump. Every time you jump a level, you’ve got stuff to learn and stuff to rise up to. I think if anything, that jump will make my game get better naturally.”
And when training camp rolls around in September, Lohrei has the mindset that he’ll be competing for a job in Boston.
“A hundred percent,” he said. “It’s always been my goal to play in the NHL. This is my shot, right now. I left school for a reason. I’m preparing to go in there in training camp and earn a spot on the roster. That’s my plan.”….
Forward Fabian Lysell, the club’s first round draft pick in 2021 (21st overall) and another hopeful to make the big club, was held out of on-ice activity due to the concussion he suffered in the playoffs with Providence. McQuaid said he could join the group at some point this week.