Mason Lohrei Has an Uncertain Future in Boston

According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, “Mason Lohrei’s future is in question.” The Boston Bruins defenseman could be among the roster moves GM Don Sweeney looks to make this summer, even though Sweeney “praised the 25-year-old for improving as Lindholm’s right-side partner.”

Lohrei has a high ceiling, but he also finished this season with the Bruins as a healthy scratch. He had no points in three playoff games.

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Sweeney didn’t think the reduced playing time stunted Lohrei’s development. “I don’t think it is stunted at all. I think that, Mason being able to play on the right side with Hampus in that situation showed a lot of what he’s capable of doing. There’s still variants. He’s still a young player at that position.” He added, “You look at year over year, in terms of where he was defensively last year in our lineup versus what he was able to accomplish this year, while albeit still doing some of the things offensively that we all really like.” “[Sturm] doesn’t dislike Mason the same way he doesn’t dislike Henri. It’s just night to night, he’s trying to put the best lineup together.”

“It’s just a continued development he has to adhere to at times,” said Sweeney. “Now can he play with the same conviction that you want with every one of our players, the way (Jonathan Aspirot) would play and close? That’s the balancing act. Mason’s got a lot of upside.”

Are the Bruins Going to Hang on to Lohrei?

While Sweeney had nice things to say about Lohrei, the defenseman has struggled. He’s not hit a level the Bruins were hoping for him to date and some believe he could be dangled this summer in a trade sceario. This wouldn’t be the first time Lohrei’s name has come up in trade chatter.

Earlier in the season and leading up to the deadline, his name popped in and out of the rumor mill.

In November, he was also sitting and was trying to make the best of it, despite being clearly bothered by the fact that he wanted minutes. “I mean, I guess you got to take everything and try to look at it positively. I mean, I just showed up every day and went to work, and all waited for my next opportunity, so you know, tonight’s no different, same thing.” He added, “I’ll just try and stay positive and stay confident and be the player that I think I can be.”

Lohrei will get minutes for Team USA as he was just announced to be part of the roster going to the World Championships. If he plays well there, it could be a showcase for him with other NHL clubs who might be looking at making changes and taking a flyer on a defenseman with big upside.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Senators & Maple Leafs Keeping Hope