The Boston Bruins made three first-round picks in the 2015 NHL Draft after a busy Friday of wheeling and dealing.
The B’s entered the day with one pick — No. 14 overall — but added two selections by trading Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames and Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings.
Here’s an analysis and highlights of all three players the Bruins drafted and where they might fit in the organization.
No. 13 pick: Jakub Zboril, Defenseman
Team: Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
Height, Weight: 6-foot-1, 184 pounds
Stats: 13 goals and 20 assists (33 points) in 44 games
Analysis: Zboril is a tremendous skater with good size, a powerful shot from the point and a high hockey IQ. He quickly could become a fan favorite because of his physical style of play and willingness to battle for puck possession all over the ice. He also has above-average offensive skill as a puck-moving defenseman who should improve the Bruins’ transition game. Zboril’s vision and good decision-making could make him an option on the power play, too.
2015-16 Projection: Another season in the QMJHL
No. 14 pick:Â Jake DeBrusk, Left Wing
Team:Â Swift Current Broncos, WHL
Height, Weight: 6 feet, 174 pounds
Stats: 42 goals and 39 assists (81 points) in 72 games
Analysis: The Bruins needed to add depth and offensive skill at left wing, and DeBrusk’s selection addresses that. He’s a smart player who uses his soft hands and speed to create scoring chances for himself and teammates. He also has an accurate wrist shot with a quick release, which helped him rank sixth in the WHL in goals scored this past season. He’s not the most physical player, but there’s no question he has the skill and athleticism to be a top-six NHL forward.
2015-16 Projection: Another season in the WHL
No. 15 pick: Zachary Senyshyn, Right Wing
Team:Â Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, WHL
Height, Weight: 6-foot-1, 192 pounds
Stats: 26 goals and 19 assists (45 points) in 66 games
Analysis: Senyshyn scored 26 goals in a depth role for a very talented Greyhounds team, and finished second among OHL rookies in goals scored and points. He has elite speed and plays a north-south game with a high compete level. He’s still a few years away from being an NHL-caliber player, but there’s enough skill in his game to be excited about his long-term future.
2015-16 Projection: Another season in the OHL
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
