Tommy Cross, D
6-3, 210
September 12, 1989
Shoots: Left
Boston's 2nd choice, 35th overall in 2007 Draft
Signing status: Unsigned
Talent Analysis
Physical: Possesses excellent size and functional strength for the defense position. Has had three major surgical procedures on his right knee (meniscus) since being drafted by the Bruins (he was picked after suffering the first injury to the meniscus playing baseball) and plays with a brace on it. Very good skater with a long stride and able to generate power with each step. Solid when moving backwards and laterally; able to keep opponents to the outside and has the quickness to jump up into the play at times. First pass ability is good; has the physical tools to outlet rapidly and lead the rush if need be. Big, powerful shot; he takes a little bit of time to get it off, but it is hard and heavy. Needs to work on his shot's accuracy. A shutdown defender who effectively uses his size and strength to pin opponents against the boards. Can play the game with a physical edge, but doesn't always bring the kind of sheer power that he's capable of.
Intangibles: Outstanding character player and leader who was named an assistant captain of the '10-11 Eagles squad by his teammates, and also captained the USA Under-18 select team at the 2006 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Exudes confidence and professionalism; a very mature, respectful, well-spoken player who leads by example and is a vocal presence in the dressing room. Some scouts questioned his hockey sense in his draft year; has all the tools to be a two-way defender at the next level, but may be more of a stay-at-homer in the mold of Mark Stuart if he reaches the NHL. Could stand to show more fire and aggressiveness at times on the ice-- can play a bit passively when the situation calls for more physicality and nastiness.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
The fact that Cross was able to fully participate in the recent development camp was a success in itself, as he was on crutches in 2008 and then had only limited on-ice participation (as Max Sauve did this month) in 2009. For once, Cross was able to show off his skill set and he managed to impress, keeping things relatively simple while demonstrating his smooth skating and big shot. Even with the knee brace, he showed none of the ill-effects of the multiple surgeries at camp. After watching him in that setting, you can come to appreciate what the Bruins saw in Cross when they moved up three spots to pluck him in '07, but the impressive physical attributes alone are not enough to see him as a high-end prospect because of so many questions that linger about the strength of his knee and the fact that he simply has not come all that far in his development since being picked as one of the class's youngest players three years ago. He was very good defensively all week, and seemed to be genuinely happy to be out there every day and a part of the action. He didn't do anything to really stand out offensively, but he delivered the goods as advertised on 'D' and it will be interesting to see how he does in his junior year at BC wth renewed confidence and coming off a championship season.
Projection
Cross has the tools to be a solid second-pairing defender in the NHL, but where the questions come in are whether he has the proverbial toolbox and durability to do it. He's an intelligent, hard-working guy, but the hockey sense is going to be critical, especially if you factor in the possibility that the numerous setbacks and surgeries have affected his psyche. Nobody but Cross knows for sure, but you wonder if he's thinking about the possibility of being one skate blade caught in a rut away from oblivion and how that impacts his play and approach. His time and space will become much less at the next level, so instinct will have to trump over self-preservation. It's a big question that lingers and can only be addressed by Cross continuing to play at a high level for Boston College and then seeing how he does when he turns pro.
Quotable
“I don’t know if there’s any way to necessarily tell, without the injuries, where he’d be. But we feel good about the progress he has made because of the injuries, and the setbacks and the adversities he’s faced. He has been dealt an awful lot.”- Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass; July 6-10, 2010
"I feel great; I'm ready to go. Both legs feel fine and I'm just skating as much as I can and enjoying being here where I can continue to develop my game and improve in all areas."- Tommy Cross to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass; July 6-10, 2010
"Just being here and able to participate this week is huge for me. I've had some setbacks and have had to work hard to get back to this point where I feel good about my game, so I'm just excited to be able to be around the coaches and players and soak it all in and learn what I can."- Tommy Cross to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10
The Final Word
On talent alone, Cross probably belongs in the top-10 of the Bruins prospect list. However, he needs to do a lot more than a strong showing a D-camp to gain some real upward mobility. You want to pull for the guy because he's shown the commitment and dedication to go through significant rehabilitation and suffer the pain in order to keep playing the game at a high level. Cross has some intriguing potential, but the fact of the matter is, his playing status may be "day to day for life," meaning that if he continues to progress and works his way through the Bruins system and up the depth chart, then he could be a nice player. But as of right now, he's not shown enough in the years since he was picked pretty high by the team (who gave up a third-round pick in the process to move just three spots) to justify that move. He's a hard enough worker that he can overcome the injury, but in his case, making it to the NHL will truly be a case of mind over matter. Therefore, he's out of the top-10 for now, but this is a big year for his development and staying on the right track.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #13 Jamie Arniel
Jamie Arniel, C
5-11, 190
November 16, 1989
Shoots: Right
Boston's 4th choice, 97th overall in 2008 Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Average-sized player whose number one challenge right now is to get stronger and continue to add muscle mass to his slight frame. Above average skater with good jump and the quickness and agility to get things done in all zones. Solid puckhandler who can advance the puck in traffic and has quick enough hands to finish in close. Good passer and shooter who scored 30 goals in junior and could hit 20 in the right situation eventually. Plays with a little grit and jam, but doesn't have the size or temperament to bring a consistent physical presence and mean streak.
Intangibles: Very good defensive hockey sense and the ability to read the developing play effectively. His uncle, Scott Arniel, was a solid NHL two-way forward (known mostly for his time with the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres) who had a brief stint with the Bruins and is now the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Involved in an ugly off-ice incident after he was drafted, but to his credit, Arniel seems to have put the problem behind him and has been a model pro since.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status-- did not attend. Socred 12 goals, 28 points in 67 AHL games with Providence as a rookie; won AHL Rookie of the Month honors in November.
Projection
As it stands right now, Arniel's upside appears to be as a third-line pivot. He's got good bloodlines and was a solid value pick for the Bruins two years ago. Not ready for primetime yet, Arniel nevertheless could see time in Boston this season if injuries decimate the forward group as it happened last year. He's solid across the board and can play special teams, so in time, Arniel might be the kind of ideal option in terms of ability and salary cap hit to play on the lower lines and work him into the NHL. He was a standout player at last year's B's Rookie Camp and tourneyin Kitchener, so it will be interesting to see how he's progressed since then. Like Brad Marchand, he'll have to guard against complacency and taking a step back after making a good impression on the Boston coaches and brass a year ago.
Quotable
“Jamie is pretty multidimensional in terms of where he can play and the kinds of things he’s able to do. I don’t know that he’ll be that No. 1 center in the NHL, but he’ll be the kind of dependable guy that the coach feels comfortable putting out there to play a lot of different roles for the team.”- Providence head coach Rob Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2009
The Final Word
The term "jack of all trades, master of none" certainly applies to Arniel, who doesn't have elite hockey skills nor does he score in bunches, but just seems to have all the attributes that solid, longtime NHL players possess. He's not all that big, but should be okay so long as he continues to work on his strength. He's not a blazing skater, but he's quick enough. He doesn't score a lot of goals, but he's capable of getting some big ones. This isn't the kind of player who will garner a lot of headlines, but he's on a steady path of progression which should end up in Boston eventually. Just don't expect him to be a top-six forward who comes out of nowhere to be an NHL star-- this is a player you win with in the trenches...nothing more, nothing less.
5-11, 190
November 16, 1989
Shoots: Right
Boston's 4th choice, 97th overall in 2008 Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Average-sized player whose number one challenge right now is to get stronger and continue to add muscle mass to his slight frame. Above average skater with good jump and the quickness and agility to get things done in all zones. Solid puckhandler who can advance the puck in traffic and has quick enough hands to finish in close. Good passer and shooter who scored 30 goals in junior and could hit 20 in the right situation eventually. Plays with a little grit and jam, but doesn't have the size or temperament to bring a consistent physical presence and mean streak.
Intangibles: Very good defensive hockey sense and the ability to read the developing play effectively. His uncle, Scott Arniel, was a solid NHL two-way forward (known mostly for his time with the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres) who had a brief stint with the Bruins and is now the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Involved in an ugly off-ice incident after he was drafted, but to his credit, Arniel seems to have put the problem behind him and has been a model pro since.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status-- did not attend. Socred 12 goals, 28 points in 67 AHL games with Providence as a rookie; won AHL Rookie of the Month honors in November.
Projection
As it stands right now, Arniel's upside appears to be as a third-line pivot. He's got good bloodlines and was a solid value pick for the Bruins two years ago. Not ready for primetime yet, Arniel nevertheless could see time in Boston this season if injuries decimate the forward group as it happened last year. He's solid across the board and can play special teams, so in time, Arniel might be the kind of ideal option in terms of ability and salary cap hit to play on the lower lines and work him into the NHL. He was a standout player at last year's B's Rookie Camp and tourneyin Kitchener, so it will be interesting to see how he's progressed since then. Like Brad Marchand, he'll have to guard against complacency and taking a step back after making a good impression on the Boston coaches and brass a year ago.
Quotable
“Jamie is pretty multidimensional in terms of where he can play and the kinds of things he’s able to do. I don’t know that he’ll be that No. 1 center in the NHL, but he’ll be the kind of dependable guy that the coach feels comfortable putting out there to play a lot of different roles for the team.”- Providence head coach Rob Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2009
The Final Word
The term "jack of all trades, master of none" certainly applies to Arniel, who doesn't have elite hockey skills nor does he score in bunches, but just seems to have all the attributes that solid, longtime NHL players possess. He's not all that big, but should be okay so long as he continues to work on his strength. He's not a blazing skater, but he's quick enough. He doesn't score a lot of goals, but he's capable of getting some big ones. This isn't the kind of player who will garner a lot of headlines, but he's on a steady path of progression which should end up in Boston eventually. Just don't expect him to be a top-six forward who comes out of nowhere to be an NHL star-- this is a player you win with in the trenches...nothing more, nothing less.
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #12 Adam McQuaid
Adam McQuaid, D
6-3, 210
October 12, 1986
Shoots: Right
Acquired from Columbus for a fifth-round selection (2007) in May, 2007
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Big and strong as an ox, McQuaid is the prototypical stay-at-home shutdown defender with some snarl. Still filling out his big frame and will play closer to 220-225 when all is said and done. Has a wide wingspan and uses it to try and keep forwards to the outside. Skating is average, with OK frontward (straight line) mobility, but below average ability to pivot and turn smoothly; he's continuing to work on that, but we've seen him susceptible to getting beaten wide with speed, or by smallish agile forwards who can exploit his footwork deficiencies. Positionally sound; keeps himself between the net and the puck and maintains his coverage well. Still working on gap control against the rush, but does a good job of keeping the middle of the ice and the front of his net clear. Relishes physical play and is an effective open ice hitter. Staples his man to the boards and doesn't let him loose; very difficult to beat along the wall. A good, solid fighter who will drop the gloves and handles himself well. He's a borderline heavyweight but a real force when fighting players more in his class, using his upper body strength and sizeable reach to good effect.
Intangibles: Eager and highly coachable, McQuaid worked hard in junior to earn a second-round draft grade (55th overall by the Blue Jackets in '05) out of the OHL's Sudbury Wolves, and then worked even more to address his skating shortcomings as a pro, showing marked improvement in each of his first three seasons after being acquired and signed by Boston. He's a good guy who leads by example and was an anchor in Providence for Rob Murray last season; his callups to Boston had a pretty detrimental effect on the Baby B's season, as he was a stabilizing force for the AHL club and even chipped in with some offense for the first time in his pro career. Disciplined player: doesn't take bad penalties or let emotions get the best of him. Had as many fights (3) as he did minor penalties last season with the B's, which speaks to his maturity and understanding that there's a time to sit in the box, and a time to play it smart and help your team. Some players of his type never get that, and drive their coaches nuts in the process.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status- did not attend; played 19 regular season games in Boston plus nine more in the 2010 postseason.
Projection
McQuaid is never going to be a first-pairing guy, but his upside may be as a solid, unspectacular No. 4 in time, which isn't a bad thing. Of course, some would argue that the fact that he was a late second-round pick means he should be more, but you're getting a physical, tough, defensive player who brings a mean streak and a willingness to defend his teammates. In other words, he's a player you win with. He proved he can handle the speed and skill of the NHL last season, and even if he doesn't win a job in Boston out of camp, he'll be the first guy they look to in the event of any injury. He's on a two-way deal this season, and that will become a one-way for the 2011-12 season, so expect him to split time between Providence and Boston this season.
Quotable
“He’s maturing as a player. He showed a lot of compete, he’s close. I think he has a real chance to be a regular in that 5-6 pair and, then, who knows? That’s what we strive for in developing these guys.”- Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli via conference call; July 15, 2010
“Year after year Adam has improved (since turning pro) and there hasn’t been a drop-off. This year, he’s brought it up a level and is contributing offensively and is a plus-14. For him to post that kind of a stat after being out there every night against the other teams’ top lines speaks volumes for how far he’s come as an NHL prospect.”- Providence head coach Rob Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2009
The Final Word
He's a meat-and-potatoes defender; what you see is what you get with him. But, he proved in his almost 30 NHL games (including the playoffs) that he can be effective at this level, even if it is more likely to happen as a third-pairing, hard-nosed Sean O'Donnell type of player. Some may not be happy that he's as high as #12 on the list, but here's the deal: it isn't always about the upside. Sometimes, you just have to take a step back and look at what a player brings to the table. McQuaid may be safe, but he was a good value for the B's (acquired for a fifth rounder) and has put in the work to develop himself into a legitimate option for this team. Because the B's have several defensemen under 6-feet, players like McQuaid are valuable even if it is in a limited capacity at a little under 11 minutes of ice time per game.
6-3, 210
October 12, 1986
Shoots: Right
Acquired from Columbus for a fifth-round selection (2007) in May, 2007
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Big and strong as an ox, McQuaid is the prototypical stay-at-home shutdown defender with some snarl. Still filling out his big frame and will play closer to 220-225 when all is said and done. Has a wide wingspan and uses it to try and keep forwards to the outside. Skating is average, with OK frontward (straight line) mobility, but below average ability to pivot and turn smoothly; he's continuing to work on that, but we've seen him susceptible to getting beaten wide with speed, or by smallish agile forwards who can exploit his footwork deficiencies. Positionally sound; keeps himself between the net and the puck and maintains his coverage well. Still working on gap control against the rush, but does a good job of keeping the middle of the ice and the front of his net clear. Relishes physical play and is an effective open ice hitter. Staples his man to the boards and doesn't let him loose; very difficult to beat along the wall. A good, solid fighter who will drop the gloves and handles himself well. He's a borderline heavyweight but a real force when fighting players more in his class, using his upper body strength and sizeable reach to good effect.
Intangibles: Eager and highly coachable, McQuaid worked hard in junior to earn a second-round draft grade (55th overall by the Blue Jackets in '05) out of the OHL's Sudbury Wolves, and then worked even more to address his skating shortcomings as a pro, showing marked improvement in each of his first three seasons after being acquired and signed by Boston. He's a good guy who leads by example and was an anchor in Providence for Rob Murray last season; his callups to Boston had a pretty detrimental effect on the Baby B's season, as he was a stabilizing force for the AHL club and even chipped in with some offense for the first time in his pro career. Disciplined player: doesn't take bad penalties or let emotions get the best of him. Had as many fights (3) as he did minor penalties last season with the B's, which speaks to his maturity and understanding that there's a time to sit in the box, and a time to play it smart and help your team. Some players of his type never get that, and drive their coaches nuts in the process.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status- did not attend; played 19 regular season games in Boston plus nine more in the 2010 postseason.
Projection
McQuaid is never going to be a first-pairing guy, but his upside may be as a solid, unspectacular No. 4 in time, which isn't a bad thing. Of course, some would argue that the fact that he was a late second-round pick means he should be more, but you're getting a physical, tough, defensive player who brings a mean streak and a willingness to defend his teammates. In other words, he's a player you win with. He proved he can handle the speed and skill of the NHL last season, and even if he doesn't win a job in Boston out of camp, he'll be the first guy they look to in the event of any injury. He's on a two-way deal this season, and that will become a one-way for the 2011-12 season, so expect him to split time between Providence and Boston this season.
Quotable
“He’s maturing as a player. He showed a lot of compete, he’s close. I think he has a real chance to be a regular in that 5-6 pair and, then, who knows? That’s what we strive for in developing these guys.”- Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli via conference call; July 15, 2010
“Year after year Adam has improved (since turning pro) and there hasn’t been a drop-off. This year, he’s brought it up a level and is contributing offensively and is a plus-14. For him to post that kind of a stat after being out there every night against the other teams’ top lines speaks volumes for how far he’s come as an NHL prospect.”- Providence head coach Rob Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2009
The Final Word
He's a meat-and-potatoes defender; what you see is what you get with him. But, he proved in his almost 30 NHL games (including the playoffs) that he can be effective at this level, even if it is more likely to happen as a third-pairing, hard-nosed Sean O'Donnell type of player. Some may not be happy that he's as high as #12 on the list, but here's the deal: it isn't always about the upside. Sometimes, you just have to take a step back and look at what a player brings to the table. McQuaid may be safe, but he was a good value for the B's (acquired for a fifth rounder) and has put in the work to develop himself into a legitimate option for this team. Because the B's have several defensemen under 6-feet, players like McQuaid are valuable even if it is in a limited capacity at a little under 11 minutes of ice time per game.
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #11 David Warsofsky
David Warsofsky, D
5-9, 170
May 30, 1990
Shoots: Left
Acquired from St. Louis for C Vladimir Sobotka; June 26, 2010
Signing status: Unsigned
Talent Analysis
Physical: Very undersized for the defense position, but has high-end skating and hockey skills, which help to offset the physical mismatches he's bound to face in the pros. A sublime skater; explodes to top speed from a stop in just a few strides and exhibits outstanding four-way directional mobility. Tremendous backwards mobility and lateral/crossover ability. Very good puckhandler who can make the effective clearing pass and loves to jump up into the play using his speed and puck skills to motor through the neutral zone and back defenders up. Soft hands for on target passes in the offensive zone, and he's more of a puck distributor than an actual triggerman when playing the point. Possesses a big shot despite the lack of big size, but is a more effective scorer from the high slot, when he can rip off wrist and snap shots through screens. At a disadvantage physically because of his lack of size, but will initiate contact and is willing to take the hit to make plays. It's not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog with Warsofsky: he proved that adage correct when he manhandled the much bigger Tommy Cross during a scrum in the BU-BC Fenway game. Has a high panic threshold, meaning he'll hold onto the puck as long as possible to wait for an opening, knowing he's going to get blown up when the nearest opponent finishes his check. Refining his defensive play: solid positionally, but still prone to trying to do too much in his own end and getting to running around. A bit of an agitator; will yap a bit and get under the skin of opposing players. Productive in all the right ways as a sophomore last season: finished second on the team in goal scoring by defensemen with 12, but tied for the NCAA lead with four shorthanded markers, including a highlight reel end-to-end beauty against BC during the Beanpot tourney in February. A standout at Cushing Academy before joining the NTDP, he racked up 83 points from the blue line in two seasons in Ashburnham.
Intangibles: Has overcome the doubters and naysayers at every level so far; captained the 2008 U.S. NTDP Under-18 team and played in all 45 games as a freshman at Boston University in 08-09, earning a national championship and Beanpot trophy in the process. Very good vision and offensive hockey sense. Defensive awareness and decision-making need work; will try to carry the puck out of the zone from in front of his net or make low percentage passes that beg for turnovers. A good, solid character guy who is from the South Shore (Marshfield) and always dreamed of playing for the Bruins-- now will have his chance after being acquired by the team on the draft's second day. A winner; won the 2009 Frozen Four in Washington, a gold medal at the 2010 World Jr. Championship in Saskatoon last winter and a bronze medal at the 2008 World U-18 Championship. Roomed with '09 NY Rangers third-round pick Ryan Bourque at Cushing and was coached on defense by Bourque's father, Boston legend Ray Bourque while the two played there.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Warsofsky had a solid performance at camp this month, showing off his natural talent and ability at times, while also demonstrating that he's best served by continuing his development in the NCAA this season. A memorable highlight was the shootout goal he scored in the final scrimmage, where he was one of the few B's prospects to find the back of the net. He made a bevy of moves before roofing a backhander over a prone (and helpless) Mike Hutchinson after Warsofsky got him to bite on the first of several fakes. On the downside, he made repeated attempts to walk the puck out from in front of his own net, and on the second attempt, Tyler Seguin stole it away and got off a very nice scoring chance (Zane Gothberg made an even better save). But overall, Warsofsky did exactly what was expected: used his skating and puck skills to move the puck and be a going concern on offense. He also had a memorable one-on-one defensive stop on Jordan Caron early in the camp during a drill, when he used his quickness and savvy to block the bigger, stronger Caron from bulling his way to the net, while at the same time, maintaining net coverage so that the power winger couldn't even get a shot off.
Projection
Warsofsky is one more small, but skilled defender the Bruins have added to the prospect stable (where he joins Andrew Bodnarchuk, Steven Kampfer, Jeff Penner and Maxim Chudinov as blue liners all under 6-feet) but it's hard to predict where he will play at the NHL if he gets there. Of that group, the Terrier standout is the most skilled and has the most offensive upside, which is why he's just outside the top-10. However, because of the lack of size, he's going to have to keep building his strength and will likely need a couple more years of NCAA play and apprenticeship in the minors before he'll be ready to seriously challenge for an NHL job. Warsofsky could be a top-four in the NHL, but realistically, he's probably a third-pairing guy who will see time on special teams on the PK and PP units. He's a long-term project, but Warsofsky is both skilled and tenacious; except for the lack of size, he'd be a high-end prospect, so he could overcome the modest expectations to be more than the sum of his parts in time. It's all about the upside with this guy. Is he going to be a big-time scorer from the blue line in the NHL? Probably not. But Don Sweeney had a gleam in his eye whenever he talked about Warsofsky at camp, so one can only imagine that the former rearguard who logged more than 1,000 big league games with the B's sees a good bit of himself in the BU standout.
Quotable
"It's unbelievable to be a part of the Bruins organization and to be given the chance to fulfill a dream I've had for a good many years. Obviously, there are going to be some fans who are sad to see (Vladimir) Sobotka go, so I've got to show them that I can play this game and will one day hopefully be doing a lot to help Boston win a lot of hockey games. That would be a dream come true for me."- David Warsofsky to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
"I know that I'm not going to grow another two or three inches, but I am going to hit the weights hard to keep building my strength and give everything I have. I can't do anything about my height, but there are other factors I can control, so I'm all about learning as much as I can here this week, and then continuing to do the things I have to in order to play at the next level."- David Warsofsky, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
“We did scout to potentially draft David. It just so happened that a team took him in front of us.”- Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6, 2010
“I’m envious of the position he’s in, to be honest. David has challenges, but he’s got a skill set that will afford him the opportunity to go out and play. The smaller man does have a bit more leeway in the game now, as it’s composed, if he has the courage to go into areas and be smart enough and quick enough to take advantage of the skills he has.”- Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6, 2010
The Final Word
You have to like this guy: he's a local who grew up a fanatical Bruins supporter, has made himself into a legitimate NHL prospect despite the fact that 10 years ago his size would have scared all 30 teams away. Warsofsky's a bulldog on skates, and if you've followed his career progression to date, there is no reason to think that he won't succeed in his bid to make the team some day. The problem for Warsofsky is going to be that he falls into a category that the B's have a surplus of, so for him to win a spot is going to be a difficult challenge and he may have to hope for management to clear out some of the competition along the way. Because he's going back to school for his junior year at a minimum, and could very well return to Commonwealth Ave. for his senior season, it might not become an issue for the Bruins until 2012, but he'll still have his work cut out for him.
5-9, 170
May 30, 1990
Shoots: Left
Acquired from St. Louis for C Vladimir Sobotka; June 26, 2010
Signing status: Unsigned
Talent Analysis
Physical: Very undersized for the defense position, but has high-end skating and hockey skills, which help to offset the physical mismatches he's bound to face in the pros. A sublime skater; explodes to top speed from a stop in just a few strides and exhibits outstanding four-way directional mobility. Tremendous backwards mobility and lateral/crossover ability. Very good puckhandler who can make the effective clearing pass and loves to jump up into the play using his speed and puck skills to motor through the neutral zone and back defenders up. Soft hands for on target passes in the offensive zone, and he's more of a puck distributor than an actual triggerman when playing the point. Possesses a big shot despite the lack of big size, but is a more effective scorer from the high slot, when he can rip off wrist and snap shots through screens. At a disadvantage physically because of his lack of size, but will initiate contact and is willing to take the hit to make plays. It's not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog with Warsofsky: he proved that adage correct when he manhandled the much bigger Tommy Cross during a scrum in the BU-BC Fenway game. Has a high panic threshold, meaning he'll hold onto the puck as long as possible to wait for an opening, knowing he's going to get blown up when the nearest opponent finishes his check. Refining his defensive play: solid positionally, but still prone to trying to do too much in his own end and getting to running around. A bit of an agitator; will yap a bit and get under the skin of opposing players. Productive in all the right ways as a sophomore last season: finished second on the team in goal scoring by defensemen with 12, but tied for the NCAA lead with four shorthanded markers, including a highlight reel end-to-end beauty against BC during the Beanpot tourney in February. A standout at Cushing Academy before joining the NTDP, he racked up 83 points from the blue line in two seasons in Ashburnham.
Intangibles: Has overcome the doubters and naysayers at every level so far; captained the 2008 U.S. NTDP Under-18 team and played in all 45 games as a freshman at Boston University in 08-09, earning a national championship and Beanpot trophy in the process. Very good vision and offensive hockey sense. Defensive awareness and decision-making need work; will try to carry the puck out of the zone from in front of his net or make low percentage passes that beg for turnovers. A good, solid character guy who is from the South Shore (Marshfield) and always dreamed of playing for the Bruins-- now will have his chance after being acquired by the team on the draft's second day. A winner; won the 2009 Frozen Four in Washington, a gold medal at the 2010 World Jr. Championship in Saskatoon last winter and a bronze medal at the 2008 World U-18 Championship. Roomed with '09 NY Rangers third-round pick Ryan Bourque at Cushing and was coached on defense by Bourque's father, Boston legend Ray Bourque while the two played there.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Warsofsky had a solid performance at camp this month, showing off his natural talent and ability at times, while also demonstrating that he's best served by continuing his development in the NCAA this season. A memorable highlight was the shootout goal he scored in the final scrimmage, where he was one of the few B's prospects to find the back of the net. He made a bevy of moves before roofing a backhander over a prone (and helpless) Mike Hutchinson after Warsofsky got him to bite on the first of several fakes. On the downside, he made repeated attempts to walk the puck out from in front of his own net, and on the second attempt, Tyler Seguin stole it away and got off a very nice scoring chance (Zane Gothberg made an even better save). But overall, Warsofsky did exactly what was expected: used his skating and puck skills to move the puck and be a going concern on offense. He also had a memorable one-on-one defensive stop on Jordan Caron early in the camp during a drill, when he used his quickness and savvy to block the bigger, stronger Caron from bulling his way to the net, while at the same time, maintaining net coverage so that the power winger couldn't even get a shot off.
Projection
Warsofsky is one more small, but skilled defender the Bruins have added to the prospect stable (where he joins Andrew Bodnarchuk, Steven Kampfer, Jeff Penner and Maxim Chudinov as blue liners all under 6-feet) but it's hard to predict where he will play at the NHL if he gets there. Of that group, the Terrier standout is the most skilled and has the most offensive upside, which is why he's just outside the top-10. However, because of the lack of size, he's going to have to keep building his strength and will likely need a couple more years of NCAA play and apprenticeship in the minors before he'll be ready to seriously challenge for an NHL job. Warsofsky could be a top-four in the NHL, but realistically, he's probably a third-pairing guy who will see time on special teams on the PK and PP units. He's a long-term project, but Warsofsky is both skilled and tenacious; except for the lack of size, he'd be a high-end prospect, so he could overcome the modest expectations to be more than the sum of his parts in time. It's all about the upside with this guy. Is he going to be a big-time scorer from the blue line in the NHL? Probably not. But Don Sweeney had a gleam in his eye whenever he talked about Warsofsky at camp, so one can only imagine that the former rearguard who logged more than 1,000 big league games with the B's sees a good bit of himself in the BU standout.
Quotable
"It's unbelievable to be a part of the Bruins organization and to be given the chance to fulfill a dream I've had for a good many years. Obviously, there are going to be some fans who are sad to see (Vladimir) Sobotka go, so I've got to show them that I can play this game and will one day hopefully be doing a lot to help Boston win a lot of hockey games. That would be a dream come true for me."- David Warsofsky to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
"I know that I'm not going to grow another two or three inches, but I am going to hit the weights hard to keep building my strength and give everything I have. I can't do anything about my height, but there are other factors I can control, so I'm all about learning as much as I can here this week, and then continuing to do the things I have to in order to play at the next level."- David Warsofsky, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
“We did scout to potentially draft David. It just so happened that a team took him in front of us.”- Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6, 2010
“I’m envious of the position he’s in, to be honest. David has challenges, but he’s got a skill set that will afford him the opportunity to go out and play. The smaller man does have a bit more leeway in the game now, as it’s composed, if he has the courage to go into areas and be smart enough and quick enough to take advantage of the skills he has.”- Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6, 2010
The Final Word
You have to like this guy: he's a local who grew up a fanatical Bruins supporter, has made himself into a legitimate NHL prospect despite the fact that 10 years ago his size would have scared all 30 teams away. Warsofsky's a bulldog on skates, and if you've followed his career progression to date, there is no reason to think that he won't succeed in his bid to make the team some day. The problem for Warsofsky is going to be that he falls into a category that the B's have a surplus of, so for him to win a spot is going to be a difficult challenge and he may have to hope for management to clear out some of the competition along the way. Because he's going back to school for his junior year at a minimum, and could very well return to Commonwealth Ave. for his senior season, it might not become an issue for the Bruins until 2012, but he'll still have his work cut out for him.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Boston Bruins Prospect Series Recap: 1-10
The blog's Boston Bruins prospects top-10 is done. I'll be cranking out the rest of the prospects this week (hopefully) and we'll take it from there.
Here they are:
1. Tyler Seguin, C
2. Joe Colborne, C
3. Jordan Caron, RW
4. Maxime Sauve, C/LW
5. Jared Knight, RW
6. Ryan Button, D
7. Brad Marchand, RW
8. Ryan Spooner, C/W
9. Yuri Alexandrov, D
10. Zach Hamill, C
Here they are:
1. Tyler Seguin, C
2. Joe Colborne, C
3. Jordan Caron, RW
4. Maxime Sauve, C/LW
5. Jared Knight, RW
6. Ryan Button, D
7. Brad Marchand, RW
8. Ryan Spooner, C/W
9. Yuri Alexandrov, D
10. Zach Hamill, C
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #10 Zach Hamill
Zach Hamill, C
5-10, 180
September 23, 1988
Shoots: Right
Boston's 1st choice, eighth overall in 2007
Signing status: Signed through 2011
Talent Analysis
Physical: Another of Boston's undersized players who has struggled to build strength and add mass since the team spent a top-10 pick on him three years ago. He's listed at 5-11, 190 in some areas, but the height and weight measurements are highly generous, as he's progressed slowly in terms of adding the weight and being able to keep it on over the course of a season. Average skater who lacks a quick first step and high-end speed, although he's a better skater than he gets credit for simply because of his lack of size; if he were 6-1 or 6-2, he'd get high marks for his skating. Agility and lateral movement are fine; Hamill shows very good balance and is able to shake off hits and maintain puck control. Very good passer who has the ability to feather pucks through a maze of bodies and hit teammates in stride. Good stickhandler who slows the play down in order to set the table effectively. Can shoot the puck, but does not do so nearly enough, and that has shown in his AHL stats to date where he has tended to be a streaky finisher who scores in bunches only to go long stretches without finding the back of the net. Defensive game is coming along, but still needs work and will never be a strength of his.
Intangibles: Hamill's offensive hockey sense is first-rate, and is what got him drafted so high, when he led the WHL in scoring (albeit with just 93 points- one of the lowest totals in league history). He sees the ice better than just about any prospect in Boston's system not named Seguin or Colborne, and instinctively is able to sense the flow in the offensive end and make plays (see his participation in a Michael Ryder strike to earn his first NHL point in last season's finale against Washington). His compete levels are up and down: he had a sterling reputation coming out of junior, but his intensity has at times wavered in Providence. Hamill's challenges go beyond the physical, and he's had to work at getting comfortable in the AHL. His late-season callup to Boston does speak well to his progress, but he could be the odd-man out once again this year, as the Bruins seem to have too much depth at center in terms of talent and one-way contracts for him to have a legitimate chance of breaking camp with the team barring a rash of injuries. He will play hurt, and may have damaged his standing in his first pro season because he tried to soldier through after suffering a serious thumb injury he kept quiet. After making it worse, he had surgery that cost him the first couple of months of the 08-09 season and may have done lasting damage. Although showing a pain threshold and courage that was clearly admirable, a playmaker's best attributes are his head and hands, and it is not quite known if his thumb has degraded his ability to be the kind of scoring presence he was before the injury.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status; did not attend.
Projection
Hamill is clearly at a crossroads within the Bruins organization, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him dealt as part of a package at some point. He got off to a terrible start in his first full pro season because of the thumb injury and his confidence is always something the team has to take into account (his success last season noticeably coincided with when Providence brought junior linemate and close friend John Lammers on board). I've also heard rumors that the Bruins have already tried to trade him, so unless he has some kind of terrific showing out of left field, the chance of Hamill becoming the player the team envisioned when they drafted him is on the wane. At the same time, he's in the top-10 here, because having seen the way he played in that last (meaningless for both teams) regular season game, Hamill did not look out of place and he still has NHL potential. I still believe he has top-six upside because of the things he does so well that can't be taught, but that's more the heart talking to be honest. The head, after seeing him in action at the AHL and NHL levels, says that's going to be a real stretch barring some major sea change, and he may be more of a third- or fourth-liner and special teamer in the NHL if at all.
Quotable
“I thought he was pretty poised with the puck, and he competed hard in our own end. He was pretty good; he was in the right position, I though the focus was good. Obviously, he got a helper there on that one goal and that’s what we wanted to see. We wanted to put him in some positions there where he had an opportunity to showcase his talent, and the power play was a part of it, and I thought he did well.”- Bruins head coach Claude Julien on Hamill, Washington, D.C.; April, 2010
“I was keeping it more simple, not forcing plays in the second half (of last season). Just kind of playing my game, keeping things simple and as plays opened up, I made them.”- Zach Hamill to hockeyjournal.com; April 2010
Hamill Makes Most of Callup to B's
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/news/2010/04/11_hamill.php
The Final Word
I thought about having David Warsofsky here at 10, but in the end went with the former first-rounder because when subjectively comparing the two in terms of overall skill, the former WHL scoring champ is a nose better. Hamill is the most polarizing prospect in Boston's system, but because of the recent draft and trades, he's fallen down the list a bit, which should make his critics happy (although I know some will complain that he's not low enough-- I can deal, though). Admittedly it's a tough call even having him in the top-10, but in the end, it comes down to the fact that I saw him in a live NHL setting and believe that he can be a player in this league, he's just not going to be an elite scorer. The problem with Hamill from a Bruins standpoint, is that because of where he is and who he is in terms of his development and size/style, he's more of a JAG (just another guy) vying for a spot that has to be filled by players ahead of him in the pecking order because of the economics of the game dictates that they'll be in Boston before Hamill unless he outplays them by such a wide margin as to force the team's hand into keeping him. He's got the skills to be something more than just a minor leaguer, so the question therefore becomes: will he get his shot in the Boston organization? My belief is probably not, but it is in GM Peter Chiarelli's best interest to keep showcasing him, which is what the cynical types will say happened in mid-April with his one NHL shot (to date).
I remember talking to him last fall and he told me he added seven pounds to his light frame in the offseason. One of my journalist colleagues overheard the discussion and later quipped to me, "The problem is, (Hamill's) actually proud of that," which underscores the problem he's had making a real impact in both the NHL and AHL thus far. If you're an undersized guy who isn't the best skater, then you'd better produce consistently. Hamill has yet to do that in Providence, so it looks like this could be the time to grant him a change of scenery (especially if it works as part of a package to unload one of the team's less desireable veteran player/contracts). Hamill is a good kid who's had to overcome a lot (read Fluto Shinzawa's post '07 draft article for more on that) in his young life, but it looks like he may simply be up against too much to make those bones in Boston.
To close out, he'll turn 22 just a few weeks before the start of the regular season, so to hear some folks writing him off heading into his third pro try is simply ridiculous. Hamill may make it, he may not. But his ultimate NHL future is not going to be decided this year, so regardless of what happens, he's still a player to watch. Fair is fair, and while he's not set the world on fire, judging Hamill simply because he was the eighth overall pick in a weak draft is an argument lacking in the proper context. Pragmatically speaking, however, he simply may not get the kind of opportunity he needs to make a statement in Boston, and therein lies the conundrum in ranking this player.
5-10, 180
September 23, 1988
Shoots: Right
Boston's 1st choice, eighth overall in 2007
Signing status: Signed through 2011
Talent Analysis
Physical: Another of Boston's undersized players who has struggled to build strength and add mass since the team spent a top-10 pick on him three years ago. He's listed at 5-11, 190 in some areas, but the height and weight measurements are highly generous, as he's progressed slowly in terms of adding the weight and being able to keep it on over the course of a season. Average skater who lacks a quick first step and high-end speed, although he's a better skater than he gets credit for simply because of his lack of size; if he were 6-1 or 6-2, he'd get high marks for his skating. Agility and lateral movement are fine; Hamill shows very good balance and is able to shake off hits and maintain puck control. Very good passer who has the ability to feather pucks through a maze of bodies and hit teammates in stride. Good stickhandler who slows the play down in order to set the table effectively. Can shoot the puck, but does not do so nearly enough, and that has shown in his AHL stats to date where he has tended to be a streaky finisher who scores in bunches only to go long stretches without finding the back of the net. Defensive game is coming along, but still needs work and will never be a strength of his.
Intangibles: Hamill's offensive hockey sense is first-rate, and is what got him drafted so high, when he led the WHL in scoring (albeit with just 93 points- one of the lowest totals in league history). He sees the ice better than just about any prospect in Boston's system not named Seguin or Colborne, and instinctively is able to sense the flow in the offensive end and make plays (see his participation in a Michael Ryder strike to earn his first NHL point in last season's finale against Washington). His compete levels are up and down: he had a sterling reputation coming out of junior, but his intensity has at times wavered in Providence. Hamill's challenges go beyond the physical, and he's had to work at getting comfortable in the AHL. His late-season callup to Boston does speak well to his progress, but he could be the odd-man out once again this year, as the Bruins seem to have too much depth at center in terms of talent and one-way contracts for him to have a legitimate chance of breaking camp with the team barring a rash of injuries. He will play hurt, and may have damaged his standing in his first pro season because he tried to soldier through after suffering a serious thumb injury he kept quiet. After making it worse, he had surgery that cost him the first couple of months of the 08-09 season and may have done lasting damage. Although showing a pain threshold and courage that was clearly admirable, a playmaker's best attributes are his head and hands, and it is not quite known if his thumb has degraded his ability to be the kind of scoring presence he was before the injury.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Graduated from development status; did not attend.
Projection
Hamill is clearly at a crossroads within the Bruins organization, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him dealt as part of a package at some point. He got off to a terrible start in his first full pro season because of the thumb injury and his confidence is always something the team has to take into account (his success last season noticeably coincided with when Providence brought junior linemate and close friend John Lammers on board). I've also heard rumors that the Bruins have already tried to trade him, so unless he has some kind of terrific showing out of left field, the chance of Hamill becoming the player the team envisioned when they drafted him is on the wane. At the same time, he's in the top-10 here, because having seen the way he played in that last (meaningless for both teams) regular season game, Hamill did not look out of place and he still has NHL potential. I still believe he has top-six upside because of the things he does so well that can't be taught, but that's more the heart talking to be honest. The head, after seeing him in action at the AHL and NHL levels, says that's going to be a real stretch barring some major sea change, and he may be more of a third- or fourth-liner and special teamer in the NHL if at all.
Quotable
“I thought he was pretty poised with the puck, and he competed hard in our own end. He was pretty good; he was in the right position, I though the focus was good. Obviously, he got a helper there on that one goal and that’s what we wanted to see. We wanted to put him in some positions there where he had an opportunity to showcase his talent, and the power play was a part of it, and I thought he did well.”- Bruins head coach Claude Julien on Hamill, Washington, D.C.; April, 2010
“I was keeping it more simple, not forcing plays in the second half (of last season). Just kind of playing my game, keeping things simple and as plays opened up, I made them.”- Zach Hamill to hockeyjournal.com; April 2010
Hamill Makes Most of Callup to B's
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/news/2010/04/11_hamill.php
The Final Word
I thought about having David Warsofsky here at 10, but in the end went with the former first-rounder because when subjectively comparing the two in terms of overall skill, the former WHL scoring champ is a nose better. Hamill is the most polarizing prospect in Boston's system, but because of the recent draft and trades, he's fallen down the list a bit, which should make his critics happy (although I know some will complain that he's not low enough-- I can deal, though). Admittedly it's a tough call even having him in the top-10, but in the end, it comes down to the fact that I saw him in a live NHL setting and believe that he can be a player in this league, he's just not going to be an elite scorer. The problem with Hamill from a Bruins standpoint, is that because of where he is and who he is in terms of his development and size/style, he's more of a JAG (just another guy) vying for a spot that has to be filled by players ahead of him in the pecking order because of the economics of the game dictates that they'll be in Boston before Hamill unless he outplays them by such a wide margin as to force the team's hand into keeping him. He's got the skills to be something more than just a minor leaguer, so the question therefore becomes: will he get his shot in the Boston organization? My belief is probably not, but it is in GM Peter Chiarelli's best interest to keep showcasing him, which is what the cynical types will say happened in mid-April with his one NHL shot (to date).
I remember talking to him last fall and he told me he added seven pounds to his light frame in the offseason. One of my journalist colleagues overheard the discussion and later quipped to me, "The problem is, (Hamill's) actually proud of that," which underscores the problem he's had making a real impact in both the NHL and AHL thus far. If you're an undersized guy who isn't the best skater, then you'd better produce consistently. Hamill has yet to do that in Providence, so it looks like this could be the time to grant him a change of scenery (especially if it works as part of a package to unload one of the team's less desireable veteran player/contracts). Hamill is a good kid who's had to overcome a lot (read Fluto Shinzawa's post '07 draft article for more on that) in his young life, but it looks like he may simply be up against too much to make those bones in Boston.
To close out, he'll turn 22 just a few weeks before the start of the regular season, so to hear some folks writing him off heading into his third pro try is simply ridiculous. Hamill may make it, he may not. But his ultimate NHL future is not going to be decided this year, so regardless of what happens, he's still a player to watch. Fair is fair, and while he's not set the world on fire, judging Hamill simply because he was the eighth overall pick in a weak draft is an argument lacking in the proper context. Pragmatically speaking, however, he simply may not get the kind of opportunity he needs to make a statement in Boston, and therein lies the conundrum in ranking this player.
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #9 Yuri Alexandrov
Yuri Alexandrov, D
6-0, 185
June 24, 1988
Shoots: Left
Boston's 2nd choice, 37th overall in 2006
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Lacks ideal size for a defenseman at the NHL level with average height and below average strength at this stage of his development. Overall conditioning needs work prior to the start of rookie and main camps in September. Good, not great skater. Accelerates out of the blocks well, but does not possess the kind of straight-line speed (forwards or backwards) or the lateral quickness to rate him as a "plus" skater. Very good passer; makes a crisp first pass and can transition the play from defense to the attack very well with his ability to put the puck on a player's tape and spring the jail break. Excellent in puck distribution, especially on the power play, where time and space is opened up in the offensive zone. Shot is only average; lacks the kind of power and heaviness that distinguishes other top point shooters from their peers. Positional defensive game is solid; understands where he needs to be and has a quick stick to clog up passing lanes or create turnovers if the puck carrier gets within his reach. Physical game is below average; will use his body to leverage players off the puck, but does not make big open ice hits and has problems moving big, strong power forwards from the front of his net.
Intangibles: Smart and experienced; has been playing against men since age 17, so no player in Boston's system has done more at a high level than Alexandrov has. Relies on his hockey IQ to make plays at both ends of the ice, though is more of an offensive presence/puck-moving defender than he is a shutdown presence. Was named captain of the Russian WJC team at age 19, so he does bring good immeasurables like leadership to the mix. Even though his English skills are limited, he showed a willingness to try and talk and seemed to fit in well with the other prospects at camp, making an effort to overcome the cultural barrier; seems to have an impressive attitude that could carry him far. Showed none of a sense of entitlement that other Russians who have preceded him to Boston have.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment:
Overall, Alexandrov's performance in Wilmington was a disappointment, but the camp itself did not play to his strengths and the format did not allow the experienced Russian pro to show off what he does best. His conditioning was not what it should have been, and Assistant GM Don Sweeney made mention of that. Alexandrov spent a lot of time hunched over, gathering his breath in between drills. During the drills themselves, he seemed to have trouble picking them up and executing at as high a level as others, likely because of the challenge of communication. His shot isn;t anything to write home about, and he wasn't able to do much with it, either from the outside or in close when conducting drills. He showed flashes of what he can do in the scrimmages, but didn't do a lot to stand out either positively or negatively. Given his draft standing and the fact that he's been a solid performer in Russia's top pro league (the Kontinental Hockey League since 2008) for the past five seasons, I can't indict him for his mediocre/up and down showing this month.
Projection
On talent alone, Alexandrov has the look of a second-pairing defender and low-end No. 3 or solid No. 4. However, the fact that he's evolved steadily with his production over the past three years and has put up statistics comparable to several top offensive Russian d-men (Sergei Zubov and Sergei Gonchar) when they were near the same age, leads to believe that he has the hockey sense and intangibles to possibly become a solid No. 2 at the NHL level if he's willing to put in the time to develop in the AHL and gain more strength and experience with the North American style. After having seen him at camp, Alexandrov does not appear to be the kind of finished product who can immediately jump in and lay claim to a roster spot in Boston in a few months, but he should get an extended look in the preseason by virtue of his age and experience. It will be interesting to see how he looks in game situations.
Quotable
“Obviously, there’s a language barrier there and [there's] cultural differences. Once he’s on the ice, he feels most comfortable and that’s a good thing. But there’ll be systematic things and nuances he’ll have to figure out. We’ve tried to attack that communication and tried to get better at it because there is a gap there. And the onus falls on him a little bit to understand that and immerse himself in that.”- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney on Alexandrov, Wilmington, Mass.; July 10, 2010
“You can tell when the game starts, his positional play, his understanding and his stick positioning is very, very good,” Sweeney said. “You can tell that’s been taught and built into his game. When you play against bigger and stronger players, you have to develop those techniques and he’s done that."- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney on Alexandrov, Wilmington, Mass.; July 10, 2010
“To be honest with you, and something we’re communicating with him, I didn’t think he was in quite as good a shape as he was the year before so that’s got to be something he’ll have to attack and address between now and September to realize that he continues to push forward. I would tell all the kids that. I’m not going to single him out for any particular reason, except that the facts are what they are.”- Don Sweeney, July 10, 2010
6-0, 185
June 24, 1988
Shoots: Left
Boston's 2nd choice, 37th overall in 2006
Signing status: Signed through 2012
Talent Analysis
Physical: Lacks ideal size for a defenseman at the NHL level with average height and below average strength at this stage of his development. Overall conditioning needs work prior to the start of rookie and main camps in September. Good, not great skater. Accelerates out of the blocks well, but does not possess the kind of straight-line speed (forwards or backwards) or the lateral quickness to rate him as a "plus" skater. Very good passer; makes a crisp first pass and can transition the play from defense to the attack very well with his ability to put the puck on a player's tape and spring the jail break. Excellent in puck distribution, especially on the power play, where time and space is opened up in the offensive zone. Shot is only average; lacks the kind of power and heaviness that distinguishes other top point shooters from their peers. Positional defensive game is solid; understands where he needs to be and has a quick stick to clog up passing lanes or create turnovers if the puck carrier gets within his reach. Physical game is below average; will use his body to leverage players off the puck, but does not make big open ice hits and has problems moving big, strong power forwards from the front of his net.
Intangibles: Smart and experienced; has been playing against men since age 17, so no player in Boston's system has done more at a high level than Alexandrov has. Relies on his hockey IQ to make plays at both ends of the ice, though is more of an offensive presence/puck-moving defender than he is a shutdown presence. Was named captain of the Russian WJC team at age 19, so he does bring good immeasurables like leadership to the mix. Even though his English skills are limited, he showed a willingness to try and talk and seemed to fit in well with the other prospects at camp, making an effort to overcome the cultural barrier; seems to have an impressive attitude that could carry him far. Showed none of a sense of entitlement that other Russians who have preceded him to Boston have.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment:
Overall, Alexandrov's performance in Wilmington was a disappointment, but the camp itself did not play to his strengths and the format did not allow the experienced Russian pro to show off what he does best. His conditioning was not what it should have been, and Assistant GM Don Sweeney made mention of that. Alexandrov spent a lot of time hunched over, gathering his breath in between drills. During the drills themselves, he seemed to have trouble picking them up and executing at as high a level as others, likely because of the challenge of communication. His shot isn;t anything to write home about, and he wasn't able to do much with it, either from the outside or in close when conducting drills. He showed flashes of what he can do in the scrimmages, but didn't do a lot to stand out either positively or negatively. Given his draft standing and the fact that he's been a solid performer in Russia's top pro league (the Kontinental Hockey League since 2008) for the past five seasons, I can't indict him for his mediocre/up and down showing this month.
Projection
On talent alone, Alexandrov has the look of a second-pairing defender and low-end No. 3 or solid No. 4. However, the fact that he's evolved steadily with his production over the past three years and has put up statistics comparable to several top offensive Russian d-men (Sergei Zubov and Sergei Gonchar) when they were near the same age, leads to believe that he has the hockey sense and intangibles to possibly become a solid No. 2 at the NHL level if he's willing to put in the time to develop in the AHL and gain more strength and experience with the North American style. After having seen him at camp, Alexandrov does not appear to be the kind of finished product who can immediately jump in and lay claim to a roster spot in Boston in a few months, but he should get an extended look in the preseason by virtue of his age and experience. It will be interesting to see how he looks in game situations.
Quotable
“Obviously, there’s a language barrier there and [there's] cultural differences. Once he’s on the ice, he feels most comfortable and that’s a good thing. But there’ll be systematic things and nuances he’ll have to figure out. We’ve tried to attack that communication and tried to get better at it because there is a gap there. And the onus falls on him a little bit to understand that and immerse himself in that.”- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney on Alexandrov, Wilmington, Mass.; July 10, 2010
“You can tell when the game starts, his positional play, his understanding and his stick positioning is very, very good,” Sweeney said. “You can tell that’s been taught and built into his game. When you play against bigger and stronger players, you have to develop those techniques and he’s done that."- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney on Alexandrov, Wilmington, Mass.; July 10, 2010
“To be honest with you, and something we’re communicating with him, I didn’t think he was in quite as good a shape as he was the year before so that’s got to be something he’ll have to attack and address between now and September to realize that he continues to push forward. I would tell all the kids that. I’m not going to single him out for any particular reason, except that the facts are what they are.”- Don Sweeney, July 10, 2010
The Final Word
Alexandrov is an intriguing prospect. Like Ryan Button, he brings some real positive traits to the table, but at the same time, whether those can translate into a top-three player or better at the highest level remains to be seen. The Bruins have neglected drafting and developing high-end talents on defense for some time now, and that shows in the raw projectability of their two "best" prospects at the position (and you can certainly argue whether David Warsofsky grades out ahead of either Button or Alexandrov, and in making that case, it underscores the dearth of talent on 'D'). Alexandrov can't be truly judged until we see where he stands in preseason action and then likely at the AHL level, where he should at least begin the 10-11 campaign even if he does see some time in Boston this season at some point. He's not a player who is really going to jump out at you if you're expecting grand things from him, but if you look closely at Alexandrov, you'll see the high-end passing and smart decision-making. Unfortunately, there simply wasn't enough of that kind of a condition at camp, so he's fallen off in the rankings a bit.
Remember, though, that the B2010DW Bruins prospect list is highly subjective. We're all likely to have differing opinions on these guys and what their potential is, and because I don't have a crystal ball, I'm probably going to get more of these wrong than right. At the end of the day, all of the praise or criticism for these prospects doesn't mean much. And, nobody's going to remember whether Alexandrov was 9th or 2nd on some internet list. If he's able to win an NHL job and become a solid contributor to Boston's fortunes for a long time, that's going to be the payoff. But, Alexandrov has a tough road ahead of him: he's not very strong, doesn't speak the language and his real desire to play in the NHL will be tested because unless he has some kind of monster performance in September, it doesn't appear that he's going to be able to beat out the established (and might I say much higher paid) options ahead of him. Playing for Rob Murray in Providence will benefit him, but he'll need to check the ego at the door and be ready to combat the homesickness that could occur as Rhode Island is a long way from Cherepovets (which is the sister city of my hometown of Hudson, N.H., btw. My close childhood friend, Tim, traveled as a teenager to Cherepovets in 1988 to play a U.S.-U.S.S.R. basketball tournament as part of that community outreach, btw). Until Alexandrov proves himself, there's a skepticism factor with him. We watched Sergei Zinovjev crash and burn as a Boston Bruin six years ago because he wasn't willing to pay his dues and found it much easier to return to Russia and the good life rather than work at the flaws in his game.
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