Boston Bruins: John Beecher C
John Beecher will be returning to the University of Michigan this upcoming season. The 2019 first-round pick is a player to watch, as he is viewed as one of the top centers in the Bruins’ system. This will be his third collegiate season, so it will not be surprising to see his offensive totals jump up significantly. In 16 games this past season, he scored four goals and had eight points.
One thing that stands out with Beecher is the fact that he is 6’3″ and 209 pounds. Many fans criticize the team for being too small, but he completely goes against that narrative. He has been noted for being effective as a net-front presence, which could make him a valuable asset for the Bruins in the future. Yet, he also comes with skill and speed that makes him effective in more ways than one.
With Patrice Bergeron getting older and David Krejci leaving for the Czech Republic, the Bruins are going to need to get stronger down the middle. Beecher will not be an NHLer for the start of the season. Yet, if he has a very strong collegiate campaign, perhaps he could sign an NHL deal and begin his pro career as soon as this spring.