Hi everyone,
I think many people need to calm down and appreciate the prospect pool that has been built. A reach or bust does not exist until you can make a fair comparison at the NHL level. Right now, every team, including the Bruins have prospects. Right now, that is all they are. That being said, I currently do some scouting in the Montreal area. I attended last year's development/training camp in Boston and spoke to a few people high up in the organization (for my own personal reasons). I saw the prospects first hand and have been doing some film study on a few of them especially ZS. There is a reason he was taken at 15. Also, there was first hand knowledge that other teams right behind the Bruins were ready to take him as well. The Bruins needed some power and plus skating as well as pure goal scoring on the wings. That is exactly what this player is and he proved it in his first FULL year playing as a TOP LINE WINGER. 45 G on a team without a real amazing set up man. Saw him progress and improve in areas that needed work. His play without the puck and passivity in certain areas of his game need to get better. Everything else is off the charts with him including his drive, will to improve and character. As for Zboril and Debrusk. I will say this. Debrusk scored 42 G in the WHL which, in my opinion, produces the best overall D-men in the CHL. He does the dirty work of a plumber, can score in MULTIPLE ways, makes plays all over the ice, and is skilled enough to score 42 G in the W. His play actually improved this year overall. Not the same production but he was hurt and was traded too. I know Kyle Connor was and is impressive. I hear Barzal mentioned a lot as well. I don't think the Bruins needed another small, injury prone center who is more of a distributor than a pure goal scorer. It ends there with Barzal. As for Connor (and I had him up there too and question the decision but one must look at it from the scouts perspective; there obviously is something they didn't like or thought would not translate at the NHL level), I wonder how his game and slight frame will fare in the Western Conference where his time and space will be reduced and his game will be pushed along the walls. Furthermore, if anyone is watching the playoffs, then it is readily apparent that in order for your team to have success, your team must have players that withstand the rigors of the playoffs and that this gauntlet of hockey is a marathon not a race. I certainly will not judge or shoot Keith Gretzky or Dean Malkoc, the same head scouts that drafted; Heinen, Gabrielle, Debrusk, Pasternak, Carlo, Debrusk.
A little perspective. Less judging. Let's see where this goes but it is looking very promising on many levels.
Hate the Habs with all my heart and Ive lived in MTL my whole life. Just an FYI.