Andrew Bodnarchuk, D
5-11, 200
July 11, 1988
Shoots: Left
Boston's 5th choice, 128th overall in 2006 Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2011
Talent Analysis
Physical: Another member of Boston's sub-6-feet brigade on 'D', Bodnarchuk is a dedicated gym rat who has done very well at building his strength, but will always face a mismatch when going up against the biggest, strongest of the NHL's ever-growing legion of power forwards. Plus-skater who has very good acceleration, speed, quickness and lateral mobility. Solid passer and shooter, but has become more of a stay-at-home, defensive player in the pros after putting up solid offensive numbers in junior. Plays bigger than his size; likes to initiate contact and will take the hit to make the play. Low center of gravity allows him to get up under bigger, stronger players to separate them from pucks. Pound-for-pound, one of the most rugged prospects in Boston's system. Overall defensive game and positioning needs work.
Intangibles: Hard worker and good teammate who was one of Rob Murray's go-to guys in Providence last season and was rewarded with a late-season callup, playing in all of Boston's final five regular season contests. Tenacious and learns from mistakes; settled in after a rocky start in Boston against Toronto and was a solid defensive performer to close out the season. Lacks the elite instincts needed to be a top defender at the next level, but has the desire and intensity to make something of himself.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Did not attend.
Projection
Bodnarchuk looks like a bottom-pairing/extra defender at the NHL level, but he could improve enough to play more of a role in time. He's a wolverine on skates; not all that big, but plays with an edge and keeps himself in the best shape possible. Like Don Sweeney, he comes from the Maritimes and went to St. Paul's Academy in Concord, NH before opting away from the NCAA track and staying at home to play major junior. Also like Sweeney, he understands his size is a major obstacle and will likely need to make the most of any chance he gets in Boston when spots are opened up because of injuries. He's going to be a very solid AHL defenseman, but how far he can go at the highest level is a tossup because of the organization's other undersized players at the position who have a little more upside.
Quotable
“I talked to (Murray) quick, and he sort of gave me the, ‘Congratulations; good work, good luck.’ But, I know I put in my work this year and I’m glad it’s been noticed, so I’ll just go from here now.”- Andrew Bodnarchuk to hockeyjournal.com; April, 2010
“It’s unbelievable; it’s a dream come true. It feels like the jitters are out now that the first game’s gone. My mind was going a little quicker than I wanted to during the first game, but as the game went on, I saw it slow down. (I’m) just more comfortable around the room comfortable around the guys.”- Andrew Bodnarchuk to hockeyjournal.com; April, 2010
“(It sends) a really strong message. I saw it last year too, with the guys being called up: the Boychuks, Lashoffs and Karsums, guys getting a sniff and getting a chance. So, it’s really encouraging for the young guys in Providence to know that Boston does like to call up and work with what they’ve drafted. For the younger guys down there, take a look, put in the work and it’ll pay off.”- Andrew Bodnarchuk to hockeyjournal.com; April, 2010
Bodnarchuk, Marchand on this ride together
http://www.hockeyjournal.com/news/2010/04/13_bodnarchuk.php
“You look at their roster and you pretty well know who their top six (defencemen) are, just by looking at their contracts. There are three or four players, neck-and-neck, battling for that (seventh) spot … I’m looking forward to it.”- Andrew Bodnarchuk to Metro Halifax; July, 2010
“Hopefully, this year is going to be another step toward being a full-time NHLer. It tends to take a little bit longer for defencemen, especially for a shorter guy. I’m just looking to make more and more strides as the year goes on.”- Andrew Bodnarchuk to Metro Halifax, July, 2010
The Final Word
Although skilled enough, Bodnarchuk's lack of size and upside pushes him further down the depth chart, especially with the infusion of talent via the draft and trades. He's a good kid and hard worker, but the one-year contract extension he signed this month speaks for itself in terms of how he's viewed by the team right now and what his realistic chances of making an impact in Boston this year are. He'll be a valuable veteran in Providence for Murray if nothing else, and his small taste of the NHL life will put him on the short list for recall if needed, but he's got a tough challenge ahead of him to establish himself as a big league regular as anything more than a fringe/depth guy.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #16 Alexander Fallstrom
Alexander Fallstrom, RW
6-2, 192
September 15, 1990
Shoots: Right
Acquired from Minnesota with a 2011 second-round selection for Chuck Kobasew in October, 2009
Signing status: Unsigned
Talent Analysis
Physical: Tall and lanky build; needs to add significant mass and strength in the next few years of his development. Improving his upper body power and drive will be his biggest challenge between now and when he turns pro. Adequate skater; first few steps are mediocre, but decent speed and quickness gets him where he needs to go. Will never be a burner, but his skating flaws are easily correctable and don't stand out in competition. Very good hands and a quick stick; able to work effectively with limited time and space. Good, heavy shot that he can release quickly. Will drive hard to the net and bang in the rebounds. Able to get his stick on pucks for deflections and redirections. Shields the puck well from defenders and is serviceable down low and on the cycle. Very good defensive player who understands positioning and his responsibilities. Finishes his checks; plays more of a North American-style game given his time spent playing prep and in the NCAA. Ripped it up for 87 points in 40 games his final prep season at Shattuck, so the kid can score. It's just a matter of figuring out how much of his scoring touch at the lower levels will translate at Harvard and in the pro ranks.
Intangibles: Heady winger works hard and is diligent in his approach to on- and off-ice work. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden but raised in Stockholm and eschewed the traditional route most Swedes take by going through the pro development system via junior teams in favor of going to Shattuck St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota at age 16, earning the captaincy as a senior in 08-09. Has a nose for the net; seems to recognize scoring opportunities and then place himself in areas where he can impact the play. Intelligent and well spoken; understands his role and plays it well. Another character kid who took a lesser-traveled road than most of his peers but appears on track to succeed.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Fallstrom had one of the more underrated performances in Wilmington this month. Nothing he does jumps out at you, but when the puck ended up in the back of the net on some nice plays in scrimmages or drills, Fallstrom was often times the culprit (and beneficiary of some great passes from Joe Colborne). He's a smart kid who paid attention to what was going on and displayed a strong showing in all zones, but flew under the radar for much of the week. Many of his higher-profile teammates garnered the lion's share of the attention and headlines, but in retrospect, Fallstrom was one of the more complete and productive players on the ice during the scrimmages. He and Colborne made life very tough on the defenders who went up against them, using their size and skill to move the puck through traffic and generate myriad scoring chances.
Projection
Solid third-line player with the intelligence and hands to make a modest contribution on offense at the NHL level. He had more of an adjustment period in the ECAC with the Crimson last season, but watch for him to bump his points up significantly this season, as he has the tools to be a productive player for Ted Donato's squad. Like some of the other prospects in Boston's system, Fallstrom is in a good situation where he can take his time to round out his game and the pressure will not be on him to contribute right away. He's an atypical Swede in that he isn't the greatest skater, but unlike former B's prospect Anton Hedman, Fallstrom's mobility is not a major drawback, and by the time he's ready to progress to the next level, the skating should be fine. Could be a high-end scorer in the minors before he makes a run at regular NHL employment, but at worst, should be an effective 50-point defensive forward who can play in all situations and will earn the trust of his coaches to play in big moments.
Quotable
"I'm having a lot of fun for sure. This is a very good experience and my first time working with the Boston coaches, so I'm just trying to learn what I can and bring it back with me to Harvard for the upcoming season."- Alexander Fallstrom to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
"Fallstrom's not the most exciting player to come out of Shattuck (St. Mary's), but he did very well there. I remember watching him and not noticing him much, and then I'd look at the score sheet afterwards and he had three or four points. He's the kind of player who keeps it simple, but goes hard to the net and is an opportunistic scorer. Maybe not a high-end offensive player at the next level, but he plays an honest two-way game and has the skills to put up some points with the right linemates."- NHL scout to hockeyjournal.com; May, 2010.
The Final Word
It is intriguing that the Wild gave up Fallstrom so soon after drafting him (ironically with the '09 fourth-round selection the Bruins sent to them as part of the Manny Fernandez trade), but he appears to be a legitimate NHL prospect, albeit one who is on the long-term plan after completing his freshman season at Harvard. He's a poor man's Jordan Caron; doesn't have great feet, but is instinctive, hard working and brings a solid two-way game to the table to go with nice finishing skills. He's not going to be a star, but he's smart, physical and brings his 'A' game to the trenches. If he can get the offense going at Harvard, he'll move up the prospect depth chart quickly because he does so many other things well and has the desire to be more than the sum of his parts.
6-2, 192
September 15, 1990
Shoots: Right
Acquired from Minnesota with a 2011 second-round selection for Chuck Kobasew in October, 2009
Signing status: Unsigned
Talent Analysis
Physical: Tall and lanky build; needs to add significant mass and strength in the next few years of his development. Improving his upper body power and drive will be his biggest challenge between now and when he turns pro. Adequate skater; first few steps are mediocre, but decent speed and quickness gets him where he needs to go. Will never be a burner, but his skating flaws are easily correctable and don't stand out in competition. Very good hands and a quick stick; able to work effectively with limited time and space. Good, heavy shot that he can release quickly. Will drive hard to the net and bang in the rebounds. Able to get his stick on pucks for deflections and redirections. Shields the puck well from defenders and is serviceable down low and on the cycle. Very good defensive player who understands positioning and his responsibilities. Finishes his checks; plays more of a North American-style game given his time spent playing prep and in the NCAA. Ripped it up for 87 points in 40 games his final prep season at Shattuck, so the kid can score. It's just a matter of figuring out how much of his scoring touch at the lower levels will translate at Harvard and in the pro ranks.
Intangibles: Heady winger works hard and is diligent in his approach to on- and off-ice work. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden but raised in Stockholm and eschewed the traditional route most Swedes take by going through the pro development system via junior teams in favor of going to Shattuck St. Mary's in Faribault, Minnesota at age 16, earning the captaincy as a senior in 08-09. Has a nose for the net; seems to recognize scoring opportunities and then place himself in areas where he can impact the play. Intelligent and well spoken; understands his role and plays it well. Another character kid who took a lesser-traveled road than most of his peers but appears on track to succeed.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Fallstrom had one of the more underrated performances in Wilmington this month. Nothing he does jumps out at you, but when the puck ended up in the back of the net on some nice plays in scrimmages or drills, Fallstrom was often times the culprit (and beneficiary of some great passes from Joe Colborne). He's a smart kid who paid attention to what was going on and displayed a strong showing in all zones, but flew under the radar for much of the week. Many of his higher-profile teammates garnered the lion's share of the attention and headlines, but in retrospect, Fallstrom was one of the more complete and productive players on the ice during the scrimmages. He and Colborne made life very tough on the defenders who went up against them, using their size and skill to move the puck through traffic and generate myriad scoring chances.
Projection
Solid third-line player with the intelligence and hands to make a modest contribution on offense at the NHL level. He had more of an adjustment period in the ECAC with the Crimson last season, but watch for him to bump his points up significantly this season, as he has the tools to be a productive player for Ted Donato's squad. Like some of the other prospects in Boston's system, Fallstrom is in a good situation where he can take his time to round out his game and the pressure will not be on him to contribute right away. He's an atypical Swede in that he isn't the greatest skater, but unlike former B's prospect Anton Hedman, Fallstrom's mobility is not a major drawback, and by the time he's ready to progress to the next level, the skating should be fine. Could be a high-end scorer in the minors before he makes a run at regular NHL employment, but at worst, should be an effective 50-point defensive forward who can play in all situations and will earn the trust of his coaches to play in big moments.
Quotable
"I'm having a lot of fun for sure. This is a very good experience and my first time working with the Boston coaches, so I'm just trying to learn what I can and bring it back with me to Harvard for the upcoming season."- Alexander Fallstrom to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
"Fallstrom's not the most exciting player to come out of Shattuck (St. Mary's), but he did very well there. I remember watching him and not noticing him much, and then I'd look at the score sheet afterwards and he had three or four points. He's the kind of player who keeps it simple, but goes hard to the net and is an opportunistic scorer. Maybe not a high-end offensive player at the next level, but he plays an honest two-way game and has the skills to put up some points with the right linemates."- NHL scout to hockeyjournal.com; May, 2010.
The Final Word
It is intriguing that the Wild gave up Fallstrom so soon after drafting him (ironically with the '09 fourth-round selection the Bruins sent to them as part of the Manny Fernandez trade), but he appears to be a legitimate NHL prospect, albeit one who is on the long-term plan after completing his freshman season at Harvard. He's a poor man's Jordan Caron; doesn't have great feet, but is instinctive, hard working and brings a solid two-way game to the table to go with nice finishing skills. He's not going to be a star, but he's smart, physical and brings his 'A' game to the trenches. If he can get the offense going at Harvard, he'll move up the prospect depth chart quickly because he does so many other things well and has the desire to be more than the sum of his parts.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #15 Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson, G
6-3, 190
March 2, 1990
Catches: Right
Boston's 3rd choice, 77th overall in 2008 Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2013 (unless he returns to junior for another season; 2014)
Talent Analysis
Physical: Big, lean frame takes up a lot of the net. Excellent size and athleticism for the position. Still adding muscle and mass to his body, but will be able to stand up well to net-crashers and heavy traffic outside his crease. Quick, instinctive goalie who is a prototype player for the modern age. Moves well laterally and goes down into a compact butterfly. Recovery from the down position is very good. Quick pads; stays square to the shooter and is tough to beat down low. Could stand to improve economy of motion and positioning. The rare right-handed catcher; pretty good glove hand. Good puckhandler who can clear the puck himself or move it up to the 'D' quickly. An all-around physical specimen who has the look of a good, solid NHL netminder one day but who still needs to tweak and refine his game. He had a solid, productive year with the Knights, but might return to junior for an overage year if Boston can't find room for him on the farm.
6-3, 190
March 2, 1990
Catches: Right
Boston's 3rd choice, 77th overall in 2008 Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2013 (unless he returns to junior for another season; 2014)
Talent Analysis
Physical: Big, lean frame takes up a lot of the net. Excellent size and athleticism for the position. Still adding muscle and mass to his body, but will be able to stand up well to net-crashers and heavy traffic outside his crease. Quick, instinctive goalie who is a prototype player for the modern age. Moves well laterally and goes down into a compact butterfly. Recovery from the down position is very good. Quick pads; stays square to the shooter and is tough to beat down low. Could stand to improve economy of motion and positioning. The rare right-handed catcher; pretty good glove hand. Good puckhandler who can clear the puck himself or move it up to the 'D' quickly. An all-around physical specimen who has the look of a good, solid NHL netminder one day but who still needs to tweak and refine his game. He had a solid, productive year with the Knights, but might return to junior for an overage year if Boston can't find room for him on the farm.
Intangibles: One of the nicest kids you'll meet; relaxed and personable-- genuinely enjoys playing the position. Can get into a zone and is nearly unbeatable when he does. Earned a third-round draft grade when he stoned the heavily-favored Brampton Battalion in the '08 playoffs while a member of the Barrie Colts. Handled the pressure of playing in London last season well enough, but consistency is still the biggest shortcoming in his game. Needs to find an element of intensity and focus and build on it, as he's skilled enough to be a player at the next level.
Boston Bruins 2010 Development Camp assessment
Hutch was the best of Boston's four goalies at the D-Camp, but in all honesty, that isn't saying a great deal. He got much better as the week went along, which is reflective in the challenge that the goalies face in terms of coming into camp cold, without having had the benefit of facing a lot of shots, getting down their timing and having had months since facing game situations. He was shaky early, but by the second and third day of scrimmages, was on his game pretty well and showed off some promise.
Projection
As things stand right now, it appears that Hutchinson has the makings of a solid backup at the NHL level. His fundamentals are sound, but he is still a long way off from seriously competing for an NHL job and could see another year in the OHL (as an overager) followed by several more in the minors after that. One factor that could influence whether the Bruins to bring Hutchinson to the pros or keep him in the OHL is that London spent a pick on a goaltender (Anaheim '09 third-rounder) in Russian Igor Bobkov during last month's CHL Import Draft. Splitting the duties in London probably isn't the best situation for both goalies or with last year's backup Michael Houser in the mix, so there could be another trade looming. If he can address some of the consistency that's been lacking in his game over the past couple of seasons, he has a chance to open some eyes, because there are no real physical flaws there. He's a middle-tier prospect who has the potential to move up on the depth chart because of the things he does so well, but after seeing Tuukka Rask in the Boston system over the past several years, there is a clear distinction with Hutchinson in terms of ability and upside: he's a cut below.
Quotable
“I think that each year coming to these I feel more relaxed. This year I came in and right from the start, I felt really comfortable with the speed of the shots and the speed of everything, so I didn’t have that adjustment period for the first couple of days this year. I feel really good about the progress I’ve made so far.”- Michael Hutchinson to hockeyjournal.com, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
“My goal is not to be back in junior hockey next year. So I’m going to do everything I can this summer to help me take the step to the next level.”- Michael Hutchinson to hockeyjournal.com, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
“They’re at the biggest disadvantage. They’ve been off their teams and haven’t seen shots n game situations for an extended period of time. They have to knock some rust off. The shooters have the advantage.”- Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010
The Final Word
A long-term developmental project for the Bruins, Hutch has a shot at playing one day so long as he's willing to be patient. He was not a highly-touted prospect in his draft year, but came off the board pretty early because of the kind of potential he showed in stoning the Cody Hodgson-led Battalion that spring. He's had to overcome a pretty mediocre 08-09 season, where he split the work pretty evenly with Peter Di Salvo, and he did that by winning 32 games as a Knight and posting his best goals against average (2.86) as an OHL regular. Hutchinson is an interesting prospect to watch, but he doesn't have the kind of pure potential that Rask did, and so he'll have a lot of work ahead of him if he's going to make it to the NHL and stay there.
Boston Bruins Prospect Series: #14 Tommy Cross
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.
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.
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.
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