Woburn’s Riley Duran sees stock rise among Bruins prospects

Riley Duran has only played 15 games in total professional hockey. But it didn’t take long for Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel to see that the Woburn native had the grit and drive to carve out a career at the highest level of hockey.

“We want him to play freely, let his skills take over and he’s been exceptional for us,” Mougenel said Wednesday of Duran’s impressive AHL debut. “And I’ve said it before, it’s not that I was surprised a little bit by his skills and his separation, his hands, his shot.

“But he’s a player, and it’s funny, because the truth is some players do better in pro than they do in college or junior college. And I think he’s one of those players.”

For all the talk about the average returns the Bruins’ prospect pipeline has gotten in recent years, Boston has developed several impact players at the NHL level, all from different backgrounds.

There’s the poised, up-and-coming franchise goalie like Jeremy Swayman. The pugnacious power forward like Trent Frederic. The playmaking defenseman with a 6-foot-5 frame like Mason Lohrei.

Duran, a sixth-round pick by Boston in the 2020 NHL Draft, has a more lunchbox-oriented approach compared to other Bruins youngsters like Fabian Lysell or Georgii Merkulov.

But the 22-year-old forward was lumped in with the two mid-table forwards earlier this summer when Don Sweeney mentioned potential prospects who could make a real push for NHL reps coming out of camp.

“I would say that [Georgii Merkulov] And [Fabian Lysell] “Or Riley Duran, keep going down the list. Just put your ears back, train like crazy this summer and come in with the intention of finding an opportunity here,” Sweeney said in July.

Based on Mougenel’s sentiment, it appears Duran’s value has only continued to grow with Boston’s full training camp set to open Sept. 18.

“His arrival at the end of the year was huge for him,” Mougenel said. “I think it’s probably accelerated where he is, especially for training camp. And I expect him to really push. I think he’s a [Jim Montgomery] player type, [assistant coach] “He’s a Chris Kelly type of player. They’re going to like him.”

Duran’s motor, physicality and all-around skills make him an attractive candidate for a checking line role at the next level in due course.

But after scoring 27 goals and 55 points in his three seasons at Providence College (102 games), Duran’s offense continued during his brief stint against tougher competition in the AHL – posting four points in his 11 games with the Baby B’s while regularly tracking the puck on the forecheck.

Duran is quick to credit Friars head coach Nate Leaman and the Providence program for preparing him for the increased physicality and work that awaits him in the professional game, adding that his own style of play has made it easier for him to adjust after making the jump from the collegiate ranks.

“I play my own game,” Duran said. “I like to play my own game. I don’t have to change anything, maybe just a few things with body positioning. But other than that, I just play my own game, and hopefully things work out.”

At first glance, Duran might be seen as an unlikely player to make Boston’s roster at the end of camp. Unlike Lysell, who could benefit from a spot in the Bruins’ top six, Duran will have to overcome a bottom-six group that already includes the likes of Johnny Beecher, Max Jones, Mark Kastelic and Justin Brazeau.

But Duran doesn’t have to look far back to see Bruins prospects accelerating their schedule on their own merit — with Beecher, Lohrei and Matthew Poitras all earning regular reps after strong camps last fall.

“It’s really cool to see that everybody has a different story. It’s really cool to be around those guys and see that and see how hard they work, how they encourage you,” Duran said after rookie camp opened Wednesday. “Sweeney said today, ‘If you work hard enough, they’ll make room for you, but you just have to play hard and play your own game.’”

For Duran, the first step toward defending his right to NHL minutes will come Friday at the annual Prospects Challenge in Buffalo.

After an offseason filled with anticipation, the local product feels ready to take a step forward.

“I’m ready to play some games,” Duran said. “I mean, it’s been a long summer. I’m ready to play hockey, right?”