Highly Talented Bruins Prospect ‘Exceeding’ Development Path

The depth on defense has always been one of the Bruins’ best attributes as a franchise.

With the defensive corps of Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Brandon Carlo, Andrew Peeke, Parker Wotherspoon and Mason Lohrei manning the blue line, prospect Frederic Brunet has time to develop his game with Boston’s AHL affiliate in Providence.

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound Quebec, Canada native tallied two goals and 10 assists in 48 games for the AHL club during the 2023-24 campaign — his rookie professional season. However, Brunet acknowledged his defensive game needed to grow this season.

“I took ownership of (working on my defensive game),” Brunet told NESN.com. “I’m working hard on that, and I think the main focus for my game is really to be a bit more physical in front of my net. Be able to move guys in front of my net, be able to defend better and I think I put a lot of focus on that.”

Providence head coach Ryan Mougenel said during Bruins development camp that Brunet needed to work on the mechanics of defending in his feet and putting value in his stick.

“He’s exceeding it. You know, Freddie’s another guy. He’s getting expedited a little bit just because he’s getting a lot of minutes,” Mougenel told NESN.com. “… He’s played like the second most minutes here in the last two months, so I think at the time right now he’s like a plus-17. You don’t become a plus player by having poor mechanics, and I think he’s really bought into it.”

Bruins player development coordinator Adam McQuaid has worked with Brunet during his time with the organization. He pointed out that the 21-year-old spent most of his offseason training in Boston, which only helped the young defenseman.

“He’s come back, having a year under his belt and some experience and knowing what to expect and how to play,” McQuaid told NESN.com at a recent Bruins game. “He had big expectations for himself. But again, I think the biggest thing is he came and spent time here in the summer, which is really good for him to get to train and skate with a lot of the NHL guys and kind of see what that’s like.”

McQuaid, a Stanley Cup champion, spent time in Providence before playing his first full season with the Bruins in 2010-11, so he understands the opportunity the players have in the AHL.

“I think getting guys in a position where they come up and have success and… hopefully come up and stay up,” McQuaid said of the Bruins’ ability to let prospects develop. “That’s the ultimate goal. I realize that there’s only so many spots. But I think it’s beneficial for guys to spend time in Providence playing and some guys are playing situations (in the AHL) that they may not play in (the NHL). So I think it’s a good thing.”

McQuaid added: “He’s currently playing in every situation. He’s got those puck touches. Another guy that he can see the ice really well. He’s… playing somewhat of a simple game. He’s very athletic and capable of, like, he’s very skilled. Just trying not to do too much. So, I think he’s still learning the pro game and what he needs to do to be effective. But he’s getting to that point. And it’s been a good, steady progression. So happy with him.”

Brunet is one point shy of his totals from last season. He has three goals and eight assists for a total of 11 points across 39 games so far this season.

“I hope I’m going to eclipse that number,” Brunet said. “I’m working on my offense, it’s still there, but it’s always been one of my strengths, so I’m focusing more on my defense right now, but I’m still working on my offense, obviously, and I think it’s paying out right now.”

Mougenel echoed Brunet’s thoughts on where his development is trending.

“We’re excited to where it’s going,” Mougenel said. “The defensive side of his game is definitely ahead of where I thought it would be. The offensive side’s coming. He’s always kind of had it. It’s just at our level, how you create offense is a little bit different than where they’ve been in the past. A lot of the places they’ve been, as a defenseman, you can create with your feet. Here, that opportunity’s not always there.

“He’s just a better version of himself. He’s like most guys; we don’t expect him to set the world on fire year to year. It really is a slow marinate. That’s what the American League is about. It’s about growing your game. I like where he is right now.”