I would also like to give some tribute to the Big guys here on knowledge, contacts and scouting. While I know neither is much for getting attention I just liked to tell you how much I for one have come to appreciate so many here. We go back a long way and at risk of course of forgetting many, I want you to know you are all very appreciated in expressing your opinion.
I think I read Kirk Leudeke's scouting reports even before HF Boards started. I know Dan & Wally was along and many more who followed over here since.
Dan is a favorite of mine. Dan says it like it is whether you like it or not. If he had been a hockey player he'd be like one of my all-time favs-Derek Sanderson. But make no mistake about it. Dan knows hockey and has more inside outside Bruins organization. I respect Dan very much. While not being as polished, if I may used that word, as Kirk and Dom, Dan gets through.
Dominic is of course invaluable with his excellent hockey-know-how and nobody know's OHL better. He is probably the best also at knowing the salary cap and the rules within NHL-NHLPA. He mentioned Zach Seshynsky very early in this season and I started follow this kid a little extra. So I was very excited when he was drafted. Dom is well known in Canadian hockey circuit. When I was attending World Jrs in Malmö, Sweden last year. I stayed at the same hotel as many of the 3000 Canadian fans and I really appreciated every one of them. Many, especially in the Ontario area, knew Dominic and it was only rave reviews all over for Dom.
Now Kirk is a special person. Not only his hockey knowledge but serving his country in far away foreign world like Afganistan and still not missing a beat on prospect scouting opinions is by far the most impressive any body has accomplished.
I will also notify that going back many years Kirk has showed to have a very good feel for what the Bruins are interested in and who to forget. It would take up too much space here for all years.
This is from my notes by reading and talking to Kirk the last three years. Forgive me, Kirk, if I missed out on someone. I have in the back of my mind that you had Anton Blidh, but, I'm not sure. He was not even in NHL Central Scouting Service DataBase.
2013-Linus Arnesson, Peter Cehlarik, Ryan Fitzgerald, Wiley Sherman. (Anton Blidh). In order too.
2014-David Pastrnak, Ryan Donato, Anders Bjork.
2015-Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, Zach Senyshyn, Brandon Carlo, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Jeremy Lauzon, Jesse Gabrielle, Cam Hughes. I think you had Daniel Vladar too.
It's an amazing accomplishment. Couldn't agree more than what Dom said about Kirk should be hired by NHL team.
To clock these guys when Bruins are drafting 14-60 with their first choice is unbeleivable. I especially remember 2013 but 2015 to pick Senyshyn and Lauzon is awesome.
I know there are many others like NeelyNugs, Alan Ryan, Mike, Mark etc I appreciate and thank you all.