Boston Bruins Bruins Prospects Discussion V - 3 warnings posted - Stay On Subject only!

[BruinsFanSince94]

I’m not sure what was said when he was drafted, but for the last 6 months or so, the talk has been about him being a first pair guy on McAvoy’s left.

Did I imagine that?

We reside in the same land of imagination.

 

[00BW]

The scouting reports on Vaakanainen read like a better skating Brodin. Same size and skillset otherwise. Almost identical Draft and Draft+1 numbers in Liiga and SHL respectively with Vaakanainen a slightly better goal scorer (in that he actually scored some goals).

If he turns into a 22min/g, 2:30min/g SH, 20 point, defensively reliable LD in the NHL, this was a great pick. If he follows Brodin's pattern, he should split the NHL/AHL this season.

It sounds like the Bruins brass expect Zboril to compete and win a job this year. My guess is Vaakanainen would compete next year for Chara's spot.

 

[ON3M4N]

For what it’s worth, Vaakanainen does play the right-side as well. However, he looks best on the left-side and the Bruins really like their LHD-RHD combinations so that’s where you will be seeing him if he makes it one day— especially with McAvoy & Carlo at 1RD and 2RD.

Vaakanainen is good on the right-side though. His breakouts & passing have a significant drop-off, of course, but he’s steady.

You think something like that gives Vaak a few games up with the B's to start the season, assuming he had a great camp? Give the kid a taste of the NHL level on/off the ice and he can fill in on either side of the defense. Maybe use him as the 7th d-man (try to get him a game or two) during the first 5-7 games of the season. Then of course he'd go back to PRO (unless he's taken someones job here).

 

[BruinsNetwork]

You think something like that gives Vaak a few games up with the B's to start the season, assuming he had a great camp? Give the kid a taste of the NHL level on/off the ice and he can fill in on either side of the defense. Maybe use him as the 7th d-man (try to get him a game or two) during the first 5-7 games of the season. Then of course he'd go back to PRO (unless he's taken someones job here).

If he signs and stays in NA, which last I heard is still the plan, then I think he will see some time in the NHL next year.

 

[DKH]

If Vaakanainen was in this draft he goes top 10 - I’d go 7

 

[BruinsNetwork]

If Vaakanainen was in this draft he goes top 10 - I’d go 7

Personally, not sure I agree with that. However, for a large portion of last season leading up to the draft, many privte outlets had Vaakanainen anywhere from 7th-15th OA.

It wasn’t until around January he started to drop down a bit due to the limited offensive-tools. His skating & defensive-prowess is still top-10 caliber, if you asked me.

 

[wintersej]

How far away is Zboril really?

I know Sweeney mentioned that they expect him the challenge and "other guys his age are making an impact". But, Divver didn't seem to think Zboril was ready. Is Vaak closer?

 

[DKH]

Personally, not sure I agree with that. However, for a large portion of last season leading up to the draft, many privte outlets had Vaakanainen anywhere from 7th-15th OA.

It wasn’t until around January he started to drop down a bit due to the limited offensive-tools. His skating & defensive-prowess is still top-10 caliber, if you asked me.

Thanks for the reply

I’ll ask you this

Your opinion- rate these 6 prospects on how you think the Bruins front office sees success for these players IN Boston. Where would they rate them value wise

Studnicka
Frederic
Zboril
Vaakanainen
Senyshyn
JFK


This is not my order

 

[cbtitan]

What happens with Lauzon?

 

[rocketdan9]

What are the chances Senyshyn can crack the lineup next season?

Team could use his blistering skating in the lineup

Thanks Bruins Network

 

[Colt.45Orr]

What are the chances Senyshyn can crack the lineup next season?

Team could use his blistering skating in the lineup

IMO, he needs to dominate (or at least star in) the AHL before we look at him as an option in Boston.

 

[BruinDust]

The scouting reports on Vaakanainen read like a better skating Brodin. Same size and skillset otherwise. Almost identical Draft and Draft+1 numbers in Liiga and SHL respectively with Vaakanainen a slightly better goal scorer (in that he actually scored some goals).

If he turns into a 22min/g, 2:30min/g SH, 20 point, defensively reliable LD in the NHL, this was a great pick. If he follows Brodin's pattern, he should split the NHL/AHL this season.

It sounds like the Bruins brass expect Zboril to compete and win a job this year. My guess is Vaakanainen would compete next year for Chara's spot.

Where or when have the Bruins management indicated this about Zboril?

 

[neelynugs]

Where or when have the Bruins management indicated this about Zboril?

sweeney quote from a few weeks ago, basically saying he's had a full year in the AHL and some of his 2015 peers are playing
full-time in the NHL (chabot, connor, etc). i think that's more sweeney pumping his tires on the record for zboril's benefit.
internally, i don't think any of the brass sees zboril making the team in october.

 

[00BW]

Where or when have the Bruins management indicated this about Zboril?

https://985thesportshub.com/2018/06/04/jakub-zboril-bruins-training-camp-don-sweeney/

"Well we hope that, with the year that – a full year of the American Hockey League and the amount of games that Jakub [Zboril] played that he would be looking to take another step," Sweeney said. "He certainly has peers that have played in the National Hockey League, so he is anxious to see where he fits, and training camp will be a great indication."

Compare that to the similar talk about DeBrusk and Heinen after their rookie AHL seasons last year. He's not outright saying Zboril has a job, but that Sweeney expects him to compete and win one. He was very careful not to put too much expectations on what he said but with Vaakanainen's full time NHL arrival expected 1 year from now, this is Zboril's best time to win an NHL job.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Bruins' Sweeney Hints at Important Camp for Defenseman Jakub Zboril

"Well we hope that, with the year that – a full year of the American Hockey League and the amount of games that Jakub [Zboril] played that he would be looking to take another step," Sweeney said. "He certainly has peers that have played in the National Hockey League, so he is anxious to see where he fits, and training camp will be a great indication."

Compare that to the similar talk about DeBrusk and Heinen after their rookie AHL seasons last year. He's not outright saying Zboril has a job, but that Sweeney expects him to compete and win one. He was very careful not to put too much expectations on what he said but with Vaakanainen's full time NHL arrival expected 1 year from now, this is Zboril's best time to win an NHL job.

Kind of hard for Zboril to win a job right now. It's hard for anyone to win a job seeing the Bruins are currently carrying 7 NHL caliber defenseman. He's not going to beat out Chara, Krug, McAvoy, or Carlo. Grzelcyk certainly has the upper hand now, and Kevan Miller is a 3rd pairing guy. McQuaid is, right now, the #7 (and that's not a spot for a young player). So either a trade is coming to free up a potential spot for these young defenseman or I take it that it's more they expect him to continue to grow and get a look next year when injuries arise.

 

[BruinDust]

Bruins' Sweeney Hints at Important Camp for Defenseman Jakub Zboril

"Well we hope that, with the year that – a full year of the American Hockey League and the amount of games that Jakub [Zboril] played that he would be looking to take another step," Sweeney said. "He certainly has peers that have played in the National Hockey League, so he is anxious to see where he fits, and training camp will be a great indication."

Compare that to the similar talk about DeBrusk and Heinen after their rookie AHL seasons last year. He's not outright saying Zboril has a job, but that Sweeney expects him to compete and win one. He was very careful not to put too much expectations on what he said but with Vaakanainen's full time NHL arrival expected 1 year from now, this is Zboril's best time to win an NHL job.

Thanks for posting this.

My take is Sweeney isn't planning his off-season around Jakub Zboril as a full-time Bruin come next October.

But what they want to see is something they haven't really seen in his previous camps, him legitimately giving them something to think about when it comes to making the team out of camp. In his previous camps he was cut fairly early, hasn't pushed for a job at all.

I think if Zboril isn't one of their final cuts this year then the Bruins management will be disappointed.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

I like Zboril more than most and am hoping he steps up and challenges for a spot this year. That being said, with the way the B’s D is set up right now, that will be difficult. As it currently stands he’s got to be seen and the #4 option behind Z, Krug, and Grizz on the left side.

The question is how serious the B’s were about getting some size on the left side and whether the above picture changes? I have said before that I was surprised that the B’s had Krug and Grizz in the lineup at the same time. That said, Grizz was soooo good this year, I’m not sure how you knock him out of that 3rd pair LD spot?

He has all the skills to grow into what Krug has become, but he hasn’t done it yet (and maybe never will). Do the B’s stand pat, or do they move Krug, try to get bigger/better on the left side and install Grizz as that 3rd pair PP specialist? They could also deal Grizz while his value is high and hope that UV, Zboril, or Lauzon grab the third pair spot.

So many directions they could go in.

I asked my Magic 8 Ball what they were going to do and got the enigmatic:

“Reply Hazy, try again”, followed by “Try Again Later”...

Sigh.

 

[rocketdan9]

Bruins' Sweeney Hints at Important Camp for Defenseman Jakub Zboril

"Well we hope that, with the year that – a full year of the American Hockey League and the amount of games that Jakub [Zboril] played that he would be looking to take another step," Sweeney said. "He certainly has peers that have played in the National Hockey League, so he is anxious to see where he fits, and training camp will be a great indication."

Compare that to the similar talk about DeBrusk and Heinen after their rookie AHL seasons last year. He's not outright saying Zboril has a job, but that Sweeney expects him to compete and win one. He was very careful not to put too much expectations on what he said but with Vaakanainen's full time NHL arrival expected 1 year from now, this is Zboril's best time to win an NHL job.

Thanks. I predict little Z will make the club next season

This was also good to hear

As indicated by the signing of Vaakanainen, Sweeney confirmed that the Finnish defenseman would play in North America next season and that he and Zboril would both be present for the Bruins' rookie minicamp later this summer. But realistically, Vaakanainen is still at least a year or two away from getting a chance to play full-time in Boston

 

[rocketdan9]

IMO, he needs to dominate (or at least star in) the AHL before we look at him as an option in Boston.

Technically there are 3 spots open in the lineup (Schaller, both Nashs UFAs). If Senyshyn got the defense, nitty gritty part of the game down(his homework last season) ... I think this alone helps him to have a chance to make the club

Offensive show at the AHL level would be nice to see....but 2 of the spots open(3rd-4th lines) are for defensively responsible forwards able to contribute on the scoring sheet from time to time.

Hoping both Frederic and Senyshyn make the club to fill these two spots at the bottom of the roster.

 

[BruinsNetwork]

Technically there are 3 spots open in the lineup (Schaller, both Nashs UFAs). If Senyshyn got the defense, nitty gritty part of the game down(his homework last season) ... I think this alone helps him to have a chance to make the club

Offensive show at the AHL level would be nice to see....but 2 of the spots open(3rd-4th lines) are for defensively responsible forwards able to contribute on the scoring sheet from time to time.

Hoping both Frederic and Senyshyn make the club to fill these two spots at the bottom of the roster.

Both of those players need time more time in Providence. I think Senyshyn will see some time in the NHL this year, though. Out of camp? That’s a big ask. Not impossible, but he would be better served in the top-six on the Providence roster for a while.

Frederic needs to work on his face-offs and conditioning at an NHL-level this summer to adjust to the game. Luckily for him, his size & athleticism gives him a distinct advantage over other players his age— in regards to playing in the NHL, of course. He was great for Providence at the end of the year, but his face-offs need to be worked on this summer and next. Again, based on what I’ve seen in college and the AHL, I wouldn’t be all that shocked to see Frederic make the team out of camp. Not only does he have the skill, size & skating, but he has the head for it. He’s got his mind in the right place and wants to work.

Frederic saw a few games at left-wing in Providence where he was a visible force on the ice. Naturally, playing with less responsibility at wing than center, allows for him to open up other parts of his game more freely. Similar to when Backes emerged on the scene in the NHL, he’s going to be a player that other teams wish they had, that’s for sure.

 

[rocketdan9]

Both of those players need time more time in Providence. I think Senyshyn will see some time in the NHL this year, though. Out of camp? That’s a big ask. Not impossible, but he would be better served in the top-six on the Providence roster for a while.

Frederic needs to work on his face-offs and conditioning at an NHL-level this summer to adjust to the game. Luckily for him, his size & athleticism gives him a distinct advantage over other players his age— in regards to playing in the NHL, of course. He was great for Providence at the end of the year, but his face-offs need to be worked on this summer and next. Again, based on what I’ve seen in college and the AHL, I wouldn’t be all that shocked to see Frederic make the team out of camp. Not only does he have the skill, size & skating, but he has the head for it. He’s got his mind in the right place and wants to work.

Frederic saw a few games at left-wing in Providence where he was a visible force on the ice. Naturally, playing with less responsibility at wing than center, allows for him to open up other parts of his game more freely. Similar to when Backes emerged on the scene in the NHL, he’s going to be a player that other teams wish they had, that’s for sure.

I agree

Senyshyn would be better served as a top 6 winger at Providence but could he force his way in with a strong bottom 6 like performance in camp? Stranger things have happened in the past..

I do see what you mean regarding Frederic. I think he will break into the NHL as a lw actually, though it have been him nice if was ready for C (3c open).

 

[00BW]

Kind of hard for Zboril to win a job right now. It's hard for anyone to win a job seeing the Bruins are currently carrying 7 NHL caliber defenseman. He's not going to beat out Chara, Krug, McAvoy, or Carlo. Grzelcyk certainly has the upper hand now, and Kevan Miller is a 3rd pairing guy. McQuaid is, right now, the #7 (and that's not a spot for a young player). So either a trade is coming to free up a potential spot for these young defenseman or I take it that it's more they expect him to continue to grow and get a look next year when injuries arise.

All true. Last year I expected O'Gara to win the 3rd LD spot but he just couldn't adapt to the Bruins system. Grzelcyk, however, surprised us all and took advantage of the blue line injuries to win a spot a month into the season and kept it all year. I never expected to see 2 sub 5'10" defensemen play regularly for the Bruins in the regular season and post season.
You never know what spots open up from injuries or if the Bruins move one of their small LD to get back into the 1st round.

While I expect Zboril to be ready and seize a job, I might be just as wrong as last year and it ends up being Johansson who surprises us and breaks camp with the Bruins.

 

[BruinsNetwork]

I agree

Senyshyn would be better served as a top 6 winger at Providence but could he force his way in with a strong bottom 6 like performance in camp? Stranger things have happened in the past..

I do see what you mean regarding Frederic. I think he will break into the NHL as a lw actually, though it have been him nice if was ready for C (3c open).

Could be? Yes. However, it’s an unlikely event given that there are things he can still work on— things he needs to work on. The aspects of his game that need to be improved upon would be handled best in a top-six role in Providence where there is far less pressure on him.

I think Frederic will be in the NHL around January, to be honest. Will it be full-time? Center? Wing? Those are questions I can’t answer as of yet. With that being said, what ever “it” is, he’s got “it.”

 

[False Start]

Chara is 41 and we are 1 injury away from being forced to call up Zboril, Vaak, or Lauzon.

Johansson is also an option. He looked steady when I watched that one game.

Either way, expect NHL games given to atleast one of those guys this upcoming season with the way the roster stands.

 

[BiGBear8]

What happens with Lauzon?

yes lauzon good point