It looks like there is going to be a ‘Little Z’ to match Zdeno Chara‘s ‘Big Z’ in Boston. Today, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney announced that the B’s have signed defenseman Jakub Zboril to an entry level contract. Zboril was the first of the three first-round picks selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected 13th overall.
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The Czech blueliner spent last season playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The 18-year old finished third among league rookie defensemen, putting up thirty-three points(13 goals) in 44 games for the Sea Dogs. He broke the club record for goals by a rookie defenseman last year, and was named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team at the end of the season.
Zboril was one of thirty players from the QMJHL drafted into the NHL this year.
The Bruins were lucky. Zboril could have easily gone before the 13th pick. Multiple prospect sites were buzzing with their opinions of the young Czech player.
Puck Prose
From Future Considerations:
“A good two-way blue liner…plays a complete game and relies on his impressive footwork to maintain defensive coverage as well as put himself into the offensive play…has a good top speed and all-round mobility…has a dangerous point shot that is both accurate and hard…has a physical element to his game and will step up to make a hit…clears the crease and separates opponents from the puck with his body in the defensive zone…has an active stick…good upside as an all-round NHL defender.”
Zboril is aggressive with the puck and on the play. His limited game play last season was due to injuries sustained by his style of play. He’s the kind of player that the Bruins wanted. He’s a solid sized player (6”1”, 184 lb), who brings another left-handed shot to the Black and Gold. While the Bruins have a full roster of defenseman at the moment, the Bruins could call him up to get a few games in to experience hockey at the NHL level.
The Bruins have had recent success with first round draft picks, and hopefully Zboril will keep the streak running for the Bruins.