Dans Locmelis | Boston Bruins Prospect Profile
Well, the offseason for the Bruins is here and I wanted to continue to give the viewers updates on the prospects in the Bruins system. We have learned this season the retool is coming and wanted to give some updates on players in the system. Next on my list is Dons Lacmelis. So, buckle up Bruins fans. I’m here to give you the latest info on your beloved Boston Bruins. If you’ve been liking my Bruins content, please leave me a like and subscribe. If you’ve already done so, thank you and let’s get into it. He scores. Donald Lochmelis is one of the more intriguing forward prospects in the Boston Bruins pipeline. Known for his blend of speed, hockey IQ, and two-way reliability. Drafted in the fourth round, 119th overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft, Lockmelus has quietly developed into a versatile center with a mature game. Though not a flashy name, his commitment to playing in all situations has earned him attention within the Bruins organization, which prizes responsible, detailed oriented players. I didn’t even remember he was in the system. and then the Bruins signed him last season and I got to see that the Bruins might have something special. His recent performance at the 2024 IIHF World Championship for Team Lapia showed just how far his game had come. Lois didn’t dominate offensively, but played important minutes, particularly in a shutdown role on the penalty kill. He notched up a couple of points, but more importantly proved that he could keep up with the pros and older competition, holding his own defensively and displaying the calm poise with the puck the coaches love. His willingness to block shots and battle along the boards highlighted his team first mentality. He impressed one of the best players to ever lace up skates in Sydney Crosby enough that Crosby spoke to him after the game against Canada to pay him a compliment. When Loch Melis joined the Providence Bruins for a short stint after his college season ended, he made an immediate impression. He lit up the score sheet and created a buzz for Bruins fans clamoring to see something positive from last season. Watching the Bruins was tough, but watching him in Providence was a sight to see. In six games down in Providence, he scored three goals and tallied nine assists for 12 points. I seriously doubt anyone besides maybe the scouts for the Bruins saw this coming. Coaches in Providence praised his work ethic and defensive zone awareness, which allowed him to earn trust quickly. He showed flashes of offensive upside, especially in transition, using his quick first steps and vision to create chances for his linemates. His 2-way game is something the Bruins can use, and the fact that he can generate offense as well is exactly what the Boston Bruins need. Looking back at his draft and development path, Lochmelis has taken the road less traveled for a Lapian player. After being selected in the fourth round, he chose the NCAA route, playing for UMass Amherst in the Hockey East. In his freshman season, he posted a respectable statline of 23 points, 10 goals, 13 assists in 34 games, showcasing a knack for timely scoring and steady faceoff presence. His performance was particularly impressive considering the physical and defensive demands of college hockey. It was a smart move by Loch Melis to go to UMass to learn the North American style of the game. Coming from Europe, Loch Melis needed to adjust to the physicality and smaller ranks of the North American game. NCAA hockey, especially hockey east, is strong stepping stone because it’s fast, physical, and systemdriven. Playing in college also helps give him time to mature physically before going pro. UMass has a history of bringing European players who want to develop in the NCAA. Sometimes advisers, agents, or connections to former players can influence those decisions, too. Lmela’s decision to pick UMass was likely about finding the right fit for his development style. A strong structured program where he could play big minutes, adapt a North American game and work under coaches who emphasized the same details the Bruins value. On the international stage, Loch Mellis has consistently represented Latafia at various junior levels including the U8s and the world juniors. His international stats don’t jump off the page, but his value lies in all situations usage. Latvia coaching staff has trusted him to match up against top lines, kill penalties, and take key draws. A testament to his mature, reliable style of play. He also served as captain, which speaks to his leadership ability. What makes Loch Melis an appealing prospect for Boston is his fit with the Bruins traditional identity. He brings a hardworking, responsible game that mirrors the team’s bluecollar ethos. He’s not likely to be a topline scoring dynamo, but he projects as a solid middle six center or wing who can kill penalties, win faceoffs, and provide secondary scoring. His motor and smarts make him a type of player who can thrive under a demanding coach. Lois is expected to continue honing his game in Providence for another year or so, adjusting to the speed and physicality of pro hockey in North America. If he continues to develop his offensive instincts and faceoff prowess, he could push for a spot on Boston’s third line as soon as 2026. The Bruins are likely to use him as a matchup forward who can take tough minutes and help stabilize the middle of the lineup. he could have an outside chance of impressing enough at camp this upcoming season and earning a couple games with the Bruins next season. I haven’t seen many add him to their projected lineups and I myself don’t think he makes the team this upcoming season, but I would think he would be getting top six minutes in Providence this upcoming season. Seeing time on the power play and the penalty kill and playing important minutes for them. The Bruins bottom six is crowded right now and I don’t think personally him playing bottom six minutes in the NHL will help his development right now. He has way too much of an offensive upside plus his two-way game that I think being in Providence is probably the best place for him unless he can make the top six in Boston. Far too many players get rushed and the Bruins have something with him. Overall, Luck Melis is the classic Swiss Army knife player with a ceiling as reliable NHL death piece or higher. It It’s very confusing. A lot of scouts say he’s going to be a bottom six guy and a lot of people say he’s going to be a top six guy. Watching his game at the World Championship and what he did in Providence, I think he’s more of a top six guy. He brings responsible defensive play, versatility at center and wing, and the intangibles, compete level, hockey sense, and coachability that the Bruins value so highly. While he never may be a star, his steady presence could make him a fan favorite in Boston for the little things he does right shift after shift. That’s a wrap on today’s video. To stay up to date on all the news surrounding the Boston Bruins, please subscribe and drop me a like. If news breaks surrounding the Boston Bruins, be sure to check out the channel. If you’ve already subscribed to the channel, thank you and I’ll see you next time.
He scores.
The Boston Bruins’ offseason is here, and I wanted to continue providing viewers with updates on the prospects in the Bruins’ system. We have learned this season that a retool is coming, and I wanted to give some updates on the players in the system. Next on my list is Dan’s Locmelis.
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15 comments
I liked him in Providence.
Thank you for pointing out the details that fans don't get to see or simply not aware.
When I saw he was Latvian? I got excited because that is what they do. π There's not a lot going on!
I heard Sidney Crosby spoke to Dans after the tournament – that got my attention.
I'm going to keep saying that to fans who don't like him. Or think he's a bottom feeder. Lol!
I'll name drop-Sidney Crosby!
Thank you – this was excellent.
Have a great vacation – don't worry about channel content.
Unless we trade for McDavid of course!
Yet another great video in the books!
π
Go Bears!
Providence and Boston!
π»
Didn't know we had this fella. Looks like we have a decent amount of gems in our treasure chest for a change!
What are your thoughts on Locmelis?
12 points in 6 Providence games
Sounds like a Krejci/Bergeron hybrid
First, I would like to sayβ¦βRIP L.B., you were one of the favorites.β Second, He sounds like a great fit.
sounds like another soft euro bust by sweeney.
Danton Heinen clone?
Loved him at UMass and was hoping he would stay one more year.
I would not trust the scouts who say the player Sid praised is a bottom six guy.
LoCHmelis (emphasis on the O). I am from Latvia
Thanks for post. Love the insight and the nuggets of positivity
Great profile! Now I have to track down video of Team Latvia's IIHF games from May, especially the one against Canada.
Something I've been wondering — why do the Bruins bring up young, supposedly skilled players from Providence, who could only be effective on the top 2 lines, and stick them on 4th lines where they do nothing? Is this some sort of coaching or front office philosophy? Or do they think their "skilled" young players are just not good enough to produce in the NHL? I grew up an Avs fan, and remember that they put Milan Hejduk on Sakic's line and Chris Drury on Peter Forsberg's line when they came up as rookies. Same with Paul Stastny as a rookie, who was immediately put on Sakic's line. Even some young scrubs like Ville Nieminen were put on Forsberg's line and would score a ton of goals, lol. Why don't the Bruins do this? (I guess Cassidy put rookies Bjork and DeBrusk on Krejci's line, and that's the only time I can recall the B's putting skilled players where they need to play, although you'd think it would be better to split the rookies between the top 2 lines, instead of sticking them both with poor Krejci. But we know Cassidy was allergic to taking Pasta off Bergeron's line, sigh.)
So you say that he might have a chance? Good Report thank you