With 4 left-shot NHL defensemen at the moment on the Bruins’ roster, there isn’t any rush for the B’s to pressure Mason Lohrei into a giant league lineup.
Still, the B’s executives are totally anticipating the previous Ohio State Buckeye to them one thing to consider come coaching camp in September.
Lohrei, who left Columbus after signing his entry stage take care of the B’s after the OSU was bounced from the NCAA match final spring, is taking part on this week’s Development Camp at Warrior Ice Arena with the guy Bruin prospects. If any of the children right here have a shot at making the varsity, Lohrei is the main candidate from a protection standpoint.
Taken as a 19-year-old within the second spherical of the 2020 draft (58 total), 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 video games over his freshman and sophomore seasons. That was sufficient for each the Bruins and him to agree that it was time to go away college and switch professional.
Lohrei acquired in a handful of video games down in Providence on the finish of the season. He picked up an help and, extra importantly, a style of what’s in retailer for him.
“I think the biggest thing I gained was just confidence, first, and the experience,” mentioned Lohrei after the primary 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 participant improvement coordinator, has saved an in depth eye on Lohrei since he was drafted and believes his total recreation has made strides.
“You see it right away – his size, and his mobility with that size,” mentioned 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 factor McQuaid wish to see from Lohrei is for him to maneuver the puck just a little faster than he does. Lohrei likes to create, however there are other 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,” mentioned 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 massive, however the man-strength he was dealing with when he jumped to the AHL was eye-opening for him. With that in thoughts, he’s been figuring out at Warrior for the previous month. He plans to go residence to Wisconsin after this camp is over however then return in August to ramp up for coaching camp.
(Pro hockey) is simply heavier. Everything’s heavier. So it nearly getting stronger, and I’ve been right here all summer season engaged on my power and getting greater, robust, sooner,” mentioned 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 coaching camp rolls round in September, Lohrei has the mindset that he’ll be competing for a job in Boston.
“A hundred percent,” he mentioned. “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 membership’s first spherical draft decide in 2021 (twenty first total) and one other hopeful to make the massive membership, was held out of on-ice exercise as a result of concussion he suffered within the playoffs with Providence. McQuaid mentioned he may be part of the group in some unspecified time in the future this week.
Source: www.bostonherald.com