Hockey's Future - The #1 Online Prospects Resource

The initial stage of training camp is over for the Boston Bruins, with the annual Black and White game on the horizon signifying the start of the exhibition schedule. So far, the Bruins camp has been an eventful one.

The Russian man of mystery, forward Sergei Zinovjev, has been missing in action due to visa problems, delaying the already high anticipation of his arrival state-side. If Zinovjev doesn’t get things straightened out soon, he may find himself too far behind the rest of the Bruins hopefuls and find himself starting the season in Providence.

Goaltender Hannu Toivonen and center Patrice Bergeron have been the talk of camp among the prospects that didn’t have visa problems. Toivonen with his amazing reflexes and flair have put a lot of excitement into the fans of the Boston faithful. In particular he showed a very good glove, making a couple of stunning glove saves. Bergeron meanwhile, has showed good vision, passing skills, and defensive play. He still has a way to go before becoming an NHL regular. A little more muscle wouldn’t hurt either. But by putting him between Sergei Samsonov and Glen Murray during camp, the Bruins showed how highly they think of Bergeron, the young man who Bruins scouts compared to Adam Oates.

Another young player who hasn’t been talked about as much as the previous three, but should, is defenseman Shaone Morrisonn. He has stepped up big time during camp with some exceptional defensive play, not being as timid as he was last year. He has also impressed by doing the small things: making solid poke checks, tying up fore checkers in the corner so his defensive partner can get the puck, and solid positioning. He’s had a far better camp then any other young defenseman on the roster, and if he continues like this during the exhibition schedule he should be on the Bruins roster on opening night.

Defenseman Milan Jurcina, a behemoth of a young man, has had a good but unspectacular camp. He is ticketed for Providence this year, and nothing suggests otherwise. He’s one to watch though, and should be a solid contributor down the line.

Martin Samuelsson, Andy Hilbert, and Ivan Huml return as the leading candidates among the youngsters for a spot with the big club. Hilbert and Huml have been disappointing thus far though. And Samuelsson only looks slightly better, and a little stronger. Hilbert just doesn’t seem to have the drive that the great talents do, something that has been said of him in the past. And if he doesn’t wake up soon he’ll be put into a large list of great talents that just never put it all together at the NHL level. Huml had a good year statistically and was among the rookie leaders but his lack of defensive play and inconsistency along with timid play when it came to the physical aspect of the game earned him a demotion to the AHL. All he needs is some confidence and to show his opponents that he won’t be pushed around. He definitely has the talent to be a second line scorer in the NHL. Samuelsson meanwhile had endurance problems coming from the short season in Europe to the long schedule of the NHL and AHL. When he earned a call up he could only play short shifts before huffing and puffing. It looks like he’s somewhat addressed that issue and should have an even better year than last.

The forgotten man since the signing of Felix Potvin, Andrew Raycroft has looked lethargic in drills and scrimmages, and it looks like the acquisition of Potvin and the emergence of Toivonen is affecting him a little. If he wants to be an NHL starter he needs to step it up during the exhibition schedule or he may well become trade fodder.

Leading the way in the feisty department, forwards Masi Marjamaki and Patrik Valcak both showed some impressive displays of aggression and borderline dirty play, including some aggressive stick work and physical play. The Bruins haven’t had a real pest with talent since Ken Linesman donned the spoked B in the late 1980’s. But that may soon come to an end in the near future if either one of these two pan out.

The surprise of camp may be forward Matt Hubbauer. Invited on a tryout basis, he has shown some speed, agility, stick handling, and a good wrist shot. He may not be very big at 5’10” and just under 200 pounds, but has the heart needed to make it. A minor league contract would be a wise investment on Hubbauer.

Another invitee, forward and pugilist Brendan Walsh has come into camp and done what he has to in order to earn a contract by fighting fellow tough guys Colton Orr, and fan favorite PJ Stock. It will be hard with Orr, Doug Doull, and Darren Van Oene already under contract and slated for Providence. It is not out of the question though.

Nate Thompson, a sixth round pick in this past year’s draft, has shown good stickhandling, fore checking, and a strong wrist shot. He could end up being a sleeper down the line.

Forward Jan Kubista and defenseman Tuukka Makela were cut after only a couple of days of regular camp. Makela was not impressive during his stay. He showed below average puck control and passing ability and overall just looked uncomfortable out there. Kubista wasn’t even on the roster long enough to make a strong impression. Steve Solina and Josh Prudden were also cut after the first week.