Boston Bruins 2014 Entry Draft Review

2014-07-22

Last season the Boston Bruins were very quiet at the entry draft, most picks were moved in favor of boosting their hopes of a deep playoff run. Fast forward to the conclusion of the 2013-14 season and the Bruins were left in a state of shock and disappointment. The on-ice product fell below expectation and GM Valente made it clear it complacency would not be tolerated. This off season the Bruins began to shake things up within the organization. After cutting ties with Head Coach Claude Julian, the search for a replacement ended when the Bruins announced a three year deal for former Jack Adams award winner Ted Nolan. Claude Julian was not the only casualty of a disappointing season but the decision was made to replace the entire coaching team while re-structuring the front office including the international scouting staff. “We got away from the blue print for a bit, this offseason is going to be used to get us back on track.” It seems the Bruins are back in a big way leaving their mark on the 2014 entry draft. Boston front office were active throughout the draft. “As soon as the season ended we began taking stock of our needs and came prepared. I really need to give most of the credit to our overseas scouts who really did their homework.” Although the most notable additions were both Canadian born it was later in the draft where the Bruins selected a vast majority of Europeans.

In typical form, GM Valente made a big move before the end of the first round. With their third selection and 7^th overall, the Bruins drafted the son of 14 year MRFHL veteran, Michael Nylander, William. Heading into this season William was in the mix to go first overall. Many scouts believe William to be the most skilled player in the draft and despite his incredibly high ceiling the Bruins opted to trade him to the Chicago Blackhawks for Brandon Gormley and the 82 pick. Although Hayden Fleury was still on the board it seemed Bruins were looking for a more refined product and the consensus amongst the Bruins team was outside of Aaron Ekblad the selection of defenders ready to make an impact was thin. “One thing we did look to add was some size on our blueline and we feel we addressed that need.” At the end of the night the Bruins added four big body defenders, Joshua Jacuobs at 6-foot-2, Alexis Vanier at 6-foot-4, Victor Loov at 6-foot-3 and towering German born defender Konrad Abeltshauser at 6-foot-5.

Here is a brief summary of the Boston Bruins 2014 Entry Draft:

(2) Sam Reinhart

(3) Sam Bennett

(7) William Nylander (traded to Chicago for Brandon Gormley and pick #82)

(32) David Pasternak

(46) Andreas Johnson (pick acquired via trade with Vancouver)

(55) Joshua Jacobs

(78) Gustav Prossler (pick acquired via trade with Buffalo)

(82) Konrad Abeltshauser (pick acquired via trade with Chicago)

(83) Greg Chase (pick acquired via trade with Carolina)

(87) Alexis Vanier(pick acquired via trade with Buffalo)

(92) Marek Mazanec (pick acquired via trade with Carolina)

(101) Oskar Lindblom

(131) Viktor Lööv

General Manager Commentary for each player selected:

(2^nd Overall) Sam Reinhart from the WHL’s Kootenay Ice

“It was no secret around the league who we wanted. With Ekblad off the board it became an easy decision who to pick. This kids a consummate professional and a winner at all levels of the game. We don’t like projecting players development but from what we see he should be ready to make the jump to our pro roster next season.”

(3^rd Overall) Sam Bennett from OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs

“We feel Sam (Bennett) already possesses elite skills. He has the whole package an excellent skater, puckhandler and high hockey IQ we were thrilled to draft him. We feel he has the highest ceiling in terms of any other prospect in this draft.”

(7^th Overall) William Nylander from Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik (traded to Chicago Blackhawks for Brandon Gormely and 82 overall)

“We know William is going to be a great player one day but one of our most pressing needs was to shore up our defense and get a young impact defender who is ready to contribute. With Gormely we get a guy who has it all including leadership qualities.”

(32^nd Overall) David Pastrnak from Sodertalje SK

“We felt injuries slowed him down a bit earlier this year but he really stood out at the World Juniors. We were thrilled with landing David at 32 because really didn’t think he would be available. I don’t think there is much holding him back from making the club. He’s got the skill and desire so don’t be surprised if he make it to Boston sooner rather than later.”

(46^th Overall) Andreas Johnson from Frolunda

“Our scouts like what they see. He really came into his own this year winning the Swedish Rookie of the Year award and what we were most impressed with was the competition he beat out to earn that title. Andreas still has a way to go but we are hoping he will make the jump to North America in a couple of years.”

(55^th Overall) Joshua Jacobs from the USHL’s Indiana Ice

“After going off the board to select Andreas we were happy Joshua was still available. The one thing that stood out to us was not just his great skating ability but his physicality and willingness to use his size.”

(78^th Overall) Gustav Prossler from Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik

“We felt that he flew under the radar primarily because of the injury he sustained but we feel Gustav has got all the tools to be an effective winger in the MRFHL one day. Our team overseas will continue to monitor his progress and work with him when he’s comfortable to make the jump to North America.”

(82^nd Overall) Konrad Abeltshauser from Halifax Mooseheads

“This late in the draft you will likely end up with a player that is 3 years away at best. With Konrad we felt he was mature, further along in his development and a great character guy any team would be happy to have. He is already showing he has what it takes to excel at the North American game and we still were able to address our need for size on the backend.”

(83^rd Overall) Greg Chase from Calgary Hitmen

“Greg plays with intensity and grit, something we really admire. Our scouts who saw him play were very impressed by his astute hockey sense. Some guys are late bloomers and we were very comfortable selecting him at 83.”

(87^th Overall) Alexis Vanier from Baie-Comeau

“The upside to this kid is off the charts. We feel Alexis has all the tools to be a top end defender with his size, tenacity and booming shot. He’s a raw product but if he puts in the time to focus on his skating we think he could be something special.”

(92^nd Overall) Marek Mazanec from Plzen HC

“When we said we wanted to add size to the back end we didn’t limit it to just defensemen. He moves great for a his size and we feel he is not too far from contributing to Providence.”

(101^st Overall) Oskar Lindblom from Brynas IF Gavle

“We were most impressed with Oskar’s play without the puck. Oskar already has a solid two way game. Don’t get me wrong though I am not suggesting he can’t be a offensive threat, he did lead his team at the U17 WHC with 8 goals on their way to a gold medal.”

(131^st Overall) Viktor Lööv from Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik

“Skates well, moves the puck and not afraid to impose his will. Selecting Viktor at 131 was a no brainer. We hope he will continue to get better as he has been and maybe one day he will be dishing out highlight reel hits in a Bruins uniform.”

- Associated Press

Darren Males

Excellent read sir. Well done.

Boston Bruins 2014 Entry Draft Review
How Swede It Is!

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Nico Gruner nature boy is still under contract to another team overseas and we are still in negotiations to have him released

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