Today, the Boston Bruins started their annual development camp. During the last ten years, this camp has been an important first step for players who are working their way up through the Bruins system. In some cases, this will be the first time the coaches get to see some of these players play.
It’s also a first of sorts for former Boston Bruins forward (and now assistant coach) Jay Pandolfo.
Pandolfo had a long career in the NHL. His final NHL season with the Bruins was a homecoming for the Burlington, Massachusetts native. The Bruins front office liked what Pandolfo brought to the table and helped his transition from player to the front office. After the 2012-13 season, Pandolfo became part of the player development team.
After last season’s disappointing finish, Pandolfo was moved from Player Development to become one of Claude Julien‘s assistant coaches.
“It’s a good situation,” said Pandolfo at the time of his promotion. “I played for Claude so I’m very comfortable with him. Working with Butch the last couple years has really helped me a lot and we’re real comfortable together.
“So it’s a similar situation. I’ve known Joe for a long time and also working with Goalie Bob as well down in Providence on a regular basis and having a really good relationship with Don Sweeney the last two couple years, it’s a very similar situation. For everyone I think it’ll allow us to get close as a group right from the hop. I think that matters a lot when you’re trying to build a winning team.”
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Jay Pandolfo will be looking at these Boston Bruins prospects through two different sets of eyes.
Pandolfo’s first set will be evaluating the current skill set of the talented young players in front of him. The other will be looking at who can be molded into the current Bruins system quickly. There are several spots available this year, and the Bruins might see something that like here.
Overall, the newly minted assistant coach was pleased with the talent that came to camp.
“A lot of them I hadn’t seen play before,” said Pandolfo. “The first day is a long day, so it’s tough for everyone. They do conditioning; they have physicals in the morning and then two on-ice sessions. But everyone looked pretty good. Everyone was excited to be there. All the young kids looked excited.”
He seemed particular pleased with this year’s first round draft pick Charlie McAvoy.
“Sometimes you can tell guys that are leaders right off the hop and he was talking a lot and helping guys out,” said Pandolfo about the Bruins 14th overall pick. “He’s a first-year guy…to be able to do that and see a guy that’s going to be a leader going forward. It was impressive.”
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He’s also looking forward to evaluating current Providence goaltender Malcolm Subban. Subban wasn’t on the ice with the rest of the players today.
He’s definitely on the right track,” said Pandolfo of Subban’s recovery and overall progression. “I think that’s part of the reason we brought him in here because he hasn’t played in a long time. He was on the ice earlier, had a goalie session with Bob Essensa today, and he’ll be back out there tomorrow with the group.”
Pandolfo and Bruce Cassidy will be called upon by the Bruins to help get these young players ready for training camp and beyond. While he’s got his work cut out for him, Pandolfo looks ready for the challenge.