By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter @BlackAndGold277
The Hockey News beat writer Ryan Kennedy comes at Boston Bruins fans with his second report of the Boston Bruins getting another NCAA prospect signed to an entry-level deal. Two days ago, Kennedy came out with the report of former Ohio State Buckeye freshman Georgi Merkulov leaving school to run pro with the B’s; well, tonight, Ryan comes at us once again with another Bruins-related report.
This time Kennedy is reporting that the Bruins are close to signing 2019 first-round selection John Beecher whose commitment is over with his Michigan Wolverines losing to Denver in the Final Four tournament. With Beecher finishing his collegiate hockey career as a Junior playing in the Big-Ten, it’s most likely the terms of Beecher’s entry-level deal will be a two-year term worth between $800 and $925 thousand at the National Hockey League level.
The 6′-3″ 209-pound versatile forward appeared in 81 games spanning three seasons, with the Wolverines posting 19-20-39 numbers. John has certainly had his share of injuries as he continues to develop, but his big body and offensive attributes continue to have the Boston organization interested in his potential at the higher levels of pro hockey.
Beecher and the B’s organization would both benefit from an entire season with the AHL Providence Bruins with ten games remaining this season and start his official ELC next year. If he joins the top minor-pro affiliate of the NHL B’s with the limited games remaining in this regular season, it could be an Amateur Try-Out.
In my personal opinion, I like Beecher’s game regardless of his injuries and non-glorifying stats as a former first-round selection. He learned a lot from NCAA mastermind Mel Pearson the Head Coach of the Michigan club. With the Wolverines, John saw time up the middle on all four lines playing in the highly regarded Big-Ten Conference but also on the left-wing when needed on a stacked Wolverines team that saw several highly profiled NHL prospects.
John Beecher recently turned 21-years-old last week per the amazing Domonic Taino. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate your 21st and move operations to New England for the spring and summer offseason to be close to the Boston organization and team workouts.
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