Bruins Prospect Snap Shot

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The Boston Bruins have been around for 86 years with 5 Stanley Cup’s in their trophy case. The last title came in 1972, and the Bruins last contended for the cup in 1990 losing to the Oilers. Boston has 3 times drafted first overall taking Barry Gibbs in 1966, Gord Kluzak in 1982, and Joe Thornton in 1997. That year the Bruins also took Sergei Samsonov 8th overall. In 2010 Boston will also have 2 first round picks (If they don’t trade one) thanks to the Phil Kessel trade with Toronto.

The Bruins top minor league team is in Providence. The baby Bruins won a Calder Cup in 1999, but are struggling right. As of this writing they were 7th in the Atlantic division.

Here now is a look at the top prospects of the Boston Bruins.

Top Forward: Joe Colborne
University of Denver
Height: 6'05 Weight: 195 lbs Stats: 24 GP 11-15-26 points

Boston grabbed Colborne 16th overall in 2008 out the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The Lanky centerman racked up 90 points in 55 games with the Camrose Kodiaks in his final season before joining the Denver Pioneers of the NCAA. At 6.05 and almost 200 pounds, Colborne has room to fill out but does a nice job of protecting the puck and has a nice playmaking ability. While he can score, he’s a pass first guy. Could leave college after this season where over a point per game with the Pioneers.

Top Defenceman: Johnny Boychuk
Boston Bruins
Height: 6.02 Weight: 215 Stats: 28 GP 2-7-9 points

Boychuk was originally drafted by the Colorado Avalanche and was acquired by the Bruins in the summer of 2008. That’s when Boychuk exploded for 20 goals and 45 assists in 78 games for the Providence Bruins. The Edmonton product’s goal outburst wasn’t entirely shocking as he did score 13 in his final junior season. Was one of the most feared hitters when he played in the WHL and has played most of this season with Boston after starting in Providence.

Top Goalie: Tuukka Rask
Boston Bruins
Height: 6'3 Weight: 165 lbs. Stats: 7-2 2.13 .920

This one was pretty easy as the Bruins system doesn’t have a ton of promising pipeman prospects. Rask was obtained from Toronto in 2006 in exchange for Andrew Raycroft. Boston won this deal on 2 levels. One because they dealt Raycroft for Rask, and two because the Leafs decided to keep fellow goaltender Justin Pogge. The lightning quick Finish tender is pushing Tim Thomas for playing time this year and it will only be a couple of years before he’s the number one man.

Most Underrated: Jamie Arniel
Providence Bruins
Height: 5'11 Weight: 183 lbs. Stats: 49 GP 10-13-23 points

The nephew of former Winnipeg and current Manitoba Moose Head Coach Scott Arniel. The second generation hockey player is terrific faceoff man who brings a strong effort most nights. Has some offensive potential, but will likely make it as a checking forward. Arniel is tied for the longest point streak in the AHL this year, notching 11 points over a 6 consecutive game stretch.

Buzz Worthy: Jordan Caron
Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
Height: 6'2 Weight: 202 lbs. Stats: 28 GP, 13-16-29

Boston’s first round pick in 2009 was a deadline acquisition by Rouyn-Noranda of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, along with the recently suspended Patrice Cormier. Both were also members of Canada’s World Junior Team that came home with a silver medal. After 20 points in 20 games with Rimouski, Caron notched 6 points in his first 5 games with the Huskies.