Can someone give me a quick rundown on the potential and/or expectations of the players who made their NHL debut last season?
Brandon Carlo
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
Matt Grzelcyk
Patrick Cehlarik
Danton Heinen
Sean Kuraly
Rob O'Gara
Zane McIntyre
Anton Blidh
Austin Czarnik
Brandon Carlo - excellent start for his age that tapered off down the stretch, never got a chance to show what he had in the playoffs. Projects as a 3/4 but could reach as high as a number 2 when needed
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson - great year at BU and signed with Boston late in the season, played ok in Boston and projects as a 2nd line two way center but more likely will end up as a 3rd line center with some offense
Matt Grzelcyk - ok in providence but clock is ticking, will either become a powerplay guy or fizzle out (in Boston) ala Warsofksy/Kampfer/bartkowski
Patrick Cehlarik - looked fantastic next to Krejci but couldn't buy a goal. Had injury problems late and couldn't help providence with their cup push. Projects as a third line scoring winger but could reach as high as top 6
Danton Heinen - ho-hum in Boston and for the most part providence until he turned it on and scored in bunches in the playoffs for providence. He's so smart he could find a role anywhere but I think he'll be top 6 or bust and I lean towards top 6
Sean Kuraly - solid in providence and great for Boston. 4th line guy with merlot qualities and can providence offense for you on your third line if your team is lacking otherwise
Rob O'Gara - dealt with injuries but arguably the Bruins most NHL ready defensemen behind Carlo and Charlie as far as the newer guys go. Projects as a number 4 but likely will end up being a 5/6
Zane McIntyre - outstanding regular season with providence and filled in for the Bruins a few times, some shaky performances in the playoffs but solid overall. Projects as a number 1 top 10 goalie but I can see him fizzling out too
Anton Blidh - pretty good year in providence and can fill in with Boston anytime. 4th line energy winger.
Austin Czarnik - played pretty well for Boston after making it out of camp but a concussion put him way behind, he looked off ever since even down in providence. Hopeully he can recover, he's an enigma. Can see him scoring like Marchand years from now or managing accounts at a local Home Depot. Not sure.