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When it comes to drafting, it can be very hit or miss in the National Hockey League. Scouts and general managers do extensive scouting and research on players that they feel can make an impact on their club in the near future.
When we as Bruins fans mention a draft a few years back, everyone points to the 2015 draft and how much of a “failure” that was. I personally believe it is still too early to call that a failure as Zach Senyshyn and Jakub Zboril still has the skill and have made impacts in Providence. However, it is a tough pill to swallow watching guys like Matt Barzal, Travis Konecny, and Kyle Connor making considerable contributions to their respective teams.
The reason I want to take a look back at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft is that the Bruins had a sneaky good draft for what was considered a “weaker” draft. Let’s look at the first round in general first. The first round produced only four all-stars to this point. The 2015 first-round had TEN all-stars to this point. So it is safe to say that 2014 was on the weaker end.
With the Bruin’s first-round pick, they took none other than David Pastrnak, and I can speak for everyone in saying that this pick turned out pretty good. He is arguably the best player in this draft, competing with Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl for that honor.
( Photo Credit: John Tlumacki / Globe Staff Sports )
So yes, the Bruins stole a great player with pick number 25 in the first round, but they didn’t just stop there. In the second round, they drafted Ryan Donato, who made some contributions for the Bruins and got traded with a fifth-round pick for Charlie Coyle. I would be confident in saying that it is another successful pick.
Even in the later rounds, they found players who have made contributions in the NHL when even some of the first-round picks like Michael Dal Colle, Conner Bleackley, Nikita Scherbak, etc. have failed to make meaningful contributions in the big leagues. The Bruins selected Danton Heinen with their fourth-round pick and Anders Bjork with their fifth-round pick. They selected Emil Johansson with their seventh-round pick, and he has yet to make an NHL start. The Bruins also didn’t have a third and sixth-round pick.
( Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports )
All in all, they had a great draft. Four out of their five draft picks made NHL appearances for the Boston Bruins. David Pastrnak is a superstar, and there is no other way to say it. They nailed the first-round pick. They now have Charlie Coyle from Ryan Donato, and that is continuing to work well. Danton Heinen was a great two-way player for the Bruins until he was traded to Anaheim for Nick Ritchie. As far as the draft is concerned, that is a great pick. Anders Bjork is still with the Bruins, and even though he has yet to find his offensive game consistently, he is a great two-way player with great skill. As far as I am concerned, that is a fantastic fifth-round pick.
So while people can look so negatively on the 2015 draft, I like to look at the positives and say they had a stellar draft the year before. Can you imagine the Bruins without David Pastrnak? I sure can’t.
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The National Hockey Leagues’ free-agent market is scheduled to open on October 9th at noon ET, or at least seven days after finishing the Stanley Cup Finals, whichever happens first. The Boston Bruins’ General Manager Don Sweeney, has his work cut out for him this off-season, and his most significant task is deciding on re-signing Torey Krug, or let him walk and use that extra cap space on other free agents.
According to Cap Friendly, the Bruins have roughly $15M available in cap space, but Sweeney may want to leave around $2M-$3M leftover if injuries occur. With that being said, the Bruins will have approximately $13M available for re-signing players like Krug, Jake DeBrusk, Zdeno Chara, and Matt Grzelcyk.
Krug spoke to media recently and stated he is not interested in a one-year deal and wants to cash in on his value by signing a long-term contract. I predict the Bruins have a chance to sign Krug to a 5+year deal worth $7M-$7.5M per year, but the defenseman knows his value is worth more than that. If Krug doesn’t believe what the Bruins offer (if they even do) is enough, he will walk and get anywhere between $8M-$9.5M per year from another team.
As of this moment, there are a plethora amount of UFA and RFA players the Bruins could look at, many big names and even more depth-pieces. I’m not sure if Sweeney is looking to continue building by adding a few depth-pieces or make a big signing whether it be a forward or defenseman to replace Krug. For a complete list of all 31 teams’ UFA and RFA players, Sporting News has it covered here. Here are some free-agent options for the Bruins if Krug decides to walk.
Update with @CapFriendly reporting B's will have a $1.9M Bonus Overage. They have option to pay all of it next season or pay half next year and half the following year. #NHLBruinspic.twitter.com/bxxN7MTzqS
Evgenii Dadonov has shined the past three seasons with the Florida Panthers. Over the past three years, Dadonov has played 225 games, contributing 81-101-182 numbers, 25 power-play goals, and 47 power-play points.
The 31-year-old forward is set to become a UFA, and his last contract was a three-year deal worth $4M per season. I’m not an expert on predicting a player’s value in terms of AAV (average annual value), but the Bruins could make an offer worth $5M-$5.5M per season. Although he may be worth more in the open market, I do not see the Bruins over-spending on any player.
The Bruins could use Dadonov on the power-play and David Krejci’s’ or Charlie Coyles’ right-wing. Ondrej Kase began to create solid chemistry with Krejci and Jake DeBrusk during the Carolina Hurricanes series. Still, he is often injured and, before arriving in Boston, had only played a career-high 66 games back in 2017-2018. DeBrusk has also shown many potentials but has not shown consistency in his offense, so a player like Dadonov could help spark any of those lines.
Mark Borowiecki (D/UFA)
(Photo Credit: National Hockey League | nhl.com)
Mark Borowiecki could be a reasonable defensive option for the Bruins. If Krug decides to leave, I imagine Grzelcyk will pair with Brandon Carlo and split power-play duties with Charlie McAvoy. The Bruins’ third defensive-pairing isn’t solidified, but Borowiecki could be an option to consider along with Connor Clifton, John Moore, or Jeremy Lauzon. His last contract was a two-year deal worth $1.2M AAV, so he would not be a massive cap casualty to the Bruins.
The 6’1, 207-pound defenseman plays a very physical brand of hockey and isn’t afraid to stick up for his teammates. These are player attributes Sweeney has been looking for and was hoping Brett or Nick Ritchie could be that player, but they have not worked out so far.
Borowiecki also had offensive career-highs this past season, scoring seven goals and 18 points in 53 games played. He also averages over 200 hits per season, and just last season had a career-high 120 blocks. I believe he is a reliable option for the Bruins if Sweeney deems it necessary to sign additional depth defensemen.
Conor Sheary (F/UFA)
(Photo Credit: National Hockey League | nhl.com)
Conor Sheary would be a reliable forward option that could spark the bottom-six. The Winchester, MA native, first suited up in the NHL for 44 games during the 2015-2016 season and contributed enough to help lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to capture the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017. He also eclipsed his career-highs during the 2016-2017 season, scoring 23 goals and 50 points with a +24 rating.
The 5’8, 175-pound forward has a lot of speed to his game and could fit in well with either Coyle or Kuraly. Sheary just finished a three-year deal worth $3M AAV and is set to become a UFA.
$3M+ per year is most likely too steep for the Bruins, especially for a bottom-six forward, but he can also be utilized on the second line with Krejci in case DeBrusk doesn’t stay consistent. After achieving 20+goals just a few seasons ago, Sheary has shown the potential to be a productive middle-six/bottom-six forward.
Vladislav Namestnikov (F/UFA)
(Photo Credit: The Athletic | theathletic.com)
Vladislav Namestnikov is another forward the Bruins could consider in the free-agency. The 27-year-old forward is trying to find his offensive consistency and a team to grow with long-term. This past season, Namestinikov suited up for three different teams (NYR, OTT, COL), playing 65 games and contributing 17 goals and 31 points.
Namestnikov ended the season with the Colorado Avalanche and is set to become a UFA. He is finishing up a two-year deal worth $4M AAV. For a forward who has yet to hit the 50 point mark in his career, anywhere near $4M AAV is well out of the Bruins price range. If Sweeney could get Namestnikov to take a reasonable discount on a prove-yourself contract, we could see Namestnikov possibly reach his full potential.
Not only could Namestnikov be slotted onto any of the Bruins’ lines, but the team can also use him on the power-play and the penalty-kill unit. This past season, he also led the league in short-handed goals (four).
Brenden Dillon (D/UFA)
(Photo Credit: NHL Player Association | nhlpa.com)
Last but not least, if Krug does not re-sign with the Bruins, Brenden Dillon would be a reliable option to beef up the blue-line. The 6’4, 225-pound defenseman uses his size to his advantage and makes it very difficult to play against, especially in a playoff series. Dillon was traded to the Washington Capitals shortly before the 2019-2020 season paused, but is now set to become a UFA. His last contract was a five-year deal worth $3.27M AAV.
Dillon suited up for 69 games this past season, contributing 14 points, 74 blocks, and 194 hits. Before the trade deadline this past season, the Bruins were linked to having considerable interest in Dillon, so now that he is set to hit the open market, Sweeney will have his chance once again.
It’s important to note that Dillon is 29-years-old and may be looking to cash in on his value at full. Sweeney may not be keen on paying more than $3M+ per season but could use the winning culture argument to sign Dillon on a discount.
Overall, there are a plethora of options the Bruins could consider. There are also a lot of players who are RFAs that may not sign with their current team, giving the Bruins even more options. I also predict Sweeney will be attempting to make trades during the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. With that being said, the Bruins’ future is up in the air, but that is not necessarily a negative thing. I’m very excited to see what Sweeneys’ plan is to improve this team.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 193 that we recorded below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher
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By: Patrick Donnelly | Follow me on Twitter @PatDonn12
Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced on Sunday night that the team has agreed to terms with goaltender Dan Vladar on a three-year contract extension with an annual cap hit of $750,000. The deal is a two-way contract for the first two seasons, with the third being a one-way contract.
In 25 games with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, this season, Vladar led the league in save percentage (.936) and goals-against average (GAA) with a 1.79 marker. On the year, the 23-year-old posted a 14-7-1 record, including three shutouts.
In 68 games with the P-Bruins over four seasons, the Prague, Czech Republic native holds a 33-26-3 record to go along with a 2.35 GAA and .916 save percentage. In 60 games with the Atlanta Gladiators, Boston’s East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate over three seasons, Vladar posted a .902 save percentage and a 2.95 GAA.
The Bruins selected Vladar with the 75th overall pick in the third round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. With the departure of Tuukka Rask from the NHL’s Return to Play due to a reported family emergency, Vladar is currently serving as backup to Boston netminder Jaroslav Halak.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 190 that we recorded below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
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By: Patrick Donnelly | Follow me on Twitter @PatDonn12
Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced on Sunday, August 16, that the team has signed forward Matt Filipe to a two-year, entry-level contract.
“Thrilled to sign my first NHL contract with the team I grew up idolizing. Huge thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point!” Filipe said in an Instagram post. The Lynnfield, Mass., native was originally drafted in the third round (67th overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
Filipe spent the last four seasons at Northeastern University, where he recorded 31 goals and 44 assists for 75 points in 136 collegiate games to go along with a plus-25 rating and 109 penalty minutes. The 22-year-old served as an assistant captain during the 2019-20 season, where he recorded 9-13-22 totals in 30 games, all career-highs. While with the Huskies, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound forward helped the team to three-straight Beanpot titles, two NCAA tournament appearances, and a Hockey East Championship.
Prior to his collegiate career, Filipe notched 19-17-36 numbers to go along with a plus-five rating and 99 penalty minutes in 56 regular season games with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL) during the 2015-16 season. In high school, Filipe registered 25-25-50 totals in 58 games over three seasons with Malden Catholic High School, serving as an assistant captain in 2014-15 and helping the team to two MIAA Division 1A, or “Super Eight,” Championships.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 189 that we recorded below! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher.
User 568316199 · 189: The Bruins Winless In The Round-Robin Games And Get Set To Play Carolina In Round One
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By: Max Mainville | Check me out on Twitter @tkdmaxbjj
It’s official – hockey is coming back. Today, July 10th, 2020, the NHL and NHLPA officially ratified the Return-To-Play/CBA Extension following a 502-135 vote (nearly 79% in favor) that has taken place over the last couple days.
In addition to confirming the Return-To-Play plans, more details have emerged on the deadline for players to opt-out of the festivities. Players will have until 5 p.m. EST on Monday, July 13th to opt-out of the 2019-2020 summer training camp as well as the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs without a penalty. Players must do so in writing to keep records of who decided to participate and who opted-out.
It was largely expected that the results would be in favor of hockey returning to decide a 2020 Stanley Cup Champion, but we also heard the news today of the schedule for the games and for Bruins fans, when we will see the boys in Black and Gold back on the ice for their three Round Robin games.
As of right now, only the qualifying round exact schedule has been released as further details will be released as the play-in rounds and round-robin conclude. Below is the full, 10-day schedule for every one of the 24 teams participating:
The Boston Bruins will begin their road to the 2020 Stanley Cup on Sunday, August 2nd against the Philadelphia Flyers followed by the dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, August 5th, and finally the Washington Capitals on Saturday, August 8th. From there, the seeding will be formed for the remainder of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Re-seeding will take place after each round ends, meaning a 1st seed position has more value.
For the latest on the NHL’s Return-To-Play as well as everything in the Boston Bruins organization, make sure to check back to blackngoldhockey.com and follow me on Twitter @tkdmaxbjj!
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 184 that we recorded below on 6-28-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
Subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
Seven years ago yesterday, the Bruins were tasked with drafting promising young talent just after losing in the Stanley Cup Finals in heartbreaking fashion. It can be difficult to judge the quality of specific drafts, especially when player development can take multiple years, but enough time has passed now that we can see how much these draft picks ended up benefiting the Bruins.
Boston did not have a first-round pick in 2013 due to the Jaromir Jagr trade with the Dallas Stars.
Second Round
Bruins Pick: Linus Arnesson, D, 60th overall
( Photo Credit: Alchetron.com )
Players Still Available: Zach Sanford, Jake Guentzel, Anthony Duclair
This was already going to be a weak draft for Boston without a first-rounder. With their second-round pick, they selected Swedish defenseman Linus Arnesson. This was an average pick, not considered to be a steal or a reach by many at the time. Arnesson has yet to play a game for Boston. He recorded 10 points in 79 games with Providence over three seasons, then returned to his native Sweden to play in the SHL. The Bruins still retain his rights if he was to return to North America.
Third Round
Bruins Pick: Peter Cehlarik, F, 90th overall
( Photo Credit: NHL.com )
Players Still Available: Juuse Saros, Miles Wood, Andrew Copp
This pick had some fans thinking it was a steal when it was first announced. At one point, Cehlarik even seemed to be on his way to becoming a Boston mainstay. After performing well in Providence, he was given multiple looks as a winger with the big club, but never seemed to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Cehlarik has recorded 11 points in 40 games with the Bruins and remains in the system at the moment. However, he is a pending free agent and has expressed displeasure with his development in interviews with Slovakian media. Cehlarik is certainly a talented player and could still break into the NHL with a fresh start. However, he was unable to make an impact in Boston.
Fourth Round
Bruins Pick: Ryan Fitzgerald, F, 120th overall
( Mandatory Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports )
Players Still Available: Tyler Motte, Will Butcher, Connor Clifton
Massachusetts native Ryan Fitzgerald, son of former Bruin (and current New Jersey Devils general manager) Tom Fitzgerald, was certainly going to catch Boston’s eye as a homegrown prospect. The 5’9″ forward played for four years at Boston College before turning pro with the Providence Bruins. Fitzgerald has recorded 103 points in 195 games over 4 seasons in the AHL, as well as 8 playoff points in 20 games. He is a serviceable AHL forward and was in contention for call-ups in recent seasons.
Fifth Round
Bruins Pick: Wiley Sherman, D, 150th overall
( Photo Credit: Boston Bruins / @NHLBruins )
Players Still Available: Josh Brown, Alan Quine, Antoine Bibeau
Another New England native, Sherman hails from Connecticut and played for four years at Harvard University. He has logged 11 points in 74 games with Providence. Standing at 6’6″, his physical presence on the ice could become a factor as he gets stronger and more experienced in the AHL. This seems like a reasonable pick considering how late in the draft it was.
Sixth Round
Bruins Pick: Anton Blidh, F, 180th overall
( Photo Credit: NHL.com )
Players Still Available: Dominik Kubalik, Andreas Johnsson, MacKenzie Weegar
This ended up as a good pick for the Bruins, one of those late-round gambles that can turn into an entertaining player. Blidh has recorded 81 points over five seasons with Providence (including 2019-20, during which he suffered a shoulder injury and played just 4 games). He has also played 28 games with Boston since 2016, logging 2 points and 7 penalty minutes. Blidh plays determined and physical hockey which can get under opponents’ skin. Any fan of the Providence Bruins knows his name well.
Seventh Round
Bruins Pick: Mitchell Dempsey, F, 210th overall
( Photo Credit: New England Hockey Journal )
Players Still Available: This was the second-to-last pick in the draft.
The second-to-last pick in the draft doesn’t have the highest expectations on it. The Bruins used it to select Mitchell Dempsey of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Dempsey never ended up playing professionally in the Bruins system. According to Eliteprospects.com, he last played with the Kedgwick Dynamo of the CRL in Canada.
Overall
This was a weak draft for the Bruins. Some of that is to be expected; they used draft picks to acquire players in a push for the Stanley Cup. However, these draft picks did not produce any mainstay NHL players. Only two of the six players selected went on to play any games with Boston. Despite this, the Bruins did well scouting undrafted players, which got them Torey Krug (among others).
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 184 that we recorded below on 6-28-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
With the 30th pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft the Boston Bruins selected forward John Beecher from the USDP (United Stated Development Program). Beecher, a University of Michigan commit at the time, is just one of many prospects the Bruins selected recently who decided to take their hockey careers through the NCAA. He is also one of the focus points in this article, but more on that later.
Though the Bruins have had clear success drafting in other areas of the world, see Bruins recent success with Czech players. Still it’s safe to say the original 6 hockey club enjoys drafting prospects who are taking a route that gives a bit more time before contracts need to be handed out.
While there are many of these players throughout the organization, both in the NHL and the AHL (Charlie McAvoy, Trent Frederic etc), the focus here is on the prospects who will eventually be returning to college for another season. So, just who are these higher-learners? (please note players are listed alphabetically by last name)
Jack Becker – not to be confused with University of Michigan teammate John Beecher – was selected in the 7th round of the infamous 2015 entry draft. The 22 year old from Dellwood, Minnesota will be returning to the University of Michigan for his senior year, with the hopes of making a big leap.
This past season Becker saw a minor drop off in total points posting 8-4-12 through 32 games, though he did tie his NCAA career high in goals. Still the 6’3” 190lbs right winger will be looking to prove himself as a consistent scorer before he makes the pro leap. According to NESN’s Logan Mullen, Becker knows his main areas of improvement are his skating ability and filling out that 6’3” frame. If he can make himself a bit less lanky and add power behind the bulk he’s looking for, it could change his game just enough to see the points start racking up. His senior year could prove to be one of the most significant seasons in his young career.
Though Beecher did not keep up the .80 points per game pace for the rest of the season, the Elmira, NY native did finish tied for second in goals for the Wolverines with 9. His point total through 31 games was 9-7-16. The 6’3” 210lbs center was also second on the team in PIMs, after having served a one game suspension for headbutting during a game on February 1st.
Probably the most disappointing part of the year for Beecher was his performance in the World Junior Championship U20 tournament, where he played for team USA. Beecher had 0 points and was -3 through 5 games. Though in the World Junior Summer Showcase Beecher did have much more success.
At his worst Beecher is a dynamic skating, tenacious player who doesn’t mind getting physical when the points aren’t flowing in. But at his ceiling, Beecher is a new-age power forward with blazing speed to match his size and strength. If he can make even remote progress in his development, he could prove to be too much to contain for the younger players of the NCAA or CHL.
Curtis Hall
( Photo Credit: Yale University / yalebulldogs.com )
Sticking to the power forward theme with their NCAA draft picks the Bruins selected Curits Hall in the 4th round of the 2018 draft. Hall, a 6’3” 200lbs right shot center, was considered a long shot to make the USA World Junior U20 team but did. While on the team he contributed 1 goal in 5 games with a +2 rating.
Hall’s ceiling may not be as high as the dynamic skating, and WJC-20 teammate, John Beecher, but he’s a big strong kid who gets to the front of the net. As most hockey fans know, and as Hall’s points attest, the front of the net is where the goals are scored. Hall’s skill may not be as flashy as a lot of high end prospects but he is self described as “hard working” and has a great two-way style that Boston fans love to see. As his game develops, Bruins fans can hope he starts drawing comparisons to the likes of Charlie Coyle or maybe even a less high end Ryan Getzlaf.
In 2018 two rounds after selecting Curtis Hall, the Bruins selected defenseman Dustyn McFaul, a Waterdown Ontario native, 181st overall. After spending the 2018-2019 in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, McFaul enrolled in Clarkson University. Mcfaul, a 19 year old during his entire Freshman year, went 1-6-7 through 31 games with a +7 rating. One goal may not scream “offensive-defenseman!” and though McFaul’s point totals thus far have attested to his stay-at-home nature, he has compared himself to the two-way style of Chicago’s Brent Seabrook. Taking a closer look at his loan freshman year goal, we can see there is some serious skill to back up that two-way play style.
In case you’re wondering, not many defensemen find themselves below the opposing team’s goal to even attempt a wrap around. But once the puck hit McFaul’s stick in stride, there was little anyone could do to stop him. The left shot D-man stands at a decent size of 6’2 185lbs and clearly has a motor on him. He too will be looking to make a significant sophomore leap. But if his development keeps up, he could find himself competing for spots at the next few development camps.
After John Beecher was selected as the Bruins 1st round pick in 2019, Quinn Olson became the Bruins next forward selected. Taking the 5’11” 170lbs left wing in the 3rd round. Olson had just come off a decent 2018-2019 season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League going 20-46-66 with 75 PIMs in 54 games. For his freshman season, Olson played for the UMD Bulldogs and had a decent rookie showing, 7-8-15 in 31 games.
(Olson’s goal is within the first 30 seconds)
Olson is often referred to as a hardworking player and has made significant jumps each year. Bruins fans should be familiar with hardworking UMD products, as Karson Kuhlman has made his presence known all throughout Boston. If Olson can continue his end of improving each year, his sophomore campaign at UMD should turn some heads. While there is certainly no way to know what Olson’s future holds, wouldn’t it be something to see the Bruins have another feisty left wing come up the pipes? In a world still aching for sports, dreaming will have to suffice for now.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 183 that we recorded below on 6-14-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
Every year, one of the most significant events in the National Hockey League occurs; the Entry Level Draft. Draft picks play an incredibly important role in a General Manager’s Strategy to improve his hockey team. Some picks carry high expectations from the start, and others become well over-looked. The Boston Bruins are well known for having three straight 1st round draft picks in 2015 and only one so far being a full-time NHLer. But, they have had other selections even in later rounds that ended up becoming a hidden gem for the organization that nobody would’ve predicted right away, or at all.
Many of these young talents boast so much potential, and others fly right under the radar of discussion. Today, I will be diving deep in the debate on who I believe are the most underrated draft picks for the Bruins this past decade (2010-2019). Please note, these are in no particular order.
Jakub Lauko (F) 3rd Round, 77th Overall Pick – 2018 Draft
(Photo Credit: The Boston Globe | bostonglobe.com)
Jakub Lauko is a versatile forward that brings a lot of energy and momentum to his game. After being drafted, he reported to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and played for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) as an 18-year-old forward. The 6’0, 195-pound forward suited up for 44 games and posted 21-20-41 numbers with a whopping +34 rating from 2018-2019.
Lauko played a significant role for the Huskies (QMJHL) during their playoff run, contributing 6-7-13 numbers with a +10 rating in 19 games played, helping the team to win the President’s Cup in 2019. The Huskies went on to compete for the Canadian Hockey League’s championship, the Memorial Cup. They ended up winning the championship with Lauko taking home the CHL Ed Chynoweth Award for most points in the memorial cup (2-6-8 numbers in five games). With such an impressive rookie season, the Bruins decided to call him up to the Providence Bruins for further player development.
Most Bruins fans really caught a glimpse of Lauko’s work ethic and scoring potential during the 2019 NHL pre-season when he scored a goal against the Philadelphia Flyers. Since then, the forward has spent little time with Providence for the 2019-2020 season due to suffering back to back concussion and knee injuries. Lauko had battled back and returned with Providence for some games before the unprecedented pandemic ended the American Hockey League (AHL) season. He finished his first AHL season with 5-4-9 numbers with a +3 rating in 22 games played.
I believe Lauko has a massive up-side to his potential; he has an incredible work ethic, scoring ability, and isn’t afraid to be a physical player either. In a few years, Lauko could develop to be a very reliable mid-six forward for the Bruins in the near future.
Swayman was a 4th round gem for the Bruins and could be a starter/backup for the Bruins in the next season or two. The 6’3, 185-pound goaltender has spent the past few seasons with the University of Maine and has found tremendous success. Swayman was named to the NCAA (East) All-Rookie Team in 2017-2018 after finishing the season with 2.72 GAA and a .921% save percentage.
This past season, Swayman had his most stellar year yet, playing 34 games and contributing a 2.07 GAA and a whopping .939% save percentage, ultimately winning the Hobey Baker Award (player of the year). He also won the 2020 Walter Brown Award as a top American-Collegiate college hockey player in New England, NCAA Goaltender of the Year, NCAA Top Collegiate Goalie (Mike Ritcher Award), NCAA (Hockey East) Player of the Year, and NCAA (New England) Most Valuable Player. With Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak entering the final year of their contracts, Swayman could be looking to make a significant impact within the organization sooner rather than later.
Swayman decided to forgo his senior year at Maine and signed his entry-level contract with the Bruins. Maxime Legace and Daniel Vladar both have expiring deals, so I imagine Swayman will be playing with whomever Don Sweeney ends up re-signing in Providence. The quiet 4th round selection might end up being part of the long-term solution for the Bruins’ future goaltending.
Bjork is a speedy and creative player that has the potential to be a mid-six forward for the Bruins, in my opinion. After being drafted, Bjork committed to the University of Notre Dame and played from 2014-2017 but surrendered his senior year to ink his entry-level deal with the Bruins. Bjork had his most impressive campaign during his last year with Notre Dame, contributing 21-31-52 numbers with a +17 rating in 39 games played. Since then, Bjork was one of the Bruins’ most promising rookies but became plagued with season-ending injuries from 2017-2019, limiting his ice-time with Providence and Boston.
Bjork was finally able to showcase his talent at the NHL level this season, to manage a full-time position in line-up throughout most of the 2019-2020 season, suiting up for 58 games and posting 9-19-19 numbers with a +5 rating. He began to become a healthy scratch for stretches near the end of the season due to inconsistencies, but the left-winger has shown to be a difference-maker at the NHL level.
I hope that the Bruins can come to terms with Bjork this upcoming off-season, and they choose to protect him during the 2021-2022 expansion draft as well. For a 5th round selection, Bjork was an absolute steal for the Bruins.
Even though Frederic is a 1st round selection, I believe he is an underrated pick that deserves a lot more credit, especially after a strong 2019-2020 campaign with the Providence Bruins. Frederic is a diverse player and can spark his team in a lot of different ways. The 6’2, 203-pound forward, provides a lot of physicality to the line-up and led the AHL in penalty minutes (148) during the 2019-2020 campaign. Although many Bruins fans know Fredric for his rookie game with the Bruins that involved a fight with Winnipeg Jets’ Brandon Tanev, he has the potential to be a strong two-way player through development with Providence.
Before the AHL season ended due to the unprecedented pandemic, Frederic suited up for 59 games and contributed 8-24-32 numbers with a +10 rating. Although the forward has been placed on the wing with the Bruins more often than as a center, either position he can play well as long as he is not shy, isn’t afraid to be physical and uses his large frame to his advantage.
Even though Frederic has played a total of 17 games at the NHL level without yet producing a point, he has improved substantially and could be looking to crack the bottom-six line-up for the Bruins in the next season or two. Frederic has one year remaining on his Entry-Level Contract and will use this upcoming season to prove himself worthy of this thriving organization.
Matthew Grzelcyk (D) 3rd Round, 85th Overall – 2012 Draft
Although this underrated category is in no particular order, I can safely say that Matthew Grzelyck turned out to be one of the Bruins’ most underrated draft picks of this decade, in my opinion. Not only has Grzelyck cracked the line-up the past few seasons as a full-time NHLer, but the undersized defenseman proved much of the hockey world wrong.
After being drafted, the 5’9, 175-pound defender committed to Boston University and played from 2013-2016, appearing in a total of 87 games and contributing 23-67-89 numbers with an astounding +61 rating. He also scored the game-winning goal for Boston University to win the Beanpot Championship in 2015.
Bruins’ fans can be relentless in their opinions about Grzelcyk because of his physical stature and the fact that he doesn’t hit everything on site. Still, fans undermine his puck-moving and scoring abilities. If Krug chose not to re-sign with the Bruins this off-season, then Grzelyck would be one of the best options for the central power-play unit unless Bruce Cassidy decides to use five forwards. His skating ability also does not grow on trees by any means. When watching him play, he becomes elusive around other forwards pressuring him. He’s able to get out of tight space situations and break out the defensive zone without giving up the puck.
In the past three seasons, Grzelyck has appeared in 195 games and posted 10-44-54 numbers with a +45 rating while managing an average of 18:07 on-ice time. During the 2019 playoffs, Grzelyck produced four goals, eight points, and 17 blocks in 20 games. The defender is continually improving year after year, and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, the Bruins should focus on re-signing him.
Unfortunately, if Grzelyck were to re-sign for at least two more years, he would most likely become exposed during the 2021-2022 expansion draft. Grzelyck holds more value than most people perceive, and I believe he can become a franchise defenseman for the Bruins if he keeps up his production.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 183 that we recorded below on 6-14-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
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By Mike Cratty | Follow me on Twitter @Mike_Cratty
While we’re still not sure when the draft will take place, we know that the Bruins will be making their first pick towards the later portion of the second. With the team’s first-round pick being dealt to the Anaheim Ducks in a deal for Ondrej Kase, the Bruins’ first pick will come in the second round, as of now.
A few players have stuck out to me as potential second-round targets for the Bruins. There’s no guarantee that these players will be available when the Bruins are on the clock, but they could be and would be great fits for the organization, in my eyes.
Tyson Foerster – C/RW – Barrie Colts (OHL)
2019-2020 – 62 GP – 36G, 44A, 80P
Tyson Foerster is my top guy for the Bruins in the second round if he is to drop far enough so they can select him. He has the makings of a big-time goal scorer at the NHL level. Positional versatility is never a bad thing either, and he can play center as well as the wing. His hockey IQ allows him to make smart decisions with the puck and pick his spots with ease.
Foerster has solid size at 6-foot-1, 194 lbs. and seems to be an offensive threat whenever he steps foot on the ice. The Bruins could use some prospect depth at the right-wing position, and Foerster could provide that. There would be no need to rush his development, which would allow him to develop even further at his own pace into a formidable goal scorer at the NHL level.
Luke Evangelista is a playmaking winger and a smooth skater. His soft hands, hockey IQ, and nose for the net make him a dangerous offensive player. After playing in 27 games last season to get his feet wet in the OHL, only tallying two assists, he put himself on the map with a productive 2019-2020 campaign.
One thing he could and likely will build upon is his size, as he is currently 5-foot-11, 165 lbs. There’s time for that. Putting on some more weight and muscle will serve him well down the road. If someone like Tyson Foerster isn’t on the board, Evangelista would be another solid fit at the right-wing position.
Ozzy Wiesblatt – C/RW – Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
2019-2020 – 64 GP – 25G, 45A, 70P
Ocean, Orca, Oasiz, and Ozzy. All hockey players, all have first names that start with “o”, and they’re all Wiesblatt brothers. What a family. Wiesblatt can hold his own in all three zones on top of being an effective scorer and playmaker. Like Evangelista, Wiesblatt would be another solid right-wing option if Foerster is off the board.
If the Bruins go with a center in the second round, Jaromir Pytlik would be a good choice. The big, right-shot Czech plays a powerful game with his 6-foot-3, 201 lbs. frame. His size doesn’t slow him down, as he is a pretty solid skater that brings a formidable presence on the ice. Offensively, he makes his money in close proximity to the net. The addition of Pytlik would add to a group of young Bruins centers that are already looking good, but could become even better.
If the Bruins choose to replenish their defensive prospect group after trading Axel Andersson in the Ondrej Kase trade, Eamon Powell would be a great choice. A right-shot defenseman, Powell is an excellent decision-maker and puck mover. He really fits the mold of the ideal, modern-day NHL defenseman. All of this is coupled with his smooth skating ability and solid speed.
He’ll be closeby at Boston College for the foreseeable future, so it’ll be easy to keep an eye on him. A bit undersized now at 5-foot-11, 165 lbs., Powell will have ample time to add weight and muscle over the next few years. With the current layout of Boston College’s defensive core next season, Powell has a good chance to step in and play prominent minutes on an excellent Boston College Eagles team.
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 181 that we recorded below on 5-31-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
User 568316199 · 181: Co-Host Heather Is Back! Discussion Includes 24 Team Playoff, Cehlarik, Bruins Awards & More
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By: Patrick Donnelly | Follow me on Twitter @PatDonn12
Boston Bruins prospect and Providence Bruins standout Jack Studnicka has been named to the American Hockey League (AHL) All-Rookie Team for the 2019-20 season as voted by coaches, players, and media around the league, per an announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
Goaltender Cayden Primeau (Laval), defensemen Joey Keane (Hartford/Charlotte) and Brogan Rafferty (Utica), as well as forwards Alex Formenton (Belleville) and Josh Norris (Belleville) round out the All-Rookie selections.
The 53rd overall selection to Boston in the second round of the 2017 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, Studnicka posted 23 goals and 26 assists for 49 points in 60 games for the P-Bruins en route to the Atlantic Division crown. The 21-year-old tied the AHL rookie record for shorthanded tallies with seven.
The Tecumseh, Ont. native has skated in two career NHL games with Boston, making his debut on Nov. 26 against the Montreal Canadiens, where he recorded an assist on Danton Heinen’s third period goal in an 8-1 win on the road.
In four seasons between the Oshawa Generals and Niagra Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Studnicka registered 80 goals and 153 assists for 233 points in 252 contests. Bruins past and present to have made the AHL’s All-Rookie squad include Zdeno Chara (1998), Jaroslav Halak (2007), Austin Czarnik (2016), and Frank Vatrano (2016).
Check out the new Black N’ Gold Hockey Podcast episode 179 that we recorded below on 5-17-20! You can find our show on many worldwide platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Stitcher!
Please subscribe to our new Black N’ Gold Hockey YouTube channel! We’d really appreciate the continued support. Click HERE for exciting Black N’ Gold online content!
