Just a few minutes ago at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected BU defenseman Charlie McAvoy as their first pick of the draft and the 14th pick overall.
This is a great pick for the Black and Gold. The Boston Bruins needed a defenseman that could quickly transition into the NHL. They found that in McAvoy.
Watch as #NHLBruins select defenseman Charlie McAvoy with the 14th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft:https://t.co/W4UtrqQtoI
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 25, 2016
From the Boston Bruins Website:
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 211 pounds
Birthday: Dec. 21, 1997 (18 years old)
Hometown: Long Beach, N.Y.
Shoots: Right
Last team: Boston University (Hockey East)
Miscellaneous: McAvoy is no stranger to Boston, having played last season with Boston University. As a freshman, the blueliner tallied three goals and 22 assists in 37 games, along with a plus-10 rating and 56 penalty minutes. The 24 points were most among Terrier defenseman.
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He was the youngest player in college hockey last season, as he did not turn 18 until Dec. 21, yet earned Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors. McAvoy was fellow Bruins prospect Matt Grzelcyk’s defense partner at BU.
Prior to joining BU, the New Yorker spent two seasons (2013-15) with the U.S. National Team Development Program. He competed for Team USA at the 2016 World Junior Championship, earning a bronze medal. McAvoy also won a gold medal at the 2015 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
“I just tried to play great two-way hockey,” said McAvoy, at scouting combine week. “I think the level of hockey I played against was very demanding , playing against older guys, stronger and more physical guys. I think it was a testament to the kind of player I am to have the success I did at that level. I’m proud of my season, and I’m proud of the body of work that I was able to put together.
Here’s what the team at Causeway Crowd thought of him earlier in the month, and what we thought of him a few months back.
McAvoy will probably not play for the Bruins this year. He may see some time in Providence at the end of the season, but he’ll certainly get a solid look at the Development camp.
This is a good thing for the future of the Bruins organization. As long as they don’t squander this young talent, they’ll have another Dougie Hamilton on their hands.