(Photo Courtesy of Providence Bruins / Flickr)
By: Tim A. Richardson | Follow Me On Twitter @TimARichardson
Next up on my list of prospect season reviews is a player who sparks many debates amongst Bruins fans. That player is none other than Zach Senyshyn. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, he was drafted 15th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. The drafting of Senyshyn has come under much scrutiny because people felt the pick would have been better used on someone else. Even though that debate will continue to rage on, I believe that Senyshyn took some steps forward this season.
The numbers may not jump off at you on the scoresheet. In 42 games, Senyshyn netted seven goals while dishing out nine assists for 16 total points (stats courtesy of EliteProspects). Despite this, the young forward started becoming more consistent with his play and stood out on the ice almost every game. He was even playing so well in Providence, that he received the call to Boston. The young forward was playing great in Boston, but unfortunately, injury cut his time short. In four games with the big club, he had two points, both assists (stats courtesy of EliteProspects).
After his return from injury, Senyshyn continued to play well for the Providence Bruins. He flashed spurts of brilliance on the ice. His biggest asset is his speed. The young forward has speed and ability to make a defensive stop in his own zone, and then get ahead of the opposition for a scoring opportunity at the other end of the ice. There are very few players in the league that possess this ability. He’s also proven that he can be a defensively responsible winger. This is something that the Bruins like to make their young players learn in Providence. They want everyone to be the best two-way player they can be.
One other area that Senyshyn can be a difference-maker on the ice is the power-play. His combination of speed and offensive-skill makes him a nightmare to play defense against. One major thing the former first-round pick needs to do to utilize these tools more often is to become even more consistent. Game consistency is something that took a step forward this season, but it is still something he needs to work on. Once he has that step figured out, the sky is the limit for Senyshyn. He posses the speed and offensive skill and instincts to become a top-notch goal-scoring winger in the NHL.
One major question remains with Zach Senyshyn. Where does he end up when all is said and done? I believe that Senyshyn will end up being a middle-six scoring winger for the Boston Bruins for many years to come. His speed, offensive ability, and instincts are too great to ignore. This season he really took a step forward with his defensive responsibility and his game to game consistency. If he’s able to continue making those strides, there is no reason that we shouldn’t seem him in Boston next season. I hope everyone is staying safe. Feel free to send me any comments or questions on Twitter. As always, GO, Bs, GO!
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