Wait… We Drafted A Subban?

I’d first like to apologize for my recent absence from the blog.  I was entertaining a few guests this weekend at my home.  Yes, I do have a life.

So – let’s talk hockey!  This weekend was the NHL draft, and while it’s not as exciting or talked about as the NFL draft, this season’s draft will proved to be exceptionally exciting for the B’s.  This year was widely regarded as one of the weakest drafts in recent memory.  Despite this, the Bruins made some good moves. 

With their first pick in the draft, the 24^th pick overall, the Bruins selected netminder Malcolm Subban from the Belleville Bulls.  That name should sound familiar.  Subban.  Malcolm is the younger brother of PK Subban, the infamous blue-liner for the Montreal Canadiens.  Last year with Belleville, he posted a 25-14 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .923 save percentage.  The kid is good, for sure.  He is a Subban though… and I strongly dislike PK. Malcolm will have plenty of time to work on his game in the upcoming Canada/Russia junior series, where he will be starting. 

A Tale of Two Subbans

The goaltender pick also further solidifies the fact that Tim Thomas will not be returning to the Boston Bruins this year… and most likely won’t return the year after. 

After I asked him what he thought about a Subban on the B's

In the third round, the Bruins selected Charlestown native, Matthew Grzelcyk.  I am absolutely pumped about this guy.  The kid is set to play for Boston University in the fall, and has already played for the United States Team Development Program.  In time he could prove to be an elite offensive defender.

Grzelcyk’s father actually worked at the TD Garden for 35 years.  The kid is a young local hero, who plays a great two-way game and has superior playmaking vision.  After further development and growth, I have no doubt that Grzelcyk could be a player like Drew Doughty for the Bruins.  A reliable offensive defenseman who can contribute on the power play is dire need for the Bruins organization.  

Charleston's Grzelcyk

The Bruins traded Benoit Pouliot away to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fifth round pick.  With that pick, the Bruins selected Seth Griffith from the London Knights.  He’s a highly productive forward who proves time and time again that he can be in the right place at the right time.  He was absolutely a solid pick in the fifth round.  He was second in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) with 47 goals last season.  His strong hockey IQ and quick release will provide the Bruins with better scoring depth. 

Later on in the fifth round the Bruins picked up Cody Payne.  The 6’2, 201 pound Payne is a gritty, strong enforcer who is not afraid to drop the gloves.  His 13 fighting majors with the Plymouth Whalers last year led his team. While he’s not necessarily a gifted goal scorer, he’s a third or fourth line forward who can provide energy for the Boston Bruins.  Beantown hockey has always emphasized willingness to drop the gloves and defend your teammates.  Payne will certainly fit in well with that play style. 

All in all, the Bruins had a successful draft and I think Subban and Grzelcyk will be solid in the future of the Bruins organization.  I am still curious to see how the rest of this off-season pans out though… with free agents like Nash and Parise, more excitement is yet to come.