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2015-16 CHL season, Boston Bruins prospects, Zachary Senyshyn Leave a comment

Thoughts on Zach Senyshyn from OHL broadcaster Reed Duthie

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Last week, I had a chance to talk to Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL) play-by-play announcer (and friend) Reed Duthie about some of the top prospects coming out of the Ontario Hockey League for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft for a future post on this blog. We also discussed the skill set and progress of Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds right wing and 2015 first-round pick Zach Senyshyn.

A little bit on Reed- he grew up in Hamilton, Ontario and was a minor hockey defenseman who from a young age “really wanted to be involved in the game,” and set his sights on one day becoming a play-by-play announcer. At age 19 while attending Mohawk College, he called the Hamilton Bulldogs AHL team’s games on a closed-circuit feed, the youngest person to ever to play-by-play for AHL broadcasts. From there, he worked for Cogeco TV and Rogers Corporation (Cable 14) calling hockey and football at various levels. Beginning this season, he became the voice of the Bulldogs when the Belleville Bulls OHL franchise relocated and took on the new name, and calls all of the team’s home games.

Reed’s father is a diehard Boston Bruins fan, having grown up in Ontario when some of the great talents from the B’s were playing junior hockey, old enough to remember when Bobby Orr graduated from the Oshawa Generals to skate for the Bruins. The senior Duthie’s favorite player was Gerry Cheevers, and his love of the Black and Gold was cultivated by seeing so many of the Boston stars come up through the junior ranks in Ontario. He passed his loyalty for the B’s onto Reed, who grew up in the era of Ray Bourque, Cam Neely, Adam Oates and those fine Boston teams of the early 90’s. Reed’s first-ever Bruins jersey was Andy Moog, so he’s followed the team for some time and applies his hockey knowledge on a variety of broadcast and social media platforms.

Reed was kind enough to dish on Senyshyn, in addition to some of the top options coming out of the OHL for the 2016 NHL draft. I wanted to break up the posts so as not to mix apples and oranges, but before we do the OHL players, here’s a quick Q & A about Senyshyn, who was the Scouting Post blog’s top Bruins prospect for the month of December with an impressive 11 goals and 17 points in 9 games. That raises his scoring totals to 23 goals and 34 points in 35 games this season. He tallied 26 goals and 45 points in 66 games as a rookie a year ago.

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Scouting Post: Tell us some of your observations of Zach Senyshyn as a player based on your viewings of him this year and even going back to last season.

Reed Duthie: Last year, I remember watching Senyshyn and a lot of people were talking about the great speed he had. I didn’t get to see a lot of him (last year) because he was playing on a bottom-six role for the majority of the season as they loaded up to take a run at the Memorial Cup. This year, we actually had the Greyhounds come into Hamilton in October and right away, from the first shift on the ice, you could tell that he’s just a different type of player.

You see some guys, and I’ve done games with the London Knights, and you see players like Mitch Marner and you see it with Christian Dvorak or Lawson Crouse in Kingston- Senyshyn had that presence on the ice and is one of the fastest skaters on the ice that I’ve seen live. There was a play in the overtime sequence against the Bulldogs where he was racing one-on-one with I believe (Bulldogs defender) Cole Candella, who is quite fleet of foot in his own right and there was just no chance- Senyshyn blew straight past him and made a move, that, if not for (goaltender) Charlie Graham, who has been the Bulldogs’ saving grace on more than a few nights this season- the Greyhounds would’ve won that game on a Senyshyn overtime goal.

His speed is outstanding, and he knows what to do with it. It’s not just speed for speed’s sake- he goes directly to the net. And watching him in offensive zone positioning- when his team had possession, they were creating a low cycle in the third period. Blake Speers and I believe it was Gabe Guertler were going back and forth in the corner and you could see the smarts in Senyshyn where he recognized he was too far away and would’ve just drawn coverage into the cycle to join that, so he found a dead zone in defensive coverage, found his way through four Bulldogs who were around him, but found a little area of ice where he was by himself and gave himself a passing lane so that Guertler could find him in the slot. He hammered one past Graham- it was labeled top corner as soon as it came off his stick and I was so impressed with the release, the shot and his hockey IQ to just find that dead zone in coverage. It’s something that I don’t believe we’ve seen in a Bruins pick in quite some time.

SP: There may be two factors that influenced the way Senyshyn was perceived going into the 2015 draft: 1. He is only in his second full season of the OHL, unlike many high picks that come out of major junior- they normally enter that level of competition at age 16 and have had two season under their belt typically and are a little more refined when they are drafted. In his case, he played at Smith’s Falls in his age 16 season and was just seeing his first full year in the OHL. The second factor is that he was not ranked as a first-round prospect by a lot of the public lists, so when you take a player that early, the perception by most fans is that it was a reach because they don’t have visibility on the NHL lists, and so for all we know multiple teams could have had him around where the Bruins did. How do you see it, Reed?

RD: I think one of the big things that affected Zach in his development is that he had a growth spurt earlier than most do in his development as a player. He was 6-2 at age 16 and already up to about 180 pounds, and he’s had to learn how to play at that size, and I think he was a little awkward at one time. When he learned how to use that size and his big, loping stride to create separation and use his size to hold off defenders. You saw it last year in the Soo when he continued to learn and got up to OHL speed and then one he settled in, he realized that he didn’t have to play like a normal 17-year-old because he had the size to make himself an impact player. He’s doing the same thing this year- just watching him lean on defenders is something neat to see that a young kid who’s already learned to use his size.

But, it’s like you said- people didn’t really know who he was. He was a bottom-six forward and you were right on that as a 16-year-old he didn’t play in the OHL, so a lot of people had never seen him before.

SP: We’ve talked about what he does well. What does he need to work on? What are the things Senyshyn will need to address before he takes that next step?

RD: Two things stand out for me.

One, is consistency- in game at times, I think he has a tendency- and I don’t think it’s a lazy thing- but he does have a tendency to disappear for moments in that he doesn’t seem to be putting out an incredible amount of effort on every shift. There were moments against the Bulldogs where he just kind of blended into the crowd as opposed to standing out. And you’d noticed him chip up the boards or chip the puck around the defensemen, it wasn’t that he wasn’t doing his job, but he wasn’t standing out amongst an OHL group until he has a moment that really makes your head turn. So, probably- consistency and effort would be one.

A second one, but this is more the team around him, but using his teammates a bit more. He maybe goes out of his way a bit much, and we’ve seen some of the same things in Hamilton at times with Stephen Harper and just the sense that the supporting cast probably isn’t up to snuff. For Zach, he hasn’t used his teammates a lot this season and has had to create his own offense because he’s really been one of the only ones who can do it on even a mildly consistent basis- he’s been their guy.

One more thing would be physicality. He doesn’t throw a devastating hit, but his board work could use some improvement. With his size, you should see him winning battles more often than not, and occasionally- the OHL effort, and it gets back to that consistency of effort- it just seems like he lost some board battles he should have won, and I think that will get worked on as time goes along.

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Reed and I then segued into a discussion about the top OHL prospects for the 2016 NHL draft, so for you draft fans out there- I will finish transcribing the more than 30 minutes of notes he provided and put that up in a post in the next day or so.

Thanks again to Reed Duthie for taking the time to dish on Senyshyn and so many other OHL players. You can follow him on Twitter at @rcduthie and catch his Hamilton home game calls on the OHL TV package for those in Canada (or those outside the area who can stream it).

 

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Scouting Post Bruins Prospect of the Month December: Zach Senyshyn

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Zachary Senyshyn Photo credit: Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Zachary Senyshyn Photo credit: Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Frank Vatrano and Ryan Fitzgerald led the hit parade for the months of October and November, and for the third consecutive month, we have a forward that has earned the highly subjective SPBPOTM award.

Zach Senyshyn really ran (or skated) away with it last month, as he scored 11 goals and 17 points in nine games with the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to silence the critics who piled on the “reach” bandwagon when the Bruins picked him at 15th overall.

While Senyshyn was not projected to go as high as he did, the Bruins liked him enough to draft him with the third of three consecutive first-round selections from 13-15 last June. The 18-year-old Ottawa native scored 26 goals (in 66 games) over the entire season and already has 23 goals in 34 games. The 6-2 right wing has elevated his game in helping the offense-challenged Greyhounds in the early going and wears the ‘A’ as one of the club’s assistant captains.

I have a specific post coming up on Senyshyn, so I’ll leave it here for now, but the prospect is growing by leaps and bounds.

Other players in the hunt for prospect of the month honors were (in no particular order): Malcolm Subban, Seth Griffith, Jesse Gabrielle and Brandon Carlo.

 

2015-16 CHL season, Boston Bruins prospects, Jesse Gabrielle Leave a comment

Value pick: Jesse Gabrielle

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Gabrielle

In about five years from now, when analysts look back at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft’s better values, fourth-round selection Jesse Gabrielle might make a few top-5 lists when all is said and done.

A Saskatchewan native who carried a second-round grade for much of last season slipped down past the first 100 selections, going to Boston in the middle of the fourth round (105th overall). There are different theories behind that fall, but several scouts alluded to some undisciplined play and a lack of focus off the ice that likely did the most damage to his draft stock. In January 2015, Gabrielle was 45th on the Red Line Report’s monthly ranking (and 8th-best prospect coming out of the WHL with Brandon Carlo and Jake DeBrusk being Nos. 6 and 7), but by the time RLR published the June draft guide, Gabrielle had fallen out of favor and plummeted down to 132.

Since the draft, Gabrielle was traded by the Regina Pats to the Prince George Cougars (he began his WHL career with the Brandon Wheat Kings before moving to Regina last Feb.) and surged out to the team lead in goals (23) and points (40) in his first 37 games this season. He’s outscoring Jansen Harkins, a much higher-touted draft prospect who was drafted 47th overall last June in the second round, but was considered by many to be a solid first-round prospect.

Scouting report: Agitating left wing who has some legitimate toughness and ability to fight his own battles when he gets under opponents’ skin. Stands about 6-feet in height but is a stout 200 pounds and brings a strong core that allows him to be heavy on the puck and absorb hits from would-be checkers. Good skater with an efficient stride who can accelerate quickly in space. Underrated puck handler; thrives in traffic and has the vision and hockey IQ to drift into seams in the offensive zone. Shooting the puck with much more authority this season: has already tied his single season best in goals with 23, equaling last year’s total, which he did in 66 games.Plays on the edge; always finishing his checks but will also find himself in the middle of scrums and finds himself on the receiving end of reputation calls. Will drop the gloves and is a sneaky dangerous fighter who is strong on his skates and can more than handle himself against some tough customers in the WHL.

Film study: I broke down his most recent game against the Vancouver Giants, played on December 30. He scored a hat trick, tallying late in the 2nd period on a wicked one-timer with less than 20 seconds remaining in the period. He followed that up with the game-winning goal at 5:05 of the third period, then scored into an empty net for his first hat trick of the season.

His first goal occurred off a faceoff in the offensive zone. Though Vancouver won the draw, a bad decision to try and rim it around the boards to clear saw the puck intercepted by Brogan O’Brien. Gabrielle, recognizing that his center was in position to stop the clear, immediately drifted in between the faceoff circles and opened up his hips to receive a pass. O’Brien’s feed was on target for Gabrielle’s one-timer- he took a big windup and drove the puck high into the twine behind the sprawling Giants netminder (Ryan Kubic).

His second goal was scored off the rush after PG defender Tate Olson carried the puck out of his own end, generating speed through the neutral zone before hitting O’Brien in stride up along the right wall near the offensive blue line. O’Brien worked the puck deep into the Vancouver zone but was checked as he tried to skate out with it. However, with some help from Chase Witala and Gabrielle, who came in to knock the puck away from Vancouver defender Dmitry Osipov.  O’Brien then dished the puck to Gabrielle as he cut to the net and buried a laser of a wrist shot from the slot that beat Kubic high to the glove side. Gabrielle smartly skated away from at least three Vancouver defenders to get to some open ice then simply ripped a shot up under the crossbar that the goalie had no chance on. He showed an impressive release with some real power on his shot to snipe his 22nd goal of the season.

Gabrielle tallied the hat trick into an empty net with 33 seconds left in the game. Firing up the ice on a breakout with Harkins, he took a pass from his teammate and hit open cage after crossing the red line to finish the night with three goals and a +4 rating.

He worked the walls with strength and efficiency, winning several battles for loose pucks. He showed good poise with the puck and made his shots count, scoring key goals at the end of the 2nd and then tallying the 4-3 game-winner. He drove to the net and into the dirty areas, fighting through checks and finishing checks of his own when he didn’t have the puck.

I looked at a couple of his fights- he beat Calgary Hitmen forward Elliott Peterson pretty soundly back in October (he also scored a pair of goals in that game but is still looking for his first Gordie Howe hat trick of the year). You can see how strong his upper body and legs are in how he stands in against bigger guys who try unsuccessfully to pull him off balance. He’s an aggressive puncher and in one instance- he took a hit from one player (who was getting penalized for it), saw he wasn’t much of a fighter, so went out looking for someone else to take on, throwing down with Edmonton Oil Kings defenseman Dysin Mayo.

Projection: Gabrielle was drafted by his favorite team last June, and isn’t shy about talking about how much he derives inspiration from Brad Marchand, his favorite player. He has the potential to be a similar type of player one day at the NHL level. He doesn’t have Marchand’s speed, but does bring similar scorer’s tools and instincts, and is bigger and a more dangerous fighter (though by no means a heavyweight/enforcer type).

All in all- Gabrielle looks like a fine value selection for the Bruins, one year after they took another highly-regarded prospect in the same round in Danton Heinen.

Watch for Gabrielle to be invited to the Team Canada Evaluation Camp in August and you would think that with his goal scoring prowess and nasty edge, is already a leading candidate to make the 2017 World Jr. squad. He just needs to keep maturing on and off the ice and keep demonstrating commitment and personal discipline, but the early indications are that this player is going to make an impact at some point.

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5 big Boston Bruins storylines from 2015

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As we say farewell to 2015, we’ll take a look back at a turbulent year for the Boston Bruins franchise, one that saw the team miss the postseason for the first time in eight years.

With a solid 20-12-4 record and third place in the Atlantic Division heading into Friday’s Winter Classic against Montreal (just one spot and point above the B’s in the standings) Boston has a chance to start 2016 on a brighter note.

Here are five stories and an honorable mention that highlight the year the was for Boston Bruins hockey:

1.  Bruins miss playoffs, fire GM Peter Chiarelli

Just two years prior, the Boston GM’s team nearly captured a second Stanley Cup since 2011 before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks (winners in 2010, 2013 and 2015) in six games. He followed that up a year later with the top team in the 2013-14 regular season before a second-round seven-game flameout to the Montreal Canadiens. However, with his team in a salary cap mess and missing the playoffs to a tie-breaker on the final night of the 2014-15 campaign, team president Cam Neely relieved Chiarelli of his duties.

It’s an indicator of just how fickle and results-driven the professional sports business is, but personalities and power consolidation might have played a bigger role than Neely and ownership want to admit. Regardless, Chiarelli soon resigned his position in the organization and the Edmonton Oilers went all-in on him building another success story in Alberta, naming him president and general manager just a few weeks later. Chiarelli then had the benefit of watching a generational talent in Connor McDavid fall into his lap at the 2015 draft (he inherited Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand and Tuukka Rask at the 2006 draft- technically before he officially assumed GM duties in Boston).

Chiarelli’s Oilers teams won both games against his old organization this year, but it took a shootout and overtime respectively to do it. This sets up a fun East-West grudge rivalry between the two teams for years as he attempts to change the Oilers’ ways from perennial doormats to legitimate hockey power.

2. Boston names Don Sweeney new GM

Neely’s old teammate and close friend was named to step into Chiarelli’s old position on May 20, 2015 after being his assistant for several years and starting out as a player development consultant from day one of the post-Mike O’Connell (and interim GM Jeff Gorton) era. To think that Sweeney got the job solely because of his connection to the team president is wholly unfair to a man who not only played more than 1,000 NHL games on the Boston blue line, but who also spent countless hours in rinks around the world scouting future talent and working to develop B’s prospects into successful pros.

Sweeney has been active and aggressive since taking the helm. His first (and perhaps most astute) move was to keep Claude Julien in the fold. Make no mistake- had Boston dismissed him behind Chiarelli, another team (Edmonton?) would have pounced quickly. Since then, Sweeney made a series of bold moves that so far, most of which, have worked out (see No. 3 below). One longtime (and very respected) NHL director of scouting I ran into Sunday night in Fort Lauderdale told me point blank that Sweeney had “balls” and that you had to give him credit from making what was sure to be (at least initially) two unpopular and risky trades without a whole lot of proven assets coming back in return. “He’s doing what he thinks is right,” the scouting director said outside a local watering hole. “We’ll see if the heat he’s getting is even warranted by the time we’re halfway through next season.”

With a hot take like that, you might be right to look up a list of chief scouts to see if anyone’s last name is Nostradamus.

There’s plenty of hockey left before we get too carried away, but if most were told the B’s would be 8 games over .500 heading into the Winter Classic, they’d have taken it.

3. 2015 draft day trades: Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton go West

“Trader Don” did not waste much time in making several aggressive, even shocking moves to shed salary and re-work the Bruins roster to fit his vision.

Initial reaction to the decision to trade Dougie Hamilton, with news breaking in the early Friday afternoon before the draft’s first round, was not positive. Beyond the shock of finding out that the new GM had just dealt a 22-year-old and the last piece of the Phil Kessel trade return from Toronto was one thing, but that the B’s got three draft picks from Calgary- their first and two (of three) second-rounders all in 2015- was even more stunning. The team had just opened up a sizable hole on its blue line, which had been exposed in the spring when Boston failed to earn a playoff berth, and in return- the team was placing its hopes on future assets, none of whom had a chance to fill the void of Hamilton’s departure.

Before fans could come out of the daze, more rumors swirled, this time less surprising but nevertheless polarizing when it looked like Sweeney was on the verge of trading fan favorite Milan Lucic to Los Angeles.  On its face- it made sense. Sweeney was trying to rework Boston’s dire cap situation- created by his former boss- and with Lucic entering the last year of a contract that already paid him $6 million, the writing was on the wall that the B’s couldn’t afford to extend him, nor did many feel his play warranted it. This time, Sweeney landed more immediate assets from the Kings- backup goaltender Martin Jones and prized defense prospect Colin Miller, coming off a 19-goal season in the AHL which culminated in a championship. These two players were topped with LA’s first pick- one spot before Boston’s own 14th overall position, giving them picks 13-15. The rest is, as they say, history.

However- there are reports that the Bruins acquired the many assets as currency to move up in the draft to the top-five in order to grab Boston College star and Norwood, Mass. native Noah Hanifin. It didn’t work out, but if in fact that was Sweeney’s vision, the decision to trade Hamilton for what he received in return makes perfect sense. In dealing Hamilton but drafting Hanifin (say that three times- real fast), Sweeney could have spun moving his young defender to the Flames as an eventual upgrade with a marketable asset like Hanifin, viewed by most scouts (including this one) as a future franchise cornerstone and legitimate 2-way defenseman. Hamilton has proven he can generate offense, but his defensive zone play has always been and continues to be an adventure with his new team. Hanifin, who is already in the NHL at 18 with Carolina, is breaking in slowly, but you can see that he’s growing and maturing. It won’t be long until he and Justin Faulk are forming as formidable a 1-2 punch at the position as any in the league.

Sweeney didn’t just stop wheeling and dealing at the draft, though.

He then traded Jones, who was unsigned and not going to be happy sitting behind Tuukka Rask after previously backing up Jonathan Quick, to San Jose for their first-rounder in 2016 plus defensive center prospect Sean Kuraly, captain of the Miami University RedHawks (a 2011 fifth-round pick of the Sharks).

Sweeney added Zac Rinaldo from Philly for a 2017 third-rounder, then made another move by sending Reilly Smith and Marc Savard’s contract to South Florida for Jimmy Hayes.

Those transactions didn’t match the surprise or impact that dealing Hamilton and Lucic did, but so far, they haven’t blown up in Sweeney’s face, either.

Signing veteran farmhand D Matt Irwin was a poor move, but picking up Landon Ferraro off of waivers from Detroit was another solid add for Sweeney and his pro scouts. When you add pieces like Frank Vatrano and Austin Czarnik, signed as undrafted college free agents under the Chiarelli regime, there is hope for the future.

The question that dogs Sweeney now is- how can he find a way to add that heir apparent and future No. 1 to replace Zdeno Chara? When at first you don’t succeed as was the case with Hanifin, then try, try again. It’s much easier said than done, however, and might take a bit of luck.

4. Claude Julien enters ninth season behind B’s bench, in range of coaching record

Boston’s longest-tenured coach since Art Ross stands to break the hockey icon’s franchise record, which has stood since the end of World War II. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun has an excellent article on Julien and the idea (I agree with it) that he’s a legitimate Jack Adams Award candidate because of what he’s doing with Boston’s roster amidst all the off-season turmoil and expectations. Go here and read it.  It’s a detailed piece replete with sources and I think it effectively captures the essence of Julien’s legacy in Boston and why an active movement to oust him without a clear solution in place borders on the absurd. Here’s an excerpt from LeBrun’s article:

The Bruins’ season ended in April, Don Sweeney was named general manager on May 20, and Julien had to wait until June 5 for an announcement that he would return as coach.

Bruins star Patrice Bergeron remembers chatting with Sweeney last summer, but the head coach wasn’t a topic of conversation.

“I think he knew what I thought of Claude anyway, that I love playing for him and I’ve learned so much from him,” Bergeron said Tuesday night. “So he didn’t need to ask me the question. I think he just needed time to figure out things is all.”

Julien is the best Bruins coach in my lifetime, and although doesn’t have the longevity of Ross because the NHL played far fewer games when he coached as opposed to now, will deserve his spot on top of the franchise’s coaching list. Not convinced? More from Bergeron:

“He always finds a way to get the best out of each player, it’s really his strong suit to recognize if the team lacks confidence, or has too much confidence, up and down, he has a good pulse for the feeling out of the dressing room,” said Bergeron. “And he’s really fair. It’s easy to play for a coach like that. You want to give him all you’ve got.”

Julien gets criticism for his personnel decisions, and no amount of success is going to bring everyone completely on board because of that. In the minds of some- even if he wins with certain veterans, the fact that he’s not icing a more skilled group will keep the critics supplied with fresh gripes. Having said that, he’s 17 career wins from passing Ross and has managed to keep his players loyal and playing hard for him. With a club that had major questions surrounding it entering the season, you’d need a pretty enticing option in place to supplant Julien for such a move to make sense.

5. Bruins host 2016 Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium vs. Canadiens

In 2010, the B’s needed overtime to beat the Philadelphia Flyers at frozen Fenway Park in a memorable first foray in the NHL’s annual New Year’s Day outdoor game tradition. This time, they host their hated rival from the north- the Montreal Canadiens- and go south to Foxboro and the home of the New England Patriots to do it.

There’s plenty of information out there on the game, which has become quite the spectacle since the NHL introduced it more than a decade ago, so I won’t rehash it all here. Three of my friends and colleagues- ESPN’s Joe McDonald, DJ Bean of WEEI and Joe Haggerty of CSNNE are a trio to follow for fine coverage. Be sure to hook on with Brian “Rear Admiral” McGonagle of Barstool Sports, too- he’s a good egg with a large following who blends hockey and pop culture like no one else I know. Finally, the writers at the Boston dailies are all fine people who will give you the ins and outs, starting with the alumni and women’s pro hockey games tomorrow.

 HM: 10 picks re-stock the organizational cupboard

The team entered draft weekend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with two picks in the first two rounds, and by the time Sweeney & Co. walked into the BB&T Center for Friday’s primetime event, those selections had swelled to six in exchange for Lucic and Hamilton.

Boston was high on Czech defender Jakub Zboril, so when their reported attempts to move up for top-rated D Hanifin proved unsuccessful, he was in that second tier of defenders and made sense at 13th overall. On the plus side, Zboril has size and is highly talented with skating, passing and shooting skills galore. He’s also got some real nasty to his game and he plays with a physical edge. He is inconsistent with his effort and intensity, however- that is something the Bruins will watch closely.

Jake DeBrusk was the team’s second pick at 14th overall and began to raise eyebrows when the B’s did not opt for either of smallish but uber-skilled and fast playmaking center Mathew Barzal or USHL leading scorer Kyle Connor. DeBrusk, who scored 42 goals for the Swift Current Broncos a year ago and was just traded to the Red Deer Rebels as they gear up for the 2016 Memorial Cup, has a natural nose for the net and can score goals by the bushel. The left wing is not a dynamic game-breaker like Barzal, but the B’s wanted a finisher and they got one. The son of former NHL enforcer Louie DeBrusk is a completely different player than his dad was, but is a keeper.

The sharp criticism Boston drew in taking Soo Greyhounds right wing Zach Senyshyn has been much more muted this season, as he has scored 22 goals in his first 33 games of the OHL season. With his impressive NHL tools- a 6-2 frame, fast wheels, superb puck skills and finishing ability, there is much to like about this fledgling power forward. He’s still raw and addressing consistency in his game (more on that in a future blog post), but after getting ridiculed in trading Hamilton for the pick that became Senyshyn, you’re not hearing that as much in pundit circles these days, especially with how shaky Hamilton’s start in Calgary was. This is a trade that in time analysts will say both teams won, but the Flames are getting the more immediate returns.

Big shutdown defender Brandon Carlo came next at 37, acquired with Philadelphia’s pick (obtained from the Islanders in the much-criticized Johnny Boychuk deal on the eve of the 2014-15 campaign). At 6-5, he’s massive, but his long arms give him an even bigger reach than other guys his size. He’s a fluid, mobile skater for one so big, and we’ve seen it in the WJC, as he pretty much shuts down players who try to get to the net on his side of the ice either by using his long stick and strength to block a straight net drive or his quickness to deny opponents room on the outside. He’s as good a shutdown player as you will find in the prospect ranks, but his offensive potential at the NHL level is a question mark at this stage. He scored his first goal of the tourney today against Switzerland in USA’s 10-1 drubbing, so there’s much to like about this player.

Swedish center Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, acquired with the second of three Flames picks for Hamilton at 45 overall (the same draft spot that the B’s got Bergeron at in 2003, btw) is surging up the prospect rankings with a superb freshman season at Boston University. ‘JFK’ is smooth, poised and intelligent- he doesn’t push the pace a lot, but is creative and slick- he uses his vision and deft stick to set up quality scoring chances and can find the back of the net, too. He’s very good at the faceoff dot and has surprised many with his poise and maturity for one so young. He’s playing well for Sweden at the WJC.

The B’s also grabbed Quebec defender Jeremy Lauzon with the last of Calgary’s picks at 52nd overall in the second round. The big, rugged and skilled two-way guy was one of Canada’s last WJC cuts and has impressed with a career offensive season while logging upwards of about 30 minutes for Rouyn-Noranda.He doesn’t quite have the flash and polish of higher-regarded blue line prospects, nor does he possess the early draft pedigree of  others, but he’s a perfect blend between the offensive skill of Zboril and defensive prowess Carlo.

With six picks in the books, the B’s could have called it a successful two days, but they landed two more particularly intriguing players with some boom potential down the road.

Huge Czech goalie Daniel Vladar went off the board to them in the mid-third round. At 6-5, he has outstanding size and quickness, and looks like someone who could one day evolve into a legitimate NHL goalie. On the downside, he’s raw and seems to guess at where shots are coming from rather than effectively tracking the puck or reading the unfolding play. There’s no pressure on him to succeed right away, so like Zane McIntyre, the B’s can afford to put him on the long track and take their time.

WHL agitator Jesse Gabrielle looks like fantastic value in the fourth round. A Bruins fan growing up in his native Saskatchewan, he played some Minnesota high school hockey before major junior and likens his playing style to idol Brad Marchand. He’s not quite as blazing fast, but is plenty quick enough. Gabrielle is bigger, stronger and perhaps meaner than Marchand is. He’s well on pace to shattering his previous career bests with his third Dub team- Prince George- after Regina traded him over the summer. He needs to stay focused and make sure the hockey comes first, but this is certainly a player with legitimate NHL potential if he keeps maturing and growing.

Boston rounded out the draft (after trading their 5th-round selection to Minnesota for the Wild’s 5th in 2016) with Wisconsin center Cameron Hughes- a smallish but offensively talented pivot who toils on a struggling club. They took raw but developing Minnesota forward Jack Becker with their final pick in the seventh round.

While none of the ten picks immediately jump out on paper as having elite high-end potential, the initial returns look promising with more than a few who have a chance to one day make the Boston roster and contribute. There’s much work left, but in a deep draft, the B’s appear to have added some quality depth with a few players like Senyshyn, Lauzon, JFK and Gabrielle in particular- who might one day far exceed their draft positions and perform better than players drafted ahead of them.

Only time will tell.

 

 

 

Boston Bruins prospects, Jake DeBrusk, Zachary Senyshyn , Leave a comment

Film study: Zach Senyshyn and Jake DeBrusk

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The 14th and 15th overall picks in the June NHL Entry Draft were in action with their respective teams last night in the OHL and WHL. Neither of their clubs prevailed, but both players scored impressive goals in defeat. I did some film study  on both players and thought I would share those observations, but first- I hope you will indulge me in a sidebar/rant about one of the things that has bugged me a bit of late…

It seems that with the WJC ongoing, I have gotten more tweets than ever from passionate Bruins fans lamenting the fact that the Bruins didn’t draft Mathew Barzal with one of their three picks in lieu of any one of Jake DeBrusk, Zach Senyshyn or even Jakub Zboril, who has fallen out of favor with some stat watchers because of his down numbers this season (well, there’s probably a little more to it than that, but that’s a post for another day). This gets back to the comment I made the other day in the David Pastrnak discussion about how a lot of fans make the World Jr. tourney out to be more than it is in some cases. In the minds of some, Barzal is on Team Canada and DeBrusk and Senyshyn aren’t, ergo- that’s proof that the B’s messed up by not drafting him. While I understand that logic, that’s not how the world works, so if or when he conclusively proves his worth in the NHL, then we can close the book on whether the team made the wrong decision- not before.

The fact of the matter is this: going into the draft, the Bruins needed goal scorers and it sure looks like they got a couple. If I told you that the four players: DeBrusk, Senyshyn, Barzal and Kyle Connor have among them tallied- 22, 11, 11 and 9 goals this season, would you care to guess which players have 22 and 11? You guessed it- Senyshyn and DeBrusk. Instead of polarizing the discussion with absolutes perhaps it would it kill the critics to be a little less disingenuous and recognize that the players Boston went with might not be the “sexy” names the others were, but they’re doing exactly what the B’s expected them to? As for Barzal and Connor (who in fairness are both having outstanding offensive years with Seattle of the WHL and the University of Michigan), in time, the Bruins might regret not making the popular choice for either one or both, but given the way the two forwards they did draft are playing, you’re not seeing any buyer’s remorse right now. The proof will be in the pudding eventually, but we’re not settling that debate now or even this time next year. It’s a long process, and if anything, Landon Ferraro’s emergence in Boston as a waiver wire pickup is a reminder that some players simply take longer to establish themselves than others.

So, off the soapbox and here are some observations from last night’s games.

Zach Senyshyn vs. Saginaw Spirit; home game 12/28/15

The first thing that jumps out at you is the skating and a powerful stride that allows Senyshyn to attack defenses from speed and beat defenders from the outside. He uses his size to establish position in the high danger areas out in front of the net. Protects the puck well and establishes an effective cycle in the offensive zone. His goal was a bullet that he got off quickly on the blocker side- his 22nd of the year in 33 games (he had 26 in 66 games a year ago in more of a bottom line role). His overall game needs work- at times he was slow in picking up his man and reading the play in his own end, which led to puck chasing. He’s a hard-working player, though- the hustle is there and with more coaching and experience, he’ll improve his three-zone play. He’s not an overly physical presence, but will take a hit to make a play. On one sequence in the first period, he carried the puck into the middle of the ice over the blue line, and then absorbed a big hit from a defenseman, staying on his skates (big kid- he’ll only get stronger as he matures) and maintaining possession. His subsequent pass was picked off, but he showed a willingness to hold onto the puck and go into a danger area on that play even if it didn’t pay off. Senyshyn was involved throughout the game, mostly in the offensive end where he was working the puck to the net. He’s not especially creative, but probably has more offensive hockey sense than he got credit for a year ago when he was mostly just going straight to the net and didn’t get much power play/special teams time. He’s now the first line RW and on the top PP unit.

Kirk’s key takeaway: Senyshyn is still pretty raw as a player and the fact that he’s only in his second full OHL season shows a little with the lack of refinement in his game. Having said that- you can see why Boston liked him because he’s got size, speed and scoring tools in abundance. He has 48 goals in 99 career OHL games- to provide some purely statistical perspective,  Dylan Strome, taken 3rd overall last June, has played one more full season than Senyshyn and has  71 career goals in 153 OHL games, while 6th overall pick (New Jersey) Pavel Zacha has 33 goals in 60 games. From a production standpoint, Senyshyn is right in the ballpark with those two high-end “can’t miss” OHL products. One NHL scout I highly respect told me after the draft’s first night that he was hearing a lot of buzz on Senyshyn going into the weekend and that he didn’t think that he would have lasted much beyond pick 20. If teams had a crystal ball to see what he’s doing this season, that’s a certainty.

Don’t believe me? Decide for yourself with this Weekend at Bergy’s clip. This kind of skill/finish doesn’t grow on trees and begins to explain why the B’s passed on trading out of the 15 spot for extra picks to make sure they got the guy they wanted. He’s performing like a top-15 pick right now, but there is a lot of work ahead yet.

Jake DeBrusk vs. Edmonton Oil Kings; away game 12/28/15

Playing his second game with the Red Deer Rebels after being acquired Saturday from Swift Current for a younger player and picks, DeBrusk scored his second goal in as many games with his new team, a 3-1 loss on the road. At first glance, the 14th overall pick does not jump out at you. He’s not a blazing skater but he’s quick and elusive, nor does he have the natural height to stand out on the ice the way Senyshyn did when watching the first game on the schedule. Red Deer fell behind early, and DeBrusk’s line was on the ice for the Oil Kings goal to make it 1-0. He was behind the play but was not at fault for the goal. DeBrusk is a smart offensive player- he slips through seams in defenses and makes plays on the puck in a more stealth-like fashion more as opposed to the mold of a dynamic, explosive forward who puts defenses on their heels. His goal came late in the game, with the Rebels facing a 2-0 deficit. He gained the offensive blue line near the right side with a defender squared up to him and maintaining a good gap. DeBrusk then turned sharply to cut into the middle of the ice, shaking Ben Carroll enough to open up a shooting lane. He then ripped a high shot from outside the circles that beat Payton Lee high to the glove side. It was a goal scorer’s move and reflects the natural ease that DeBrusk has shown at finding the back of the net since netting 42 goals a year ago. His 11 goals in 26 games after missing time with a lower body injury are off his previous pace, but he’s on a better team in Red Deer. On the minus side, he was on ice for all three goals against, one of which was an empty-net tally with 30 seconds left.

Kirk’s key takeaway: I like DeBrusk’s aggressiveness in the offensive zone. Less is more with him, as he doesn’t necessarily control the flow or push the pace, but can score from just about anywhere on the ice. With Red Deer being the host city for the 2016 Memorial Cup, he’s in position to have a fun spring with the guaranteed spot in the annual May tournament. This is good for his development, and as a late ’96-born player, the Bruins can option him to Providence of the AHL on a full-time basis next season. Fans hoping to get a preview of him in late spring at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center will have to wait until next fall, but with his ELC already signed, DeBrusk is going to be a welcome addition on the farm. Like Senyshyn, he has work to do on rounding out his game and play away from the puck, but this is a smart kid with a good attitude. It will come.

In the meantime, here’s a look at his offensive work in Swift Current from last year (h/t loudog29 who put the highlight package together for YouTube):

 

2015-16 AHL season, 2015-16 CHL season, 2015-16 NCAA season, 2016 World Junior Championship, Boston Bruins prospects , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Bruins Prospects Update 12/28/15

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It’s the last Bruins prospects update of the calendar year!

When next I post, it will be 2016 and we’ll be just about at the official halfway mark of the NHL season.

There’s a lot going on in the prospects world- six Boston futures (plus one current Bruin- David Pastrnak) are competing in the World Junior (Under-20) Championship in Helsinki, Finland, so their junior/NCAA stats lines will remain static until they return.

The Red Deer Rebels, host team of the 2017 Memorial Cup, made a big move Saturday to acquire Jake DeBrusk from Swift Current. That’s a typical junior trade when a team that has a legitimate shot at winning it all (the last time the Rebels won the MC was in 2001 when then-Bruins prospect Kyle Wanvig was the MVP…ah, the happier days for Boston and Wanvig before the fax machine fiasco in Toronto negated his signing deadline deal to the Leafs for Jonas Hoglund. If you’re too young to remember any of that consider yourself fortunate.)

Seth Griffith has been smoking hot for the past month in Providence, and the team is up and down in the standings.

Now, here’s your update:

 

AHL

Seth Griffith, RW Providence Bruins

GP- 24 Goals- 10 Assists- 17 Points- 27 Penalty Min- 20 +/- -1

Griffith vaulted over Koko for the team lead in scoring, posting 2 goals and nine points in five games since the previous update. He’s making a strong case to see some time in Boston, especially with Pastrnak now at the WJC and Brett Connolly struggling.

Alex Khokhlachev, C Providence Bruins

GP- 21 Goals- 8 Assists- 15 Points- 23 Penalty Min- 2 +/- 0

Four games since the last update- 2 goals and three assists, with a stint in Boston (2 scoreless games) sandwiched in between.

 

Austin Czarnik, C Providence Bruins

GP- 24  Goals- 9 Assists- 10 Points- 19 Penalty Min- 10 +/-  3

Four goals in five games including his first pro hat trick- sounds like someone who is deserving of seeing his first NHL action if David Krejci misses any games to the upper body injury he suffered against Ottawa Sunday evening.

Tommy Cross, D Providence Bruins

GP- 23 Goals- 1 Assists- 10 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 39 +/- -10

Returned from injury and added an assist to go with 10 penalty minutes in five games and a -5 rating.

Chris Casto, D Providence Bruins

GP- 27 Goals- 1 Assists- 10 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 16 +/- -7

 

Colby Cave, C Providence Bruins

GP- 31 Goals- 7 Assists- 4 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 8 +/- -10

Zack Phillips, C Providence Bruins

GP- 27 Goals- 3 Assists- 6 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 4 +/- -12

Colton Hargrove, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 23 Goals- 4 Assists- 4 Points- 8 Penalty Min- 28 +/- -7

He scored a big power play goal over the weekend in a win over Hartford.

Noel Acciari, C Providence Bruins

GP- 21 Goals- 3 Assists-3 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 7 +/- -1

Injured- did not play.

Anton Blidh, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 29 Goals- 6 Assists- 0 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 14 +/- -5

Gritty grinder is an agitator and energy guy, but not much offensive potential at the next level.

Anthony Camara, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 14 Goals- 0 Assists- 1 Points- 1 Penalty Min- 31 +/- -4

Pretty disappointing pro track record for a third-round pick. If you believe the story that the Bruins were interested in Johnny Gaudreau (I’m not so sure about the published reports, to be honest), then take comfort in the fact that they passed on him to take this guy. Just saying.

 

Linus Arnesson, D Providence Bruins

GP- 21 Goals- 0 Assists- 1 Points- 1 Penalty Min- 2 +/- -2

Arnesson will play for the Bruins one day, but his one assist in 21 games (no points since week 1 of the season) is indicative of the kind of player he is. Safe, steady mobile defense-first guy (I stop short of calling him a shutdown D- he’s not that either, IMO) who brings smarts and quickness if not offensive production to the mix.

Malcolm Subban, G Providence Bruins

GP- 17 MIN- 1027 GA- 46 GAA- 2.69 Spct- .901 W- 6 L-8 OTL 3 SO- 1

Six games since the last update- raised the save percentage up over .900- small victories, and a much better performance since being injured to start the year and then stumbling out of the gate.

Zane McIntyre, G Providence Bruins

GP- 12 MIN- 777 GA- 38 GAA- 2.94 Spct- .886 W- 5 L- 5 OTL- 3

Injured- Brian Ferlin (upper body)- 1 game played.

OHL

Zach Senyshyn, RW Saulte Ste Marie Greyhounds

GP- 32 Goals- 21 Assists- 11 Points- 32 Penalty Min- 8 +/- -6

Another hat trick before the holiday break (he tallied his three-goal game against Kitchener on the same night Frank Vatrano got his 1st NHL 3-goal game, and Czarnik also potted his first AHL hatty for the trifecta) helped get ZS to the point-per-game mark. He’s just five goals and 13 points away from equaling his scoring total from a year ago in half the games.

QMJHL

Jeremy Lauzon, D Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

GP- 26 Goals- 5 Assists- 28 Points- 34 Penalty Min- 50 +/- 26

The final Team Canada cut at the WJC- Lauzon did not play any games since the last update, but is back in action with Rouyn-Noranda this week. He’s a likely lock for next season’s WJC team given how far he got this time.

Jakub Zboril, D Saint John Sea Dogs

GP- 21 Goals- 3 Assists- 6 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 26 +/- 2

Zboril is with Team Czech Republic in Finland- he was ejected and received 25 minutes in penalties for a boarding call in the first period of his team’s 2-1 shootout loss to Russia on Saturday.

WHL

Jesse Gabrielle, LW Prince George Cougars

GP- 35 Goals- 20 Assists- 17 Points- 37 Penalty Min- 55 +/-  5

Three goals and five points in four games with PG since the last update. We’re going to predict that Gabrielle will be on the 2017 Team Canada WJC squad as well. He’s turning heads this season, but will have to prove his commitment to the Hockey Canada scouts. The production will certainly go a long way, though. He’s just three goals away from equaling his career high in a season.

Jake DeBrusk, LW Red Deer Rebels

SCB: GP- 24 Goals- 9 Assists- 17 Points- 26 Penalty Min- 15 +/- -5

RDR: GP- 1 Goals- 1 Assists- 1 Points- 2 Penalty Min- 0 +/- -2

Brandon Carlo, D Tri-City Americans

GP- 22 Goals- 2 Assists- 12 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 57 +/- -5

Carlo is with Team USA in Helsinki- had a high-level defensive performance in his team’s tourney-opening win against Canada.

 

NCAA

Ryan Fitzgerald, F Boston College Eagles (HEA)

GP- 15 Goals- 11 Assists- 10 Points- 21 Penalty Min- 33 +/- 17

No games since last update.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C Boston University Terriers (HEA)

GP- 18 Goals- 4 Assists- 10 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 10 +/- -2

With Team Sweden at WJC.

Anders Bjork, LW University of Notre Dame (HEA)

GP- 17 Goals- 5 Assists- 11 Points- 16 Penalty Min- 4 +/- 17

With Team USA at WJC.

Danton Heinen, LW Denver University Pioneers (NCHC)

GP- 16 Goals- 5 Assists- 6 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 0 +/- -3

No games since last update.

Ryan Donato, C Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 10 Goals- 4 Assists- 5 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 10 +/- 6

With Team USA at WJC.

Cameron Hughes, C University of Wisconsin (Big Ten)

GP- 14 Goals- 1 Assists- 8 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 6 +/- -6

No games since last update.

Sean Kuraly, C Miami University (NCHC)

GP- 16 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -5

No games since last update.

Matt Benning, D Northeastern University (HEA)

GP- 17 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -12

No games since last update.

Matt Grzelcyk, D Boston University (HEA)

GP-6 Goals 2 Assists- 3 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 12 +/- 2

Grzelcyk is still out with a lower body (knee injury).

Wiley Sherman, D Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 10 Goals- 2 Assists- 2 Points- 4 Penalty Min- 6 +/- 5

No games since last update.

Rob O’Gara, D Yale University (ECAC)

GP- 12 Goals- 0 Assists- 4 Points- 4 Penalty Min- 16 +/- -4

No games since last update.

Europe

Peter Cehlarik, LW Lulea (Sweden)

GP- 22 Goals- 6 Assists- 5 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 0 +/- 1

Emil Johansson, D HV71 (Sweden)

GP- 26 Goals- 0 Assists- 2 Points- 2 Penalty Min- 12 +/- -1

Maxim Chudinov, D St Petersburg SKA (Russia)

GP- 40 Goals- 6 Assists- 8 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 77 +/- -7

USHL

Daniel Vladar, G Chicago (USHL)

GP- 13 MIN- 737 GA- 26 GAA- 2.12 Spct .925 SO- 2; 3-5-3

With Czech Republic at WJC; did not dress (3rd goalie) in 2-1 loss to Russia.

Jack Becker, C Sioux Falls (USHL)

GP- 26 Goals- 4 Assists- 5 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 6 +/- 0

 

2016 World Junior Championship, Boston Bruins prospects, Brandon Carlo, David Pastrnak , , , , , , 2 Comments

World Junior Championship tourney underway- notes on B’s prospects in Helsinki

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David Pastrnak, Emil Johansson and Zane McIntyre take a break during 2014 Bruins development camp (photo courtesy of Alison M. Foley)

David Pastrnak, Emil Johansson and Zane McIntyre take a break during 2014 Bruins development camp (photo courtesy of Alison M. Foley)

The 2016 World Junior (Under-20) Championship showcase is underway from Finland, as the tradition kicks off annually on the day after Christmas, better known in Canada and other parts of the world as Boxing Day.

In a rare twist, USA took on Canada, normally a match in the 2-week tourney’s round robin round reserved for New Year’s Eve, scoring a solid 4-2 victory thanks in large part to the stellar goaltending of Carolina Hurricanes prospect Alex Nedeljkovic (2nd round- 37th overall in 2014) and some opportunistic scoring by USA after falling behind 1-0 in the second period. The Americans overcame an Alex DeBrincat spearing match penalty late in the opening frame that could have put them behind the 8-ball, killing the 5-minute period between the first and second periods. After Islanders 1st-rounder Mathew Barzal scored on a jailbreak play to give Canada the first lead, Senators prospect Colin White (Hanover, Massachusetts) answered for USA. Questionable power play chances yielded goals by both sides (Zach Werenski– Blue Jackets and Dylan Strome– Coyotes). With time winding down in a 2-2 game, a Louis Belpedio (Wild- third round in 2014) shot from the point was inadvertently deflected into the Canada net by Red Wings prospect (and undrafted free agent) D Joey Hicketts past his own netminder, Mason McDonald (Calgary- 2nd round 34th overall in 2014). 2016 NHL draft top candidate Auston Matthews got an insurance goal after a puck squeaked through McDonald and lay near the goal line for the easy tap-in to close out the scoring.

In other games, Finland hammered Belarus (6-0), Russia beat the Czech Republic in a 2-1 shootout in a game where defense and the goaltending shined, while Sweden took vengeance against the Swiss by an 8-3 score but lost key players William Nylander (Leafs- 1st round, 8th overall in 2014) and Adrian Kempe (Kings- 1st round, 29th overall) to injuries. Swiss forward Chris Egli was suspended three games for his vicious blindside check to Nylander, knocking him out of the game with what is believed to be a concussion. The latest report has Sweden keeping him off skates for a ‘few days’ but hopeful the high-end forward can be back by the quarter final round.

The Boston Bruins have seven players at the tournament, with GM Don Sweeney announcing Saturday between the first intermission of the team’s 6-3 loss to Buffalo at home that David Pastrnak is being released to play for the Czech Republic and will be available when the 28 December NHL holiday roster freeze is lifted.

The Bruins have the following players at the WJC, which ties Arizona for the most players league-wide:

USA

Anders Bjork, F (5th round, 146th overall- 2014) ’96- last year of eligibility

Brandon Carlo, D (2nd round, 37th overall- 2015) late ’96 – last year of eligibility

Ryan Donato, F (2nd round, 56th overall- 2014) ’96- last year of eligibility

Czech Republic

David Pastrnak, F (1st round, 25th overall- 2014) ’96- last year of eligibility

Daniel Vladar, G (3rd round, 75th overall- 2015) 2017 WJC eligible

Jakub Zboril, D (1st round, 13th overall- 2015) 2017 WJC eligible

Sweden

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, F (2nd round, 45th overall- 2015) late ’96- last year of eligibility

Defenseman Jeremy Lauzon was one of two final cuts for Team Canada. Watch for him, Zach Senyshyn, Jesse Gabrielle all to be staple players on Canada in 2017, when both are still eligible for the tournament.

David Pastrnak is the player the Boston Bruins have been waiting for. (Photo courtesy of Alison M. Foley)

David Pastrnak is the player the Boston Bruins have been waiting for. (Photo courtesy of Alison M. Foley)

On Pastrnak being released to the WJC

You may have seen me commenting on this on Twitter, so I want to clarify my position on a forum that allows me more than 140 characters:

While good news for the Czech Republic and Pastrnak, this is a risky move for the Bruins in that they stand the most to lose should something happen to him over there to affect his availability for his NHL going forward.

Too often, I think the WJC has gained an almost mythical status in the minds of hockey fans in this day and age- it’s a symbol of status that often drives opinions and perceptions of players both positively and negatively. Like some kind of video game, it seems that the more players a team has at the WJC, the bigger the bragging rights fans can claim, even though merely being a part of the carnival atmosphere is no guarantor of future NHL success. I get it- because of the prestige factor associated with the U20 WJC as the premier global showcase for the best hockey talent, many of whom have either already tasted the NHL or will be there soon, there is an expectation that if a player isn’t there, then that means something is wrong with them. Conversely, if a player is named to his country’s WJC roster, their status tends to get elevated, rightly or wrongly, and in turn, a player’s performance is often scrutinized and magnified in a way that either over-hypes them or leads to negative perceptions of their future NHL chances.

What bothers me about Pastrnak going to the WJC is that he is coming off an injury that caused him to miss 24 NHL games after he took a hard shot off the skate and received a fractured foot (or “bone bruise” as reported). On the one hand- the B’s want to rehab him and the WJC provides a way to do that. It also exposes him to risk of either aggravation of the foot or possibly another injury. To those who have tweeted at me about the “safer” aspects of the larger ice surface and more skill/finesse at the WJC, go look at film on the Egli hit on Nylander yesterday in the Sweden-Swiss match and take note. Boston accepts all the risk here- Pastrnak is now playing games that won’t help the Bruins in the standings (nor would Providence, but the similar system would be beneficial to working him back into mental shape for the big club) but he’s also playing for coaches with different priorities/agendas than Claude Julien and Bruce Cassidy over in North America.

Another argument I’ve heard is about how important the “experience” at the WJC will be for Pastrnak. Okay. Assuming that is the case, how is playing in his third WJC going to give him any more experience than he got when he appeared at the same tourney at age 17 and then again a year ago when Boston released him at 18? He played only about half a season in the AHL a year ago before going up to the NHL, so the argument that the talent and overall experience he’d get in the WJC vs. being in Providence at this stage of his career is certainly debatable. You can make good cases for each scenario, but the whole “He *needs* to be at the WJC to develop properly” is hogwash. Nor is it a matter of this being his only chance to skate for his country there- he’s already done it. Twice. And you can bet he’ll do it again, perhaps as soon as the Men’s World Championship, or at the next World Cup of Hockey.

In the end- what I think doesn’t matter, because the Bruins made the decision to send him. I suspect they are acceding to his own wishes, and I get Pastrnak’s desire to play in the WJC versus going to the AHL with the chance to play for his country providing him with a compelling alternative. They might see the WJC as a better opportunity for him to get himself back on track after missing considerable time than riding the buses in Providence will. Perhaps the B’s feel that by doing this- they are acting in good faith and will only solidify their relationship with the player who by most accounts, is probably being groomed to one day replace Patrice Bergeron as the face of the franchise. It’s completely understandable. However, what do the Bruins get if something happens to Pastrnak in his 10-day stint overseas? The answer is- absolutely nothing…aside from blistering questions and second-guesses that will swiftly follow if the team suffers a setback with their prized asset in a game he didn’t really need to be playing, some 3,000 miles away from Boston.

It’s all about risk management here, and the Bruins obviously feel it’s the right thing to do. So, we’ll cross our fingers and hope they are proven right.

B’s WJC prospect notes and updates

Anders Bjork, USA- One of the last cuts a year ago, Bjork is a top two-way forward at Notre Dame, known for his speed, hockey IQ and playmaking skills from the wing position. He played a typically solid game yesterday, showing off his effectiveness on the forecheck to deny Canada puck carriers time and space. He uses his speed to close quickly and has a quick stick to force turnovers or clog passing lanes with. He’s a highly confident, effective penalty killer- he leveraged his vision and instincts to be in the right place and prevent Canada from collapsing USA’s formations and exploiting the extended power play time on the DeBrincat major. You won’t see a great deal of offense from Bjork in the pros, but he’s the kind of player NHL clubs win with.

Brandon Carlo (Kirk Luedeke photo)

Brandon Carlo (Kirk Luedeke photo)

Brandon Carlo, USA- He was beast yesterday defensively, using his 6-5 frame and long reach to repeatedly deny lanes to the American net all game long. Guys as big and mobile as the WHL veteran from Colorado is don’t grow on trees, and he played an effective game; making good decisions, maintaining his gaps effectively and electing the right times to play the body and puck. What I like about Carlo is that he doesn’t think he’s something he isn’t- he plays a refined, disciplined game positionally- not taking himself out of the play to score a big hit, nor pinching up in the offensive zone if a play isn’t there. He’s smooth and effective- he has all the tools to evolve into a very good shutdown defender at the NHL level in the not-too-distant future. Now for the bad news… While I recognize and respect his defensive acumen, I don’t see much in the way of consistent offense from Carlo that would lead me to believe he’s going to be a legitimate two-way threat at the NHL level. He’ll chip in with points on occasion, but his repeated missed shots from the point yesterday illustrate the kind of work he has yet to do on his game. I don’t see the vision or creativity once he’s in the offensive zone to be a real No. 1 defender at the highest level, but he’s only 19, so maybe that comes out in time. As far as the game against Canada goes- he played about as well defensively as you can ask, and that’s what matters most, as it translated into a key aspect of USA’s tone-setting win.

I would only caution folks to slow the roll on the hype train and understand that he has the look of an NHL player for sure- but how much of an impact (I’m studiously avoiding the use of the term ‘upside’ in case you hadn’t noticed) he’ll have is still very much a question mark at this point. I’m not down on Carlo at all- he’s a great kid with a bright future. But for those who don’t see him but hear all these glowing reports about him- just trying to keep things in perspective. In Carlo’s case- I would be thrilled to have him wrong on this score, but when my 2016 Boston Bruins prospect ranking comes out in the New England Hockey Journal next week, you’ll understand why Carlo is not in my top-6.

Ryan Donato, F- I’ll be brief. It was not a good look for the Dexter School prep star and Harvard freshman. He seemed to struggle with the pace and might have been a victim of nerves in his first-ever WJC game against an opponent like Canada. His ice time reflected that, as he didn’t get the regular shifts to work himself into a groove and when he was out there, he made some noticeable mistakes.

Donato is an excellent prospect who often times pays a price for the perception of prep hockey and where it ranks in the developmental pecking order. A sensational season in 2013-14, and one in which I would have been fine with taking him at the end of the first round, saw him slip down to the end of the second. Even with that, I saw grumblings about him being drafted there, which I completely did not agree with. Conversely, getting Donato at 56 overall was a fine value pick for Boston if not one that will take time to develop and see the payoff for.

Ted’s eldest son is a hockey savant- his offensive hockey sense and scoring instincts are second to none. He’s not a burner like his dad was, but he’s bigger and more physically gifted to skate in the modern NHL. He’s off to a fine start in Cambridge, a year after a down season at Dexter was then punctuated by a superb finish in the USHL with the Omaha Lancers.

In other words- just as a lot of folks were eager to jump on Twitter yesterday to sing Carlo’s praises, there is absolutely no reason to pile on Donato for his subpar showing. It’s one game in one tournament. The thing to watch going forward with Donato is to see how coach Ron Wilson and the USA coaches use him and if he can settle in and find a way to do what he does best- bring offense. Given the role he had yesterday, however, that’s a tall order for any player.

Czech Republic

Daniel Vladar, G- Was a non-dress yesterday as Capitals prospect Vitek Vanecek (2nd round, 39th in 2014) got the start with Ales Stezka backing up. Vanecek played very well in a 2-1 shootout loss to Russia, so Vladar will likely have to wait for his chance to play if he even sees a sniff of action. His role will likely be to carry the mail in 2017 if he continues to progress in his development this season.

Jakub Zboril, D- Boston’s top pick in June last just 10:17 into the contest when he was assessed a match penalty and ejected for boarding on a questionable hit that looked worse in real time than it was. He was given 25 minutes in penalties on the play, but no suspension is forthcoming.

Sweden

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, F- The second-rounder scored Sweden’s sixth goal in an 8-3 rout at 12:50 of the second period. No scouting report notes as I did not see the game, but it’s a good sign for the BU center, who tends to be more of a passer/playmaker than a finisher.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson aka "JFK"

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson aka “JFK”

I will follow this blog post up later with some observations on some of the 2016 NHL draft hopefuls I saw in action yesterday.

 

 

 

 

2015-16 AHL season, 2015-16 CHL season, 2015-16 NCAA season, Boston Bruins prospects , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Bruins Prospects Update 12/15/15

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In the AHL, Koko has been crisp since coming back from a hand injury that took him out of action for several weeks. He’s put some distance between him and Seth Griffith atop Providence’s scoring race, going at a point-per-game clip.

Defenseman Chris Casto is quietly having a career year. The former Minnesota high school and Minnesota-Duluth standout was at one time thought of to be a potential top-three round NHL draft pick but it never happened for him.  He had a largely uneventful first two seasons in the Bruins organization since signing as a free agent in spring 2013, but he might make the B’s re-think signing him to an extension at the rate he’s going. The team has a glut of similar type of players at the position- big, mobile, but ultimately limited and lower pairing guys- but Casto is opening some eyes in the early going.

Providence has been getting much better goaltending of late from both of Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre, which is good news for the Bruins and the offense, which doesn’t have to put up major production to have a chance at winning these days.

Multiple Boston prospects are at their respective countries’ World Jr. Championship evaluation camps: Jeremy Lauzon (Canada), Anders Bjork, Brandon Carlo, Ryan Donato (USA), Daniel Vladar, Jakub Zboril (Czech Republic) and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson (Sweden) are all in the mix to earn spots at the annual prestigious under-20 hockey showcase. Watch for Zach Senyshyn and Jesse Gabrielle to be there for Team Canada a year from now.

AHL

Alex Khokhlachev, C Providence Bruins

GP- 17 Goals- 6 Assists- 14 Points- 20 Penalty Min- 2 +/- -2

With a goal and 4 points in his last three AHL games, Koko is keeping pace for his most productive year of three professional seasons with Providence.

Seth Griffith, RW Providence Bruins

GP- 19 Goals- 8 Assists- 10 Points- 18 Penalty Min- 14 +/- -1

Three goals and five points in three games for Griffith gave Providence a nice boost in getting the team back on a winning track.

Austin Czarnik, C Providence Bruins

GP- 19  Goals- 5 Assists- 10 Points- 15 Penalty Min- 10 +/- 5

Heating up as a rookie pro who is figuring out that he’s at his best when pushing the offensive tempo of a game and playing his patented buzzsaw style.

Chris Casto, D Providence Bruins

GP- 22 Goals- 1 Assists- 10 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 16 +/- -5

Scored his first goal of the season; his next assist equals his entire output from 2014-15 (in 62 AHL games).

Tommy Cross, D Providence Bruins

GP- 18 Goals- 1 Assists- 9 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 29 +/- -5

Injured- did not play.

Colby Cave, C Providence Bruins

GP- 26 Goals- 7 Assists- 3 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 8 +/- -5

Colton Hargrove, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 18 Goals- 4 Assists- 3 Points- 7 Penalty Min- 23 +/- -2

He scored a big power play goal over the weekend in a win over Hartford.

Noel Acciari, C Providence Bruins

GP- 21 Goals- 3 Assists-3 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 7 +/- -1

Surgery not required, but still out after taking a shot that broke his jaw in several places. Will wear a full face shield upon his return, perhaps as early as this week.

Anton Blidh, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 24 Goals- 6 Assists- 0 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 12 +/- -2

Zack Phillips, C Providence Bruins

GP- 23 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 4 +/- -14

Has played better of late; posted a pair of assists last week.

Linus Arnesson, D Providence Bruins

GP- 18 Goals- 0 Assists- 1 Points- 1 Penalty Min- 2 +/- -1

Arnesson returned to action last week.

Malcolm Subban, G Providence Bruins

GP- 11 MIN- 788 GA- 35 GAA- 2.66 Spct- .899 W- 5 L-5 OTL 3 SO- 1

Zane McIntyre, G Providence Bruins

GP- 12 MIN- 718 GA- 34 GAA- 2.84 Spct- .889 W- 5 L- 4 OTL- 3

McIntyre still has much to learn as he adjusts to the speed and demands of pro hockey, but he’s been more consistent than Subban in the early going. Given his overall ability and work ethic, the former North Dakota star puck stopper is more than the sum of his parts.

Injured- Brian Ferlin (upper body)- 1 game played.

OHL

Zach Senyshyn, RW Saulte Ste Marie Greyhounds

GP- 30 Goals- 18 Assists- 10 Points- 28 Penalty Min- 6 +/- -9

A three-assist performance in one game over the weekend has boosted him near the points-per-game level.

QMJHL

Jeremy Lauzon, D Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

GP- 26 Goals- 5 Assists- 28 Points- 34 Penalty Min- 50 +/- 26

Named to Team Canada’s World Jr. Camp as an injury replacement for Jake Walman, Lauzon did not play any QMJHL games last week.

Jakub Zboril, D Saint John Sea Dogs

GP- 21 Goals- 3 Assists- 6 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 26 +/- 2

Zboril is with Team Czech Republic in preparation for the 2016 World Jr. Championship in Finland.

WHL

Jesse Gabrielle, LW Prince George Cougars

GP- 31 Goals- 17 Assists- 15 Points- 32 Penalty Min- 49 +/- 5

With a goal and five assists since the last update, Gabrielle continues to be a scoring force for his team while also bringing a gritty, physical game.

Jake DeBrusk, LW Swift Current Broncos

GP- 21 Goals- 9 Assists- 16 Points- 25 Penalty Min- 13 +/- -1

Rounding into form in the weeks since coming back from a serious groin injury that required surgery.

Brandon Carlo, D Tri-City Americans

GP- 22 Goals- 2 Assists- 12 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 57 +/- -5

Carlo played two scoreless games before departing for Boston to attend Team USA WJC camp. He’s a lock to make the 2016 squad after playing well at the WJC last year.

 

NCAA

Ryan Fitzgerald, F Boston College Eagles (HEA)

GP- 15 Goals- 11 Assists- 10 Points- 21 Penalty Min- 33 +/- 17

No points in just one game (loss to Notre Dame) since the last update.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C Boston University Terriers (HEA)

GP- 18 Goals- 4 Assists- 10 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 10 +/- -2

JFK is now with Team Sweden preparing for the WJC after playing 2 scoreless games since the last update.

Anders Bjork, LW University of Notre Dame (HEA)

GP- 17 Goals- 5 Assists- 11 Points- 16 Penalty Min- 4 +/- 17

Posted a helper in the Fighting Irish’s win over Boston College last week. Now with Team USA in Boston for WJC camp.

Danton Heinen, LW Denver University Pioneers (NCHC)

GP- 16 Goals- 5 Assists- 6 Points- 11 Penalty Min- 0 +/- -3

Ryan Donato, C Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 10 Goals- 4 Assists- 5 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 10 +/- 6

Did not play; now at USA WJC camp.

Cameron Hughes, C University of Wisconsin (Big Ten)

GP- 14 Goals- 1 Assists- 8 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 6 +/- -6

Did not play.

Sean Kuraly, C Miami University (NCHC)

GP- 16 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -5

Did not play

Matt Benning, D Northeastern University (HEA)

GP- 17 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -12

Did not play

Matt Grzelcyk, D Boston University (HEA)

GP-6 Goals 2 Assists- 3 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 12 +/- 2

Grzelcyk is still out with a lower body (knee injury).

Wiley Sherman, D Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 10 Goals- 2 Assists- 2 Points- 4 Penalty Min- 6 +/- 5

Rob O’Gara, D Yale University (ECAC)

GP- 12 Goals- 0 Assists- 4 Points- 4 Penalty Min- 16 +/- -4

Europe

Peter Cehlarik, LW Lulea (Sweden)

GP- 21 Goals- 6 Assists- 4 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 0 +/- 0

Emil Johansson, D HV71 (Sweden)

GP- 25 Goals- 0 Assists- 2 Points- 2 Penalty Min- 12 +/- -1

Maxim Chudinov, D St Petersburg SKA (Russia)

GP- 37 Goals- 6 Assists- 8 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 75 +/- -7

USHL

Daniel Vladar, G Chicago (USHL)

GP- 13 MIN- 737 GA- 26 GAA- 2.12 Spct .925 SO- 2; 3-5-3

Vladar has left his team to participate in Team Czech Republic WJC camp.

Jack Becker, C Sioux Falls (USHL)

GP- 25 Goals- 4 Assists- 5 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 6 +/- 0

University of Wisconsin recruit scored a goal last week, his first since mid-November.

2015-16 NCAA season, Boston Bruins prospects, Ryan Fitzgerald , , Leave a comment

Scouting Post Bruins Prospect of the Month November: Ryan Fitzgerald

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With Massachusetts native Frank Vatrano getting the honor last month (and what do you know- he was up to the big club shortly thereafter) we’re staying in the Bay State this month with Boston College junior Ryan Fitzgerald winning a close race between Prince George Cougars forward Jesse Gabrielle and crosstown NCAA rival Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson.

The intent for the SPBPOTM is not to stick with the hometown guys, but North Reading native Fitzgerald earned it with his consistent offensive play, impact on special teams with power play and shorthanded scores, and an overall energy and hunger to prove himself. The 2013 fourth-round selection is currently second on the Eagles in scoring behind freshman and Ottawa first-rounder Colin White.

Fitzgerald’s highlight game happened against Michigan State on Nov. 13, when he scored a pair of goals (one into an empty net) and added two more assists for the first four-point night of his NCAA career in a 6-4 win over the Spartans.

The former two-time Massachusetts state champion at Malden Catholic played a season of junior in the USPHL with the Valley Jr. Warriors before entering BC for the 2013-14 season. Going into the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Fitzgerald was widely projected as a second-round pick, but concerns about his size and lack of breakaway speed might have conspired to give his hometown Bruins a superb value with the penultimate pick of the fourth round (120th overall).

Like his father, Tom, who played more than 1,000 career NHL games after being a first-round pick of the NY Islanders in 1986 (and finished his playing career with the B’s two decades later), the oldest of three sons plays a scrappy, energetic game. If he’s not blazing fast, Fitzgerald uses his high-end hockey sense and anticipatory instincts to get the jump on opponents. Constantly in motion, he creates turnovers with an active stick and reads the play before it develops, getting himself into position to set up and finish plays.

Fitzgerald’s ties to the Bruins are not just restricted to his father’s brief stint in the Black and Gold. His uncle, Scott Fitzgerald, is the team’s assistant director of amateur scouting and is hitting his scouting stride again after suffering life-threatening injuries in a vehicular accident in early 2013. A younger brother, defenseman Casey Fitzgerald, is a freshman at BC and was not selected in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

With 10 goals and 19 points in his first 12 games, Fitzgerald is off to the best start in his three impactful seasons on Chestnut Hill. He scored 30 goals in 78 games of his first two NCAA seasons, so the consistency and ability to finish has been evident from day one.

The Bruins will be patient with Fitzgerald and allow him maximum time to develop, and when he turns pro, expect for him to spend time in Providence of the AHL before he’s ready to try his two-way game at the NHL level and follow in his dad’s footsteps.

Gabrielle, who has 16 goals and 25 points in 26 games with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, is having his finest WHL season to date after beginning with the Brandon Wheat Kings before a mid-season trade to the Regina Pats in 2015. Dealt to the western outpost of Prince George over the summer, Gabrielle has been a productive, gritty forward who isn’t afraid to bring some nastiness to the mix. He’s scoring, hitting and fighting. He’s bigger than his idol, Brad Marchand, and therefore able to assert himself more on the physical side. Also like Marchand, he’s still working on reining in the emotions at key moments and not putting his club behind the 8-ball with undisciplined play. The fourth-round selection who played Minnesota high school hockey before major junior is looking like an impressive value pick on the back end of Boston’s 10-player 2015 draft.

Forsbacka-Karlsson or “JFK” is having a strong freshman campaign after being Boston’s fifth choice at 45th overall last June. The slick and heady playmaking Swede spent the last two seasons in Omaha of the USHL, adapting to the smaller North American ice surface and dealing with the challenges of travel and play in a rugged league, so don’t expect him to hit the “rookie wall” that affects other young players who enter the NCAA out of the less-demanding prep/high school ranks. With four goals and 13 points in his first 14 games for BU, he’s playing a mature, refined game that has earned Terriers coach David Quinn’s trust out of the gate. One NHL scout who saw him recently came away impressed with how much better JFK looked in the Hockey East than he did a year ago in the USHL.

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Bruins Prospects Update 12/01/15

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We’re in the final month of 2015 and it’s time for another prospects update from the Boston Bruins system.

Providence continues to have problems finding the back of the net consistently without the presence of Alex Khokhlachev (injured) and Frank Vatrano (in Boston). The goaltenders have been better but still rank among the last in AHL for key statistical categories.

Ryan Fitzgerald is having a superb season for BC, breaking out offensively as a junior and scoring on the power play and while shorthanded. Crosstown rival Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson continues to impress in his freshman season, scoring at nearly a point-per-game clip and demonstrating a mature, refined game beyond his 19 years.

Daniel Vladar had an outstanding week with the Chicago Steel, allowing just one goal in two wins. When on top of his game, he’s fluid and tough to beat with his size and quickness.

AHL

Alex Khokhlachev, C Providence Bruins

GP- 11 Goals- 4 Assists- 9 Points- 13 Penalty Min- 2 +/- 6

Hand injury; did not play. Expected to be out an additional 2-3 weeks.

Seth Griffith, RW Providence Bruins

GP- 13 Goals- 4 Assists- 6 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 10 +/- -4

As an indicator of how much the Providence offense has struggled this year since Koko was injured two-plus weeks ago and Frank Vatrano called up to the Bruins, Griffith is still three points away from tying Koko for team best in scoring.

Tommy Cross, D Providence Bruins

GP- 16 Goals- 1 Assists- 9 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 29 +/- -6

With a goal and three points in his last six games, Cross has been one of the few bright spots on Providence of late. Since returning from his first NHL stint, Cross is playing with renewed confidence and energy as team captain.

Austin Czarnik, C Providence Bruins

GP- 13 Goals- 2 Assists- 6 Points- 8 Penalty Min- 10 +/-  3

Czarnik has struggled to find the score sheet since coming back from a shoulder injury-he has just one assist in his last six games.

Chris Casto, D Providence Bruins

GP- 14 Goals- 0 Assists- 8 Points- 8 Penalty Min- 14 +/- -10

Colby Cave, C Providence Bruins

GP- 20 Goals- 5 Assists- 2 Points- 7 Penalty Min- 6 +/- -8

Like Czarnik, Cave has just one assist in his last six games after scoring a respectable five goals in his first 14 contests.

Noel Acciari, C Providence Bruins

GP- 20 Goals- 3 Assists-3  Points- 6 Penalty Min- 7 +/- -3

The former PC captain has three points in his last six games to pick up some of the scoring slack after tallying just 3 points in his first 14 games.

Anton Blidh, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 18 Goals- 5 Assists- 0 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 10 +/- -5

Colton Hargrove, LW Providence Bruins

GP- 13 Goals- 3 Assists- 1 Points- 4 Penalty Min- 8 +/- -2

Linus Arnesson, D Providence Bruins

GP- 15 Goals- 0 Assists- 1 Points- 1 Penalty Min- 0 +/- -1

Malcolm Subban, G Providence Bruins

GP- 9 MIN- 542 GA- 19 GAA- 3.10 Spct- ..872 W- 2 L-5 OTL 2 SO- 1

Subban has shown improvement since the last update, raising his save percentage, lowering the GAA and posting his first shutout of the season against Lehigh Valley this past Saturday.

Zane McIntyre, G Providence Bruins

GP- 10 MIN- 598 GA- 31 GAA- 3.11 Spct- .876 W- 3 L- 4 OTL- 3

 

OHL

Zach Senyshyn, RW Saulte Ste Marie Greyhounds

GP- 20 Goals- 11 Assists- 5 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 4 +/- -10

With one goal/point in his last five games, the scoring has fallen off. The 15th overall pick last June has tallied several highlight reel goals over the course of the season, using his speed and hands to light the lamp, but while the tools are there, the consistent production has been elusive to date.

QMJHL

Jeremy Lauzon, D Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

GP- 23 Goals- 4 Assists- 27 Points- 31 Penalty Min- 40 +/- 23

Rouyn-Noranda’s top scoring D continues to play well at both ends, logging a lot of minutes, playing strong positional defense and continuing to put up points.

Jakub Zboril, D Saint John Sea Dogs

GP- 20 Goals- 3 Assists- 6 Points- 9 Penalty Min- 24 +/- 2

 

WHL

Jake DeBrusk, LW Swift Current Broncos

GP- 16 Goals- 8 Assists- 15 Points- 23 Penalty Min- 13 +/- -2

Jake DeBrusk returned to action last week, scoring in the first two games he played for a total of three points in the two contests.

Jesse Gabrielle, LW Prince George Cougars

GP- 24 Goals- 14 Assists- 8 Points- 22 Penalty Min- 38 +/-  2

Brandon Carlo, D Tri-City Americans

GP- 18 Goals- 2 Assists- 11 Points- 13 Penalty Min- 51 +/- -5

Carlo is back in the Americans’ lineup after missing games to injury. He tallied a goal and five points in seven games since getting back on the ice while maintaining a physical, rugged edge to his play.

 

NCAA

Ryan Fitzgerald, F Boston College Eagles (HEA)

GP- 12 Goals- 10 Assists- 9 Points- 19 Penalty Min- 29 +/- 19

Fitzgerald is off to the best offensive start in his third/junior season for the Eagles with three goals in his last three games. He’s making an impact on both the PP and PK special teams. His 10 goals lead BC, but is second in overall points to freshman Colin White (Senators), who has 21.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C Boston University Terriers (HEA)

GP- 14 Goals- 4 Assists- 9 Points- 13 Penalty Min- 10 +/- 4

JFK is tied with Ahti Oksanen for second on the Terriers in scoring and has been impressive in the faceoff circle thus far this season with a better-than-projected impact as a freshman.

Anders Bjork, LW University of Notre Dame (HEA)

GP- 14 Goals- 3 Assists- 9 Points- 12 Penalty Min- 4 +/- 10

Danton Heinen, LW Denver University Pioneers (NCHC)

GP- 12 Goals- 5 Assists- 5 Points- 10 Penalty Min- 0 +/- 3

Ryan Donato, C Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 8 Goals- 4 Assists- 3 Points- 7 Penalty Min- 10 +/- 5.

Cameron Hughes, C University of Wisconsin (Big Ten)

GP- 12 Goals- 1 Assists- 5 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 6 +/- -2

Matt Grzelcyk, D Boston University (HEA)

GP-6 Goals 2 Assists- 3 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 12 +/- 2

Grzelcyk was sidelined briefly by a knee injury- not the same surgically repaired knee from offseason.

Sean Kuraly, C Miami University (NCHC)

GP- 14 Goals- 1 Assists- 4 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -6

Another stretch of play with no offense for the senior center.

Matt Benning, D Northeastern University (HEA)

GP- 15 Goals- 2 Assists- 3 Points- 5 Penalty Min- 17 +/- -10

Wiley Sherman, D Harvard University (ECAC)

GP- 8 Goals- 1 Assists- 2 Points- 3 Penalty Min- 4 +/- 4

Rob O’Gara, D Yale University (ECAC)

GP- 9 Goals- 0 Assists- 2 Points- 2 Penalty Min- 12 +/- 0

A slower-than-expected start offensively…more expected of the senior D and he will pick up play at both ends as the season goes on.

 

Europe

Peter Cehlarik, LW Lulea (Sweden)

GP- 19 Goals- 5 Assists- 3 Points- 8 Penalty Min- 0 +/- -2

2013 third-rounder scored a couple of goals in SHL play since last update.

Emil Johansson, D HV71 (Sweden)

GP- 21 Goals- 0 Assists- 2 Points- 2 Penalty Min- 12 +/- -1

Maxim Chudinov, D St Petersburg SKA (Russia)

GP- 32 Goals- 6 Assists- 8 Points- 14 Penalty Min- 75 +/- -7

Chudinov’s production has ticked up over last seven games with a couple of goals and helpers. It is still not known whether he and the Bruins will work to sign a contract or if the team will allow him to enter free agency in  summer.

USHL

Daniel Vladar, G Chicago (USHL)

GP- 11 MIN- 610 GA- 20 GAA- 1.97 Spct .930 SO- 2; 3-4-2

Vladar went 2-0 last week, allowing one goal and posting his second shutout of the season.

Jack Becker, C Sioux Falls (USHL)

GP- 20 Goals- 2 Assists- 4 Points- 6 Penalty Min- 2 +/- -1