Boston College’s Dean Letourneau discusses his ‘more comfortable’ role as a ‘veteran’ of Bruins Development Camp
A large media contingent encircled Dean Letourneau in the locker room at the conclusion of the first day of Bruins Development Camp at Warrior Arena on Monday.
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It wasn’t exactly a surprise. The 6-foot-7-inch forward was expected to draw a lot of interest in his third camp after being selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
But with 2025 first-rounder James Hagens not in attendance after making his pro debut last spring, and the Bruins using their 2026 first-round pick as part of the package to acquire JJ Peterka from the Mammoth, Letourneau was the center of attention.
The rising Boston College junior seemed at ease with it all and has embraced his “veteran” status.
“It’s definitely a little easier, more comfortable every year,” said Letourneau. “I know my first year there were returning guys that I looked up to, you know, just follow around camp and see what they’re doing, so definitely being in a position to be like that has been pretty cool, and just kind of lead by example.”
After a freshman year in which he failed to score and recorded just three assists, the Ontario native found his groove as a sophomore, averaging more than a point per game and finishing second to Hagens in Hockey East with 39 (22 goals, 17 assists) in 36 games.
“I think he took another step in pretty much all facets of his game,” said Bruins director of player development Adam McQuaid. “I think he just became more accustomed to the pace of college hockey. I give him a ton of credit. He stuck with the process, and he learned a lot last year, carried through into this year, came in with high, high expectations for himself, and had a great year.”
Letourneau, 20, hopes to take yet another step toward the NHL when he returns to Chestnut Hill in the fall, and he talked about what area he is looking to focus on.
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“Definitely puck protection, hold on to pucks more in the [offensive] zone,” said Letourneau. “Just creating a lot more opportunities from the corner and driving to the net. I think that’s probably going to be the biggest part of my game. Just using my size and my reach and my body to protect pucks and drive to the net.”
Well-deserved rest
McQuaid also discussed Hagens and what the last year looked like for the forward, beginning with the lead-up to the draft, getting selected by the Bruins in Los Angeles, traveling back to Boston for development camp, then off to the World Juniors showcase before returning to BC for his sophomore year and signing with the Bruins at the conclusion of the season.
More hockey followed when the Bruins were eliminated by the Sabres, as Hagens joined Team USA for the World Championship in Switzerland.
“Crazy year, from going back to this time last year,” said McQuaid. “All the different steps he took, and not a lot of time off. That’s probably the reason why he’s not here this week. He’s played a lot of hockey, and basically would’ve had like 2½ weeks to prepare to come here. We kind of look at each guy on an individual basis for what’s best for them. “
All seven members of the 2026 draft class are on the development camp roster, including goalies Yuri Ivanov and Roberto Henriquez. They were joined by Hockey East graduates Max Lundgren (Merrimack) and Kyle Chauvette (New Hampshire). Chauvette and Ivanov practiced in the early session with the forwards, along with Fitchburg State goalie Max Maccioni, a late addition to camp.
Will Zellers, a third-round pick in 2025 who is headed back to North Dakota for his sophomore season in the fall, led the post-practice stretch.
Lundgren and Henriquez practiced with the defensemen.
Qualifying offers
The Bruins issued qualifying offers to forwards Riley Duran, Ivan Ivan, and Matt Poitras, and goaltender Luke Cavallin. Forward Alexis Gendron and defensemen Jordan Harris and Max Wanner were not given qualifying offers and will become unrestricted free agents Wednesday.
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