Rookie Camp Wrap Up:
The Boston Bruins finished their Rookie Camp on Monday with a 6-4 win in the Prospects Challenge against the New Jersey in Buffalo. The Bruins Rookies finished the tournament with a 1-1-1 record in 3 games.
This upcoming season is pivotal for Bruins’ Prospect Brett Harrison, and he has delivered so far with three goals and a pretty assist in the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. Harrison has an NHL shot but needs to produce in the American Hockey League if he’s going to get an NHL shot. This was a good start for the 21-year-old forward as he builds momentum toward Bruins training camp.
Riley Duran and John Farinacci both showed well during the Prospects Challenge. Duran, in particular, is a dark horse for a 4th line role in Boston. Many who have watched the big, speedy forward believe his game is better suited for the NHL than either college hockey or the AHL; time will tell.
Another side note on Duran, he needed a few root canals after getting hit in the mouth during the Prospects Challenge on Saturday. He’ll be ready to go for the first on-ice session of Bruins Training Camp on Thursday. He is a hockey player after all.
Loke Johansson impressed during Rookie Camp and earned an invite to Bruins Training Camp. That’s an impressive accomplishment for the young Swedish defenseman. Not many 6th round picks get invites to training camp in their draft years. Coach Ryan Mougenel praised Johansson for coming into camp in “off the chart” physical condition. He played a steady physical game during the Prospects Challenge, “He’s got the D zone hammered down, playing physical and getting into guys, but you’ve got to be able to complete plays offensively.” Johansson’s offensive development will be worth keeping an eye on in Moncton this season. If he can raise his offensive game, the Bruins may have gotten a steal in the sixth round.
Jackson Edward was noticeable during Rookie Camp and the Prospects Challenge. Coach Mougenel on Edward: “He plays the game with confrontation…he’s involved. He makes noise. I like it, and we welcome it. He’s not dry toast.”
The Bruins are developing the left-shot Edward as a right defenseman. If Edward can make the transition, he’ll be a valuable, versatile defenseman, and this could allow him to rise through the Bruins system quickly. He would be a welcome addition to a thin depth chart at right defense.
Edward will miss the start of Training Camp as he suffered an upper-body injury that will keep him out of action for 7-10 days.
Frederic Brunet has looked like a different player in Rookie Camp this year compared to last year. A year in the AHL has done wonders for his confidence. The Bruins are looking for another step forward from the young defenseman and would like to see his confidence extend into training camp and his second season with the Providence Bruins.
Some other notable players during Rookie Camp were Evan Vierling, with a strong final game against the Devils, Trevor Kuntar, Carlin Dezainde, and Markus Vidicek, Adam Mechura, with goals in the last two games.
Mougenel liked the effort in the finale, ” I thought the guys did a really good job of competing. We were seeing some of the attributes we like to see. It’s good to see us get rewarded for hard work. The guys worked really hard.”
Training Camp Begins:
The Bruins reported for the start of training camp on Wednesday with the first on-ice sessions beginning on Thursday. Coach Jim Montgomery is trying to split up the veterans during the two sessions of camp because he’d like enough veterans in each session to show the younger players how to go about their business, how to act like Bruins, what it means to be Bruins and to immerse the younger players in the Bruins culture.
In addition to the players mentioned above who won’t be ready to start camp, there are a few other updates:
Brad Marchand, after having three off-season surgeries, will not start camp with the regular group, but the Bruins captain is progressing well and is on track for opening night.
Alec Regula will not be there for the start of camp as he heals from off-season surgery. He’ll be an integral part of the Providence Bruins D-Corps for Head Coach Ryan Mougenel. He could see time in Boston if the big club is bitten by the injury bug.
Matthew Poitras, on the other hand, will be a full go for training camp after shoulder surgery. Poitras will play both center and wing and is looking forward to picking up where he left off after a promising start to last season was cut short due to injury.
Swayman Update:
There is no contract yet for Swayman. He will not participate during training camp until he has signed a deal.
General Manager Don Sweeney was clearly unhappy during his Wednesday press conference when he called “bullshit” on reports that he didn’t return phone calls from Swayman’s camp for 3 weeks. Sweeney is optimistic that the contract will get done before the December 1 deadline. For now, we continue to play the waiting game.
Random News and Notes:
The Bruins Benders want to congratulate Ryan Johnston on being named the new play-by-play voice of the Bruins for 98.5 The Sports Hub. It’s a dream job for Johnston who has paid his dues and earned this opportunity. He already has great chemistry with Bob Beers whom he worked with on Saturday mornings on The Hockey Show on 98.5. Looking forward to hearing Ryan on the call.
Contract talks with Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery have started, but nothing is imminent at this time. Montgomery is in the final year of his contract.
Trent Frederic has had 2 holes in one during the past 370 days. My mother picked up golf in retirement and has as many as Freddy. I’ve been golfing a long time and have zero. It might be time for me to give up on the game.
Former Bruin Nick Foligno is named the Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks haven’t gotten much right in the last few years, but this one they did. “Uncle Nick” is a class act.
And finally, NHL Preseason action kicks off on Saturday night with 3 games. The Bruins first preseason game is Sunday at 5pm vs. the New York Rangers. Hockey is BACK! I’ll see you inside the rink.
