The Bruins roster, as it stands right now, is hands down one of the best in the league. But, that's where most people stop looking. Here, I give you guys a look into the future of the Bruins. The team's farm system is stockpiled with tremendous talent, ranging from players who have very real shots at cracking the NHL roster in the next couple years, to players who have very high potential that requires some time in Providence. The top 10 for this team is a very deep list, and it further proves that the Bruins are set to be a really tough team to play for quite a while.
1.Doug Hamilton (D, Niagara OHL)
- Drafted 9th Overall in 2011, Hamilton pretty much fell right into Chiarelli's lap. At 6'5, Hamilton is a fast skater for his size, and he uses both of those tools to his advantage. Even the slickest danglers struggle to get past this kid. He uses his size to his advantage as well, as he is fearless along the boards, in the corners, and both in front of and behind the net. His ability to clear players out of the crease is similar to current Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, whose strength allows him to lay down destructive hits in open ice as well as in front of the net. Hamilton's offensive abilities are not to be doubted either. He has a complete cannon from the blue line and is also an effective passer, both in transition and in the zone, and looks to be useful as a powerplay weapon. Hamilton signed a three year entry level contract with the Bruins last month and will join the Providence squad upon conclusion of his junior season.
- Projection: No. 1 Shut Down Defenseman, 40+ Point Potential, Potential Future All Star
- Spooner may be small, but he's very crafty and very good with the puck. In three seasons split between the OHL's Peterborough Petes and Kingston Frontenacs, he has been a consistent point-per-game player. He possesses the ability to create space for himself using his elusive and pacing abilities. He has a bit of sniper and playmaker in him, but he isn't the type that you can classify as one or the other. In rookie games against the Islanders, he showcased his offensive abilities with a one timed slapshot, a deceptive wrister, and perfect tape to tape passes through heavy traffic, waiting until the very last second to get rid of the puck. His defensive game still needs some work, but he has made great strides since last year, and while he may never be a true two-way player, he may work his way onto a PK unit and score some shorthanders in the process. Spooner is very comfortable being a quarterback, both in full strength and on the powerplay, and isn't afraid to play along the half wall to create space for his teammates. He signed an entry level contract with the Bruins last spring and will join the Providence squad upon conclusion of his junior season.
- Projection: Good First Line Center/Winger, 70+ Point Potential, Destructive Powerplay Weapon)
- Jared Knight is one of my favorite prospects. He plays a hard nosed, two way game that has earned him the respect of both Boston fans and well-respected media members. Knight has excellent straight line speed and a powerful shot, and he's definitely not afraid to drive straight to the net, with or without the puck. Jared not only has the physical tools to succeed, he has the mental toughness as well, with a great work ethic that will undoubtedly earn him a full time NHL job. He's a very good power forward, but don't be fooled, the kid can snipe as well. He has a hard shot with a very quick release that he is able to blow by even the best of goalies from mid and long range. What about his close range ability you ask? Just watch this video, and you'll see what the kid can do when he's coming down on the goalie.
- Projection: Second Line Scoring Power Forward, Excellent Two Way Player, Consistent 30 Goal Threat, Possible 40+ Goal Potential
- Caron isn't a guy you'll see on the highlight reels, but do not doubt him, he is a very good player. He isn't the fastest skater, but he has a high hockey IQ and he moves very efficiently and deliberately all around the ice. At 6'2 202 lbs, the kid is hard to knock off the puck, an advantage he always uses. He has good hands and good goal scoring touch, and is clearly the most NHL ready prospect in the Bruins' system. Caron likes to hang out right in front of the net, something that most fans remember as being Dr. Recchi's office, and he's not afraid to bang bodies when he gets the chance. When he gets a full time NHL job, he'll earn his keep as a two way player, similar to Patrice Bergeron in the fact that he's effective in all three zones, and that in itself will keep him in the league for a long time.
- Projection: Second Line Two Way Power Forward with Some Offesive Touch, 20 Goal Potential, May Top Off at 30 Goals.
- Considered to be a second round steal, Khokhlachev made the jump from being one of the faces of Russia's MHL Junior League to excelling on the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, a team that has a history of producing top flight NHL talent, such as 2010 draftees Taylor Hall and Cam Fowler. After spending time in Minnesota with a skating coach, "Koko" returned to Boston after a Development Camp that saw him worn out by the intense skating drills and excelled in Rookie Camp. Khokhlachev is an extremely deceptive skater, never taking a straight route and always moving in a snake like motion with the puck, constantly changing direction and never giving away his intentions. Unlike many Russian players, Khokhlachev has no problem battling it out in the corners and getting physical, and that combined with his high offensive talent makes him a very special player. His defensive game needs a lot of work though, as it isn't evena t a passable level yet, and that in itself could keep him in Providence for a while before he's called upon to walk through the Gahden doors. He's relentless in the corners and will do anything to spark some kind of offense. His mindset to never be denied the puck shows that his defensive game will get better with time, as he attacks the puck carrier over and over until he or one of his teammates has the puck on his stick. With the fact that he's about two or three years away from seriously competing for an NHL job, there are some concerns about him jumping ship to the highly lucrative Russian Professional League, the KHL, but "Koko" has been consistent in saying his one desire is to play in North America, which is a very good sign. You guys should be excited that this kid's in the system.
- Projection: First/Second Line Scoring Winger/Center, 80 Point Potential
- Probably one of the fastest skaters in the Bruins' system, Sauve has the ability to blow by any defender without much effort. He has consistently been one of the best P-Bruins in regards to plus/minus, which shows his defensive ability that goes along side his offensive talent. He doesn't seem to be the type of player to win a third or fourth line NHL job, and that alone may keep him out of the NHL for a few years, so he'll have to continue to develop his gritty playing style if he wants to crack the Bruins' roster.
- Projection: Second Line Sniper With Good All Around Game, Point Potential Unknown
- At 5'8, Warsofsky is well below average NHL size, but don't let the kid fool you, he's got game. The former BU Terrier is tenacious, fast, and has what may be elite offensive skill. He's not the greatest defensively, but he's capable, and that's all due to his speed. When I say he's fast, I mean he's blazing fast. Not even the fastest of forwards can beat him. Of course, being 5'8 is quite a burden, but with a little coaching, some heavy lifting, and learning to use his body in leverage situations, the kid could very well crack the top 4 one day. Even if his defensive play goes nowhere from where it is now, he will always have an NHL job because his offensive abilities are just that good. Give the kid the puck and he immeiately takes charge, almost like it's second nature. His transition game is great, and he can either make the long pass from the defensive zone (kind of like everyone expected Kaberle to do last year) or just take it himself and beat everyone with his speed. On the powerplay, he does whatever he wants, and I mean that in a good way. He can set up a play with a pass, open up lanes with rotation, go all around the zone to look at his options, or just send a rocket down low to the net and set up a goal (did I mention he has a hell of a shot?)
- Projection: Top 4 Defenseman, Possibly Third Pairing, Dominant Powerplay Specialist
- Button has all the skills to be a top flight puck moving defenseman. He's got speed, great passing, and he's not afraid to battle it out in the corners. There's just one problem. He never seems to put those tools to use in games. In the rookie games against the Islanders this fall, he played very conservatively, sticking to the safe D to D passes and hardly ever jumping into the play. If he can get everything together, he’ll be a good transitional defenseman. He stays calm under pressure, battles with all he has, and is able to make the big outlet pass or jump up into the rush. His skating is above average, possibly even better and it makes him difficult to beat on both ends of the ice. Button has a good shot, and looks at home on the powerplay, and could one day be a solid powerplay quarterback.
- Projection: 3-4 Puck Moving Defenseman, Possible Powerplay QB
- BC captain Tommy Cross has all the tools to be a strong stay at home defenseman in the NHL. He has a high hockey IQ and a charismatic nature that makes it very possible he will one day wear a letter at the NHL level. The one problem that could derail the kid is the fact that he's got a knee like Marco Sturm. He's already had three knee surgeries and that has set him back from the rest of the 2007 draft class, but the fact that he's still on track is an accomplishment in itself. He's physical, reads the play well, and is pretty fast for a guy his size. He doesn't have the best transition game, but he can make a play under pressure and isn't afraid to take a hit to make something happen. He isn't the most physical guy you'll ever see, but when the opportunity presents itself he can lay down quite a hit. He isn't much of an offensive player, but his big shot makes him look perfectly in place on the powerplay, as it is usually low to the ice, frequently tippable, and often creates rebound opportunities. He'll jump into the rush if the opportunity presents itself, but he's more content falling back and trying to disrupt the play on the backend.
- Projection: Solid 4-6 Defenseman
- Arniel is your typical third line player. He's gritty, tough, has some scoring touch, and is great defensively. He'll take one for the team, whether that means blocking a shot, taking a hit to move the puck/make something happen, or planting himself right in front of the net. He's a good faceoff guy and is always one of, if not the first in on the forecheck. His high goal totals are misleading though, as they come from his gritty and scrappy style of play. While he may not be the best player, the Bruins are still really high on him, probbaly because of his similarity to another organization favorite, Chris Kelly.
- Projection: Bottom 6 Checking Center With Some Scoring Touch
- Matt Bartkowski (D, Providence AHL)
- Colby Cohen (D, Providence AHL)
- Craig Cunningham (F, Providence AHL)
- Brian Ferlin (W, Cornell ECAC)
- Anthony Camara (W, Saginaw OHL)
- Zach Trotman (D, Lake Superior CCHA)
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