Matt Grzelcyk-Defense, Providence Bruins
The Charlestown-native and former Boston University captain has already cracked the B’s lineup this season, appearing in two games in December. Playing sheltered minutes on an injury-riddled blue line, the former Third Round Pick handled himself well before being sent back to Providence. In the AHL, Grzelcyk has two goals and 15 points, to go along with a plus-15 through 30 games. Often playing top-pairing minutes, he’s been a huge part of the P-Bruins’ success up to this point.
Grzelcyk is essentially a Torey Krug clone; he’s an undersized (5 foot 9, 175 pounds), left-shooting puck mover with excellent offensive instincts and great wheels. Like Krug, he has a tremendous compete level to compensate for his small stature. With Krug already in the fold and the NHL placing increased value on d-men who can transition the puck, Boston may be tempted to include Grzelcyk in a trade package, either leading up to this year’s deadline or in the offseason. Another half-season of development in Providence should have “Grizz” competing for bottom-pairing minutes and power play time next season.