By Russ Cohen
Latvia had a good showing at the 2025 World Juniors. So much so, that I thought I would talk about a few of their players. I did like the way this team played defense and one of those players was Peteris Bulans, who plays for Chicoutimi. At 6’0”, 185 pounds, I found him to be a decent two-way defender.
I found him to be well-disciplined. Looking at InStat backed that up. He averages 24:41 ice time but only has eight PIMS. Not bad. And he’s drawn three penalties. All of that stacks up well for him. He has a lot of intangibles.
In his combined play this year, he’s heavy power play and penalty kill minutes. He has 16 points in 30 games. And he had two points in five World Junior games. It’s a nice mix.
He was the captain of Latvia. He was a good skater, quick to loose pucks, and a skilled shot blocker, and some snap on his wrist shot and a quick one-timer.
Bulans is winning 57% of his puck battles. That part is noticeable as well. I think he’s an overage prospect worth gambling on. There’s enough there for me to think if everything hits right in 2-3 years, he might be a bottom-pairing blueliner in the NHL even if he’s just a depth guy.
Bulans is 2025 NHL Draft eligible. I would spend a late round pick on him. He will be 20 in August.
