AHL Coach Thinks Prospect Will ‘Push’ For Bruins Roster Spot

BOSTON — Boston Bruins prospects that took part in Day 1 of rookie camp at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday have seen at least three of their fellow prospects get time in the NHL last season. Matthew Poitras, Johnny Beecher, and Maason Lohrei made a name for themselves with the big club, and Riley Duran hopes to earn his spot.

“It’s really cool to see that everyone has a different story. It’s really cool being with those guys and seeing that and see how hard they work, encouraging you,” Duran said. “(Bruins general manager Don) Sweeney said today, ‘If you work hard enough, they’ll make room for you, but you just gotta play hard and play your own game.'”

Sweeney singled out Duran, Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell in July as three players who could be battling in training camp for a spot on the NHL roster. Duran is looking forward to the challenge, beginning with the prospects tournament this weekend in Buffalo, N.Y.

“It’s good just because I play my own brand, like to play my own game,” Duran said. “I don’t have to change anything up. Maybe just a couple of things, body position-wise. But, besides that, it’s just playing my own game, and hopefully, things work out.”

Duran joined the Providence Bruins on an amateur try-out agreement last March after completing three seasons of college hockey at Providence College. He tallied two goals and two assists in 11 games with Boston’s AHL affiliate. Providence coach Ryan Mougenel said that, with his limited sample size, Duran was able to translate his abilities from college to the AHL.

“When we got Riley, he was fighting it a little bit in college. I think his growth was real interesting to see,” Mougenel said. “I think we came in with our eyes wide open for him. We let him play his game. I think he flourished that way.”

Mougenel added: “College is a little bit different. They only play two games in a weekend, their season is shorter, so every game means so much. There’s a lot vested in every play. I think it kind of took the handcuffs off him a little bit when he came to Providence. We want him to play free and let his skill take over, and he was exceptional for us.

“It’s not that I was a little bit surprised at his skill set and his separation, his hands, his shot. But he’s a player. And it’s funny because it’s the truth. Some guys’ games translate better to a pro than they do in college and junior. I think he’s one of those guys. So, him coming in the end of the year was huge for him. I think it probably accelerated where he is, especially for training camp. I expect him to really push. I think he is a (Jim Montgomery) type of player. A Chris Kelly type of player, they’re going to enjoy.”