2016 NHL Entry Draft: Boston Bruins Mock Draft 1.0

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Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney makes the first of three consecutive draft picks in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Don Sweeney is preparing for his second draft as the general manager of the Boston Bruins which will take place on the 24th and 25th of June. The Bruins’ general manager shocked the collective hockey world in his first draft by acquiring, and using three consecutive first round draft picks on Jakub Zboril (13th overall), Jake DeBrusk (14th overall) and Zachary Senyshyn (15th overall).

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Many expected Sweeney to use some of the six picks he amassed in the first two rounds of the draft to acquire a top-tier defender, or to draft an NHL-ready defenseman like Noah Hanifin. While a trade was never made, Sweeney did manage to replenish the Bruins prospect pool that night; a fact that isn’t appreciated by many due to his team missing the playoffs for the second-consecutive season.

With a year’s worth of experience under his belt, Sweeney will have higher expectations on him this time around as he attempts to bring his team back to playoff contention. The leash will likely be short for him, head coach Claude Julien, and even team-president Cam Neely.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at the Bruins possible draft selections come draft time.

Next: Pick #14

14. player. 70. While most offensive-defenseman are classified as one-dimensional players who usually have serious defensive-deficiencies, Jake Bean seems to have all the makings of a complete-package defenseman who can excel in all aspects of the game. Bean might be more valuable on the power play than on the penalty kill early on in his career, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be able to earn the trust of Claude Julien by displaying consistent defensive abilities and awareness. The Bruins could certainly use a solid puck-moving defender like Bean who can box-out opponents and produce consistent offense from the back-end, and Jake Bean just might be the perfect player for them. <blockquote>“A shifty and intelligent defenceman that plays with panache and poise. An excellent skater that is a good puck-carrier up the ice. Makes very good decisions with and without the puck, and plays strong positionally. Works hard and doesn’t give the opposition much to work with, but could stand to be a bit more assertive during high pressure situations. That being said, he is not a one dimensional player. He displays natural talent in the offensive end, but also plays a complete defensive game in his own end. He has a proactive stick and boxes the opposition out, limiting lanes. All-in-all, the type of all-around defenceman that you want to have on the ice as much as possible.” (<a href=. Defense. Calgary (WHL). Jake Bean

Next: Pick #29/30

Don Sweeney may not have made a huge effort to acquire a franchise defenseman through trade or free agency last season, but he definitely addressed the need through the draft. In the first two rounds of the draft, Sweeney selected Jakub Zboril (13th overall), Brandon Carlo (37th overall) and Jeremy Lauzon (52nd overall). In addition to those three players, the Bruins also have some quality young defensemen in their system, such as Colin Miller, Rob O’Gara, and Matt Grzelcyk. Prospects are anything but a sure-thing to develop into NHL talent, let alone stars, regardless of them being drafted in the first round, seventh round, or signed as an undrafted player. With that in mind, there’s no reason to believe the Bruins won’t continue stockpiling defensive prospects in hopes that at least one becomes their next corner-stone defender. Selecting Markus Niemelainen with the 29th / 30th overall draft pick this year might be Sweeney’s best bet to close out the first round. <blockquote>“A complete all-around defenceman that makes the game look easy. Natural size and strength compliment his smooth stride. Very mobile skater who moves up and down the ice quickly, with acute recognition of puck and body position. His maturity and poise is actualized in his high-percentage decision-making, with and without the puck, as well as his proactive stick and body play. Very stable defensively and always takes his lane, but is quick to rush the puck up the ice as he recognizes and accounts for how much time his team is spending in their own end. All-in-all, a quick-thinking defenceman that, honestly lacking nothing, has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way defenceman.” (<a href=. Defense. Saginaw (OHL). Markus Niemelainen. 30. player. 70

Next: Pick #49

Center. Moose Jaw (WHL). Noah Gregor. 49. player. 70. Noah Gregor was one of the biggest draft-ranking risers this season due to his well-rounded, 200-foot game. One of the better players in the WHL this season, Gregor’s offensive ability is under-rated, but the 5-foot-11 center was able to post 73 points in 72 games last year in just his first full-season in the WHL. Gregor was supposed to play the entire 2014-15 season, and he managed to post six points in 10 games, but injuries shortened his season before it ever really got started. With a high hockey-IQ, strong defensive awareness and a willingness to block passes and shots, Gregor could be the perfect pick for the Bruins, especially with Claude Julien at the helm. Don Sweeney will need to start looking at center prospects to take over the reigns for his team in the future, and Gregor is looking more and more like he could be one of the biggest steals in the draft if he does manage to slide down to the 49th overall selection.

Next: Pick #135

The Bruins could look to take another offensive-defenseman with the 135th selection. Despite his small stature, at 5-foot-11 and only 132 pounds, Reunanen isn’t afraid to get physical. If he intends on playing the same style of game at the NHL level, he’ll need to get significantly bigger as durability could be a concern. The Bruins weren’t scared off of selecting David Pastrnak with their first round selection in 2014, and they likely won’t be scared of selecting Reunanen due to his size with a fifth round pick.<div class=. Defense. TPS (Finland-SM-Liiga Jr.). Tarmo Reunanen. 135. player. 70

“Reunanen is an offensive minded defenceman who can carry the puck, dangle through traffic and set up his teammates. While he relies on his offensive skills, he is not a defensive liability. Poised and calm in his own end. Doesn’t shy away from physical play.” [Elite Prospects]

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135

Tarmo Reunanen

Defense, TPS (Finland-SM-Liiga Jr.)

The Bruins could look to take another offensive-defenseman with the 135th selection. Despite his small stature, at 5-foot-11 and only 132 pounds, Reunanen isn’t afraid to get physical. If he intends on playing the same style of game at the NHL level, he’ll need to get significantly bigger as durability could be a concern.

The Bruins weren’t scared off of selecting David Pastrnak with their first round selection in 2014, and they likely won’t be scared of selecting Reunanen due to his size with a fifth round pick.

“Reunanen is an offensive minded defenceman who can carry the puck, dangle through traffic and set up his teammates. While he relies on his offensive skills, he is not a defensive liability. Poised and calm in his own end. Doesn’t shy away from physical play.” [Elite Prospects]

Next: Pick #136

Big centers are always in demand in the NHL, and Brogan O’Brien can be exactly that at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. A capable two-way forward, O’Brien could be a solid addition to the Bruins system with his good vision and strong play-making ability. In his first season with the Prince George Cougars, O’Brien was able to score 18 goals and add 38 assists for 56 points in 71 games. One drawback to O’Brien is his skating ability which could use some work. <blockquote>“A large two-way forward that plays many simple but effective roles in games. Not the most nimble skater, but pushes hard and can get momentum moving in the right direction with above-average quickness. Defensively active and always makes it hard for the opposition to find time and space. Doesn’t transition to offence very smoothly or quickly, but uses his teammates to help gain zone entry and then his skill takes over. Offensively, he sees the ice extremely well and possesses excellent scoring and playmaking ability. His size allows him to bull his way to the net and create offensive chances. Very effective in multiple roles, Brogan O’Brien is a versatile two-way forward with a lot of potential for future growth.” [<a href=. Center. Prince George (WHL). Brogan O'Brien. 136. player. 70

Next: Pick #165

Mathias From. 165. player. 70. With a strong focus on defenders and centers so far in this mock draft so far, it’s about time the Bruins selected a winger who can produce offensively, while simultaneously showing strong defensive-tendencies. The 6-foot-1, 187 pound Danish forward could be a very good pick for the Bruins in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. With the versatility to play both wings as well as a right-handed shot, the Bruins need look no further than From to gain some solid value with a late-round selection. <blockquote>“A strong transitional forward with solid offensive and defensive upside. Defensively, always active and keeps himself mobile to make sure he’s in a good spot to keep the opposition on their toes. Sees lanes well and is excellent at taking pucks away and moving them up the ice for scoring chances. Offensively, he drives to the net and has a great shot. Definitely not afraid of the physical side of the game, and can play that all-important power role. Mathias From is a multidimensional buzzsaw that has the drive and skill to net wins and contribute in multiple areas of the game.” [<a href=. Left Wing/Right Wing. Rogle (SuperElit/SHL Sweden)

Next: Pick #195

In the last two years in the QMJHL, Nathan Noel has posted 45 goals and 74 assists for 119 points in 127 games. It’s clear that the 6-foot, 179 pound centerman is highly skilled and has strong offensive-instincts, and he could provide good depth for the Bruins at the center position. The QMJHL is arguably the most underrated league in the CHL, and the Bruins have already showed a willingness to draft players from the Quebec league last season with their picks of Jakub Zboril out of Saint John, and Jeremy Lauzon from Rouyn-Noranda. <blockquote>“A hard-working offensive forward that seems to compliment his linemates, whoever they may be. Good hockey sense and creativity in the offensive end. Very good puck possession skills; good hands to stay slippery, and a non-stopping motor that bodes nicely with his skating agility. Keen awareness on the ice lets him slip into good scoring positions where he can either pass the puck or tap home a goal. All-in-all, a guy who has a high level of skill and can be relied upon in situations where you need to strike quickly or run down the clock with a lead.” [<a href=. Center. Saint John (QMJHL). Nathan Noel. 195. player. 70

Next: Five Draft Day Scenarios For The Bruins

The first step at re-building the Bruins team in an attempt to make the playoffs next year will start with the draft. There are a lot of players waiting to have their name called and start the next chapter of their life later this month, and the Bruins could help some of them realize their fate. With a few picks early, and late in this year’s draft, the Bruins will have to trust their scouting and hope to find some good value early, while also selecting diamonds in the rough late.

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2016 NHL Entry Draft: Boston Bruins Mock Draft 1.0 – A Look At Who The Bruins Might Select With Each Of Their Picks

Tarmo Reunanen

Defense, TPS (Finland-SM-Liiga Jr.)