The Boston Bruins made an intriguing move in the 2025 NHL Draft by selecting Swedish defenseman Liam Pettersson with the 61st overall pick. This choice marks the Bruins’ third selection in the draft and their second in the second round, showcasing their strategy to bolster their defense with international talent.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, Pettersson is recognized as an offensive-minded defenseman. During the 2024-25 season, he showcased his abilities primarily with the Växjö Lakers HC J20 club, where he recorded six goals and 21 points in 39 games, albeit with a minus-5 rating. He also made brief appearances for Växjö’s SHO team, accumulating six goals and 11 points in just six playoff games with the J18 club.
While some pre-draft rankings evaluated Pettersson as a reach for the Bruins—placing him at 94th by EliteProspects.com and 154th by McKeen’s Hockey—he has been recognized as a “late riser” due to his impressive performances leading up to the draft. Analysts note that Pettersson has potential to improve his competitive edge in tougher situations, which could significantly enhance his future prospects. Viktor Ahlund from McKeen’s Hockey emphasized his offensive skills and solid passing game, while noting he’s unlikely to lead a power play but can serve as a valuable secondary option.
Steven Ellis of DailyFaceoff remarked positively on Pettersson’s late-season performance in the Swedish U-20 league, pointing out his ability to contribute on both the power play and penalty kill—an asset as he continues to develop. Despite needing a boost in speed, Pettersson’s skill set and contributions could make him a notable addition to the Bruins’ defensive lineup, potentially carving out a role as a dependable bottom-four defenseman in the NHL.
The Bruins’ selection of Pettersson comes shortly after they picked James Hagens at seventh overall and William Moore at 51st, indicating an aggressive approach to assembling a formidable roster through strategic draft choices. As the Bruins continue to build their future, there’s optimism surrounding the potential impact of their latest picks.