Jun 24, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Charles McAvoy puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number fourteen overall draft pick by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft at the First Niagra Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Bruins NHL Draft Grades, Analysis
Boston Bruins NHL Draft Grade, Prospect Analysis/Review
Other than one somewhat questionable move, the Boston Bruins had a couple decent days at the draft table. After selecting Boston University D Charlie McAvoy at 14th overall, GM Don Sweeney reached for a second year in a row nabbing Trent Frederic at 29th. Last year, it was Zachary Senyshyn that Sweeney made a surprise early pick on.
In the end, Boston took three American defenders, and a trio of Europeans on top of USNTDP product Trent Frederic. Both McAvoy and Lindgren are left-handed shots, with hopes being that the Boston U product eventually step up to help replace the void eventually left by Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg.
Below, we have included our mock draft prospect profile for each player selected. Directly underneath is our final mock draft ranking/team, as well as NHL Central Scouting’s Final Ranking.
Boston Bruins NHL Draft Grade: B-
Boston Bruins NHL Draft Prospect Analysis
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14
Charlie McAvoy
LHD, Boston University (NCAA)
Had a solid showing for Team USA at this year’s WJC. A sound, responsible defenseman, McAvoy has continually watched his draft stock rise all year long. He played for Boston University in 2015-16.
“He has a real pro game to him,” NHL Central Scouting’s David Gregory said. “He’s a player who, because of his late birthdate (Dec. 21. 1997), has played with players already drafted at a very high level for a long time, but has shown the kind of game that really translates well to the pro game.” [NHL.com]
Our Final Mock Rankings: 25th (Dallas)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 6th NA Skaters
After spending most of his time occupied between 10th-20th in our mock drafts, with a few editions slotted into the Bruins 14th spot, McAvoy finished 25th in our final rankings.
It wasn’t due to anything he did to hurt his draft stock, but says more about how well the other defensive prospects played down the final stretch.
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29
Trent Frederic
C, USNTDP
6’1 203lbs
Frederic is committed to play at the University of Wisconsin in 2016-17.
“Outstanding with the puck on his blade, Frederic has the frame to work through checks and the hands to protect the puck and pull it around defenders as well. Frederic has a natural skating stride that is so effortless and smooth it almost appears as if he’s floating across the ice. He also has outstanding vision and passing skills to set up teammates, as well as the ability to put the puck in the net himself.” [Bucky’s5thQuarter]
Our Final Mock Rankings: 59th (St.Louis)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 47th NA Skaters
Leave it to Don Sweeney to go way off the board with a first round draft pick.
We still don’t know if he made a good decision on reaching for Zachary Senyshyn in 2015, so it’s unclear if his odd approach will prove successful.
Say what you want about Sweeney, but if he feels strongly enough about a prospect, he has proven he will pull the trigger and isn’t willing to take chances that the player will be around for their next pick.
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49
Ryan Lindgren
LHD, USNTDP
He’s a 5’11 203lbs offensively gifted defenseman that skates well, and knows how to move the puck. There’s still work to do in his own end, but he’s progressively getting better. Lindgren is committed to the University of Minnesota in 2016-17.
“Steady 2-way defenseman – not much talk on this kid, but very reliable and smart – pretty solid chance at making the WJC team next year.” [HFBoards]
Our Final Mock Rankings: 65th (Columbus)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 49th NA Skaters
Here’s a guy with ceiling potential to slide in alongside Colin Miller on a future Bruins second pairing. Starting his NCAA career with the University of Minnesota this Fall, hockey fans will become better familiarized with Ryan Lindgren as a top World Juniors roster candidate.
Ivan Hlinka U18 team. The massive winger has jumped up the junior ranks over the past three years progressing to Jr.A SM-Liiga in 2015-16. The next step will be Finnish mens leagues, and a spot on next year’s U20 World Juniors squad."
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135
Joona Koppanen
LW, Ilves Jr. (Finland)
6’4 192lbs
Koppanen was part of Finland’s gold medal Ivan Hlinka U18 team. The massive winger has jumped up the junior ranks over the past three years progressing to Jr.A SM-Liiga in 2015-16. The next step will be Finnish mens leagues, and a spot on next year’s U20 World Juniors squad.
Our Final Mock Rankings: Not Ranked
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 27th EU Skaters
136
Cameron Clarke
RHD, Lone Star (NAHL)
6’2 180lbs
A late bloomer, Clarke is already 20-years-old. After spending the 2014-15 season with GJHL’s Sarnia Legionnaires, Cameron joined NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas. 50 points in 59 games put scouts on notice. He is committed to play NCAA hockey in the Fall joining Ferris State University.
Our Final Mock Rankings: Not Ranked
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: Not Ranked
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165
Oskar Steen
C/RW, Farjestad (Sweden-Jr./SHL)
5’9 187lbs
“Steen is a working horse who never takes a shift off. His biggest asset is his determination and work ethic, the willingness to do whatever it takes to win the hockey game. He is fearlessly sacrificing his body and laying into shots to block them. He is excellent on penalty kills with positioning himself perfectly in shot lanes. He attacks the opponent puck carriers aggressively when playing shorthanded and is a dangerous weapon when he can steal the puck and start a quick counter attack using his acceleration.” [Dennis Schellenberg, TheHockeyWriters]
Our Final Mock Rankings: 94th (Florida)
NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings: 18th European Skater
It may be a little soon to question GM Don Sweeney’s draft tactics after two short years, but we can definitely call his approach strange. As they say, “it doesn’t matter how you get there, as long you get there”. If the B’s odd drafting style works, that’s all that matters.
Regardless of whether or not Trent Frederic proves worthy of his 29th overall selection, Bruins fans can take comfort in knowing they snagged two of the top left-handed defenseman from the 2016 class.
