Seth Griffith: AHL Impact Upon Return From Injury

Seth Griffith was drafted 131st overall in the 5th round by Boston at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He had a productive junior career with OHL’s London Knights before joining AHL Providence in 2013-14. In his first year of pro hockey, Seth produced 50 points in 69 games, adding 11 points in 12 games with Providence during the playoffs.

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In 2014-15, Griffith split time between Providence and Boston, but ultimately finished the season down in the AHL. With Providence, he appeared in 39 regular season games tallying 31 points, while also posting five points in five playoff games. Playing for the Bruins, Seth Griffith had 10 points in 30 games.

There was thought heading into 2015-16 that Griffith had a legitimate shot at earning a roster spot out of training camp. Those hopes were lost back on September 20th when Seth suffered an MCL sprain in his left knee. A little over a month later, Griffith is healthy enough to play and was sent to AHL Providence by Boston.

Seth appeared in his first game on Friday night versus Philadelphia’s AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Providence Bruins walked away with a 5-3 victory, and Griffith filled the score-sheet by assisting on three of the five goals scored. On Saturday, the two teams faced each other again with Providence losing 3-1 to Lehigh Valley. Seth Griffith was the lone goal scorer, giving him four points in two games since his return. [AHL.com]

Jan 4, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins forward Seth Griffith (53) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Boston Bruins 2-1 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Griffith stands 5’11 185lbs, but is a small competitive forward that possesses offensive talent and hockey sense. “Hockey’s Future” has him projected him somewhere between an offensively inclined third liner or complementary second liner. Seth is more likely to land in the third line role long-term, with the versatility to fill in temporarily in a top six role.

Many players in recent NHL history have made successful and productive careers as the exact type of player Seth Griffith projects to be. After failing as a young top-six prospect in Edmonton, Andrew Cogliano finally found a nice home in Anaheim. He’s spent time on every line at some point and still adds quality production. Fellow teammate Chris Kelly also comes to mind among others such as Trevor Lewis, Jordan Nolan, Patrick Eaves, Paul Gaustad, Dominic Moore, and Jason Chimera.

It’s unclear whether the more accurate projection reflects the names of the players above, or whether Seth Griffith can surprise and develop into a top six forward. The only thing that seems clear right now is that he has NHL talent, so calling him up is the only way to get the answer to the question.

Is Seth Griffith NHL Ready?

If he didn’t prove it last season, perhaps his first two games in the AHL has sent a message to a struggling Boston Bruins team who are just starting to find themselves sitting now at 3-3-1 with seven points. Seth Griffith can’t do anything to help keep the puck out of the net (29 goals allowed in seven games), but he can provide a spark to an offense that has generated 27 goals so far this season. Expect Griffith to be number one on the short-list for call-up’s with Boston now that he’s healthy.

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