The Boston Bruins prospects finished a three-game series at the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. However, not all of them participated. Thirteen prospects are currently in the NCAA, and three others are in the USHL, aiming to play in the NCAA. As a result, the Bruins had to invite 11 additional players to fill the gaps left by those who were ineligible to compete.
The Bruins ended with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 1 overtime loss, but in this blog, that detail and statistics are not the main focus. The key aspect we want to examine is whether players are making progress on their areas for improvement and if we observed signs of development.
Brett Harrison – Center/Left Wing – Providence Bruins
Harrison was clearly dedicated putting the work in this summer. His intensity has increased, particularly in driving to the net, battling for the puck along the boards, and backchecking. While there is still room for improvement and the need for more consistency, it’s encouraging to see this progress early in camp. One noteworthy change from his junior days is that he was tasked the role of the last man on the powerplay, receive the drop pass and gain the offensive line with possession.
Jackson Edward – Left/Right Defence – London Knights
The proof is clear, and it shows why I have been so enthusiastic about him and why he will likely become a fan favorite in time. While he still has a long way to go in his development, he did make an impact in his first game, getting under the skin of the Penguins prospects. I expected him to drop the gloves against Columbus, as he certainly made the effort. There were a few instances where he went after opponents’ ankles, but the Blue Jackets players just carried on without responding.
Riley Duran – Right Wing – Providence Bruins
There has been considerable discussion about Duran aiming for a spot on the Boston roster, but he faces stiff competition from other players. He performed exceptionally well in the first two games, though he did not play in the third. His eagerness to engage in the forecheck is refreshing. He shows no hesitation when battling along the boards or driving toward the net. It’s not a matter of whether he will play in the NHL, but rather when that will happen.
John Farinacci – Center/Right Wing – Providence Bruins
I ranked Farinacci as the Bruins’ third-best prospect back in early June for a good reason. Anyone who believed he wouldn’t hit a rookie wall in Providence last season, after playing only 55 games in the prior three years, is mistaken. While it’s still early, he resembles the Farinacci who started last season with Providence rather than the one who finished it. I anticipate significant improvement, and he has made a promising start. The line of Farinacci, Harrison and Duran was excellent when together.
Adam Mechura – Center/Left Wing – Maine Mariners
He is not officially a prospect for Boston since he has an AHL contract and is eligible to sign with any NHL team if one comes calling. I have been a fan since he played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL, and I’ve expressed my support for the Bruins to sign him to an NHL contract. He stood out as arguably their best player at the prospects challenge, demonstrating his ability to assist teammates and generate offense for himself. He also confidently used his size to get to the front of the net. With limited spots available in Providence for the upcoming season, he will need to keep impressing to secure his place.
Evan Vierling – Center – Maine Mariners
Vierling has been on my radar since his time with the Barrie Colts in the OHL. He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Last season, he primarily played for the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL but also had a brief stint in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he scored 7 points in 8 games. His skills as a two-way player were particularly noticeable during this tournament. Recently, he signed an AHL contract with Providence, putting him in a challenging spot. In Buffalo, it’s fair to say he was one of the team’s top three players.
When it comes to the invites, I can only say this:
That’s his agent with the reply.
Dom - Hockey 