2016 NHL Entry Draft: Boston Bruins Mock Draft 2.0
2016 NHL Entry Draft: Boston Bruins Mock Draft 2.0 – A Second Look At Who The Bruins Might Select With Each Of Their Picks
With the 2016 NHL Entry Draft fast-approaching, speculation will be running rampant about who each team will be selecting with their draft picks. While most people find interest and appeal primarily in the first round, it’s important to remember that there are seven rounds for teams to find value.
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In the past, players like solid NHL players such as Jaroslav Halak, Matt Moulson, Pekka Rinne, Dustin Byfuglien, Patric Hornqvist, Ondrej Palat, Joe Pavelski, and even Henrik Lundqvist have been selected after the 200th selection was made in their respective draft years. The value is there for each team and their scouts to discover, and a first round draft pick and a seventh round draft pick should really only be considered different in draft position, and not talent level.
With all of that in mind, here’s a look at who the Boston Bruins could take in the 2016 draft with each of their picks as their currently allotted.
Next: Pick #14
<p>It’s no secret that the Boston Bruins are an organization that has always coveted size, and physical play when looking at potential franchise-players. <a href=. Right Wing. Val-d'Or (QMJHL)). Julien Gauthier. 14. player. 70
Next: Pick #29
29. player. 70. <p>The Boston Bruins have relied heavily on <a href=. Defense. Windsor (OHL). Logan Stanley
Next: Pick #49
70. <p>If the Boston Bruins are looking to replenish their center depth within their prospect pool, Simon Stransky might be the best option available at pick 49. The 6-foot Czech winger has been very good in his two seasons in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders. When watching Stransky, it’s impossible to not be enamored with his silky-smooth hands, and incredible vision that allows him to find the open passing lane better than most players at his age.</p> <p>When watching Stransky, it often looks like he’s able to see a play develop well before it actually happens. His speed might be a concern at the NHL level, which could cause him to drop to the Bruins in the middle of the second round, but that shouldn’t be enough to scare off Boston as the 18 year old still finds ways to be elusive. </p>. Left Wing. Prince Albert (WHL). Simon Stransky. 49. player
Next: Pick #135
<p>The Bruins sure do love their college prospects, and Mitch Eliot could be the next player in line to be drafted by the Bruins before starting his collegiate career at Michigan State University. The 6-foot, 190 pound two-way defender plays a fast-paced game while also showing a willingness to get physical when needed. Unafraid to fight to gain the puck, as well as keep possession of it, Eliot could be a very good fit for the Bruins system.</p><div class=. Defense. Muskegon (USHL). Mitch Eliot. 135. player. 70
One area of the game that Eliot excels in is positional awareness. As a defenseman, one of the most important things to focus on is positioning within the defensive zone. There have been too many examples in recent years on the Bruins back-end where a defender was out of position and the result was a goal-against. With Eliot, that shouldn’t be much of a concern as he is more of a defensive-minded defender who understands his role on the team, and can still develop his game at Michigan State to potentially become an offensive-threat as well.
“A physical two-way defenceman that plays a structured competitive game. Smooth skating compliments his ability to control the puck at higher speeds. Displays a pretty hard shot and crisp tape-to-tape passing ability, but is actually relied on more in the defensive zone. Battles very hard for puck possession and sees the game in lanes. Very strong positionally and is poised in his own end. As he continues to grow, he will become a more well-rounded defenceman with each game, as he recognizes and learns from his mistakes. Can play long shifts. (Elite Prospects)
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135
Mitch Eliot
Defense, Muskegon (USHL)
The Bruins sure do love their college prospects, and Mitch Eliot could be the next player in line to be drafted by the Bruins before starting his collegiate career at Michigan State University. The 6-foot, 190 pound two-way defender plays a fast-paced game while also showing a willingness to get physical when needed. Unafraid to fight to gain the puck, as well as keep possession of it, Eliot could be a very good fit for the Bruins system.
One area of the game that Eliot excels in is positional awareness. As a defenseman, one of the most important things to focus on is positioning within the defensive zone. There have been too many examples in recent years on the Bruins back-end where a defender was out of position and the result was a goal-against. With Eliot, that shouldn’t be much of a concern as he is more of a defensive-minded defender who understands his role on the team, and can still develop his game at Michigan State to potentially become an offensive-threat as well.
“A physical two-way defenceman that plays a structured competitive game. Smooth skating compliments his ability to control the puck at higher speeds. Displays a pretty hard shot and crisp tape-to-tape passing ability, but is actually relied on more in the defensive zone. Battles very hard for puck possession and sees the game in lanes. Very strong positionally and is poised in his own end. As he continues to grow, he will become a more well-rounded defenceman with each game, as he recognizes and learns from his mistakes. Can play long shifts. (Elite Prospects)
Next: Pick #136
136. player. 70. <p>Jordan Sambrook is the kind of player that every NHL franchise wants. A big (6-foot-2, 183 pounds) defender who plays a very good two-way game with, and without the puck. A strong skater who looks like he can fly down the ice while also playing a physical role, Sambrook could be a player that can fill a crucial hole in the future for any franchise looking for a solid defender. The Bruins would be smart to be that team, not only because their defense is an area of weakness right now, but because Sambrook could very well be the best available player on the board by the 136th overall selection.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote><p><em>“Smooth-skating two-way defenceman that displays solid creativity and offensive instincts, as well as a strong defensive game. Can play lengthy shifts due to his conservative style without the puck, and can be relied upon in all situations. Mobile with and without the puck, and could even become a bit quicker. His size allows him to be physically assertive and protect the puck well. All-in-all, a defenceman that has the potential to become a well-rounded all-around player that can log a lot of ice-time. (<a href=. Defense. Erie (OHL). Jordan Sambrook
Next: Pick #165
player. 70. <p>At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Eetu Tuulola’s size and offensive ability should virtually guarantee his name be called at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. With a willingness to drive to the net and lay it all on the ice each and every night, Tuulola could be an offensive stud with enough refinement in a North American system.</p> <p>One drawback to Tuulola is his defensive ability as he is primarily an offensive-minded player. His speed won’t win him any awards either, which could also be improved as he develops within the Providence Bruins organization.</p> <p> </p> <blockquote><p><em>“A sizey winger with great offensive instincts. Drives to the net hard and leans into his hits. Displays slick puckhandling skills and a hard shot that he needs to use more. Skates with balance, but needs to get faster. Works very hard and doesn’t take shifts off.</em></p> <p><em>Needs to be more active in his own end and pressure the opposition into making more rushed plays. All-in-all, a competitive winger with the size and skills to be a difference maker in games.” (<a href=. Right Wing. HPK (Liiga-Finland/Liiga Jr.). Eetu Tuulola. 165
Next: Pick #195
Right Wing. Ottawa (OHL). Dante Salituro. 195. player. 70. <p>If the Bruins want to find an offensive-minded right winger late in the draft, Dante Salituro could be their best bet. Although he’s small at 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, the Bruins have shown a willingness to draft players based on their all-around ability, and not simply on their size. <a href=
The NHL draft is a time where franchises look to pad their prospect pool with likely-superstars, as well as potential diamond-in-the-rough selections. The Bruins could find themselves a few value picks late in this years draft if they do a good enough job scouting those players out, and developing them properly over the next few years.