Bruins prospect Brett Harrison is coming off his first full professional season, and while his production numbers didn’t pop off the page, the organization believes the young forward took large steps in his development.
“He’s been working on his skating, that’s coming (along). So, we’re happy with where he’s at,” Bruins player development coordinator Adam McQuaid told reporters after Day 2 of development camp at the beginning of July. “He’s getting really dialed in this year on the areas he needs to improve on.”
The 21-year-old tallied five goals and nine assists in 47 games for Providence and added three points in two postseason games. Harrison reflected on the success he had with the Baby B’s.
“It was a great year. A lot of ups and downs, but overall it was a lot of learning and had a lot of fun doing it,” Harrison told Providence Bruins communications specialist Jordan Conn, per team-provided video. “We had a great team and a great group of guys. It will definitely be something moving forward that I’ll try to look back on and learn, but I think overall I got a lot better as the year went on, so I think it was a successful first year.”
Before joining the Bruins, Harrison skated 65 games with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in 2021-22, totaling 27 goals and 34 assists.
From seeing how Harrison performed in the OHL, there is no question what he can provide offensively in the AHL.
“In my last year, when I was playing (in the OHL), I was getting a lot of opportunity and a lot of time (on the ice),” he said. “Coming into the AHL and being one of the younger guys, doing whatever I can to help the team win. Whether it’s doing a defensive play or making myself an option on the breakout … just trying to find ways to stay in the lineup and help your team contribute.”
Harrison’s biggest takeaway from the two leagues was the speed and strength of the players, so he spent time working on himself when he was not in the lineup.
“I spent a lot of time in the gym when I was not in the lineup, just trying to get up to game speed, get myself into a good frame of body, and get a lot stronger,” he said. “(While) learning the pro lifestyle from the older guys, coming to the rink and making sure you’re being a pro. Living on your own is definitely different. I think I learned that as well.”
The 6-foot-2, 189-pound London, Ontario native said he plans to return to Boston in August before Bruins rookie and training camps start in September.
