The Boston Bruins have been on a local kick as of late. They brought in Dorchester, Mass native Jimmy Hayes last season to bring some oomph to the Bruins forwards (which met with mixed success). The Bruins also looked to Johnston, Rhode Island (and Providence College) to add Noel Acciari to the Black and Gold. Coming into this year’s NHL Entry Draft the Bruins might be looking to go local yet again.
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Boston University’s Charles McAvoy could be the next player drafted in the Boston Bruins organization. He’s good enough to end up in the first round, and should be around long enough for the Bruins to pick him up when the number 14 draft pick comes around. He’s ranked between 15-20 by most of the major draft sites, and he’s just what the B’s need right now.
He’s an intelligent young player who already has a strong hockey IQ. He’s got very good feet for a 6’0″, 205lb person(and still growing). He’s capable of being a pro-active player on both sides of the ice (something the B’s could have used more of on their blueline last year.).
The Bruins need another puck-moving defenseman and McAvoy certainly fits the bill in that regard. Having a larger and more physical version of Torey Krug is something the B’s would be crazy to pass up on come the draft.
His biggest weakness as a player is that he is a little too willing to take risks with the puck in the defensive zone. While some of his passes are great for developing transition and allowing him to quickly become another attacker, he can sometimes give up some strong chances with a rough play of the puck. Still, he’s only 18 years old and is still impressing many of the pro scouts.
The Bruins first need this draft is finding a career defenseman. Peter Chiarelli gave away Johnny Boychuk and Don Sweeney couldn’t find a way to keep Dougie Hamilton. They have yet to find a suitable replacement for either of them and that certainly hurt the B’s the last two seasons. They need to find someone who they can groom into another long-term player. McAvoy just might be what the B’s are looking for.