Bruins GM Don Sweeney Praises Depth Of 2015 NHL Draft Class

The 2015 NHL Draft is expected to provide many teams with players who will make a strong impact at the NHL level.

This draft class is loaded with high-end talent and depth at every position with the possible exception of goaltender. The Bruins are in the top 15 of the first round for the first time since 2011 after missing the playoffs this past season.

B’s general manager Don Sweeney admitted during a pre-draft conference call Friday that he’s had conversations with teams about potentially moving up or down in Round 1, but he’s confident the Original Six club will be able to select a quality player if it remains at No. 14.

“Well, I think David (Pastrnak is) a great indicator that anywhere in the draft and as deep as the draft is, I think you can find guys that will surprise you,” Sweeney said. “And I think we feel very comfortable that there’s going to be a tremendous player at 14 and throughout the draft. I think the draft is deep and I think the first round is very exciting for everybody to be anticipating making choices.”

The Bruins have a few positional needs heading into the draft. The Bruins could use more depth at left wing, center and defenseman. Boston will be able to address one of those spots with the 14th pick, but taking the best player available is the smart choice.

“Well, I mean overall, I think the philosophy in general, especially I think when you’re looking in the top 14 where we’re drafting, it’s probably going to come down to best player available,” Sweeney said. “You know, that’s not always, because we may have things that transpire between now and then that alter that philosophy. I think in general, our scouts have worked and covered the mileage that they have to get the guys in the order that they want to draft them, not just how they see the board falling, and that’s important.

“When we get down to the list as it stands, the likelihood is that you take that player that they believe is the best player available. Doesn’t mean it can’t change, as I said, between now and then, relative to some of the things that may happen, but overall, that would be the philosophy.”