College Free Agent Signings

We have reached the point of the season when NHL teams have just finished signing the top undrafted college players to contracts.  For any number of reasons, whether it be small size, late skill development, or poor exposure to NHL scouts before college, there are always about 20-30 players signed as Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) upon the conclusion of their college season.  These signings are mutually beneficial, as entry level contracts are pocket change to NHL teams, and the player can essentially decide which organization he'd like to join (unless your name is Eli Manning or John Elway you usually have no say in this).

Here's a look at a couple of the guys the Bruins have signed from the NCAA:

Chris Casto: Defense, University of Minnesota-Duluth, 6'3, 215 lbs

Many were surprised to hear that Castro decided to leave the Bulldogs after his sophomore season (I was not. I lived there and it is freezing!), but the Bruins were happy he did.
Although he still needs to work on his skating a bit, he has great mobility for a bigger skater and he is a rock in the defensive end. 13 points as a freshman and nine this past season make some question his offensive upside, but Casto has the potential to be a respectable offensive contributor.  He's no Erik Karlsson, but his big shot could actually prove pretty useful on a secondary powerplay unit.  This is a great signing for the Bruins, as Casto has the potential to possibly become a top four defenseman somewhere down the line, but adds depth in the system regardless of personal improvement.

Matt Lindblad: Left Wing, Dartmouth College, 6'0, 200 lbs

Mark my words, this kid is an absolute steal!  At better than average height and weight for a forward, I have no idea how Lindblad was not offered a contract after putting up 70 pts in his final season in the USHL in 2010, undeniably the top junior league in North America (excluding the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL where players are paid, therefore, losing college eligibility).  The Bruins must be excited to sign a player of Lindblad's caliber, as he had almost a point per game in each of his three seasons in beautiful Hanover, New Hampshire.  He is not considered to be a "high-end" signing, but I am convinced he will become at least a top nine NHL forward one day.  Having scored 80 points over the past three years on a very average team with an above average schedule makes Lindblad high end in my book.  I don't think it will be too long before we see Lindblad playing here in the Hub of Hockey.
PS: Stats in Providence to finish the year. (AHL): 4 gp, 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points

References:
hockeydb.com
bruins.nhl.com
UMD Hockey Site
Dartmouth Hockey Site
http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2013/03/20/nhl-college-free-agent-tracker-updated-march-20/

P-Bruins Atlantic Division Champs

I figure an Atlantic Division Championship has earned the Providence Bruins the right to be the focal point of this weeks' update.  We have reviewed many prospects in various leagues, but the most closely associated farm club had an excellent regular season and deserve some recognition for that feat.  Here's an article with the details.


Division Champs

Boston Strong

I know this blog is meant to provide updates and analysis on the Bruins' prospects, but I think this week it is important to discuss the importance of professional sports in Boston in light of what happened at the Boston Marathon.

I was about six miles away from the site of the bombings, and the panic was evident even at the 20 mile marker.  Police cars and buses filled with National Guard members were flying down Comm Ave before anyone knew what had happened.  Two families from my neighborhood were eye witnesses to the bombings, fortunately uninjured, and they both claim, as it seems everyone has, that the support from the first responders was incredible.

After some cancellations, The B's and the Sox got back to action in games with some truly emotional pre game ceremonies.  The Bruins called for a moment of silence before beginning the National Anthem, and the Garden erupted with voices of all ages and singing abilities, creating a perfect harmony of strength and unity.  Though the Bruins would go on to lose, the Boston Strong patches on their jerseys along with a sellout crowd filled with many praised first responders proved just how important our teams are in bringing folks together.

The Red Sox ceremonial first pitches by Dick and Rick Hoyt along with two first responders provided a very moving beginning to the pre game on field activities.  With Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick  on the field, "Big Papi" gave a wonderful address to the crowd.  Most notably stating, "These jerseys say Boston, not Red Sox..." and continuing to say, "This is our f***ing city, nobody is going to dictate our freedom, stay strong!"  Once again the crowd joined in on the national anthem in a great day at Fenway Park.

Many people, such as Stephen Colbert, have made jokes saying things like, "Did these guys know what city they were bombing? You don't mess with Boston."  Though these are usually light hearted attempts to ease some pain, it's true, you don't mess with Boston.

Matt Bartkowski Moving Up the Charts

Bruins prospect Matt Bartkowski has been making the transition to the NHL game quite well.  Like any rookie each play he makes is crucial to his career, and he has handled this pressure with great poise.  Here's an article about #43's transition.

Bartkowski

Local Prospect Update!

Hailing from Massapequa, NY, Rob O'Gara is not what most would consider a "local" of the Boston area.  This can easily be changed in the world of prep school hockey; however, with student athletes moving to live at boarding schools to get a better education and compete against superior athletic competition.

In the spring of 2010, O'Gara decided his best bet was to come from Long Island to play for Milton Academy.  It turns out this was a pretty wise decision.  After helping lead Milton Academy to a New England Prep Championship, easily the most prestigious of any high school tournament, he was rewarded with a fifth round (151st overall) selection by the Bruins in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Following his draft summer, O'Gara went back to Milton Academy in hopes of reaching the pinnacle of high school hockey once again in the 2011-12 campaign.  Although Milton had a fairly dismal season at only 9-15-3, O'Gara was as impressive as ever, scoring 25 points (5g, 25a) over those 24 games.  A defenseman scoring at a point per game clip is impressive in itself, but to do so on a weaker team earns O'Gara all the more respect in my opinion.

Upon concluding a fabulous high school career O'Gara enrolled at Yale University this fall, lacing up the skates for the Bulldogs in his freshman season.  A consistent presence in the top six of the deep Yale D-corps, O'Gara has done a good job proving that he will be a solid NHL defenseman one day.  Though he needs to fill out a bit before becoming a pro, his smooth skating, soft hands, and excellent presence in his own end all point toward a successful NHL career in the future.

The reason I choose now to review O'Gara is the work he and his teammates have done in the post season.  After being selected the 15 overall seed (number four in their "region") after going 20-12-3 in the regular season, the Bulldogs have shocked everyone.  After a hard fought 3-2 OT victory over number two overall seed Minnesota, Yale used their momentum to trounce North Dakota 4-1 to earn a birth in the Frozen Four for the first time since 1952.  Tune in to watch O'Gara and the Dogs battle UMass Lowell in the National Semifinals at 4:30 this afternoon!

References:

hockeydb.com

bruins.nhl.com

ushr.com 

http://triblive.com/sports/-topstories/3802662-74/lowell-frozen-yale#axzz2QBZiIffn

Carl Soderberg Signs!

The Bruins have officially signed Carl Soderberg to a contract!  Many fans may have forgotten about him since he hasn't really been in the limelight since the B's acquired his rights in 2007.  Don't let the lack of media attention fool you though, Soderberg is a great prospect.  He's actually almost a veteran based on his experience in the Swedish Elite League, and should be ready to jump straight into the lineup.  This is a signing that I feel should have taken place a couple of years ago but, as they say, "Better late than never". 

Here's a link to an article providing some more insight about the signing:

Carl Soderberg, Bruins Have A Deal

References:

Espnboston.com

Big Call-Up!

The Bruins announced last night that they would call up defenseman Torey Krug from Providence effective immediately.  With injuries to Bruins' top six d-men Johnny Boychuk (foot) and Adam McQuaid (shoulder) in the last four days, the Bruins had their choice of a few worthy candidates, and decided to call upon Krug.

Since our first report on Krug he has not disappointed.  In 55 games with the P-Bruins Krug has posted an impressive 10 goals to go along with 24 assists, good enough for sixth in the league amongst defenseman.  This is a well deserved call-up, overdue in my opinion, as Krug has continued to improve his work in the defensive zone to go along with his expected offensive production.  However,  there is no question that the Bruins have one of the strongest d-corps in the league, so it makes sense that the Bruins have decided to groom Krug in the minors until now.

In addition to the injuries, there is some speculation that the B's would have called up Krug in the near future anyhow.  With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, and the Bruins incredible defensive depth throughout the system, Krug could be a very useful pawn in a trade scheme.  Young, offensively talented d-men are a rare commodity right now, and a player such as Krug could be very enticing to many teams looking to move veteran players in order to start rebuilding for next year.  But having said all this, most teams would be skeptical to trade for a player who has hardly proved himself at the NHL level.

Therefore, this call-up is a win-win as there is no question that Krug is ready for the rigors of the NHL.  Best case he plays as well as expected and contributes down the stretch and into the playoffs, and worst case he allows the Bruins to make a trade for a much needed marquee veteran.  Keep an eye out for Krug to be in the lineup and taking a regular shift in the next few games!

References:
hockeydb.com
bruins.nhl.com
http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/injuries
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/03/27/bruins-live-blog-fireworks-expected-for-canadiens-final-trip-to-boston/

P-Bruins Leading Point Scorer

I figure since the AHL season is exactly two thirds complete, that it is time for a shout-out to the Providence Bruins current leading point scorer, Ryan Spooner.  Through 50 games played Spooner has amassed 45 pts, while scoring 12 goals and 33 assists.  Only 20 years old, this is "Spoons" first full season at the professional level, which bodes well for the future (both for him and the B's).  Expect to see him on the Garden ice in the near future, most likely for end of the year call-ups.  Click the link below to see some highlights of him from Bruins Development Camp from a couple summers ago (number 84).

Spooner Development Camp

Zane Gothberg's Love of the Game

I recently stumbled across this article about University of North Dakota goalie, and Bruins sixth round drat pick, Zane Gothberg.  Gothberg is a very skilled goaltender, one who I would imagine will be traded because the Bruins drafted Malcolm Subban, but he is a "Bruin" for the time being.  This article is a good reminder of why many of us love the game, it's ability to being families closer together, and most importantly how influential it can be in forming players as people.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/85511/love-of-the-game-passed-on-to-gothberg-by-grandmother/#more-85511e

Number One Defensive Prospect

Alright hockey fans, you've read about the Bruins top overall (slash goalie) prospect, I've told you about the top offensive prospect, but I've saved the best for last as it's now time we learn about the top defensive prospect.

Now the Bruins have an excellent cast of young, talented defenseman spread equally throughout the farm system, juniors, and Europe.  We talked about Matt Gryzelcyk, spent some time on Torey Krug, but in my humble opinion (and the opinion of many) the top defensive prospect is Russian-born Maxime Chudinov.

Despite being a 7th round pick (195 overall) in the 2010 NHL entry draft Chudinov has done nothing but impress since his draft day.  He was a typical late-round pick, undersized for a defenseman but skilled.  He's the type of player an NHL team will draft with little expectation, thinking he's had some success in Russia, maybe he'll blossom.  Well, has this kid ever blossomed.

Known as more of an offensive minded d-man, 22 year old Chudinov has always had great vision an point scoring abilities.  In the two seasons since he was drafted he has scored 23 and 35 pts respectively in the KHL.  Obviously this is outstanding, as most forwards his age would be overly content with such numbers, but the stat that has scouts excited is his plus/minus.

The plus/minus is quickly becoming the most highly regarded stat for defenseman in professional hockey.  Chudinov was +5 two seasons ago and +8 last year.  Admittedly these aren't the most unheard of stats, but considering how far south of 0 he has been in the past, this is a vast improvement.  If he can continue to sew up his play in the defensive end as well as continuing to blossom more and more offensively look for Chudinov to join the B's quite soon!

References:
hockeydb.com
bruins.nhl.com

Alexander Khokhlachev

The link below provides some information about the Bruins top (non-goalie) prospect, Alex Khokhlachev.  The Russian born center was the B's second pick in the 2011 draft, coming early in Round 2 (40th).  He was their first pick after rookie sensation, Dougie Hamilton.  Over the last three years with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, "KoKo" has put up some pretty impressive numbers, good enough to earn him a contract in the world's number two league, the KHL.

Numbers in Windsor:                                                          With Moscow Spartak:
2010-11: 67 gp (34-42-76)                                                  2012-13: 26 gp (2-5-7)
2011-12: 56 gp (25-44-69)
2012-13: 26 gp (21-26-47)

Alex Khokhlachev Write Up

References:
hockeydb.com
bruins.nhl.com

Malcolm Subban-Top Dog of the Future Bruins

Take a look at this article about the Bruins 2012 first round draft-pick, Malcolm Subban.  Although he is the younger brother of hated Canadiens defenseman, P.K. Subban, he should be welcomed into Beantown with open arms sometime in the next few years.  And who knows, maybe P.K. will come with him?  And let's face it, as much as we all despise Les Habitants, the elder Subban would be a great addition to the B's D-Corp.

Subban The Bruins Most Coveted Prospect

Matt Grzelcyk Intro

For those of you who have not yet heard of Matt Grzelcyk (GRIZ-lick) store the name in your memory bank.  A native of Charlestown, MA and former student-athlete at The Belmont Hill School, Grzelcyk is currently lacing up the skates in his freshman year at Boston University after spending the last two seasons with the United States National Development Program.  Last summer Grzelcyk became one of the few hockey players who can say he was drafted, getting selected by none other than his hometown team, The Boston Bruins (3rd Round, 85 Overall).  As if this wasn't already a great story, Grzelcyk's older brother is a security guard at the TD Garden and his dad drives the zamboni there!

Now that's all well and good, but I'm more interested in Grzelcyk as a player than a "feel-good" story.  Fortunately, Grzelcyk doesn't just have a great story, he is a terrific player.  He would be fairly undersized for a forward, but for a defenseman he is TINY, standing at only 5'9 and 171 lbs.  Don't let his size fool you though, he is constantly seen pushing around much bigger forwards around in the corners; Grzelcyk has devised a perfect strategy to combine the use of his core strength and low center of gravity to his advantage.  In addition to his strength, he possesses incredible poise and excellent decision making with the puck on his stick, which are complemented by his above average skill in the offensive end.  Despite being the last player cut from the US Under 20 World Championship Team, a decision I disagree with Coach Phil Housley on (though you can't argue with a gold medal or Housley's 1232 NHL points), Grzelcyk has continued to be a strong presence on the blue line for the Terriers.  With 18 points in 27 games this year, don't be surprised if we see Grzelcyk leave Coach Jack Parker before wearing the cap and gown.

Draft Day News

Resources:
bruins.nhl.com
hockeydb.com
Photo: bostonherald.com

Name Change!

I have decided that I should branch out past the P-Bruins and analyze Bruins highly toted prospects from all levels.  Junior hockey and College hockey will be included as well as a continued effort to provide updates on the minors.

Brian McGrattan Set to Return

http://www.providencebruins.com/View/PressReleases/595

Check out this article to read up on the newest member of the Providence Bruins.  McGrattan will provide the minor league club with the fighter they've been lacking.

Jamie Tardif's Call-up

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2003 NHL entry draft, Jamie Tardif's NHL aspirations seemed quite realistic.  At 6 foot, 205 lbs he possessed the size that scouts look for in a player, and the skill level seemed to be there as well.  Unfortunately, things haven't turned out quite the way Tardif planned as he has become somewhat of an AHL journeyman, spending the last seven seasons in the minor league.  Though he has been somewhat of a consistent scorer throughout his minor league career he has never put up the outstanding numbers that typical NHL call-ups produce.  Additionally his plus/minus ratio could be higher for someone who is not a star caliber point scorer, as he is more of a "three zone" player.  Despite playing for so long without ever getting called up to the big league for even one game, Tardif has put his work in both on and off the ice, and kept a positive attitude.  All of Tardif's hard work paid off two weeks ago when he finally got called up to play for the Boston Bruins.  After injuries to some of the Bruins' regulars, most notably Shawn Thornton's concussion, Coach Claude Julien and General Manager Peter Chiarelli decided to pull Tardif up as insurance.  Tardif made his first NHL appearance on February 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, his childhood favorite team.  When interviewed post game Tardif said, “I’ve been waiting for a chance at this for a while, I’m going into my eighth year pro, here, so I’m just fortunate. At the same time, I [was] excited, go- ing back to my hometown of Toronto, definitely very exciting."^  Tardif would appear in just one more game, a rivalry matchup with the Montreal Canadiens in which he had one shot on net, before being sent back down to Providence.  Though his stay in the NHL was short-lived, Tardif will remain positive, and hopefully we will see him back in action with the big club for end of the year call-ups.

^Prospect Update
References:
hockeydb.com
bruins.nhl.com
Photo from ECHL.com

Torey Krug Update

After three dominant years at Michigan State, defenseman Torey Krug (undrafted) signed an entry-level deal with the Bruins last April.  He is yet to appear for the big club this year, but has been doing some exciting things in Rhode Island so far.  In 37 games with the P-Bruins he has 20 pts (7 g, 13 a) but this is no surprise as he is well known as an offensive defenseman.  The aspect of his game that has the Bruins staff excited is his emergence as a solid presence in the defensive end.  He has been improving his d-zone coverage skills and is expected to get a shot in "the show" very soon.

Welcome!

Welcome Bruins fans!  Over the course of the 2012-13 season you can come here to see how the boys on the farm club are playing this year.  You will find videos, interviews, and articles about the P-Bruins, but most importantly there will be breakdowns of each of the players' progress along with comments from the team's staff and local media.