Checking in on the NHL Combine

Bruins fans, in particular, have to be most interested in what Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin are doing this weekend. Essentially, this weekend was an opportunity to have the top two prospects’ measurable physical tools matched up against each other.

Hall pulled out of the fitness testing portion of the combine, however, but for good reason. He decided to rest a knee and back injury rather than pushing it at the event.

Hall needs rest more than anything at this point. In fact, both the Oilers and Bruins would probably rather see him rest than push himself anymore. We already know that the kid is a gifted player, so why jeopardize his future in any way?

Hall has been playing hockey at a rampant pace as of late, carrying his team to its second straight Memorial Cup win.

There were reports this past week that the Oilers may elect to go with Tyler Seguin with the number one pick, but following Hall’s second straight MVP performance in the Memorial Cup tournament, it’s going to be tough to pass on the guy. If the Oilers do, the Bruins will gladly be waiting in the wings to pick up what the team needs, a bonafide winner.

Seguin, on the other hand, is participating in the combine this weekend. According to John Bishop’s blog on BostonBruins.com, Seguin admitted that the fitness tests were “very tiring.” He did say though that he has participated in such tests before.

“I actually did for fun last summer — I guess you could say for fun,” he said. “That was the last time I threw up and this was the most recent time. Very exhausting.”

Fun? Yeah, I guess throwing up sounds like a blast.

Nevertheless, I will continue to monitor the combine this weekend, especially in regards to Hall and Seguin. After all, one of those two will likely be dawning a Bruins sweater next season.

If you want to check out all of today’s results and continue to follow the NHL combine, I suggest you check out the 2010 Edmonton Oilers Draft Centre on their team website. It is a complete up-to-date look at the event in Toronto.