Peter Cehlarik – McKeen's Hockey

2020-21 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook: Boston Bruins Top 20 Prospects

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 12:14:38 +0000

Boston Bruins

McKeen's Top 20 Boston Bruin prospects for the 2020-21 season. You can read an organizational assessment prior to the draft in Ryan Wagman's article found here. Following the draft we provided a review on each teams performance based on our rankings found here.

John Beecher, C (30^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

In Beecher, the Bruins see a player with all of the components to his game, and the physical tools, to grow into a world class third line center. Starting with the physical gifts, he is a bear of a young man, standing a burly 6-3”, and he skates like the wind. He is remarkably graceful for his stature, and when he goes to the net (which he does regularly) he has been near impossible to stop at the collegiate or WJC levels. Despite his moderate numbers, there is still reason to expect more to come. He played a more central role as a freshman with Michigan, where he was the fourth most productive forward, than he did with the USNTDP. His hands are quick and capable of the occasional surprising deke. He uses his elite reach well on both sides of the puck and has demonstrated a knack for creatively setting up his linemates for scoring chances. Beecher also takes full advantage of his imposing size, and at his best, can dominate any given shift. He just needs to start doing it more often. - RW

Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

It comes as absolutely no surprise that Studnicka should be around the top of this list. After making his NHL playoff debut this past season with the Bruins, he seemed to hardly be phased by the level and speed of the game and instead rose up to the challenge. Studnicka is a highly adaptable, fast, and naturally gifted hockey player. His ceiling is very high, and he has not come close to peaking yet. His biggest asset is his speed, both with and without the puck, although he is still a little lightweight and weak on the puck. His goal for next season will be added strength to help him win physical battles more often. After leading AHL Providence in points, Studnicka is ready to take on fulltime duty with Boston. Of course he will need to adapt, but even at his worst he makes things happen on the ice and therefore it would be unwise for the Bruins to sleep on such a good offensive talent and overall playmaker and goal scorer. - SC

Jeremy Swayman, G (111^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Goalies are often difficult to project, but as a fourth-round pick, Swayman is looking like a solid investment. He performed well in his time in the USHL, but he didn’t really showcase his skills until he came to Maine, where he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team and won a bronze medal at the WJC, both in his freshman year. He had an okay sophomore year but really broke out during his junior year, ranking second nationally in save percentage, and winning a full trophy case full of awards. It is no surprise he signed with the Bruins after the season ended. Swayman is a calm goaltender who isn’t afraid of playing the puck. He doesn’t often make flashy saves — a good indication of solid technical skills — but occasionally makes flashy glove saves. He has quick reflexes and a quick stick. He moves well laterally and often stays in the crease. His speed is impressive, and his reflexes are sharp, but it also helps that he is 6-3” and fills the net nicely. His size will no doubt be an asset at the next level. - JS

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

With all of Vaakanainen’s high level experience in the past few years, including time in both the AHL and NHL for the last two years, it is hard to remember that he is still only 21 years of age. The AHL training has been good for Vaakanainen, who has been playing heavy minutes, including time on both the penalty kill and powerplay units. He is a good skater with a good overall skill set, but what stands out is his calmness under pressure, making good decisions quickly with the puck. His hockey IQ is high and he has matured so much as a player over the course of two seasons that he is mentally tough and composed, although his speed and overall play is lacking a certain element for now. More urgency and intensity need to be inserted into his game and he needs to move the puck up faster to keep up with the NHL pace. He still has a high ceiling, and he continues to develop at a good rate leading him to most likely be called up again next season as he works towards a permanent bottom four role. - SC

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 5)

Lauzon has found himself on the precipice of a full time role with the Bruins thanks to his tenacity and ability to rise up to the physical and mental challenges of the NHL. He is not known for his offensive contributions, but his style of play works for him and the Bruins. He plays a more defensive role and often lends his passing and skating abilities to breakouts and special teams situations. Lauzon is such a calm player that even in two-on-one defensive situations he takes the time to read the play and properly reacts. He is simply a smart player. He has a good head on his shoulders and Boston needs more stay-at-home defensemen to balance things, which is why Lauzon has lucked out with his calm play being an asset. It would really come as little surprise to see him finally hit his stride and secure a full time roster spot with Boston next season as part of a bottom four pairing, considering the way he played in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. - SC

Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Frederic has changed a lot in the way he plays since his days in the USNTDP and University of Wisconsin, meaning that he has developed quite the mean streak, if only not out of the need to be more aggressive at the next level, but also due to frustration. Frederic is a well-rounded forward who can skate, shoot, move the puck, and stick handle all with ease, but in the Boston system as an average forward, he needs to make things happen in order to stand out and that is where he has been having trouble. He needs to dial in and focus on contributing to the stat sheet in a positive way, making his contributions hit the back of the net, rather than the penalty box especially when up with the Bruins as part of their bottom six. For a player as talented as he is at getting to the net, he needs to find ways to perform at the next level and become an offensive threat in a skilled way as Boston already has plenty of grit in their main roster. - SC

Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

It is not that Zboril has been overlooked or not given a proper chance in the NHL yet, it is simply that for such a complete player, the Bruins want to ensure that he is completely ready to make a permanent jump to the next level rather than earning brief stints here or there. Zboril is probably one of the more well-rounded prospects in the system. He can skate, shoot, and pass all with top level accuracy and performance. He is not necessarily anything spectacular in terms of being a flashy, standout type of guy but he contributes in getting the little things he does right, which spurs bigger things downstream. As he continues to get more comfortable and confident in the AHL, his chances of making the NHL are growing along with his maturity. Zboril simply needs to continue on his development path and at some point next season, he may see himself up with Boston. - SC

Jack Ahcan, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 27, 2020. Previous ranking: 8)

One of the prize collegiate free agents this season, Ahcan was a surprise member of the Team USA at the 2017 WJC, helping the Americans to a Gold Medal, and has since racked up four 20+ point seasons for the perennially competitive St. Cloud State Huskies, and making the All-NCHC second team during both of is last two seasons. The undersized blueliner is a classic power play specialist, although he was used in all situations in college. He is very mobile and likes to activate in the offensive zone. He reads the play well and generally makes the smart play to extend possession. As with any player of this size Ahcan will have to prove himself at every level before moving out, but in a best-case scenario, he makes it easier for the Bruins to walk away from Matt Grzelcyk when the latter becomes a UFA after the 2021-22 season. - RW

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

In his rookie AHL season last year with Providence, Lauko stood out for his speed, which is his best asset, as well as for his tenacity when forechecking. Unfortunately, he sustained a severe leg injury at the WJC, which ended the rest of his season far too early. That said, with the pandemic that ended everyone’s season too early, he has had much time to heal and rehab which which will only aid in his recovery to full speed. Lauko will need to work on getting up to the AHL pace when moving the puck and knowing when to hold onto it, while his efforts in his own end are already commendable. He is yet another speedy, quick forward that Boston could use in their lineup at some point in the near-term future and he fits the mold for what the Bruins looks for in their forward prospects quite well. For now, he has been loaned back out to his home country to play in the Czech league for a little bit, hoping that when he comes back he will be ready for his first NHL test as part of Boston’s bottom six. - SC

Daniel Vladar, G (75^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 10)

Vladar made his NHL debut as the unconventional backup for the Bruins in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, a situation made possible by Tuukka Rask’s decision to leave the tournament. For a young goaltender with ECHL and AHL experience, Vladar did well despite being thrown in the midst of things unprepared, and he should be proud of his efforts. He stands 6-5” and has an eye for finding the puck in scrambles and fights well for positioning behind screens. He stays square to the puck and cuts down angles really well. Confidence when playing the puck will come with time, and so will playing against one on one situations better. If he works on remaining calm and not biting too early, his progression towards earning Boston’s number one spot will only get better. Overall, much of Vladar’s play should improve in the coming seasons and by the next time he finds himself in a Boston jersey he should be ready to start. - SC

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Of course, nearly everyone reading this list is waiting for the day when Senyshyn makes it. So far, he has not been terribly good for the 2015 first round pick, and he has yet to pass the 30 point mark in a season in the AHL for Providence. His transitional game, as well as his puck movement need to be faster and this next year will most likely be the last year to prove himself and try to find another gear when it comes to his overall game. Senyshyn’s skills are all up to standard for the type of offensive player he is, but he will need to do better and be more dominant in the AHL first in order to earn a full time spot whether with the Bruins, or on a different team. It has now become a mental game and it is up to only him to determine whether he still wants to do what it takes for a chance at the NHL or not. - SC

Trevor Kuntar, C (89^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

In his second year of eligibility, Kuntar stepped up his game last year as an assertive, physical, scoring center. A volume shooter, he took more shots on net than all but one other player in the entire USHL. The Boston College commit reads the game well and plays in a style that leaves little room for subtlety, mostly playing in straight North-South lines. He is a strong skater who prefers to play at his top speed and his strong frame and balance makes him hard to knock him off his stride. Always the top player on his Youngstown team, he will have to adapt his game to a lesser role at the next level, but his no-nonsense style, coupled with capable offensive tools leaves open the possibility that he can assert himself in a middle six role at the highest level. At worst, he can find a fit as an agitating presence will find a depth spot to call his own over time. - RW

Roman Bychkov, D (154^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Bychkov is a skilled puck moving defenseman who plays a mature, detailed game. He keeps his game quite simple in his own end and makes the correct reads and decisions. He has the ability to make plays in the offensive zone and can run the power play very well at the junior level in Russia. Has soft hands for giving and receiving passes. His shot is decent with a quick release but doesn’t pose much of a threat from the point. He plays with his head on a swivel and shows strong awareness of his surroundings. He is quick to collect loose pucks and take them out of danger in front of the net. Bychkov is a good skater with quick feet and agility. I think his explosiveness and speed will improve once he gains lower-body strength. Despite a current lack of physicality, he looks ready to make the jump to pro hockey. - MB

Curtis Hall, C (119^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Hall is extremely noticeable on the ice, partly because he is a rangy 6-3” forward. Drafted by Boston in the fourth round, he had played hockey in his native Ohio before spending two years in the USHL with Youngstown. He was named to the USHL All-Rookie Second Team in his first year with the Phantoms. This past year, Hall earned a spot on the U.S. World Junior Championship team. Hall led the Bulldogs, a historically low-scoring team, in points as well. Hall isn’t flashy but he is a fairly solid player and is an offensive asset who likes to score. His game is still raw but at 20 years of age, there is time and room left for him to improve. He is very physical. Hall ins’t incredibly fast but he is an aggressive backchecker, who makes his presence felt off the puck. He has also fared well in the face-off circle, winning over half of his draws. He may yet be a four year college player before turning pro. – JS

Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

As a smaller forward, Steen does well at getting to the net and is oftentimes fearless in getting to the puck first and staying persistent on the forecheck. This past season with AHL Providence, he was a rather dominant two-way player who was heavily relied upon in penalty kill situations especially due to his speed. Steen is a quick thinker and works best in tight situations down low where he can work the puck and find ways to get to the net. He simply has to keep up at the same high tempo pace as last season and land the same strong hits in order to earn his first NHL stint with Boston. He brings a good skill set and speed along with a strong degree of smarts, the struggle simply comes with his size and consistency, and those will be the main tests when it comes to the next level. Steen should be able to earn his first call up next season in a bottom six role, with a shot at the second penalty kill unit as well. – SC

Peter Cehlarik, LW (90^th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 16)

One of a few players on this list in their last years of prospect eligibility (age-related), Cehlarik has a second concern in that he was still unsigned as of early November 2020. That said, he is still an organizational asset for the Bruins, and his early season production for Leksands in SHL (oner one point per game) is not hurting his cause either. Cehlarik has already received 40 games of experience in the NHL for Boston. While he showed some ability to generate offense at the NHL level, his AHL scoring rates were unsustainable at the highest level, and he is further held back by his occasionally plodding foot speed and his propensity to play a soft, perimeter game, even though he has impressive size and strength. At this stage of his career, it is unlikely that Cehlarik ever grows higher than his current status as system depth, but even with those low expectations, he has value as he can hold his own for stretches thanks to his strong shot and solid puck skills, without pulling his team down. - RW

Anton Blidh, LW (180^th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 17)

Like Cehlarik above, Blidh is about to age out of consideration for this list. Unlike Cehlarik, Blidh is still under contract with the Bruins. Moreover, Blidh is a different type of player. Less of a true goal scorer, he has swift legs, and is not averse to grinding. He can play with added physicality, forcing opponents to work. Blidh has not been able to provide much offensive punch since his days in the Swedish junior ranks, and even his AHL numbers have been very underwhelming. He may have been primed to break through with the Bruins last season but was limited to 11 combined games in the NHL (7) and AHL (4) due to a severe shoulder injury that required surgery. Presuming a return to good health, he could be in line to start the 2020-21 season up with Boston, at least as long as Brad Marchand remains out with his own injury. His ceiling is low, but he is NHL playable. - RW

Joona Koppanen, LW (135^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: UR)

This run of AHL left wingers extends to (and ends with) Koppanen, although his career may lead him to more time as a center than on the wing. Tall and gangly, he remains intriguing even if he has struggled to put up notable numbers in his two seasons in the AHL, both times finding himself relegated down to the ECHL for a stretch. To his credit, Koppanen has spent the last month or so making the most of his time back home in Finland, playing on loan first in the Finnish second men’s league, as well as in the top flight Liiga, putting up impressive numbers. He has good hands and seems to read the game fairly well, but he is not the swiftest of skaters, and he does not generally put his giant frame to good use. Like Blidh, Koppanen has a very low ceiling, but Koppanen is also younger enough that we may yet see him continue to develop and force his way up the organizational depth chart. - RW

Victor Berglund, D (195^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)

Although he only signed his Entry Level Contract this past June, the former seventh round pick has already had a cup of coffee in the AHL, ending his 2018-19 season with Providence after the end of his 2018-19 season in Sweden. A right-handed blueliner, he has a pretty good point shot, giving him power play capabilities, but his other tools trend more towards average. Even without being toolsy, we have seen Berglund steadily continue to develop since his draft year, to the point where he can now state that all of his tools are at least average. His performance has similarly improved over two seasons in Sweden’s second league and that has continued in the early part of this season, as the Bruins have loaned him to Lulea in the SHL and he has looked pretty good. There are others in the Boston system who could fit in this part of the rankings, but we selected Berglund as he has at least hinted more that there is additional growth coming in his game. We’ll be watching. - RW

Mason Lohrei, D (58^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Outside of Columbus’ first rounder, Lohrei at the end of the second round was one of the most shocking picks of the 2020 draft. In his second year of draft eligibility, and his first full season playing in the USHL, the tall blueliner mixed production from the back end with a solid game in his own end. The numbers are great, but his size is his only real plus tool. We have not seen the upside to justify a second round selection, but his success in jumping from the high school ranks to the USHL – a jump which has caused many other talented players to fail – has impressed. He is expected to play in the USHL for one more season before taking the step up to the collegiate level with Ohio State. The Louisiana native is still very much a dark horse in terms of future NHL potential, but the Bruins clearly were impressed with what they have seen so far. - RW

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – BOSTON BRUINS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 7

Ryan Wagman, Profiles: Jashvina Shah, Shaiyena Cote, Marco Bombino, Ryan Wagman — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 17:37:34 +0000

Boston Bruins

It is often said – I often say so myself – that prospect development is rarely, if ever, linear. Some guys are ready for stardom before they are even draft eligible. Some seem that way but hit the height of their development too early and fizzle out. Some shine dimly at first and stay dim. Others seem to be on the path to journeyman status and suddenly hit a switch and take on a whole new trajectory.

The Bruins NHL roster is evidence of the variable paths prospects can take. Think of their big three forwards. High scoring David Pastrnak was a skilled playmaker in the Swedish junior ranks in his U18 season. He was good enough to be selected on merit in the first round, but his trajectory took a new upward course after he turned 18. He went right from the SuperElit, averaging two points every three games against the best teenagers in Sweden, to scoring over a point per game in the AHL and then holding his own as an 18-year-old in the NHL. He has never looked back.

Two-way extraordinaire Patrice Bergeron likewise flipped the switch as an 18-year-old, making the rare leap from the second round straight to the NHL. He was good right away, in a secondary scoring capacity, but turned it up even more after spending the lockout season in the AHL, returning as a 20-year-old capable of putting 70 point seasons on the board, in addition to his all world play off the puck.

Finally, we have the Nose, Brad Marchand. An undersized third round pick out of the QMJHL, he did not go straight from the draft to the pros, but spent two more years in junior hockey, putting up good numbers without exactly reaching a new level. Through his first two pro seasons, (ages 20-21), he had started to look like a good pick, even if his first 20 NHL games ended with only a single assist to his credit. He made the NHL for good at age 22, a solid middle six winger. It was only in his sixth full NHL campaign, at age 27, that he became more than a skilled pest and a true top six player. The following year he eclipsed the point-per-game mark for the first time, and has not fallen from that level since.

I could give more examples on this team alone, but I really want to switch gears here to talk about goalies. For netminders, we can take everything I wrote above about forwards flipping the switch at different times and amplify that ten-fold.

It is often said that scouting goalies is hard. Some say “voodoo.” Part of that is the sheer difficulty of separating a goalie’s performance from that of the defense in front of him. Part of that is judging athleticism. Some displays of athleticism in a netminder are a result of poor positioning or tracking forcing the goalie to scramble. Other displays are a breakdown of the defense forcing the goalie to scramble to save his teammates. And of course, it often takes goalies that much longer to reach their potential, with too many snuffed out due to a bad game or two at the wrong time, losing the confidence of their coach. Think of Bruins’ legend Tim Thomas, who didn’t break through to the NHL full time until he was 31.

This difficulty has long led many scouts and analysts to preach against drafting goalies early. Why is this relevant here? In the pre-season, we had one goalie, Kyle Keyser, in the Bruins’ top 20. After a season largely on the sidelines, he has been overtaken on the Boston depth chart by both Jeremy Swayman, who flipped the switch as a junior at Maine, winning the Mike Richter Award as the top goalie in the NCAA, and Dan Vladar, who seems to improve slightly every season without ever making the big leap. Goalies are indeed hard, but still essential. That’s why I have long advised drafting/signing one every year and not putting all the expectations on one prospect, no matter how talented he may be.

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 26: Look on Boston Bruins center Jack Studnicka (68) during the Boston Bruins versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 26, 2019, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire)

John Beecher, C (30^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

More than who find themselves atop a team’s prospect list, Beecher is here on potential more than a previously established level of performance and production. The last of eight members of the 2019 class of the USNTDP to be selected in the 2019 first round, Beecher was actually a bottom six player in his draft season. While that is not a major concern considering that three other centers from that squad were drafted in the top nine, it cannot be ignored that eight other members of that roster had more points.

Clearly the Bruins didn’t use their first-round pick on him with the expectation that he would turn into the next coming of Patrice Bergeron. Instead, more like their selection of Trent Frederic in the late first in 2016, they saw a player with all of the components to his game, and the physical tools to grow into a world class third line center. That projection hasn’t yet worked out for Frederic (more on him shortly), but there is still hope for Beecher. Starting with the physical gifts, he is a bear of a young man, standing a burly 6-3”, and he skates like the wind. He is remarkably graceful for his stature, and when he goes to the net (which he does regularly) he has been near impossible to stop at the collegiate or WJC levels. Despite his moderate numbers, there is still reason to expect more to come.

He played a more central role as a freshman with Michigan, where he was the fourth most productive forward, than he did with the USNTDP. His hands are quick and capable of the occasional surprising deke. He uses his elite reach well on both sides of the puck and has demonstrated a knack for creatively setting up his linemates for scoring chances. Beecher also takes full advantage of his imposing size, and at his best, can dominate any given shift. He just needs to start doing it more often. - RW

Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 4)

Studnicka is a highly adaptable, fast, and naturally gifted hockey player who as a second-round pick was a real diamond in the rough when Boston drafted him. He has all the makings of a future first liner in the NHL and his ceiling is very high as a prospect who still has not come close to peaking yet. His biggest asset is his speed, both with and without the puck, although he is still a little lightweight and weak on the puck. His goal for next season will to be stronger too help him win his physical battles more often to better pair with his speed.

After leading AHL Providence in points and finishing third in rookie points and thirteenth overall in the entire AHL, Studnicka is certainly ready to take on fulltime duty with Boston although the strangeness of this period in history could see him start with a few games back in Providence and then be up with Boston by February. Of course, he will need to adapt, but even at his worst he makes things happen on the ice and therefore it would be unwise for the Bruins to sleep on such a good offensive talent and overall playmaker and goal scorer. - SC

Jeremy Swayman, G (111^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)

Goalies are often difficult to project, but as a fourth-round pick, Swayman is looking like a solid investment. He put up a solid save percentage during his two seasons in the USHL but he didn’t really showcase his skills until he came to Maine, where he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team and won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championship, both in his freshman year. He played in just one game at the WJC but kept his net clean.

He had an okay sophomore year but really broke out during his junior year, ranking second nationally in save percentage. He was named the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year, the Hockey East Player of the Year, the Mike Richter Award winner for goaltending, the Walter Brown award for the top player in New England and a Hobey Baker finalist. It is no surprise he signed with the Bruins after the season ended.

Swayman is a calm goaltender who isn’t afraid of playing the puck. He doesn’t often make flashy saves — a good indication of solid technical skills — but occasionally makes flashy glove saves. He has quick reflexes and a quick stick. He moves well latterly and often stays in the crease. His speed is important, and his reflexes are important, but it also helps that Swayman is 6-3” and fills the net nicely. His size will no doubt be an asset at the next level. There is no question Swayman will be an NHL goaltender in relatively short order. - JS

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 2)

With all the international and men’s professional play Vaakanainen has played in the past few years, including bouncing between the AHL and NHL for the last two years, it is hard to keep in mind that he is still only 21 years of age. He managed five games up with Boston this past season and fared pretty well with a +2 rating, looking like a better fit than his brief stint up with Boston the year before.

The AHL training has been good for Vaakanainen, who clocks in with top ice time marks usually and spends time on both the penalty kill and powerplay units. He is a good skater with a good overall skill set, but what makes him stand out the most is his ability to be calm under pressure and make quick and good decisions with the puck. His hockey IQ is high and he has matured so much as a player over the course of two seasons that mentally he is tough and composed enough to play with the ever competitive Bruins; although his speed and play on the ice is lacking a certain element for now.

Due to the fact that Vaakainen is normally very calm, more urgency and intensity need to be inserted into his game for next season and he needs to get to the puck and move it up faster to keep up with the NHL pace. He still has a high ceiling and he continues to develop at a good rate leading him to most likely be called up again next season and he will see many more games with Boston as a bottom four defenseman. - SC

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 7)

Lauzon has found himself, after coming from a small town in Northern Quebec, now on the precipice of a full time role on the Bruins, over a journey of a few years, thanks to his tenacity and ability to rise up to the physical and mental challenges of the NHL and playing for one of the most notoriously feared original six teams.

Over the course of his professional career, he has not been known for his offensive contributions, but slightly adjusted his style of play to one that works for him and the Bruins. He plays a more defensive role and often lends his passing and skating abilities to breakouts and special teams’ situations. Lauzon is such a calm player that even in two-on-one defensive situations he takes the time to read the play and properly react which is what makes him able to not only play at the NHL level but also to be an asset to such an offensive minded group as the Bruins currently are constructed. He is simply a smart player and that really showed in his plus/minus this past season.

He has a good head on his shoulders and Boston needs more stay-at-home defensemen to balance things which is why Lauzon has lucked out with his calm play being an asset. It would really come as little surprise to see him finally hit his stride and secure a full time roster spot with Boston next season as part of a bottom four pairing, considering the way he played in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. - SC

Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 3)

Frederic is a well-rounded forward who can skate, shoot, move the puck, and stick handle all with ease, but in the Boston system as an average forward, he needs to make things happen in order to stand out and that is where he has been having trouble. He needs to dial in and focus on contributing to the stat sheet in a positive way, making his contributions hit the back of the net, rather than the penalty box especially when up with the Bruins as part of their bottom six.

For a player as talented as he is at getting to the net, he needs to find ways to perform at the next level and become an offensive threat in a skilled way as Boston already has plenty of grit in their main roster. - SC

Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 14)

Zboril is probably one of the more well-rounded prospects in the system. He can skate, shoot, and pass all with top level accuracy and performance. He is not necessarily anything spectacular in terms of being a flashy, standout type of guy but he contributes in getting the little things he does right, which spurs bigger things downstream. A

s he continues to get more comfortable and confident in the AHL, his chances of making the NHL are growing along with his maturity. Zboril simply needs to continue on his development path and at some point next season, he may see himself up with Boston. - SC

Jack Ahcan, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 27, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

The undersized blueliner is a classic power play specialist, although he was used in all situations in college. He is very mobile and likes to activate in the offensive zone. He reads the play well and generally makes the smart play to extend possession. As with any player of this size Ahcan will have to prove himself at every level before moving out, but in a best-case scenario, he makes it easier for the Bruins to walk away from Matt Grzelcyk when the latter becomes a UFA after the 2021-22 season. - RW

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 12)

Lauko will need to work on getting up to the AHL pace when moving the puck and knowing when to hold onto it, while his efforts in his own end are already commendable. He is yet another speedy, quick forward that Boston could use in their lineup at some point in the near-term future and he fits the mold for what the Bruins looks for in their forward prospects quite well.

For now, he has been loaned back out to his home country to play in the Czech league for a little bit, hoping that when he comes back he will be ready for his first NHL test as part of Boston’s bottom six. - SC

Daniel Vladar, G (75^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

He stands 6-5” and has an eye for finding the puck in scrambles and fights well for positioning behind screens. He stays square to the puck and cuts down angles really well. Confidence when playing the puck will come with time, and so will playing against one on one situations better. If he works on remaining calm and not biting too early, his progression towards earning Boston’s number one spot will only get better. Overall, much of Vladar’s play should improve in the coming seasons and by the next time he finds himself in a Boston jersey he should be ready to start. - SC

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 16)

His transitional game, as well as his puck movement need to be faster and this next year will most likely be the last year to prove himself and try to find another gear when it comes to his overall game. Senyshyn’s skills are all up to standard for the type of offensive player he is, but he will need to do better and be more dominant in the AHL first in order to earn a full time spot whether with the Bruins, or on a different team. It has now become a mental game and it is up to only him to determine whether he still wants to do what it takes for a chance at the NHL or not. - SC

Ryan Fitzgerald, C (120^th overall, 2013. 2019 Rank: 20)

As it is Fitzgerald’s last year of prospect eligibility, now is the make or break time for him, as every year lowers the room for potential growth in his game. For the past three seasons, he has been a steady forward fixture on the AHL Providence Bruins, as a go-to point guy and versatile forward capable of playing in all situations.

He has skill but size is not in his corner. He makes up for that deficiency in his firmly rooted offensive mindset and natural scoring ability. That being said, Fitzgerald will need to make his defensive game better and be a better two way forward next season if he wants to finally get a call up to Boston. He has one more season to crack the big club’s bottom six and with as much maturity and leadership potential as a player like Fitzgerald has, a failure to take that step now could be the death knell of his NHL hopes. - SC

Roman Bychkov, D (154^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

He owns soft hands for giving and receiving passes. His shot is decent with a quick release but doesn’t pose much of a threat from the point. He plays with his head on a swivel and shows strong awareness of his surroundings. He is quick to collect loose pucks and take them out of danger in front of the net.

Bychkov is a good skater with quick feet and agility. I think his explosiveness and speed will improve once he gains lower-body strength. Despite a current lack of physicality, he looks ready to make the jump to pro hockey. - MB

Curtis Hall, C (119^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

This past year, he earned a spot on the U.S. World Junior Championship team. Hall led the Bulldogs, a historically low-scoring team, in points as well. Hall isn’t flashy but he is a fairly solid player and is an offensive asset who likes to score.

His game is still raw but at 20 years of age, there is time and room left for him to improve. He is very physical. isn’t incredibly fast but he is an aggressive backchecker, who makes his presence felt off the puck. He has also fared well in the face-off circle, winning over half of his draws. He may yet be a four-year college player before turning pro. – JS

Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 10)

Steen is a quick thinker and works best in tight situations down low where he can work the puck and find ways to get to the net. He simply has to keep up at the same high tempo pace as last season and land the same strong hits in order to earn his first NHL stint with Boston.

He brings a good skill set and speed along with a strong degree of smarts, the struggle simply comes with his size and consistency, and those will be the main tests when it comes to the next level. Steen should be able to earn his first call up next season in a bottom six role, with a shot at the second penalty kill unit as well. - SC

Boston Bruins 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 17:37:55 +0000

Despite missing the playoffs for two season in a row in 2014-15 and 2015-16, the Bruins have generally been among the best teams in the league going back over a decade. Since the 2007-08 season, a span in which those two misses were the only times the B’s missed out on the postseason, the four constants in Boston have been Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask, and David Krejci.

In 2010-11 that core was expanded by the full time addition of Brad Marchand to the roster, while David Pastrnak emerged full formed out of the draft for the 2014-15 season. One could make plausible arguments for both Torey Krug and Charlie McAvoy as additions to that vaunted core, and I wouldn’t argue their inclusions, but whether the Bruins’ core includes five, six, or seven players, it is clear that the rest of the roster is not and cannot compete with their supremacy.

For the most part, the Bruins have focused their drafting efforts in the past 12 seasons towards augmenting their core, getting players who could support their super stars – on entry level, or second contract dollars – while the stars eat up the spotlight and the lion’s share of the salary cap.

A full accounting of the efficacy of such a strategy is best left for an essay with fewer limitations on size, but it certainly hasn’t hurt the Bruins. The strategy is helped greatly by finding good players through the draft – and occasionally through amateur free agency – that can fill those roles. And I don’t mean that they draft role players in the way that Edmonton used to draft role players – the Bruins have not been focusing on players who could not crack top sixes on their respective amateur teams.

Rather, the Bruins have long been on the hunt for players with skill, but whose style and skillsets are adaptable to the grind of bottom six life (and bottom pairing life, and backup goalie life) in the NHL.

The proof to their success in drafting can be observed by how many players they had selected have eventually played in the NHL, often for Boston. Of course not every player has evolved into a long-term NHLer, but when your fifth or sixth round pick plays even 20 games in the NHL, that is a successful draft pick.

Year	Number of picks	How many played in the NHL
2008	6	4
2009	5	4
2010	8	6
2011	6	4
2012	6	4
2013	6	2
2014	5	4
2015	10	6
2016	6	3

Through nine drafts (it is far too early to judge the 2017-18 drafts, the Bruins saw at least half of the players selected reach the NHL in all years except 2013, and if Ryan Fitzgerald or Wiley Sherman plays in the NHL (neither would surprise at all), it will be a full nine out of nine. Some of those players have played less than 50 games in the NHL thus far, but those numbers also include 13 players who have already played over 100 games in the Show. Only two of those players are even considered for the core designation discussed above. Whether or not the strategy can work for all teams, it certainly works for Boston.

-Ryan Wagman

Boston Bruins defenseman Urho Vaakanainen (58) (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

1 John Beecher, C (30^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) Although not at all correlated with this ranking, or his prospects for future success, I want to point out that John Beecher has hands like catcher’s mitts. I speak from experience. Not only are his paws gigantic, Beecher is a very big young man. He is also a splendid skater, not just for his size, but even in comparison to players six inches and thirty pounds smaller than he is. His draft year numbers may be underwhelming, but context helps put them into focus. As a member of the All Star USNTDP class, Beecher generally played in the bottom six. He isn’t as skilled as Jack Hughes, or Alex Turcotte, or Trevor Zegras. He spent very little time on the power play, with only two points on the man advantage throughout USHL play. He focused on defensive work, penalty killing and the like, but Beecher has skill, too. He has soft hands and can generate on his own, with his speed, physicality and creativity. I strongly suspect that he will play a far more offensive role with Michigan, and eventually, in the pros as well. - RW

2 Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2017. Last Year: 1) Vaakanainen is a smooth skating, dynamic defenseman who had a good transition from SaiPa in the Liiga to the Providence Bruins. He is not known for any particular offensive abilities but his neutral zone play and puck movement are still amongst the top on this list. He makes precise passes and knows when to skate the puck and when to dump it. For a blueliner who plays big, Vaakanainen still plays a rather naive physical game, and he will have to learn to be better in the dirty spots and make sure to win his physical battles, which includes one on ones. His hockey sense and awareness with and without the puck prove him to be NHL ready and his overall contribution to every shift make him a contender for a top line defensive spot in the future. - SC

3 Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 2) Even though his first full professional season was somewhat of a let down, Frederic’s outlook is still bright. His seasonal numbers were clearly underwhelming, but they look better when we split his year into halves, as he began to acclimatize himself to the AHL pace in the season’s second half, which included a hat trick in the regular season’s penultimate game. Even so, he certainly wasn’t ready for the NHL, looking out of place in his 15 game midseason stint. The two-way game that convinced the Bruins to select him in the first round are still with him. He is a fine skater with enough puck skill and offensive instinct to earn middle six minutes at maturity. His grinder, to the net style also bodes well for that role. Boston will be looking for more consistent production before giving an NHL look. - RW

4 Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. Last Year: 8) It could probably be argued that Studnicka is one of the more well-rounded forward prospects in hockey. There is no role that he cannot play on the ice for his team. Improvements to his skating stride over his OHL career have also really improved his outlook as an impact player. If his offensive skill set translates and he proves that he can skate and create in transition consistently, Boston could have a potential second line center. But if not, he still could develop into a nice checking line center who could be utilized in tough defensive matchups. Given how pro ready his game is, he could be much closer to making an impact in Boston than some think. - BO

5 Anders Bjork, LW (146^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 3) Even though he has already played in 50 NHL games, split over two seasons, Bjork still qualifies as a prospect by our criteria, as he came five games shy of graduating as a rookie, and is ten game short for his career. The problem, for the most part, has been health-related. In each of the last two seasons, his work was cut short due to serious shoulder injuries. The injuries should not impact his skating, which is still impactful. His instincts could have grown rusty with the long layoffs, although his previous work as a collegian suggests that he has the high end hockey IQ for him to be able to wear that rust off if he can stay on the ice. With this ranking, we are presuming a return to health, but the recurring nature of the injuries may have a potentially severely deleterious effect on his ascension to regular NHL status, such as we recently saw with St. Louis’ Robby Fabbri. - RW

6 Connor Clifton, D (133^rd overall, 2013 [Arizona]. Last Year: 13) Originally drafted by Arizona, the Coyotes sought to sign Clifton after his four years at Quinnipiac were up, but the hard hitting blueliner took his chances in free agency and was given an AHL deal by the Bruins’ organization. One strong season with Providence and the Bruins awarded him with an ELC. With the injuries suffered throughout the defense-corps last year, he got to showcase his stuff over 37 games combined in the regular season and the playoffs. Clifton is a good puck mover, but lacking in the flash to play in an NHL power play. His main strength is in his own zone, where his physicality makes him very tough to play against. He may also have more offense within, if he plays with the confidence to take more chances. That may be the difference between the 4/5 ceiling, and a more solid second pairing role at his peak. - RW

7 Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. Last Year: 9) A smooth, no-drama defender, the two-way upside that Lauzon demonstrated in the QMJHL has given way to a more stately, first pass type, as he still has not found much of an offensive game after two years as a pro. Now looking more like a decent potential third pairing blueliner at his peak, he plays a more cerebral game, with a high panic threshold and sound positional play. He has decent size and strength, but is not especially aggressive to play against. One concern that was brought up in his amateur days which seems to have followed him is his average at best foot-speed. Without the ability to recover in time if he pinches deep in the offensive zone, he ends u playing more conservatively. That limits mistakes, but also limits his upside. - RW

8 Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, C (45^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 5) Although Forsbacka Karlsson will be heading back to play with Vaxjo in the SHL for a year, he is not to be counted out of the top prospect list for the Bruins. He is a well-rounded player offering skill and good speed to any forward line. He is a better passer than he is a shooter and can pass from all areas and both sides of the blade equally well. He will have to work on his consistency however, as he can be very good some games and not so good in others. As a centerman he is good at winning draws and is a good two-way player capable of playing a good defensive roll and playing on both power play and penalty kill. Presuming an eventual return to North America and the NHL, JFK would make a decent bottom six forward and a dynamic centerman. - SC

9 Kyle Keyser, G (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Oct. 3, 2017. Last Year: Not ranked) Keyser is an athletic netminder who can steal games for his team when he is dialed in. He moves post to post with great power, tracking the play and demonstrating the ability to make those highlight reel stretch saves. Over his OHL career, he really improved his mental focus, allowing him to be more consistent and to bounce back from tough goals or poor performances. Like any netminder who relies primarily on athleticism, there will be a transition period as Keyser will need to adjust his reads and become less of a stopper and more of a goaltender. There is no reason to suggest that with some AHL seasoning, that he could not be an NHL netminder within three years. - BO

10 Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 17) A small-sized forward with nice offensive tools who plays with a lot of energy and with some edge as well. 21-year-old Steen took a big step last season increasing his offensive output to 37 points from six points in the prior year. He played a bigger role on a strong team and took it. He has a quick and hard shot. He can use both a one-time slap shot, as well as a quick released wrist shot to score. His overall hockey sense and offensive game isn’t elite and success comes mostly from playing a fast-paced game and working hard. His compete level fits well with the Bruins’ identity. He will probably start next season with Providence, but I can see him making the NHL as a high intense skating and skilled bottom six player who also can produce some points in that role. - JH

11 Karson Kuhlman, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Apr. 10, 2018. Last Year: Not ranked) Although he was never a gamebreaker over his four year career at Minneaota-Duluth, or beforehand, Kuhlman had the best year of his life as a first year pro, scoring at a respectable clip in the AHL and impressing enough in an NHL stint that he earned playoff shifts for the B’s. He is on the small side, and his pure skill set is average on a good day, but between his hockey IQ and his gritty style, he makes the most of what he has. He is a reliable penalty killer and his foot speed can make him dangerous if he gets a clean break. Kuhlman has a lower ceiling than anyone else on this list, but more certainty of reaching it than most. He could easily earn a fourth line NHL roe out of camp and stick in the NHL for as long as he is willing to play for a salary near the minimum. - RW

12 Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 10) A European in the Bruins’ mold, Lauko brings great straight-line speed and a strong work ethic. He struggled a bit with injuries but was a great factor in the playoffs, leading all rookies in scoring with 13 points in 19 games, and added an impressive eight points in the Memorial Cup. His speed off the rush makes him dangerous and it is where he is most comfortable, but he is also a contributor without the puck. He is a confident sniper with a great shot, and he knows it; he fires with authority from all around the zone. His hockey sense makes him a threat to take the puck and go north from any spot on the ice, while his speed makes him tough to catch. He has all the tools to be a sniper off the wing at the NHL level. - MS

13 Axel Andersson, D (57^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 11) A puck skilled right-handed defenseman who skates well. Andersson has both good puck control as well as mature decision-making. He has NHL potential, as a third pairing or maybe even second pairing role. He is not a typical shutdown defender but protects the blue line well. He is best used as a quietly effective defenseman with the puck who has some offensive blue line skills as well. He has shown great promise playing in the junior league in Sweden, but often got sidelined in the international events due to tough internal competition for ice-time. Last season, he got a chance to play senior hockey full time as an 18-year-old in Allsvenskan. He had an okay season but wasn’t able to earn big minutes there either. Next season, Andersson will be heading to North America. He is probably not ready for NHL, so it’ll be Providence (AHL) or Moncton (QMJHL) for now. - JH

14 Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 7) The first player Boston selected as part of their infamous three-in-a-row first round run in 2015, Zboril has seen his pro career stagnate through two seasons in Providence. He was considered a safe prospect at the time, but that moniker is always cringe-worthy and while he will expand his NHL resume beyond his current two games of experience, the likelihood of him having an impact beyond the third pairing is shrinking. His offensive tools are passable, but he has struggled with bringing them to the fore more than occasionally. As a former first rounder, the Bruins will not be too quick to dismiss him as a prospect, and he has enough in his game to play, but more is needed. - RW

15 Roman Bychkov, D (154^th overall, 2019. Last Year: IE) A talented defenseman, Bychkov is coming off a strong season in the Lokomotiv system, winning the MHL title. Earlier in the season he helped Team Russia earn a Bronze Medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, to which he contributed a goal. He is a potential top-four, two-way defenseman with interesting puck skills and a solid defensive game. He has a good set of hands that allows him to carry the puck up the ice or making a good first pass, but he may play more in the offensive zone, and sometimes he prefers to play a simple game even though he has the skills to take risks in creating a scoring chance. He absolutely needs to bulk up and further fine-tune his game before thinking about a move overseas. He is under contract in Russia for two more seasons and he still needs another year or two of seasoning and growing. - ASR

16 Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 6) On the pro side of the ledger, Senyshyn is still a fantastic skater. His end-to-end speed is dynamic and played a large part in the Bruins using the 15^th overall pick on him four years ago. Another positive is his shot. When he gets positioning and time, he can rip the puck. On the other side of the ledger is everything else. He cannot think the game at the speed of his legs and has not been able to adjust to the pace of the pro game, even though he is faster than most of his teammates as well as opponents. He can get himself – momentarily – into scoring opportunities, but all too often fails to act in time to make good on them. His wheels will keep hm on the radar for another two or three years, but will not prevent others from passing him on the depth charts. He needs to find a new level. - RW

17 Peter Cehlarik, LW (90^th overall, 2013. Last Year: 16) Cehlarik is, in a way, the polar opposite to Senyshyn above. Senyshyn can fly, but rarely produces. Cehlarik produces at a strong level for the AHL, but his pace is plodding. The Slovakian import is equally effective as a scorer and a playmaker, but his lack of pace has always been a concern, and NHL stints in each of the last three seasons have done nothing to negate those concerns. He has enough size and has demonstrated repeatedly that he has the ability to find holes in coverage from which to strike, but scoring in the AHL is not always a precursor to scoring in the NHL and until Cehlarik proves he can do it, that question will always hang over his helmet. In the meantime, Boston will be happy to go year-by-year contractually with him. - RW

18 Pavel Shen, C (212^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 20) In spite of his successful WJC campaign, Shen had a tough season in 2018-19. Pressure was high on him and on his team in the second half, and he failed to deliver despite being given a chance. Left without many options at home, he decided to move overseas. The move seems to be a bit too fast, and perhaps it would have been better for him to find himself another KHL team for a couple of seasons as right now he is very raw, albeit talented. Shen skates well and has a good eye for the game, but the other side of the coin is that he doesn’t defend hard and he prefers playing on the perimeter or in open ice. If he manages to find a niche in North America, he can develop into a smooth-skating forward with a good knack for secondary scoring, but at this point his move seems premature. The next season will be key for his development. - ASR

19 Cameron Hughes, C (165^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 14) For a first year pro, Hughes held his own last year, contributing a decent amount of secondary offense to a middling Providence squad. In an interesting change from his days at the University of Wisconsin (some alongside Trent Frederic), he has shown more finishing skill than previously thought, while his playmaking, previously a strength of his game, took a backseat in the AHL. Even though he has added muscle from his days on campus, he is still undersized and plays in accordance with his lack of strength. The main concern at this point is Hughes is that he lacks a natural role. He has great hands, but they are not enough to secure a top six role in the NHL – and barely so in the AHL. Yet he also lacks the style of game traditionally seen in a bottom six role. Contrast with Karson Kuhlman above, who has lesser skills than Hughes, but whose game is much better suited to a bottom six role. - RW

20 Ryan Fitzgerald, C (120^th overall, 2013. Last Year: 12) After contributing 37 points in each of his first two full pro seasons, it would seem, at a glance, that we know what Fitzgerald can bring to the table. But looking deeper, we can see that the shape of his production has varied greatly year over year. A finisher as a debutant, he skewed much more towards playmaking as a follow up. He had fluctuated similarly over his four year run at Boston College, adding to the confusion. Fitzgerald plays a skill game, and is stronger in the offensive and neutral zones than in his own zone, where he can struggle to hold his assignment. He lacks size and can be neutralized physically, although he is smart enough to find a way often enough. Like Hughes above, he has a bit of the tweener in him, and will need his IQ to convince the decision makers to give him a prolonged opportunity. - RW

AHL Report: Atlantic Division – Lucas Johansen (Hershey), Teddy Blueger (Wilkes-Barre), Peter Cejlarik (Providence), Phillippe Myers (Lehigh Valley), and Lias Andersson (Hartford)

Jacob Stoller — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 16:04:17 +0000

Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals)

Lucas Johansen of the Kelowa Rockets was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, NY on Friday June 24, 2016. Photo by Aaron Bell/CHL Images

An underreported part of the Capitals’ identity is their plethora of puck moving defenseman. From the top of their blue-line—in John Carlson and Matt Niskanen—to the bottom of their blue-line—with Dmitri Orlov, Michal Kempny, Christian Djoos— the Capitals have a strong foundation of D-men.

And with 21-year-old Lucas Johansen, the organization has another one of those defenseman in their pipeline.

“He’s a player that has elite mobility and deception with that mobility,” said Spencer Carbery, the Hershey Bears’ head coach. “He’s one of those defenseman that is very smooth when he has the puck and can make you miss laterally.”

Johansen’s mobility stood out last year during his rookie season, recording 27 points in 74 games while being a key cog within Hershey’s power play. Although Johansen showcased well in his rookie season, it was clear at the tail-end of last season that, going forward, Johansen would need to bulk up in order to see his development progress.

“[Strength] was one of the big things that he was focused on last offseason,” said Carbery. “We wanted him to become more physically equipped to be able to handle himself physically as a defenseman. Whether that was down-low in the defensive zone, defending 1-on-1 situations with bigger guys—he did a really good job at getting himself to put on a little extra weight.”

While he has only been limited to 23 games due to injuries, Johansen doesn't look as frail and delicate this year as he did last season. He looks like he belongs at the pro level and he is really only a year or two away from knocking on the Caps’ door for a roster spot.

Wilkes-Barre Scranton (Pittsburgh Penguins)
As the organization’s cupboard is starting to thin out, and the organization desperately trying to pry their Stanley Cup window open a little longer—there is reason to believe Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford could pull off another deal before Monday’s deadline.

Aside from draft picks, the Penguins don't have much to offer. One of the assets they do have goes by the name of Teddy Blueger, a 24 year-old forward who has paid his dues in Wilkes-Barre over the past three years who is close, if not already, NHL caliber.

The Minnesota State—Mankato University graduate is playing out the final year of his entry-level contract ($650,000 AAV) as he dominates at the AHL level with the Baby Penguins. While Blueger’s statistics tell a part of the story—with a team-high 39 points in 45 games—they don't paint the entire picture of Blueger as a player.

The hard-nosed natural centreman has fine offensive instincts—as seen throughout the nine games he has played with the Penguins this year, where he recorded three points in limited ice-time—but the real enticing thing about Blueger’s game is his compete level. Whether it is in the corners, the defensive zone, on the penalty kill or in the face-off dot—-Blueger brings his best every single game.

The problem for Blueger is that as he has started to hit his peak, available opportunities in the Penguins lineup have started to dwindle—with recent acquisitions like Nick Bjugstad, Jared MCann and Tanner Pearson all under contract for at least next season. While Blueger is certainly more expendable than he was before, the Penguins would be silly to give up on a role-player like Blueger who could anchor a penalty kill unit while costing less than one-million dollars per year.

Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)

Peter Cehlarik

The Boston Bruins’ AHL affiliate has held onto a playoff spot for the majority of the year thanks to some key contributions from the organization’s prospects.

One guy that has really stood out throughout the season is 23-year-old Czech forward Peter Cejlarik, who is currently on recall with Boston.

Cehlarik has long-been one of the organization’s best-kept secrets. From the get-go of his pro hockey career, he has consistently put up high-end offensive numbers. Furthermore, his game is a lot less vanilla than many of those currently in the Bruins’ bottom-six and while Cehlarik doesn't do anything extraordinarily, there isn’t a component of his game that hinders him. He has superb offensive instincts and he is always looking to make something happen in the offensive zone.

Actually, the one thing that hurts his stock within the Bruins organization is that, like we just said, nothing he does is extraordinary.

If he was a bit quicker, maybe Cehlarik would have been brought up sooner. If he was more dominant on the puck, maybe he would have vaulted up the depth chart—but he is what he is. And the Bruins— a meat and potatoes organization that is successful, albeit rather old school in their roster make-up—are what they are.

The past is the past, though. Ceharlik’s finally been given a chance at the NHL level with his latest recall, where he has recorded six points in 13 games.

Odds are the Bruins aren't done wheeling and dealing before the deadline, and with that said, don't be surprised if Ceharlik is summoned back to Providence for some playoff experience.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Phil Myers

Seeing players make their NHL debut is nothing short of awesome.

But when you see an undrafted 6-5” defenseman by the name of Phillippe Myers make his debut—it is truly spectacular. The strides that one of the organizations fastest rising prospects has made over the last two years is incredibly impressive. It is hard not to root for Myers.

The towering defender has always had an incredibly intimidating presence, but his skill and skating ability didn't peak until the back-end of his junior career. Even as his development had somewhat of a slow start, Myers has caught onto the AHL game quite quickly. As his sophomore season winds down, Myers is looking like an NHL-caliber player.

The physical attributes of his game have caught up to his very high hockey IQ, and with his mind and body at the same level—-he is just getting started. And that is good news for the Flyers, as a player of Myers’ ilk—a skilled puck moving defenseman who has an imposing physical stature—are so, so hard to find.

Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers)

When you watch a lot of AHL hockey (or really, any level below the NHL) you develop favorites. Yes, that is a thing in the NHL too, I know, but this kind of favoritism is a bit different. It is a sort of fandom for a player that you have watched closely, like their game, and as a result— root considerably for them.

For me, that is Lias Andersson.

OTTAWA, ON - NOVEMBER 29: New York Rangers center Lias Andersson (50) follows the play during third period National Hockey League action between the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators on November 29, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire)

Andersson, who the Rangers drafted seventh overall in the 2017 draft, has split this season between the Rangers and the Wolf Pack. Andersson’s second season of North American hockey has brought just a tad more consistency than last year—with the Swedish native splitting his rookie season between the SHL, AHL and NHL. As with last year, Andersson has spent some time with the Rangers but with each game he plays in the world’s greatest league, it is evident that he needs some more fine tuning.

Andersson, who has 20 points in 36 games, is a smart centerman who competes exceptionally well. The pace at the NHL-level seemed to throw him out of whack a bit, so it is fitting that Andersson is still working at his craft in the AHL.

And as we have seen at the AHL level, when Andersson is comfortable—he is lethal. He sees the ice so well, is rarely caught out of position and his puck skills are fantastic. The problem is, with Hartford treading last in the Atlantic Division, Andersson has spent a lot of time in his own zone and on the wrong end of the final score. And that is hard for a young prospect.

I truly believe Lias Andersson is going to be a top-six center at the NHL level, but when exactly will that happen? I have my qualms.

At this rate, I would say he needs one more full season of AHL action—alongside, hopefully, better veteran players than what he has had this year—before being NHL ready.

Boston Bruins Prospect System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 20:31:54 +0000

This is probably repetitive for Bruins fans, but it is once again time to relitigate the 2015 draft. You know the one. With three consecutive picks in the middle of the first round, Boston selected, in order, Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, and Zach Senyshyn.

The common knowledge at the time, regardless of who else was still available, was that DeBrusk was decent value in that slot, Zboril was a slight overdraft, and Senyshyn was a huge reach.

No one drafts in a vacuum though, and we must remind ourselves that the next three players off the board were Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor, and Thomas Chabot. Other individuals who have already surpassed the Boston trio’s combined 70 games in the NHL (all by DeBrusk, by the way), include Joel Eriksson Ek, Brock Boeser, Travis Konecny, and Anthony Beauvilier. And that is just the first round. There were also three second rounders, one fourth rounder(!) and one seventh rounder (!!!) who have also passed the 70 games mark in the NHL. To the credit of Boston scouts, one of those second rounders was Brandon Carlo, a Bruins’ pick, too.

As the years pass, Boston has managed to maintain a top 15 farm system by stockpiling young players in both quality in quantity. They possess that upper-half farm system even after trading away pieces and picks in last season’s futile attempt to make a deep playoff push and some of their other ultimately misguided decisions, such as them passing up on 2017-18 Calder Trophy winner Barzal and other dynamic talents. Ultimately those missteps will be lost to time and the constant roster churn that is part and parcel of the hockey world.

We can also take a few moments to note that the 2015 draft class was not a failure on Boston’s part. Hindsight also allows for more clarity than we have in the moment, and if we are to spend years vilifying Don Sweeney and company for not taking A, B, or C, we can also reasonably do the same to Florida, who drafted Lawson Crouse, or Dallas, for taking Denis Guryanov, both ahead of the Boston trio. We can even scoff at New Jersey, who selected a decent young center in Pavel Zacha at sixth overall, but passed up on dynamic defenders in Ivan Provorov and Zach Werenski, who went with the next two picks. There are similar what-of stories every year.

So how was 2015 not a failure for Boston? As we have already covered, two regular NHLers have already emerged from their picks in DeBrusk and Carlo. Of the system’s current top 20 prospects, five were from that draft, including three of the top seven. A few others who did not make the top 20, were late cuts, including third rounder Dan Vladar, and fourth rounder Jesse Gabrielle. They are all still only in their age 21-22 seasons, so those players’ futures have not yet been written. I can’t say that I am a fan of their seventh round pick in Jack Becker, but the 2015 draft is stamped all over this system, and not in a bad way. We can talk about missed opportunities until Barzal is elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2038, but it is time to focus on what that draft class brought to the organization, instead of what it did not.

Urho Vaakanainen

1 Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2018. Last Year: 2^nd) Only 19 years old, Vaakanainen already has more than two full years of pro experience playing in Finland’s top league. More impressive, he has not been a bit player, but one of Liiga’s ice time leaders, when not commandeering the Finnish blueline for his age level. He is the type of player whose whole is far greater than the sum of his parts. He is quite mobile, without being a blazer. His point shot is strong when he can step into it. He makes all of the basic passes, although does not often attempt tricky plays. He has average size, and is not known for crashing or banging. All of that said, the overall package works. He will never be a flashy player, but he will play in all situations and will excel at keeping the puck moving in the right direction.

2 Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. Last Year: 4^th) Although the Bruins were lambasted for bragging that they saw a good third liner in Frederic after using a late first round pick on him, championships have been won with less talent manning the third line. Frederic is a player with near elite hockey smarts, allowing all of his other tools, solid in their own rights, to play up. Opportunistic in the offensive end and tenacious off the puck, he can play in all situations and provide an impact in all of them. His late season stint with Providence, after signing his ELC showed that he is ready for the pro game and could be a solid season away from claiming his draft right on the third line. In the meantime, he will be aiming to show that his offensive tools will be able to provide consistent offensive support in the AHL.

3 Anders Bjork, LW (146^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 3^rd) Bjork was well on his way from graduating from this section of the book last year when a late February crosscheck substantially damaged his left shoulder, leading to surgery to repair his labrum. He had experienced intermittent success prior to that point, driving play, albeit in sheltered minutes. Assuming a return to health, he should pick up where he left off. He is a wonderful skater, playing an instinctual game, flashes a true finisher’s wrist shot and demonstrates a lifetime of good coaching on every shift. Boston is deep enough up front to ease him back in, but he still projects as a middle six winger on a winning team.

Ryan Donato

4 Ryan Donato, C (56^th overall, 2014. Last Year: 11th) Four long years have passed since the Bruins made Donato a second round pick. There may have been some fear that they would have to wat a fifth year, as not too many Harvard players leave school early, but a junior season that included being named a Hobey Baker Award finalist as well as tying for the Olympic Games lead in goals, Boston managed to get Donato to sign on the dotted line. He is not the best skater, but has a fantastic shot and soft hands, hinting at a possible outcome as an occasionally dynamic middle six forward. There may be a learning curve to his play away from the puck, but nine points in 12 late season NHL games proved that he was ready.

5 Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, C (45^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 5^th) Although there was some speculation that Forsbacka-Karlsson could see some time in the NHL as a rookie, the Bruins were deep down the middle, both in the NHL and the AHL, leaving him to spend the year acclimating in Providence. JFK is a true five tool, two-way center. None of the tools are dynamic, per se, but all of the ones stressed in the modern game project as above average. He is a fine skater with a good shooting arsenal and playmaking ability. He has a high end hockey brain and it would be surprising is his production does not take a big step forward in year two in the AHL. That is, if he does not break camp in the NHL. He might top out as a third liner, but he could be a good one.

6 Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 7^th) When the Bruins surprised the hockey world by selecting Senyshyn in the middle of the first round, their thinking was that his blistering speed would eventually be matched by his other skills and allow him to be an impact player down the line. While he learned to score, seemingly at will, in the OHL, the going was a little rougher in his rookie professional season. The speed is still a plus-plus tool, and he flashes a very good shot. He also is still a versatile player, in that he can play in a defensive role, in addition to the penalty kill, thanks to we refined sense of responsibility. The hopes that he can be an impact player have definitely been muted, but he has a combination of attributes that still suggests an NHL future, and it is not out of the question that he continues to improve going forward.

7 Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 10^th) Zboril might never escape the ignominy of when he was drafted, but as a promising debut season in the AHL shows, he is still a prospect of note by his own accord. He has moderate offensive skills, in particularly his ability to pass the puck on a line across multiple zone to kickstart the offensive attack. He is a fine skater, although could stand to improve his change of direction before he turns pro. He is built solid, and while not a vicious player, more than holds his own when it comes to battling for position. His best attribute is his hockey smarts. He understands his role well, and like many good blueliners, is at his best when you don’t even notice him. He reads the game well, and as a result, plays with composure.

8 Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. Last Year: 15^th) One of a number of Boston prospects who best tool is his brain, Studnicka took a step forward in his first post draft year. He has a modicum of skills, and has shown the ability to create offensive chances for himself or others, but he will not be mistaken for a dynamic player. He is at his best when he is aggressive, which is most of the time. He is heavy on the forecheck, plays a heads-up game, with his stick well-positioned to disrupt. He is a fine skater, with decent hands, but he will need to add a fair bit of muscle before permanently moving to the pro game. Obviously, there is the risk that added heft negatively impacts his mobility, but his style of game will lose impact without additional strength.

9 Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. Last Year: 9^th) Jeremy Lauzon’s first year as a professional did not go as planned. Having missed substantial time to injuries in the previous two years, he again missed a chunk of the AHL season. While he did play, he showed some of what has had the Boston brass excited about him since he was drafted. There is the smooth, composed game he plays in his own zone, with a nice blend of physicality and positional sense. While he still coming to grips somewhat with the enhanced speed of the pro game, he is a solid skater with the physical tools to keep up with the pace. He also brings plenty of intangibles to the game, as the former Rouyn-Noranda captain wore an “A” on his chest as a rookie. He isn’t ready for the NHL just yet, but he is still trending in the right direction.

Jakub Lauko

10 Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) When the Bruins draft players out of Europe, they tend to prefer players who have spent considerable time in the senior men’s leagues of their home countries. Lauko fits that bill, with a season and a half of Czech men’s hockey before he was drafted. As with most teenagers playing amongst men, his impact on the scoreboard was muted, but given the chance to play among his peers, such as at the WU18, and to a lesser extent, at the WJC, his game stood out. He is an intense, high motor player who skates very well and loves to forecheck. He plays a physical brand, although his hits are not so much thunderous as they are a constant, irritating presence. His hands can’t match his feet, limiting his upside, but his kamikaze style will make him a fan favorite.

11 Axel Andersson, D (57^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Sometimes lost in the shuffle of a strong cohort of 2000-born defensemen in Sweden, Andersson sticks out with plus-plus puck skills. He reads the play very well and is an advanced puck distributor. He skates smoothly and added strength suggests he could see an uptick in his speed. His is more than a mere offensive defenseman however, as he shows the ability to read the forecheck as well as the backcheck and demonstrates a consistency of effort that bodes well for his future development. The Bruins gave him an ELC within weeks of being drafted, but immediately loaned him back to Djurgardens to continue his development with the comforts of home. With a skill set as broad as Andersson’s his game could project in any number of ways, but most of them suggest an NHL future.

12 Ryan Fitzgerald, C (120^th overall, 2013. Last Year: not ranked) After four long years at Boston College, Ryan Fitzgerald, part of the extended Fitzgerald/Tkachuk/Hayes hockey family, had a promising rookie professional season, scoring 21 goals at AHL Providence. Smaller than his father Tom, he will have to play a similar style game to make an NHL dent. He has a decent set of tools, with his skating, shot, puck skills and mind all showing signs of above average potential, but there is nothing in his game that screams dynamic, no matter how well he has performed thus far. He has a chance at a bottom six future. An NHL cameo this year is not out of the question either.

13 Connor Clifton, D (Mar. 3, 2017. Last Year: IE) Drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, as a hard hitting, energetic blueliner with the USNTDP, Clifton went to Quinnipiac for a full four years, and was one of the defensive leaders on a team that went to the NCAA finals. Although it was reported that the Coyotes wanted to sign him after he completed his collegiate eligibility, he took an AHL deal with Providence instead. It was a good call. Clifton is still a plus skater, with advanced defensive IQ and hits like a truck, belying his small frame. The Bruins rewarded him with an ELC late in the season.

14 Cameron Hughes, C (165^th overall, 2015. Last Year: 16^th) A flawed, but fun player, Hughes signed with Boston after captaining the Wisconsin Badgers as a senior. His production throughout his college career were fairly steady, providing secondary scoring for a sometimes strong, sometimes weak team. On the positive side, he skates well, although more shifty than a true burner. His wrist shot is a weapon, even from far out. His hands are pretty special though. He is capable of the occasional highlight reel goal on the strength of how he can maneuver a puck. On the down side, he needs to show better commitment to his own zone for those days when the magic isn’t there. Also, he is incredibly lean and the AHL will test him physically.

Joona Koppanen

15 Joona Koppanen, LW (135^th overall, 2016. Last Year: not ranked) A gigantic winger who skates very impressively for his size, Koppanen took a step forward in his first year of men’s hockey at age 20. Sandwiching a head-turning performance for Finland at the WJC, he had a cameo with AHL Providence and spend most of his season on loan with Ilves in Liiga. He needs to learn to be more imposing with his bulk, which should start to come about as fills out his lanky 6-5” frame, and the Bruins hope that the added muscle will not affect his stride, particularly as his first few steps need more explosiveness. He shows commitment in all three zones and has been a handful to everyone he has lined up against. Expected to move to North America full time next year, he has a chance to rocket up future iterations of this list.

16 Peter Cehlarik, LW (90^th overall, 2013. Last Year: 17^th) While lacking in the way of appreciable hockey skills, Cehlarik has now racked up two very impressive seasons in the AHL due primarily to one muscle, that being the one between his ears. He has high end hockey sense that helps him overcome subpar foot speed and average at best offensive skills. There comes a point where production is more important than tools, but unfortunately for Cehlarik, his propensity to get hurt has prevented those numbers from racking up too high. If he can stay healthy for a full season and continue to produce, he could make a name for himself.

17 Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. Last Year: not ranked) Although his numbers fail to impress, as a teenager who already has over two full years of experience in the SHL, there are more than a few reasons to think that there is more in store for Steen. He has rarely been given the opportunity to play against peers, but when he did play for Sweden at the WJC last year, he impressed. He played an assertive game, driving the net hard despite his small frame, and showcasing a snipe of a wrist shot, capable of picking a shot while on the rush. He reads the game fairly well for his age, too. The Bruins would like to see him take on a more impactful role in Sweden before offering him an ELC.

18 Anton Blidh, LW (180^th overall, 2013. Last Year: not ranked) After three seasons in the AHL, the book on Blidh is more or less written. The tools and overall maturity of his game that he had in his days as a junior player have not translated to the professional game. He had trouble putting up points in two partial seasons in the SHL (10 points in 72 games) and last year’s 26 points in 71 games was his best. He retains a spot on this list thanks to above average hockey IQ, allowing him to project as a potential fourth line, defensive-oriented forward. Nothing else about his game is better than OK.

19 Jeremy Swayman, G (111^th overall, 2017. Last Year: not ranked) Somewhat of an afterthought pick in the fourth round in 2017, Swayman excelled in his first year at the University of Maine, costing Rob McGovern, the starter for the previous two seasons, his job. In fact, his freshman season save percentage of .921 was the seventh best total for a starter in the school’s history. From a scouting perspective, he is not the toolsiest of goalies, but fares well enough to continue keeping an eye on him. Perhaps the most impressive part of Swayman’s game is his calmness and composure. He is just big enough to not be undersized and does not look incredibly athletic, but he stops pucks, and that is the most important thing at the position.

20 Pavel Shen, C (212^th overall, 2018. Last Year: IE) Passed over in his first year of draft eligibility, the only thing that changed for Shen in his second go-round was that he spent roughly half the season riding the bench in the KHL. Yet the Bruins were not the only team that was impressed, as Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk sold him to bigger club Salavat Yulaev Ufa after the season. Shen is a bit of a long shot prospect, but between his skating, puck skills, hockey IQ and strong frame, he is one the Bruins will track. A candidate for Russia’s 2019 WJC team, he could thrive under the spotlight and with an opportunity with a new team.

Boston – System Overview

Ryan Wagman — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 20:21:44 +0000

In May 2015, Don Sweeney was named as the new General Manager of the Boston Bruins, a promotion from his previous role as the Assistant General Manager under the recently fired Peter Chiarelli. Among his first acts was preparing for the upcoming NHL draft. Slated to pick 14th overall, he made a positive first impression, showing creativity by trading for both picks 13 and 15 on the day of the draft. There were rumors that Sweeney wanted to bundle those consecutive picks for one of the first handful of picks in what is already proving to be a stacked draft class, but in the end, he used all of those picks internally.

His second impression was immediately met with derision and scorn. Not able to trade up (assuming that was the plan) the Bruins used those picks on, respectively, Jakub Zboril, Jake DeBrusk, and Zach Senyshyn. Solid prospects all, but many were shocked that that the team passed up on more highly touted prospects including Mathew Barzal, Kyle Connor, and Thomas Chabot, who, not coincidentally, were taken with the next three picks.

Two years later, Sweeney remains the butt of jokes for his draft maneuverings in 2015, and for good reason. While Zboril, DeBrusk, and Senyshyn are all fine as prospects, none have elevated themselves to elite status. A number of players taken later in that round have already established themselves in the NHL (Travis Konecny, Anthony Beauvilier) or have much higher prospect stock today, and have had from almost day one (Barzal, Connor, Chabot, Joel Eriksson Ek, Colin White, Ilya Samsonov, Brock Boeser, etc.). Ironically, there is a good case to be made that the Bruins made out better with their three 2015 second round picks (Brandon Carlo, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, and Jeremy Lauzon) than they did with the first round trio.

Despite the opprobrium, Sweeney has quietly drafted and signed enough prospects that the Bruins currently have one of the deepest and richest prospect pools in the league. The aforementioned Carlo is already a full-fledged NHLer, but the other five drafted in the first two rounds in 2015 are only part of a deep system with future contributors at every position. Although the Bruins have sputtered along at the NHL level since his promotion, with only one playoff appearance in three years, they have been added valuable assets, some of whom will be key contributors now (we expect at least to graduate to the NHL this year) and for the next truly competitive Bruins teams.

While it would be less than fair to judge Sweeney on the basis of his 2015 draft shenanigans alone, it would also be unfair to judge him solely on the system as it stands today. A number of the organization’s best prospects, including top names like Bjork and Heinan, predate his promotion. Further, the Bruins’ 2017 draft class appears light – especially after their first rounder - based on information currently available.

Charlie McAvoy (73) (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

1 Charles McAvoy – Already an NCAA as a 17 year old, McAvoy only got better in his first post draft year. Not only was he a first team All-American for BU, but he was arguably the top player on the Gold Medal winning Team USA at the WJC. Signed to an ELC at the tail end of the season, he made his NHL debut in the playoffs and was immediately an impact player again. Very few defensemen, at any level, have his puck skills. He is simply a dynamic player who will have an impact with Boston on par with what Zach Werenski did last year with Columbus.

GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA - APRIL 24: Finland's Urho Vaakanainen #7 celebrating with the championship trophy 2016 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/HHOF-IIHF Images)

2 Urho Vaakanainen – A plus skater with an intriguing shot, Vaakanainen reminded the hockey world that he has more offensive potential that he let on during an understated Liiga season with a powerful performance in the WU18 tournament. A very mature player who has spent 1.5 season in the top Finnish league before he became eligible for the NHL draft, there are some who see a potential top pairing blueliner in the not-too-distant future. Expect an increased offensive role in his third Liiga season.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish right wing Anders Bjork (10) (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

3 Anders Bjork – A 5th round steal from 2014, Bjork had matured into one of the most exciting forwards in NCAA hockey by his junior season. It was no surprise that the Bruins worked hard to convince him to give up his final year of college eligibility to sign this offseason, which he began with a cameo for Team USA in the World Championships. He has dangerous speed, a hard shot and fantastic inner drive. Hearkening back to his USNTDP days, he is also extremely responsible in his own end. NHL ready.

4 Trent Frederic – Somewhat of a surprise selection at the tail end of the first round in 2016, Frederic, who was more of a two-way player for the USNTDP program, emerged as more of an offensive force as a freshman with Wisconsin. He reads plays very well, accurately judging when to use his teammates and when to go it alone. His hockey IQ on both sides of the puck is near elite. Puck skills are also high end, while his skating and shot are merely above average. He should be a shoe-in for Team USA at the 2017 WJC.

5 Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson – JFK showed a bit more goal scoring acumen in his sophomore season at BU. A very smart hockey player who has now spent four seasons playing in North America, he is always in the right place to generate a positive effect on the flow of the game. He can finish a net drive with deft stickhandling, a strong one-timer or a whippy wrist shot. He signed an ELC after BU’s season ended and should have a relatively brief AHL apprenticeship before seeing steady NHL ice time.

6 Jake DeBrusk – Former first rounder Jake DeBrusk, son of retired NHL policeman Louie DeBrusk, had a strong, if at times uneven, rookie pro season. A strong skater who is effective playing both an East-West as well as North-South game, he has above average top speed and very good agility and body control. When he enters the offensive zone with momentum, can be very dangerous, particularly when combined with his puckhandling skills. Could use another half season or more of AHL development time.

7 Zachary Senyshyn – One of the fastest players in the OHL, Senyshyn, another product of Don Sweeney’s infamous 2015 first round, ended his OHL career with his highest points-per-game average yet. A gifted goal scorer, he can commonly be found blazing down the wing and cutting in towards the net. Needs to fill out his lanky frame to have similar success as a pro. He has decent hands, but rarely tries fancy puck play as his speed has been able to beat most OHL defenders on its own.

8 Danton Heinen – Heinen upped the ante after a strong AHL rookie season with a fantastic, point-per-game playoff run. Although his first, abbreviated, NHL run was non-descript, he is still a strong prospect. He owns a solid slap shot, but is even better as a playmaker. He shows good vision in the offensive zone when carrying the puck and makes sharp and clever passes to open teammates. One of several mid-round success stories from recent Boston drafts.

9 Jeremy Lauzon – Although his final junior year was marred by injury, Lauzon turned heads with a strong WJC performance and ended on a high-note with a very good postseason performance for Rouyn-Noranda. Has a solid point shot that can be dangerous whether slapped or wristed and packs a big force into his checks. Foot speed is not an area of strength, but he has enough to stay relevant. Overall, a very polished young defenseman.

10 Jakub Zboril – Finally turning pro after a solid QMJHL season with Saint John, Zboril will no longer have to hear that he is not as good as Thomas Chabot. Of course, in the pros, he will have other good players to be compared to. He is a physical player whose tools have not improved much since he was drafted in 2015. Too easily drawn out of position. Possesses a strong shot and can execute passes from the blueline all over the zone, but his hands are stiff and his offensive upside may be limited.

11 Ryan Donato – A skilled puck player, Donato, whose father Ted Donato played for a number of years with Boston and is currently coaching his son at Harvard, nearly doubled his point production as a sophomore. He plays an exciting offensive game, with tenacity on both sides of the puck. A solid skater and shooter, his best attribute is clearly his plus stickhandling. Still not done filling out.

12 Malcolm Subban – Now four years deep into an AHL career, the former first round pick has put up team leading save percentages in only two of those years, with last year’s average numbers falling well short of the work of crease-mate Zane McIntyre. Subban still gets the nod in this list largely due to his athleticism portending the ability to improve over time. He can make highlight reel saves due to his lateral agility, but he needs to get his happy feet under control.

13 Matt Grzelcyk – After a storied college career at BU, Grzelcyk got his pro career off on the right foot with Providence. He will need to prove himself at each step due to his diminutive stature (think Torey Krug), but his offensive gifts are evident. He has very good vision and a plus wrist shot. He does not hesitate to pinch in very deep in the opposing zone and gives solid effort away from the puck.

14 Ryan Lindgren – Despite being selected to represent the USA at last year’s WJC, Ryan Lindgren’s first post draft year served as a reminder that the jump up from USHL play to college hockey is sometimes very difficult. In addition to struggling getting his offensive game going, he committed a plethora of unforced errors and averaged over two penalty minutes per game for the Golden Gophers. He should be able to play hard without spending so much time in the penalty box.

15 Jack Studnicka – A high IQ forward, Studnicka can also contribute as a secondary offensive threat, thanks largely to his plus wrist shot and solid puck skills. He still has a lot of room for physical growth, but he plays an effective physical game at the OHL level. His production in the playoffs far surpassed his regular season scoring pace and he could see a big increase in his role as an offensive producer in his post draft season.

16 Cameron Hughes – The sixth round pick from 2015, at the time a little-used freshman with Wisconsin, has been a scouting find for the Bruins. He is still underappreciated in prospect circles, but his hands are among the best at the collegiate level. He is extremely creative and can create magic with the puck on his stick. He is not higher up this list as he cannot do it alone. He needs a playmaker to put him in the clear, giving the slight Hughes the space he needs to operate.

17 Peter Cehlarik – A Slovakian forward drafted out of Sweden in 2013, Cehlarik finally came over to North America last year and impressed in his first North American season. A natural goal scorer with above average puck play, he is best when he has a teammate who can set him up. He still needs to improve his quickness to continue to be able to find soft spots in coverage from which to capitalize, but if he is still prospect eligible next year, he will most likely be higher up this list.

18 Kenny Agostino – Once the key part of the return for Jarome Iginla, Agostino has matured into an absolute beast at the AHL level, winning the league’s MVP award as its top scorer. It is an open question whether he can translate some of his AHL prowess into the NHL, but the minor league free agent signing is a good skater with very quick hands and plus finishing skills. The Bruins will give him a chance.

19 Jesse Gabrielle – A very physical player with a heavy shot, Gabrielle has had a somewhat disappointing finish to an otherwise solid WHL career. Despite playing on a suddenly strong Prince George team, the former fourth rounder’s production stagnated. He is a decent enough skater with a battler’s mentality that may find life on a professional energy line perfectly suited to his skills and style.

20 Emil Johansson – Fitting to end this list with another late round pick making good. Johansson, a puck moving two-way defenseman, took big steps forward last season while playing big minutes with Djurgardens in SHL, establishing career highs in both goals and assists. A solid skater with a decent shot, he made Sweden’ national Men’s team at age 21 and was given an ELC during the off-season.

In addition to the twenty prospects listed above, the Bruins had a few more who would have fit in very nicely in the top twenty of other organizations. Players like Noel Acciari, Ryan Fitzgerald, Sean Kuraly, Zane McIntyre, Daniel Vladar, Joona Koppanen, and more. With this type of system depth, the Bruins should never need to use NHL free agency to fill out the back half of the roster.

2013 NHL Draft: Rising Prospects

David Burstyn — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:33:48 +0000

Bo Horvat left nothing to chance.

The London Knights’ all-world player not only scored the OHL championship-winning goal in the final second, but likely saw his draft stock surge towards the top of the board. Horvat was named OHL playoff MVP and showed the ability to lead his team at both ends of the ice at a young age.

Samuel Morin and Michael McCarron showed there’s more than just the impressive vitals that will be their calling cards on draft day. Nicolas Petan, meanwhile, answered questions about his vitals as one of the WHL’s most prolific scorers.

Here are the players who haves seen their NHL Draft stock rise the most.

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Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.

Bo Horvat (C, 2013), London

With 16 post-season goals, including three GWG -- one to clinch the OHL championship with 1 second remaining in Game 7 -- and a strong defensive conscious, Horvat’s stock has risen more than any other prospect.

Curtis Lazar (C, 2013), Edmonton

Formidable two-way threat took the Oil Kings once again to the WHL finals .. scores clutch goals and can make plays as he oozes character.

Samuel Morin (D, 2013), Rimouski

Got better with each passing game, culminating in a break-out performance at the U18 World Championships .. has the size that NHL teams salivate over at 6’8” and both his puck skills and skating improved exponentially throughout the season.

Michael McCarron (RW, 2013), USNTDP

Hulking 6’5” forward imposed his will in a semi-final game against Team Russia, showcasing an ability to take over games with his brawn .. puck skills are a work-in-progress but ceiling is high.

Tommy Vanelli (D, 2013), USNTDP

Didn’t look out of place upon his call up with the US National Team .. quarterbacked the PP at the U18 World Championships, earning a silver medal for his efforts .. poised and plays a mature, error-free game.

Marko Dano (C, 2013), Bratislava Slovan

Modest point season while playing in the KHL and on the fourth line .. however, exploded when playing against his peers as he finished 3^rd in tournament scoring at the WJC and is playing in the senior men’s World Championships .. has game-breaking skill and sharp instincts.

Nicolas Petan (C, 2013), Portland

Following a break-through regular season of 120 points, an 85-point improvement from his rookie year, Petan continued to dominate in the playoffs finishing with 28 points en route to a WHL Championship for Portland .. small but sensationally-dynamic and an absolute wizard with the puck who plays without fear.

Emile Poirier (LW, 2013), Gatineau

Started the season on the fourth line before establishing himself as the go-to guy, leading the team in scoring .. was a dominating presence for Gatineau in the playoffs with his gutsy, highly-competitive nature.

Peter Cehlarik (C, 2013), Lulea

Playing in relative obscurity for the bulk of the season, Cehlarik’s coming out party at the U18 World Championships showcased his ability to take over the game when he had the puck .. skating holds him back slightly but skill level is off the charts.

Nicholas Baptiste (RW, 2013), Sudbury

Posted modest offensive numbers skating on the top two lines of the Wolves this season but shined in his U18 World Championship performance, which included two assists in the gold-medal game and timely defensive efforts to preserve leads.

Juuse Saros (G, 2013), HPK U20

Posted stellar numbers en route to a league championship with HPK .. took his game to another level at the U18 World Championships where he captured Best Goalie of the tournament honours.

Remi Elie (LW, 2013), London

Displayed some clutch scoring and was a force for the Knights in the playoffs to help the team capture their second consecutive OHL championship .. built like a mack truck and plays a rough and tumble style.

Next: 2013 NHL Draft Prospects Falling Stock

Mirco Mueller steady, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Slovakia U18 reports

David Burstyn — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:18:08 +0000

Mirco Mueller's skates barely left the ice in Sochi.

The Swiss defender still had plenty left to give after playing 69 games through the regular season and playoffs with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips. Mueller was almost always on the ice for Team Switzerland and made his presence felt with his quality play.

The Swedes were unable to score a goal against the Americans in a 4-0 quarter-final loss. However, some of their players left good impressions while others left something to be desired. William Nylander looked every bit the player projected as a top-three pick in the 2014 draft while Robert Hagg did little to quash some of the concerns in his game.

Leon Draisaitl and Dominik Kahun provided the Germans with a dynamic one-two punch while Slovakian captain Peter Cehlarik can no longer hide his vast talents from the hockey world.

-------------------------------

Team Sweden

William Nylander (C/RW, 2014)

Arguably one of the most offensively-gifted and dangerous players in the tournament .. followed up stellar U17 World Challenge gold medal performance .. skated on the top unit with Burakovsky and de la Rose .. able to make plays, generate offence out of nothing and constantly stay involved due to a darting skating style that allows him to poke in and out of traffic .. won gold at the U17 World Challenge four months prior to U18 World Championships and is poised to be a top-three selection next year.

Robert Hagg (D, 2013)

Had an up and down tournament as he could make plays but also played with aloofness; a tag that he has been unable to shake all season .. often appears moody and disinterested on the ice despite possessing a highly-tuned skill set .. skating needs to be ramped up but he processes the game so well that he could QB a PP at the pro level.

Lucas Wallmark (C, 2013)

Ended the season just as he started by leading Team Sweden in points for the U18 World Championships (5-2-3-5) just as he had done for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial .. smart and creative centre struggled at times with Olympic-sized ice as his skating is simply not there .. can make plays and is a creative passer, however his speed limitations are difficult to ignore.

Andre Burakovsky (RW, 2013)

Had a good tournament as he led Team Sweden with four goals, however was unable to pick up his game when it mattered most against Team Canada in relegation and in the quarter-finals against Team USA .. was not dominant by any stretch, but made good all-around decisions backed by his impressive speed .. helped to erase some question marks and improve his draft stock despite a very ordinary year with Malmo in the Allsvenskan.

Jacob de la Rose (W, 2013)

Versatile forward played both wings and was a spark plug for Team Sweden, injecting some brash physical play while also showing a penchant for being able to create .. prototypical power forward can play in any situation and with any set of line-mates as his skill set translates well to adapt to any game situation .. played consistent if not overwhelming.

Team Switzerland

Mirco Muller (D, 2013)

Assistant captain appeared at times to be playing the entire game as he would rarely leave the ice .. played in all situations and was often lined up against opposition’s best players .. diligent defensive game only managed to finish a -1 throughout the tournament despite Switzerland being out-scored by a two-to-one margin of 24-12 .. showed ability to log minutes and still play a focused game .. improved his draft stock with his consistent play.

Team Germany

Dominik Kahun (C, 2013)

Once again rode shotgun with Draisaitl as the two had done previously at the U17 World Challenge and played a gutsy, intelligent two-way game co-leading the scoring for Team Germany with 5-3-4-7 totals .. undersized but smart in terms of his approach and did not put himself into problematic situations .. year of playing in the OHL has developed his all around game .. Kahun and Draisaitl looked leaps and bounds better than their countrymen.

Leon Draisaitl (LW, 2014)

Once again shined on the international stage as he scored at a point-per-game clip .. most experienced player on team as he also played for Germany at the WJC .. highly-skilled .. the game-plan was to get him the puck at all times .. had an insane amount of touches per game and was always on the puck .. flourished with the pressure of being the go-to-guy .. speed looks like it has improved and his game-reading skills are in the upper-echelon of his age group.

Team Slovakia

Peter Cehlarik (LW, 2013)

Team captain was the driving force for Team Slovakia, who avoided being relegated after posting a 3-2 win over Latvia .. had a great tournament (6-2-5-7) as his skill set was evident with each shift, however he had no one to play with as he had to do it all by himself .. skating is plausible but offensive skills and puck-handling ability is incredibly developed .. played in Lulea J20, the Northern-most team in the Sweden J20 so NHL teams may not have seen him, however he’s no longer a secret after his U18 World Championship coming out party.

Peter Cehlarik – McKeen's Hockey

2020-21 McKeen’s Hockey Yearbook: Boston Bruins Top 20 Prospects

Boston Bruins

John Beecher, C (30th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jack Studnicka, C (53rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Jeremy Swayman, G (111th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52nd overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 5)

Trent Frederic, C (29th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Jakub Zboril, D (13th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

Jack Ahcan, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 27, 2020. Previous ranking: 8)

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

Daniel Vladar, G (75th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 10)

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Trevor Kuntar, C (89th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Roman Bychkov, D (154th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Curtis Hall, C (119th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Oskar Steen, C (165th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

Peter Cehlarik, LW (90th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 16)

Anton Blidh, LW (180th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 17)

Joona Koppanen, LW (135th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: UR)

Victor Berglund, D (195th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)

Mason Lohrei, D (58th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

MCKEEN’S 2020 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – BOSTON BRUINS – ORGANIZATIONAL RANK: 7

Boston Bruins

John Beecher, C (30th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Jack Studnicka, C (53rd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 4)

Jeremy Swayman, G (111th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 2)

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52nd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 7)

Trent Frederic, C (29th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 3)

Jakub Zboril, D (13th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 14)

Jack Ahcan, D (Undrafted Free Agent, signed Mar. 27, 2020. 2019 Rank: IE)

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 12)

Daniel Vladar, G (75th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 16)

Ryan Fitzgerald, C (120th overall, 2013. 2019 Rank: 20)

Roman Bychkov, D (154th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

Curtis Hall, C (119th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Oskar Steen, C (165th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 10)

Boston Bruins 2019-20 Prospect Review: Top 20

AHL Report: Atlantic Division – Lucas Johansen (Hershey), Teddy Blueger (Wilkes-Barre), Peter Cejlarik (Providence), Phillippe Myers (Lehigh Valley), and Lias Andersson (Hartford)

Boston Bruins Prospect System Overview

Boston – System Overview

2013 NHL Draft: Rising Prospects

Mirco Mueller steady, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Slovakia U18 reports

John Beecher, C (30^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 1)

Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 2)

Jeremy Swayman, G (111^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 3)

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: 4)

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 5)

Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 6)

Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 7)

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 9)

Daniel Vladar, G (75^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 10)

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. Previous ranking: 11)

Trevor Kuntar, C (89^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

Roman Bychkov, D (154^th overall, 2019. Previous ranking: 13)

Curtis Hall, C (119^th overall, 2018. Previous ranking: 14)

Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: 15)

Peter Cehlarik, LW (90^th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 16)

Anton Blidh, LW (180^th overall, 2013. Previous ranking: 17)

Joona Koppanen, LW (135^th overall, 2016. Previous ranking: UR)

Victor Berglund, D (195^th overall, 2017. Previous ranking: UR)

Mason Lohrei, D (58^th overall, 2020. Previous ranking: NA)

John Beecher, C (30^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 1)

Jack Studnicka, C (53^rd overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 4)

Jeremy Swayman, G (111^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: UR)

Urho Vaakanainen, D (18^th overall, 2017. 2019 Rank: 2)

Jeremy Lauzon, D (52^nd overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 7)

Trent Frederic, C (29^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 3)

Jakub Zboril, D (13^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 14)

Jakub Lauko, C/LW (77^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: 12)

Daniel Vladar, G (75^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: UR)

Zachary Senyshyn, RW (15^th overall, 2015. 2019 Rank: 16)

Ryan Fitzgerald, C (120^th overall, 2013. 2019 Rank: 20)

Roman Bychkov, D (154^th overall, 2019. 2019 Rank: 15)

Curtis Hall, C (119^th overall, 2018. 2019 Rank: UR)

Oskar Steen, C (165^th overall, 2016. 2019 Rank: 10)