Boston Bruins Prospect Roundup: 2015 & 2016 Draft Updates

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
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
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Sep 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Dan Vladar. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Dan Vladar. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Vladar – Goalie – 75th Overall 2015

Year-to-Date:

Providence (AHL): 6 Games – 3-0-1 – 2.84 GAA – .914 Save %

Atlanta (ECHL): 2 Games – 1-0-1 – 2.88 GAA – .909 Save %

Okay, not quite Darth Vader, but still, the comparison between the names should never stop.

It’s hard to evaluate goaltenders early on in their careers. Widely considered to be the position that takes the longest to develop in, goalies often peak in their late-20s. There are examples of goalies shining in earlier years, however. Recent examples include Matt Murray, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and John Gibson.

While Vladar was selected in the third round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he’s already made his way to the AHL and has shown that he can help win games. In fact, Split between the AHL and ECHL this year, Vladar has recorded a 4-0-2 record in eight games meaning he’s yet to lose a game in regulation.

Vladar is in a good situation in Boston. The Bruins’ are certainly set for the immediate future with goaltender Tuukka Rask looking like the best goalie in the world. Additionally, prospects Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre looking like they could be next in line for future backup duties. Vladar has time to develop his skills at a reasonable pace without much pressure.