Chiarelli was hired by the Bruins in May of 2006, but interim GM Jeff Gorton (who replaced Mike O’Connell in March during the 2005-06 season), was still technically the Bruins' GM at the 2006 NHL draft under an NHL-imposed clause that made Chiarelli finish his term as the Senators' assistant GM and not be allowed to make personnel moves for Boston until he officially became the Bruins' GM on July 8, 2006.
So here are the first- and second-round draft picks under Chiarelli since 2007 with a quote on each by the Bruins' GM.
2007
Zach Hamill, center, 5-11, 190 pounds, first round, eighth overall
Hamill was a member of the Everett Silvertips (WHL) when he was drafted by the Bruins. He played 67 more games with Everett in 2007-08, totaling 75 points, before playing seven games in Providence and notching five assists to finish the season. In his last two seasons with Providence, Hamill had 75 points in 147 games, including 44 points this past season. Hamill made his NHL debut and had an assist in the Bruins' regular-season finale at Washington.
Chiarelli: "Zach has tremendous skill and had a solid season in Providence, but he needs to improve his strength and physical game."
Tommy Cross, defenseman, 6-3, 210 pounds, second round, 35th overall
When the Bruins drafted Cross, he was a member of the Westminster Prep School and, at the time, was sporting a leg brace and crutches due to a meniscus tear in his knee. Unfortunately, Cross, currently a defenseman for the national champion Boston College Eagles, has battled numerous knee injuries since, and his progression has been stunted as a result. He has played 62 games for the Eagles in his first two seasons at the Heights, with 18 points during that span. But health issues and conditioning continue to plague the Simsbury, Conn., native.
Chiarelli: "Cross has been set back unfortunately due to knee injuries. He did actually have a good year last year but needs to condition better in the offseason if he wants to play at the next level."
2008
Joe Colborne, center, 6-5, 190 pounds, first round, 16th overall
After two seasons with the University of Denver, the Bruins felt Colborne had progressed enough to sign him to a three-year, entry-level contract this past April. In 79 games over the last two seasons at Denver, the big pivot amassed 72 points, and after signing with the Bruins, he had two helpers in six games with the P-Bruins. Colborne’s favorite player growing up was former Bruins and current Sharks center Joe Thornton, and the Bruins would love to see him put up Thornton-like numbers but also mix in more grit and improve his defensive game.
Chiarelli: "Colborne made tremendous strides strength-wise and playing-wise. He will have to learn the two-way game more, but he has tremendous strength and upside."
Maxime Sauve, center, 6-2, 184 pounds, second round, 47th overall
After being drafted by the Bruins, Sauve found himself playing with a new team in the QMJHL in the 2008-09 season as he was dealt from the Quebec Remparts to the Val-d'Or Foreurs. The Tours, France, native made the Remparts regret trading him and the Bruins happy they drafted him with a breakout season for his new team. Sauve had 76 points in 64 games, and this past season, he had 35 points in just 25 games before being signed by the Bruins in December. In six games with Providence (AHL), Sauve had two goals.
Chiarelli: "Sauve has tremendous speed and quickness. He will need some time adjust to the pro level, but he may be the quickest guy in our organization."
2009
Jordan Caron, right wing, 6-2, 202 pounds, first round, 25th overall
Prior to being drafted by the Bruins, Caron had a monster season with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL where he put up 67 points in 56 games in 2008-09. Last season, Caron suffered a shoulder injury while trying out for the Canadian World Junior U-20 team but still posted solid numbers when he returned, with 53 points in 43 games playing for Rimouski and then Rouyn-Noranda. Caron signed an entry-level deal with the Bruins this past April and could eventually become the power-forward-type scoring threat the Bruins need on the wing, and the team is very high on him.
Chiarelli: "[He] had a tremendous year after the shoulder injury and, if all goes right, will challenge for a spot in camp."
