The Boston Bruins’ US-centric drafting focus has been highlighted as nations announce their World Junior training camp rosters.
While the Boston Bruins had two players on the Team USA preliminary roster, there is zero representation on the Team Canada squad. This is the result of a shift in their drafting focus in the past few seasons.
By and large, Boston Bruins prospects now are playing in the American Hockey League, various European leagues or in NCAA programs across the United States. It’s seemingly getting rarer to find a Bruins draft pick plying his trade in the Canadian major junior programs.
In fact, when you look at the current players in the system (courtesy of Elite Prospects), you’ll note that just one player is playing major junior in Canada. That player, Axel Andersson who appears for the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL this year, who found his path blocked by older prospects in the AHL.
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While two of the three players appearing on the Boston Bruins top-line, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, did originally ply their trade in the Canadian major junior system, the majority of players under the age of 25 on the team came through American collegiate programs; Jake Debrusk is the only one that stands out for not doing so.
Even when you look at the players we’ve traded away or allowed to move on in the past few seasons; Ryan Donato and Noel Acciari both also came through NCAA schools.
Of our 2019 draft class, not one player is playing for a Canadian team, in fact of the 5 selected, only 1 was Canadian. This is a marked change from draft classes of yesteryear. Jump back to the 2015 draft class and 5 of the team’s 10 picks were Canadian.
Now, tally this up to whatever you like. An improved US National Team Development Program that has churned out 2 of the last 4 number one draft picks in Auston Matthews and Jack Hughes, obviously plays a big part.
Equally though is the balance that a collegiate program offers a young player. Whilst it’s well-documented the charity work and the like Canadian junior teams do in their community, American schools ensure the players are well-educated as well as putting big training expectations on them.
In turn, you get far more well-rounded players, albeit having to wait a few more years for them to complete their education.
We’d love it if this trend towards more American draft picks does continue. It still has a significant way to go before all seven of the Boston Bruins picks are from the US; especially since even last year they only made up 2 of 5.
However, if the trend continues, we may reach a day when there’s a cohort of Boston Bruins players all plying their trade in their home state, much like the Maple Leafs and Canadiens have managed to do over the years. That day will be a great one and we’re part way there already!