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