2016 camps and general preseason thread

[The Napkin]

The road back to the playoffs starts...

BOSTON BRUINS 2016 ROOKIE AND TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE PRESENTED BY AT&T:
-Practice times and locations will be announced at a later date

Thursday, September 15
-Rookie Camp opens

Thursday, September 22
-Main Camp opens

Friday, September 23
-On-ice practice

 

[slidingsideways]

The last days of the Bruins at the ice box. Rookie camp will be at the new facility.

The Bruins Development Camp will be held from Tuesday, July 12 through Friday, July 15. All on-ice sessions of the Bruins Development Camp are open to the public and the media.

Tuesday, July 12 (Wilmington, MA)
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, July 13 (Wilmington, MA)
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m.

Thursday, July 14 (Wilmington, MA)
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, July 15 (Wilmington, MA)
-On-ice practice, Ristuccia Arena, 10:00 a.m.

 

[The Napkin]

Glad D-camp is still at Ristuccia. It'll be nice to get one last trip up there in...

 

[cshea]

B's announced that their development camp will be next week, 7/12-7/15 at Ristuccia.

http://bruins.nhl.com/club/m_news.htm?id=888761

Roster:

Forwards- Jack Becker, Anders Bjork, Jake DeBrusk, Ryan Donato, Ryan Fitzgerald, Trent Frederic, Jesse Gabrielle, Danton Heinen, Cameron Hughes, Joona Koppanen, Sean Kuraly, Mark Naclerio, Zach Senyshyn, Oskar Steen

Defense- Brandon Carlo, Cameron Clarke, Matt Grzelcyk, Emil Johansson, Jeremy Lauzon, Ryan Lindgren, Charlie McAvoy, Wiley Sherman, Jakob Zboril

Goaltenders- Stephen Dhillon, Zane McIntyre, Malcolm Subban, Daniel Vladar

Senyshyn is listed but is apparently recovering from mono and won't be attending. Jacob Forsbacka-Karlsson is the other absence and the Bruins say they agreed for him to not attend due to school/family/travel concerns and conflicts. Bummer on both, but there are 3-4 players attending that could end up playing for the NHL team this year.

 

[TheRealness]

I am most interested to see how DeBrusk has improved, and how he measures up with someone like Heinen. I am also very curious as to who separates themselves on the defensive end. Sad about Senyshyn and JFK, but I don't think either was a contender to make the team.

 

[cshea]

Camp starts today. There are probably 4, maybe 5, players participating that could theoretically play for the Bruins this year. DeBrusk, Kuraly and Heinen up front; Grzelcyk and Carlo on D.

They're seemingly very high on Carlo so I'm looking forward to reading about his play. McAvoy too, though he is probably a year or two away from being under NHL consideration.

 

[McDrew]

Both McAvoy and JFK need more time. They both have raw talent (and in McAvoy's case, size), but both their game's improved greatly during their freshman seasons at BU, and I'd totally support at least a year more of development as long as it keeps working.

 

[jk333]

Both McAvoy and JFK need more time. They both have raw talent (and in McAvoy's case, size), but both their game's improved greatly during their freshman seasons at BU, and I'd totally support at least a year more of development as long as it keeps working.

McAvoy was the youngest player in college hockey last year and reportedly improved a lot as the season went on. It makes sense that another season would help him. Hopefully he dominates and can be penciled into the lineup for next year.

How did McAvoy compare to Hanifin in their seasons of Hockey East? Because Hanifin was NHL ready.

 

[McDrew]

I have gone to 6-8 BU games per year the last few years. Here's the best metaphor I can give.

Grzelcyk spent 4 years developing his physical game to match his mental game. McAvoy needs to spend time developing his mental game to match his physical game. I remember him getting a lot of direction from the bench early in the season, and much less later in the season. That's good, but learning your role/responsibilities to the point where they're second nature is an absolute MUST to be NHL ready and I just don't think he's there yet. He has the size/ability to use it to compensate for some of his mental mistakes (bad passes under pressure, sometimes a too weak on D to D passes in the offensive zone). I think BU under Quinn (given that this is year 4 for him, and he's now totally responsible for the entire team outside the seniors) is the right place for him. Quinn has really used Grzelcyk and his connections to the U20 team to recruit, and he's giving guys a really good place to learn and grow.

 

[cshea]

DJ Bean sheds some light on Jake DeBrusk's season:

http://m.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/dj-bean/2016/07/13/horrifying-and-graphic-story-jake-debrusks-injury

Kirk had alluded to it in the past on his blog or a podcast somewhere, but DeBrusk's injury early in the year was gruesome. DeBrusk took a shot to the nuts which required surgery. Apparently the pain/swelling was so bad that he passed out at the hospital. He was supposed to miss 2 months but ended up rushing back and was playing after 3 weeks, which was a mistake. Yikes.

 

[TheRealness]

DJ Bean sheds some light on Jake DeBrusk's season:

http://m.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/dj-bean/2016/07/13/horrifying-and-graphic-story-jake-debrusks-injury

Kirk had alluded to it in the past on his blog or a podcast somewhere, but DeBrusk's injury early in the year was gruesome. DeBrusk took a shot to the nuts which required surgery. Apparently the pain/swelling was so bad that he passed out at the hospital. He was supposed to miss 2 months but ended up rushing back and was playing after 3 weeks, which was a mistake. Yikes.

Wow, what a brutal injury. Reading that though, he came back and played 30 minutes a night for three straight days/games, which as DJ notes borders on irresponsible. DeBrusk's response? "We were in a tough stretch and they needed me." The kid has balls.

Impressive.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

The kid has balls.

Well the jury's still out on that one

 

[burstnbloom]

Bravo to both of you.

 

[TheRealness]

From reading the beat writers, it appears tha McAvoy is a clear stud. I did not see anything negative come out about him. He's a year or two away, but everyone seems giddy describing his play. Heinen and Bjork appear to be the best showing forwards, but most of the writers specify Heinen, while Haggs praises Bjork a lot so take that with a grain of salt. It also looks like Zboril showed up in much better shape, and was much more effective this camp than last. DeBrusk also showed well, as he showed a lot of moxie in battle drills and other physical drills.

All in all, the major takeaway I got from reading some of the articles was that Heinen is the closest of the group to contribute at the NHL level, and his offense has been described as dynamic. He could be a candidate to make the team, but if Vesey signs with the Bruins you have to expect he will start the season in the AHL unless Spooner is traded.

It also appears that the Bruins have lowered their expectations on Carlo this year. From what I read, I do not expect him to play in Boston this year absent injuries or a trade.

 

[FelixMantilla]

Kirk has a review of the campers:

https://scoutingpost.com/2016/07/18/bruins-post-development-camp-prospect-check-the-amateurs/

I hate to be a downer, but this group sounds very underwhelming to me.

 

[TheRealness]

Kirk has a review of the campers:

https://scoutingpost.com/2016/07/18/bruins-post-development-camp-prospect-check-the-amateurs/

I hate to be a downer, but this group sounds very underwhelming to me.

Really? I didn't get that impression at all. I know you can be a debbie downer, but jeez man, I don't know what you are looking at.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

 

[The Napkin]

McAvoy is currently playing for team USA at the world junior showcase n NHL network. Late in the second period, tied at 3 now.

 

[The Napkin]

He jus threw a hell of a hip check on a guy coming down the left wing. Announcers were suitably impressed.

 

[Salem's Lot]

Ryan Lindgren (Bruins 2nd rounder, 2016 draft) is also dressed for this one wearing #5. McAvoy is #23.

 

[The Napkin]

Sweden Canada tomorrow, US Finland Friday. Both on various times through the day.
Scratch that hockey itch....

 

[cshea]

He jus threw a hell of a hip check on a guy coming down the left wing. Announcers were suitably impressed.

This, I'm assuming?

 

[The Napkin]

 

[TSC]

Damn. I didn't realize that kind of physicality would be in his game.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I now want him to make the team out of camp so I have SOMETHING to be excited about on the blue line.

 

[TheRealness]

I now want him to make the team out of camp so I have SOMETHING to be excited about on the blue line.

I am torn on this. He seems like he has an NHL body, and man was he impressive when he was on the ice when I watched the 3rd period of the game above. That hip check.... SCHWING!

But, I think I'd rather see them keep him in BU at this stage for one more year with their super team they have, then join the Bruins after the NCAA season.

 

[McDrew]

Former Providence Bruins Trent Whitfield and Jay Leach named to the AHL staff.

 

[The Napkin]

Damn. I didn't realize that kind of physicality would be in his game.

 

[TheRealness]

Like hitting a wall. Beauteous.

 

[cshea]

Zach Senyshyn had an appendectomy this past weekend. He's out for rookie camp that opens next Thursday. He'll be here for main camp, but his participation is unknown.

http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=892214

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Bruins announced today, September 5, that forward prospect Zach Senyshyn underwent a successful appendectomy on Sunday, September 4. Senyshyn will not participate in Bruins rookie camp, but he will report to Boston for Bruins main training camp (his participation level is undetermined at this time).

 

[TheRealness]

Zach Senyshyn had an appendectomy this past weekend. He's out for rookie camp that opens next Thursday. He'll be here for main camp, but his participation is unknown.

http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=892214

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Bruins announced today, September 5, that forward prospect Zach Senyshyn underwent a successful appendectomy on Sunday, September 4. Senyshyn will not participate in Bruins rookie camp, but he will report to Boston for Bruins main training camp (his participation level is undetermined at this time).

Without rookie camp, I don't see him developing the momentum needed for him to make the team out of camp. I think he's destined to go back to juniors. Probably for the best.

At this point, the lines are probably:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak
Vatrano-Krejci-Backes
Belesky-Spooner-Hayes
Acciari - Moore - Nash (Randell?)

Chara-Miller
Krug- McQuaid
Liles - Morrow (et al)

I hate that third line, and the defense is bad, but I got a Seidenberg in my pants looking at those top two lines.

 

[TFP]

I might flip Backes and Pastrnak too.

 

[cshea]

I think Backes is going to be the 3C.

 

[TFP]

That could then look something like this (and can flip Pasta and Vatrano):

Marchand-Bergeron-Vatrano
Spooner-Krejci-Pastrnak
Belesky-Backes-Hayes
Acciari - Moore - Nash (Randell?)

 

[cshea]

Yeah that seems about right. They can move Backes up to either Bergy or Krejci's wing for certain situations.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Like last year, it's a strong forward corps. Marchand is due some regression in terms of goal totals, but Vatrano and Pastrnak growing into their roles should offset that. Year 1 of Backes will be close to a wash compared to Loui, and he'll be a big help (along with Moore) on the PK.

This defense still scares the crap out of me though.

 

[jk333]

I think Backes is going to be the 3C.

Most people have probably read this but the bigbadbruinsblog had Gary Jacobs saying-
“We’ve got Bergeron, [David] Krejci and Backes as our first three centers. Think about that,” Jacobs said. “I don’t know if there’s a team in the Eastern Conference that is [as] three-deep at center.”

Julien could change the setup once he sees the lines in action but the signing and plan seem to have Backes at 3C.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Like last year, it's a strong forward corps. Marchand is due some regression in terms of goal totals, but Vatrano and Pastrnak growing into their roles should offset that. Year 1 of Backes will be close to a wash compared to Loui, and he'll be a big help (along with Moore) on the PK.

This defense still scares the crap out of me though.

It's a strong forward group overall (only top 9 guy I'm skeptical about is Hayes), but I'm not sure how well the pieces fit together.

 

[The Napkin]

Peter Mueller is coming to camp on a PTO.

I'm not sure I see a place for him but doesn't hurt to throw stuff against the wall and see what sticks I suppose.

 

[Ale Xander]

Which days in Allston facility are open to the public, if any?

 

[cshea]

Hockey!

Rookies report tomorrow and are playing in the Buffalo rookie tournament last year. Roster is in the link. NCAA kids can't play, so there are a bunch of invites to fill out a team.

http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=892656

 

[cshea]

Well, except that Kevan Miller guy. Oh, and Adam McQuaid too!

 

[McDrew]

Stick tap to Andrew Ference, member of the 2011 champions who retired today.
http://causewaycrowd.com/2016/09/16/former-boston-bruins-andrew-ference-calls-career/

 

[McDrew]

And, since this is one of the things we all fondly remember him for:

 

[cshea]

The rookies beat NJ 4-3 last night. Cehlarik, Blidh, DeBrusk and Josh Atkinson scored the goals for the B's. Heinen, Zboril and Lauzon picked up assists.

They play Buffalo's rookies today.

 

[McDrew]

Grzelcyk is getting first-pairing time in those games. I'm hopeful he can make the leap, although we already do have a small, PMD that can contribute offensively.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

Grzelcyk is getting first-pairing time in those games. I'm hopeful he can make the leap, although we already do have a small, PMD that can contribute offensively.

Nothing wrong with another one or two.

 

[cshea]

B's up 2-0 in the first tonight. Cehlarik and DeBrusk have the goals. Both players scored last night, and Cehlarik assisted on DeBrusk's goal tonight.

Hard to know how he's playing without any video, but it's nice to hear DeBrusk getting off to a hot start.

 

[cshea]

B's ended up winning 4-3 again last night. Kuraly and Gabrielle scored the final 2 Bruins goals.

 

[burstnbloom]

I'm going to try to dig it up, but I suck at searching twitter. Kirk commented on a .gif posted of Heinen digging behind the net in a scrum, pulling the puck in front of the net and sliding it across to Debrusk who buried it blocker side. It was a very impressive play. I will add it here if/when I find it.