© Jeff Vinnick/NHLI

BOSTON — If there is one thing that’s tough to miss about Dean Letourneau, it’s his height. The 18-year-old center, selected by the Boston Bruins with the No. 25 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, stands a whopping 6-foot-7, a fact that seems at odds with his baby face.

Furthermore, his on-ice playing style appears to contradict this assumption.

David Manning, coach at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario, emphasized that their primary focus over the past two years was on teaching Dean to play at a larger scale. “Despite his towering height of 6-4, 6-5, 6-7 now, Dean used to exhibit the playing style of a smaller player,” Manning explained.

Dean has a playing style that closely resembles that of a smaller player. He focuses on using his reach to his advantage and getting pucks in people’s feet to create offense. He also tends to face his defenders while attacking, which is different from how larger players typically play. Bigger players usually feel more comfortable with defenders behind them, using their size to apply pressure and excel along the boards. Dean can work on developing in these areas as he continues to grow as a player.

Letourneau was fortunate when forward Will Smith decided to leave Boston College and join the San Jose Sharks, creating an opportunity for Letourneau. This move allows him to compete against strong NCAA opponents and also places him in close proximity to the Bruins organization. Letourneau had an impressive season at St. Andrew’s, recording 127 points (61 goals, 66 assists) in 56 games.

“It’s impossible to overlook him, given his size,” remarked Adam McQuaid, the player development coordinator for Boston. “His composure around the goal is striking. He’s got a seamless style and impressive dexterity. Not to mention his massive physique, weighing in at 210 pounds. However, when you look at him, you realize he’s still just a young kid. I’m eagerly anticipating his growth and potential.”

McQuaid is eager to observe Letourneau’s transition to the NCAA, recognizing it as a significant advancement from their time in prep school.

Manning expressed that it is evident that he needs to enhance his strength. It is important for him to increase his body mass as being tall can be a drawback when lacking the necessary strength. His considerable length and wide wingspan can occasionally throw him off balance if he lacks the required strength to compete against opponents.

The most significant change, in my opinion, would be adapting to the challenge of facing larger and stronger opponents by embracing a more physical style of play.

That will take time. 

But Letourneau has plenty of that; the Bruins seem in no danger of rushing a player who constantly gets compared to Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson, himself a player who took time to blossom. Manning sees the great touch, the puck handling, the size, and sees similar foundational skills.

Manning stated that he possesses all the qualities.

Thompson’s tenure at the University of Connecticut lasted two years. Manning predicts that Letourneau will spend at least the same amount of time at BC, considering two years of college as the minimum requirement, with a probable need for three years.

And what comes next? The possibilities are endless.

Manning stated that what impressed everyone was the realization of his potential despite not fully utilizing his size. Manning believes that once he learns to harness his size advantage, which most players eventually do, he will have nearly boundless potential.

Letourneau mentioned at Bruins development camp last week that the dream is only beginning, and one must continue to work diligently every day to transform it into reality.