Top Bruins defensive prospect Mason Lohrei made his debut for Providence in the AHL on Wednesday. The P-Bruins beat the Hershey Bears 3-1, with Lohrei registering no points or shots on goal.

But Lohrei did flash some of the pure physical tools and hockey acumen that should land him his entry-level contract with Boston – and potentially a regular spot at the NHL level – as soon as the 2023-24 season. Lohrei, who now wears No. 2 for Providence and played on the top pairing in his debut, impressed reporters in attendance, as well as his own head coach, Ryan Mougenel.

You can check out some clips of Lohrei in action below, via “Mr. Tenkrat” on Twitter. What stands out in this mix of highlights are Lohrei’s skating and decision-making with the puck. He’s confident pushing the puck up the ice and creating space for his teammates on offense. He also moves quite well for a 6-foot-4 defenseman, which should especially serve him well at the highest level.

• Mason Lohrei Hoopmixtape vol. 1: A Debut pic.twitter.com/pwj5JIhNLy

  — Mr. Tenkrat (@PeterTenkrat) April 6, 2023

• “He obviously had some nerves early on but they went away very quickly, I think,” Mougenel said of Lohrei, chuckling in a good way. “You saw a lot of the poise that we’ve seen from him in the past. He did a great job of understanding the level and kept it pretty simple, but then you saw glimpses where … he’s got a great mind for the game. He’s going to be a great pro.”

  Lohrei acknowledged the adjustment he’s going to have to make jumping from college to the pros, in both physical and mental aspects of his game. But the consensus from those watching and commenting spoke to Lohrei’s poise.

  “Obviously it’s more physical [than college],” Lohrei said after the game, per Mark Divver. The players are stronger and you’ve got to make quicker decisions, but guys are always in the right spot. It’s awesome to be here and hopefully be part of a long run in the playoffs.”

• 

  Oct 7, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defenseman Mason Lohrei (6) takes a shot during the NCAA men’s hockey game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Schottenstein Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch

• It’s important to note that Lohrei has only signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO), which is not the same as an entry-level contract. He is most likely going to stay in Providence, because the B’s would have to burn a full year of his ELC to sign him for the stretch run of the 2022-23 regular season.

  Unless the health of the left side of the defense in Boston is an utter catastrophe, it’s not worth signing Lohrei’s ELC now. Fans will have to wait until at least the start of the 2023-24 campaign for Lohrei to potentially make his NHL debut.

  Meanwhile, the big club has five games left before the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and (fingers crossed) boast good overall health on the left blue line. Hampus Lindholm, Dmitry Orlov, Matt Grzelcyk, and Jakub Zboril comprise the current NHL depth chart. Derek Forbort is out for the rest of the regular season, but the implication has been that he’ll have a chance to be available for the start of the playoffs if needed.

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  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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