“Someday, Baby”
Prospects Whose Arrival Is Largely Up In The Air
Cameron Hughes-Left Wing, Wisconsin Badgers
Wiley Sherman-Defense, Harvard Crimson
Oskar Steen-Center/Right Wing, Farjestads BK (SHL)
It’s always tough to peg if/when a late round prospect will arrive. Zane McIntyre was a Sixth Round Pick in 2010. Rob O’Gara was a Fifth Round Pick in 2011. Anton Blidh was a Sixth Round Pick in 2013. That’s three players picked between 151st and 180th who arrived seven, six, and four years after being drafted. There are numerous other late rounders, though, who never arrived at all.
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Hughes has skills for days, but is a small/slight 5 foot 11, 160 pounds. More of a playmaker than goal scorer, Hughes could use a little extra bulk to withstand the wear and tear that took a toll on his draft ranking. Hughes currently has 15 points in 18 games in Madison, following up nicely on his 25 points in 32 games last season.
Some Other Prospects
Wiley Sherman, conversely, is a giant. The 6 foot 7, 220-pound defenseman is currently in his junior season at Harvard. Though no one will confuse him for Dustin Byfuglien, Sherman did record 10 points in 31 games last season…he’s not a statue either. With Boston’s pipeline loaded with top notch prospects, the path for Sherman is not exactly clear. Nevertheless, his size and long-term development make him intriguing in the long run.
Oskar Steen is a workhorse. He’s the energizer bunny. A small (but solid) 5 foot 9, 185 pounds, Steen never takes a shift off. He battles for every inch of ice, be it in the corners or in front of the net. Players like Steen make for exceptional penalty killers; a role he’s currently handling with aplomb in Sweden’s pro league.
But Steen is not just a Swedish Rudy. He possesses great acceleration, as well as quickness, and can make plays at game speed. His game looks to be tailor-made for an NHL bottom-six, like fellow Swede and Bruins forward PJ Axelsson.