The Boston Bruins are reportedly going to have to wait a little bit longer for one of their top prospects to turn pro.
Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reported that Mason Lohrei, a defenseman who's widely considered the top prospect on the blue line for the B's, will be returning to Ohio State for his sophomore season rather than signing an entry-level deal.
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Lohrei, 21, was selected in the second round (58th overall) by the Bruins in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
A 6-foot-4 left-shot defenseman, Lohrei was a nearly point-per-game player for the Buckeyes this past season, recording four goals and 25 assists for 29 points in 31 games. Ohio State finished 22-13-2, missing out on the NCAA Tournament.
Boston's consensus top prospect, right winger Fabian Lysell, could still make his professional debut this season, general manager Don Sweeney said last month. The 19-year-old Swede has 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points over 50 games for the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League. Lysell was Boston's first-round pick (21st overall) last summer.