Today, the focus is on the two players the Bruins selected from the Ontario Hockey League at the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Brett Harrison, selected in the third round, 85th overall and Ryan Mast selected in the 6th round, 181st overall.
This week I am doing things a little differently. Rather than me going on and on, I spoke to Brock Otten about the pair of Bruins prospects. Brock is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to the OHL. He has his own OHL Blog that has a wealth of information as well as providing great insight for McKeen’s Hockey. You can also follow him on Twitter for some amazing insight.
Before we get to that interview with Brock, let’s look at some of the usual things we look at here beginning with what some of the independent scouting services had to say about Harrison and Mast.
Harrison has produced offence at every level he’s played at by establishing a strong net-front game and beating goalies with a solid shot. While his bread-and-butter area on the ice is in the slot, Harrison has some versatility and can be a threat on the perimeter with his shot. His game also fits well playing against bigger defensemen, which would allow him to adapt to the pro-game relatively quickly in that regard. The challenge for Harrison is with his skating and developing a more polished stride. Our concern is the skating issues may ultimately hold him back from becoming an NHL player. He struggled with the pace at the U18 in April and that’s a tier below what will be needed in the NHL. Hockey Prospects Black Book
Ryan Mast is another big defenseman who may turn some heads as time rolls on. He has all the ingredients: size, aggressiveness, and offensive potential. As an early 2003 birthdate, there’s still plenty of room for growth and development, too. He’ll need it after missing an entire season with the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. “Mast has the size and aggressiveness to project him as a second- or third-pair defender with some power play potential,” FCHockey scout Joseph Aleong said. “His play as an OHL rookie was impressive but overlooked on a struggling Sarnia team. If he can help lead a developing defense group next season in all situations, it would solidify him as a potential future NHLer.” FC Hockey
For Providence Bruins stats, visit their website.
Just some minor adjustments here:
Around the globe
Who’s hot:
Oskar Jellvik increased his point streak to 7 games and is up to 4 goals and 4 assists in 10 games after going pointless in his first 3 games. Andre Gasseau has a 3-game point streak going with 4 goals and 2 assists.
Who’s warm:
Matias Mantykivi ended his pointless streak at 7 games and now has a goal and an assist in his last two games. Philip Svedeback improves to 2-0-2 with a 2.43 goals-against-average and .912 save-percentage.
Who’s cold:
Peter Cehlarik was in the midst of a two-game pointless streak and has missed the last three games with an injury. Roman Bychkov is pointless in 9 games and has been a healthy scratch in his last three games. With a goal, Linus Arnesson ended his pointless streak at 10 games. Roman Bychkov had his pointless streak reach 9 games and was a healthy scratch last week in the KHL.
Brock joins me here to discuss Harrison and Mast. Please have a listen and any feedback – good or bad – is welcome.
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Dom - Hockey 