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Prospects Who Could Make The Boston Bruins Roster

By Andrew Thompson

Apr 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Terriers forward Jack Eichel (9) celebrates with defenseman Doyle Somerby (27) and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (5) after scoring an empty net goal against the University of North Dakota during the third period in a semifinal game in the men
Apr 9, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston University Terriers forward Jack Eichel (9) celebrates with defenseman Doyle Somerby (27) and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (5) after scoring an empty net goal against the University of North Dakota during the third period in a semifinal game in the men /
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.The Boston Bruins seem content to go with what they have when it comes to defensemen. It’s the end of July, and the Black and Gold have signed seven blueliners to be part of the team.  Some of the fans are less than enthusiastic about this. The current squad of defensemen is nearly an exact copy of the group of blueliners that weren’t able to get the Bruins into the playoffs last year.

There are a few prospects who could make the Boston Bruins this year.

The Bruins annual devlopment camp showed the fans and the front office that there could be some competition for spots this season, especially on the beleaguered blueline. There were two prospects who showed that could actually earn a spot out of camp this year. They are Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo.

Grzelcyk was a third-round pick back in 2012. He’s the son of a long-time employee of the Bruins organization.  He just finished four years at Boston University, where he put up 95 points (26 goals) for the Terriers. He signed an entry-level deal with the Black and Gold back in April. The 5’9″ Grzelcyk plays a lot like Torey Krug, and the left-shooting Grzelcyk could seriously battle for a roster spot at training camp in September.

From Hockey’s Future:

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“Grzelcyk is a small, but highly mobile defenseman with excellent offensive instincts. He is a strong puckhandler who can rush the puck and drive the offense. Grzelcyk is a power play weapon thanks to his sharp distribution skills and his ability to find soft spots in defensive zone coverage. Defensively, Grzelcyk brings a good compete level and is a determined player but his positioning is still a work in progress and he is sometimes at a disadvantage against bigger, stronger forwards due to his lack of bulk.”

Carlo also had a strong development camp. He consistently ended up in many hockey writer’s top five prospect list.  Carlo is a big 6’5″ player who is deceptively agile.
Carlo is a fluid skater and is already a solid blueliner. But the Bruins have been working with him, and he’s turning into a very big puck-moving defenseman. That’s something the Bruins desperately need right now. At the moment, the only one of those the Bruins truly have is Torey Krug. He’s also not afraid to be one of those ‘Big Bad Bruins’.

While neither of these players may make the roster on opening night, it’s a safe bet that both of them will see some NHL games this year. Adam McQuaid has a tendency to get injured while blocking shots. Kevan Miller tends to damage his shoulder when he fights.  Claude Julien and company might not like how Colin Miller or Joe Morrow are progressing. There will be opportunities available, and either player could show Boston what they could do at the NHL level.

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