Boston Bruins Bruins Prospects Discussion IV - Mod warning 565

[Jean_Jacket41]

http://thehockeywriters.com/bruins-top-4-prospects-2017/



You have to be a real curmudgeon not to be stoked about the talent accumulated over the past couple of years. Thirteen names listed in this article in total and that's not including Pasta,Carlo, Kuraly, Acciari. As a certain famous Kazakhstani citizen once said 'Very niiiiiiice'!!.........he also said 'Be careful C.J.'! which could be applied to a certain Montreal coach

The good thing is that they are not giving one roster spot to a kid. There will be a battle between many kids for the open spots and the better will get it. I have zero problem with that. Let them show what they got and if the Bruins strike on some of them for top-9 duty and to surround the Bergeron-Marchand-Pasta-Krejci-Backes in the top-9, Bruins will be golden with contributing ELC on offense AND on D.

Marchand-Bergy-ELC
ELC-Krejci-Pasta

 

[HumBucker]

Yeah im waiting for real camp to begin and see how he looks against guys like DeBrusk/Heinen and other Pro guys before i let my expectations go overboard. If he still stands out then by all means roll him!

i think he's NHL ready, but he's only passed test 1 of 3 tests so far:

1) development camp
2) rookie camp/tournament
3) training camp/preseason games

assuming he continues to impress in each step, he makes the team. why people are high on him: he's quick/fast, smart, responsible defensively, underrated offensively. after watching him following his draft year, he looked more of a pj axelsson-type guy. and since then, he's continued to develop the offensive side of his game to become a dominant player at the college level. i don't think we're talking super high ceiling, but he looks the part of a guy who can eventually be a 20 G/50 PT guy.

From all that I read he had an outstanding developmental camp but he is much older and more physically mature than most of the prospects at camp, let's see how he does when he gets to the rookie tourney and real camp as some have pointed out.

There will be a huge difference between playing with a small group of one teams prospects as opposed to 3 or 4 other teams prospects, where he will still be older and should have a physical edge over many others in that tournament and especially between playing with peers and then going to a real NHL camp and pre season games. I still think a season or half season in Providence adapting to the pro game and schedule will benefit Bjork n the long run, instead of being forced into a spot he may not be ready for.

To me this is dealer Donny reaching and hoping instead of acquiring an established player in a spot that in my opinion requires one. Donnie's faith in his prospects better be realized otherwise he will be left with little to show for a number of questionable moves, whether they were brought on by Chiarelli's inability to manage the salary cap or not.

Thanks guys! It's gonna be exciting to see how these prospects fare the camps to come.

 

[Alberta_OReilly_Fan]

The good thing is that they are not giving one roster spot to a kid. There will be a battle between many kids for the open spots and the better will get it. I have zero problem with that. Let them show what they got and if the Bruins strike on some of them for top-9 duty and to surround the Bergeron-Marchand-Pasta-Krejci-Backes in the top-9, Bruins will be golden with contributing ELC on offense AND on D.

Marchand-Bergy-ELC
ELC-Krejci-Pasta

agree and disagree with your post

first agree... nhl is full of sucess stories every year where a kid makes the team unexpectedly and has sucess. by having 6-8 kids competing for a couple spots, our odds of success do increase

disagree... dont see the team leaving 2 top six spots to be filled by second grade prospects. even if spooner/vatrano are coming back i still see a vet like stafford or iginla or a trade acquisition getting one of these spots

its feeling like b's wont make that move until camp though

im surprised spooner is still here... does that mean they go with him and backes on the 3rd line? ive been projecting backes and 2 kids on 3rd line ever since hayes was bought out

im still gut feeling that iginla ends up with krejci and they put a kid with these 2.. That means i see pastrnak with marchand and bergeron

so my kid spots are one with krejci and his new winger (i see bjork, debrusk, heinen, chelerik, vatrano competing )

two with backes ( i see spooner, jfk, kuraly, debrusk, vatrano, belesky, czarik competing )

and then 1 on 4th line with nash/schaller/belesky... pretty much i have accairi locked in here if hes healthy

 

[Alberta_OReilly_Fan]

Isn't that self-evident?
There is a completely different dynamic when you play in the NHL against 700ish of the best players in the world and youth leagues that have a limited talent pool due to age or players signing pro-contracts. In that environment (CHL), performance will obviously be more linear than the NHL; players leave the NHL when they are not good enough and players leave the CHL when they are too good or too old.

Take a look at the Bruins forwards who played in the CHL what they did after their draft year.

Player|After the draft
Krejci|CzechU20 to QMJHL
Bergeron|QMJHL to NHL
Marchand|Higher GPG and PPG and a killer playoff
Beleskey|Higher GPG and PPG
Spooner|Higher GPG and PPG

How about former Bruins?

Player|After the draft
Lucic|Much higher GPG and PPG
Horton|OHL to NHL
Ryder|Higher GPG and PPG
Campbell|Higher GPG and PPG
Paille|Higher GPG and PPG (same amount of points in 8 fewer games)
Kelly|Fewer points, less GPG but the same PPG in 5 fewer games

While scoring more points after your draft is no guarantee of future success, it is a good indicator. Now since this was originally about Zboril, I've already stated it doesn't really work the same way for defencemen. But having a bad year after your draft is a red flag unless there is a very good reason.

one might argue your study is more applicable to kids that ultimately make nhl. its very reasonable that these kids all improve

as opposed to kids that dont make it... however if we stick 100% to point totals almost all decent kids get better with age. they all have improvement if opportunity goes up and health is there. improving in points isnt what gets you to nhl

what gets you to nhl is elliminating flaws in your game. often this means get stronger. .. compete harder... be more consistent... often its about improve skating... work on conditioning... learn coaching assignments on defense to help your hockey iq

guys drafted in first round are identified as nhl talents. they got better than 50% chance to make it. the skill is there. its not lack of skill that will stop them. if these kids want a million dollar contract they must identify their individual flaws and work on them

as did every kid in your example

kids drafted later are longshots to make nhl.... running up point totals in junior might get them noticed and open up chances.

but just getting another year older in junior almost always leads to better opportunities to score for your top 2 line players

 

[Mainehockey33]

Are there any highlights out there for either JFK's 16/17 year at BU or at the WJC. The only video I've seen of him is his first year at BU.

 

[Gee Wally]

Vaakanainen Adjusting to New Surroundings

Adapting to the North American culture, both on and off the ice, will be of the utmost importance as Vaakanainen begins his journey towards the National Hockey League. Knowing that, the defenseman made sure to get an early start on acclimating to his new surroundings. During the two weeks between the Draft and the start of Development Camp, Vaakanainen voyaged to Minnesota to stay at the home of Bruins Player Development Coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner.

"It was great to be there. I'm thankful for Jamie's family, I really enjoyed my time there," Vaakanainen said during last week's Bruins Development Camp. "They have a great place there. A lot of stuff you can do there, ride the jet skis and stuff like that. It was fun. I loved to be there. I really liked his family."
https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bru...ngs-during-first-development-camp/c-290367278

 

[Ratty]

It's stories like this that give me confidence that the Bruins staff is doing all the right things in developing our prospects. Inviting Vaakaneinen to stay in his home is above and beyond what you would normally expect.

 

[Gee Wally]

Sherman Looking to Close Out Collegiate Career in Style

BOSTON - In the midst of a development camp full of exciting young prospects from all over the globe, anticipation is growing for Harvard Crimson defenseman Wiley Sherman, who has spent his first three collegiate seasons playing within a stone's throw of TD Garden.

Once a fifth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the towering, 6-foot-7 defenseman has fine-tuned his game under the tutelage of Harvard head coach and former Bruin Ted Donato, while becoming a steady force on the back end

After coming so close last season, hoisting a national championship above his head would be a fitting end to an impressive four years for Sherman and his Crimson teammates.

As for his personal goals?

"Keep maturing," said Sherman, '"keep getting stronger, and see where it takes me."

If he does all of that, he might not be leaving Boston anytime soon.

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bru...se-out-collegiate-career-in-style/c-290375726

 

[BB88]

Vaakanainen Adjusting to New Surroundings

Adapting to the North American culture, both on and off the ice, will be of the utmost importance as Vaakanainen begins his journey towards the National Hockey League. Knowing that, the defenseman made sure to get an early start on acclimating to his new surroundings. During the two weeks between the Draft and the start of Development Camp, Vaakanainen voyaged to Minnesota to stay at the home of Bruins Player Development Coordinator Jamie Langenbrunner.

"It was great to be there. I'm thankful for Jamie's family, I really enjoyed my time there," Vaakanainen said during last week's Bruins Development Camp. "They have a great place there. A lot of stuff you can do there, ride the jet skis and stuff like that. It was fun. I loved to be there. I really liked his family."
https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bru...ngs-during-first-development-camp/c-290367278

I have to say I really like that.

About always(as far as I can remember) Finnish prospects head back to Finland after draft if there's some time between draft& dev.camp.
This gives Vaakanainen better chance to train and develop, that constant travel is a huge negative for European prospects in their draft offseason.

Just in comparison for Heiskanen.
Combine, back to Finland for few weeks, draft, back to Finland for few weeks, dev.camp, back to Finland, team practises start in august, back to Dallas for pre season camp, back to Finland when the season has already started.

I hope we see Urho in AHL at the end of year.

 

[nfld77]

agree and disagree with your post

first agree... nhl is full of sucess stories every year where a kid makes the team unexpectedly and has sucess. by having 6-8 kids competing for a couple spots, our odds of success do increase

disagree... dont see the team leaving 2 top six spots to be filled by second grade prospects. even if spooner/vatrano are coming back i still see a vet like stafford or iginla or a trade acquisition getting one of these spots

its feeling like b's wont make that move until camp though

im surprised spooner is still here... does that mean they go with him and backes on the 3rd line? ive been projecting backes and 2 kids on 3rd line ever since hayes was bought out

im still gut feeling that iginla ends up with krejci and they put a kid with these 2.. That means i see pastrnak with marchand and bergeron

so my kid spots are one with krejci and his new winger (i see bjork, debrusk, heinen, chelerik, vatrano competing )

two with backes ( i see spooner, jfk, kuraly, debrusk, vatrano, belesky, czarik competing )

and then 1 on 4th line with nash/schaller/belesky... pretty much i have accairi locked in here if hes healthy

Just wanna say I always enjoy your posts, one of my favs for sure..I noticed you left out Zachery Senyshen, in fact so did I...I think he's gonna need a season or part of a season with Baby Bruins....I'm wondering if Spooner still be's around when pre season begins. I think DS is still trying to swing a deal where we give up Spoons Plus for a veteran defenceman...LOVE to see Boychuk back but I guess that damn near impossible now!!

 

[774EVER]

Sherman Looking to Close Out Collegiate Career in Style

BOSTON - In the midst of a development camp full of exciting young prospects from all over the globe, anticipation is growing for Harvard Crimson defenseman Wiley Sherman, who has spent his first three collegiate seasons playing within a stone's throw of TD Garden.

Once a fifth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the towering, 6-foot-7 defenseman has fine-tuned his game under the tutelage of Harvard head coach and former Bruin Ted Donato, while becoming a steady force on the back end

After coming so close last season, hoisting a national championship above his head would be a fitting end to an impressive four years for Sherman and his Crimson teammates.

As for his personal goals?

"Keep maturing," said Sherman, '"keep getting stronger, and see where it takes me."

If he does all of that, he might not be leaving Boston anytime soon.

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bru...se-out-collegiate-career-in-style/c-290375726

Holy crap, didn't realize Sherman was that huge!! his name doesn't come up around here very often, wondering if that's because he'll be a career minor leaguer, or weather he is taking a little longer to progress like most big sized dmen (Chara).

 

[Ratty]

Just wanna say I always enjoy your posts, one of my favs for sure..I noticed you left out Zachery Senyshen, in fact so did I...I think he's gonna need a season or part of a season with Baby Bruins....I'm wondering if Spooner still be's around when pre season begins. I think DS is still trying to swing a deal where we give up Spoons Plus for a veteran defenceman...LOVE to see Boychuk back but I guess that damn near impossible now!!

Johnny B's contract is too rich for our budget and his play has diminished. Snow would love to unload him. And, whom would you sit?.....McAvoy?...Carlo?

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Johnny B's contract is too rich for our budget and his play has diminished. Snow would love to unload him. And, whom would you sit?.....McAvoy?...Carlo?

Well I guess if you do it you can trade Carlo, and make your team worse defensively.

I enjoyed JB as a player, but even if NYI were to retain 50%, I wouldn't touch him. That's 5 more seasons for a guy who probably best fits as a 3rd pairing guy today, and is getting old

 

[Ratty]

Holy crap, didn't realize Sherman was that huge!! his name doesn't come up around here very often, wondering if that's because he'll be a career minor leaguer, or weather he is taking a little longer to progress like most big sized dmen (Chara).

Wiley will be 23 at the next TC after playing 4 years in a good program at Harvard under Ted Donato.

He should be ready to compete for a roster spot in 2018. That's assuming, of course, that he signs rather than exercising his option to go FA.

 

[Gee Wally]

Bruins Will Be Well Represented in Europe Next Season

Of the 29 prospects that took the ice at Warrior Ice Arena for the camp, only 13 are committed to play college hockey for the 2017-18 season. The rest of the roster will be dispersed through various junior and professional leagues across North America - and even Europe.

Four Bruins prospects - Victor Berglund, Joona Koppanen, Oskar Steen, and Urho Vaakanainen - will all return to their native countries in Europe to sharpen their skills in the hopes of making the Bruins roster in the near future.

Though there are differences between the North American and European styles of play, everyone seems confident that they will be able to make a seamless transition when they make the permanent move across the Atlantic.

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-will-be-well-represented-in-europe-next-season/c-290387836

 

[DominicT]

Bergeron knows best

You may need a translator

http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/07/14/une-jeunesse-qui-inspire-confiance

 

[Mainehockey33]

You may need a translator

http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/07/14/une-jeunesse-qui-inspire-confiance

My years of French in school sure didn't help

 

[Ratty]

Prospects Tournament

Bruins kids will be once again participating in the Buffalo prospects round robin Sept. 8-11. This, according to the Sabres website.

 

[LouJersey]

completely random question, but I'm just curious. Are Bruins fans upset about the 2015 draft? Or were you upset at the time for the three 1st rd picks you made that can be viewed as questionable (especially at the time). From an outsider pov, it sounds like you needed D and C's but took 2 wingers who were reaches.

I wanted Connor, Barzal and Zboril.

I love Senyshyn. I would take him over Barzal. I'm fine with Zboril. I actually like his complete game more than Chabots. I would deal DeBrusk for Connor but I don't want that as a slight to JDB. I think he will be a more complete player but I do think Connor will be a big time goal scorer.

 

[Jean_Jacket41]

You may need a translator

http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2017/07/14/une-jeunesse-qui-inspire-confiance

In summary:

-Even with only minor tweaks and the loss of C.Miller, he's optimistic for next season, mostly because of the youth that is coming up.
-It was a step forward to make the playoffs last year. Bruins have a good team and it gave the young guys a chance to see what the playoffs are about.
-He will have a 2nd child in August.
-Very disapointed the players won't participate in the Olympics.

 

[s3antana5757]

Sherman Looking to Close Out Collegiate Career in Style

BOSTON - In the midst of a development camp full of exciting young prospects from all over the globe, anticipation is growing for Harvard Crimson defenseman Wiley Sherman, who has spent his first three collegiate seasons playing within a stone's throw of TD Garden.

Once a fifth-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the towering, 6-foot-7 defenseman has fine-tuned his game under the tutelage of Harvard head coach and former Bruin Ted Donato, while becoming a steady force on the back end

After coming so close last season, hoisting a national championship above his head would be a fitting end to an impressive four years for Sherman and his Crimson teammates.

As for his personal goals?

"Keep maturing," said Sherman, '"keep getting stronger, and see where it takes me."

If he does all of that, he might not be leaving Boston anytime soon.

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bru...se-out-collegiate-career-in-style/c-290375726

I love to hear this about our staff and organization. They need more of us.

Also I'm loving this prospect more and more. Go to about the 2:10 mark of this video, and tell me he doesn't have offensive skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4-rCglyZXg

 

[DKH]

I wanted Connor, Barzal and Zboril.

I love Senyshyn. I would take him over Barzal. I'm fine with Zboril. I actually like his complete game more than Chabots. I would deal DeBrusk for Connor but I don't want that as a slight to JDB. I think he will be a more complete player but I do think Connor will be a big time goal scorer.

I wanted Konecny but Dom told me don't even bother wasting your time on him for Boston

I'm at the point where my view on

Barzal, Connor, DeBrusk, Chabot, Zboril, Senyshyn, White, Konecny is all around the same litter......no one including Konecny is that much of a cant miss

The Bruins guys are all moving along well in my world

The Providence home opener is Saturday October 7th (yay Saturday!!!!) so should be exciting time to watch all these Providence prospects who likely will be playing down there to start (Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Zboril, Lauzon, maybe JFK? DeBrusk? doubt it)

the 2015 draft could have

Zboril- start in Providence
DeBrush- I'm going Boston he was really NHLish-looking in my April viewing
Senyshyn- start in Providence
Carlo-Boston
JFK- worst case Providence to start
Lauzon- Providence
Gabrielle- start in Providence

the 2014 draft

Pastrnak- Boston
Donato- Harvard but likely Hobey Baker candidate
Heinen- going with Boston, was very good in AHL playoffs
Bjork- Boston

the 2016 draft

McAvoy- Boston
Frederic- see you in April in Boston
Lindgren- will be one of best defenseman in college hockey with NHL game, also like Frederic a true 18 freshman in college hockey which is a rarity these days

looooaded

 

[Blowfish]

I wanted Konecny but Dom told me don't even bother wasting your time on him for Boston

I'm at the point where my view on

Barzal, Connor, DeBrusk, Chabot, Zboril, Senyshyn, White, Konecny is all around the same litter......no one including Konecny is that much of a cant miss

The Bruins guys are all moving along well in my world

The Providence home opener is Saturday October 7th (yay Saturday!!!!) so should be exciting time to watch all these Providence prospects who likely will be playing down there to start (Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Zboril, Lauzon, maybe JFK? DeBrusk? doubt it)

the 2015 draft could have

Zboril- start in Providence
DeBrush- I'm going Boston he was really NHLish-looking in my April viewing
Senyshyn- start in Providence
Carlo-Boston
JFK- worst case Providence to start
Lauzon- Providence
Gabrielle- start in Providence

the 2014 draft

Pastrnak- Boston
Donato- Harvard but likely Hobey Baker candidate
Heinen- going with Boston, was very good in AHL playoffs
Bjork- Boston

the 2016 draft

McAvoy- Boston
Frederic- see you in April in Boston
Lindgren- will be one of best defenseman in college hockey with NHL game, also like Frederic a true 18 freshman in college hockey which is a rarity these days

looooaded

No mention of Cehlairk.

 

[DKH]

No mention of Cehlairk.

If he was in the 2014-16 draft I would have

Just touched on recent ones because those are the D.C. players

 

[NDiesel]

I wanted Konecny but Dom told me don't even bother wasting your time on him for Boston

I'm at the point where my view on

Barzal, Connor, DeBrusk, Chabot, Zboril, Senyshyn, White, Konecny is all around the same litter......no one including Konecny is that much of a cant miss

The Bruins guys are all moving along well in my world

The Providence home opener is Saturday October 7th (yay Saturday!!!!) so should be exciting time to watch all these Providence prospects who likely will be playing down there to start (Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Zboril, Lauzon, maybe JFK? DeBrusk? doubt it)

the 2015 draft could have

Zboril- start in Providence
DeBrush- I'm going Boston he was really NHLish-looking in my April viewing
Senyshyn- start in Providence
Carlo-Boston
JFK- worst case Providence to start
Lauzon- Providence
Gabrielle- start in Providence

the 2014 draft

Pastrnak- Boston
Donato- Harvard but likely Hobey Baker candidate
Heinen- going with Boston, was very good in AHL playoffs
Bjork- Boston

the 2016 draft

McAvoy- Boston
Frederic- see you in April in Boston
Lindgren- will be one of best defenseman in college hockey with NHL game, also like Frederic a true 18 freshman in college hockey which is a rarity these days

looooaded

I'm trying so hard not to get overly optimistic, fully realizing that not all these guys will hit....but man so many of these guys seem so close to being NHL ready, it blows my mind.