Mason Lohrei’s challenging rookie season featured top-unit power-play time, defensive struggles, and undeniable long-term upside for the Bruins’ blue line.
Lohrei faced real adversity this year—and came out with lessons that should serve him well moving forward
From day one of training camp, Mason Lohrei looked ready to make the leap. He didn’t just make the Bruins roster, he earned a full-time NHL job. But nothing about his rookie season went according to script, and that might end up being the best thing that happened to him.
The Bruins’ blue line fell apart early. In November, Hampus Lindholm took a shot off the leg against the St. Louis Blues and never returned.
Then Charlie McAvoy went down in the 4 Nations Face-Off, and suddenly Boston was missing both of its top-pairing defensemen. What followed was a crash course for Lohrei in NHL survival.
He was forced into tougher matchups, more minutes, and situations he’d never handled before. It wasn’t smooth.
Not by a long shot.
There were nights Lohrei struggled, but also moments where he showed real NHL promise
Lohrei finished the season with a -43 plus-minus, the worst on the roster.
There were costly giveaways, blown assignments, and visible growing pains. But for a 23-year-old former Ohio State standout in his first full NHL season, this was part of the grind. And at times, he stood tall in it.
As injuries carried over to the power play, Lohrei stepped in, and looked like he belonged.
He finished the year with five goals and 28 assists, including 15 assists on the man advantage.
His skating and puck movement opened up plays that had gone stagnant. He handled the point with patience, found shooting lanes, and didn’t panic under pressure.
It wasn’t a polished season. But Lohrei wasn’t expected to be perfect—he was expected to learn. And by that measure, he passed.
With free agency looming, the Bruins need to make Lohrei’s next deal a priority
Lohrei now heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent. Whether it’s a bridge deal or a longer-term contract, locking him in is a no-brainer.
He’s earned a regular spot and shown enough to warrant a serious investment.
Looking ahead, he’s expected to slot behind Nikita Zadorov and Hampus Lindholm on the left side.
It’s an ideal third-pairing role that gives him structure and room to grow.
Who his partner will be remains a mystery, one that likely hinges on whether the Bruins make moves via free agency or trade.
One thing isn’t up for debate: Mason Lohrei is part of the Bruins’ future. This season didn’t just test him, it toughened him. And when Boston takes the ice next fall, they’ll have a more confident, more seasoned, and more battle-ready Lohrei on their back end.
