BOSTON — Robert Mastrosimone seems more like a senior than a freshman, as he sits on a couch inside the management office at Boston University’s Agganis Arena.



Most other BU students have gathered along the Charles River to watch the Head Of The Charles, the largest regatta on the planet. But Mastrosimone doesn’t have time to to take in the tradition that begins on the shores of the prestigious campus. He’s in the middle of another busy day in his young career as a varsity athlete. He’s just finished an afternoon team meeting and is about to head to a pregame meal ahead of his third game as a member of the Terriers.



The 18-year-old is confident and engaging as he rhymes off the traits that helped him become a 54th overall pick by the Red Wings in the 2019 NHL Draft. He leans forward over his knees as he speaks. He has slight shoulders and sharp blue eyes that match his backward baseball cap.



“My strengths are...