The Boston Bruins have decided that another one of their draft picks might be ready for the big time, and it looks like the B’s are going to have a very competitive training camp. Earlier today, the Bruins organization signed Anton Blidh to an entry-level contract. Blidh was a part of the 2013 NHL draft class(6th round, 180th overall).
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That entry-level contract will likely place Blidh with his fellow Swede Linus Arnesson in the Providence Bruins during the 2015-16 season. Blidh will also get a shot to compete for several of the NHL’s squads open positions when he joins Boston for their training camp in September.
He’s a left winger who has gained size and speed since being drafted. He’s now 6’0″ and 181lbs, and has room to grow still. He currently plays left-wing, and plays in a style that Bruins GM Don Sweeney compares to Brad Marchand.
Puck Prose
“They have been working with him on his puck play and developing more confidence to hold onto the puck while on the cycle, and to not be afraid to make a skilled play,” said Sweeney back at the start of the year. “His confidence has grown, and his recent play at the World Juniors proved that he has the ability to play up in the lineup with more skilled players, all the while maintaining a high energy and effective PK role.”
From Mark Allred over at Frozen Futures: “Blidh is a gritty forward that puts a lot of energy into his game. He is a very good shot blocker, and an aggressive penalty killer. Also known as a player to get underneath the skin of opposing players, and also has an uncanny ability to skate hard to the net.”
He’s the kind of player that will fit into the Bruins defensive-minded system. His production isn’t what it needs to be though, and hopefully he can get some serious experience on North American ice in Providence next year.