Bruins select John Beecher @ #30

The Napkin

The Napkin

wise ass al kaprielian
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hockeywriters.com
2018-19 Team: U.S. National Development Team (#17)
Date of Birth: April 5, 2001
Place of Birth: Elmira, New York
Ht: 6-foot-3 Wt: 209 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2019 first-year eligible
 
Ale Xander

Ale Xander

Hamilton
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Oct 31, 2013
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Seems like a less talented Coyle. Not in love with this pick. Hasn't been a PPG guy. High floor, low ceiling.
 
Granite Sox

Granite Sox

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Feb 6, 2003
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He was C3 on the US National Team behind Hughes and Zegras, so there wasn't a lot of premium PP time available to him. I like the pick at 30. Brawny. I think Coyle is a decent (projectable) comp.
 
PedroSpecialK

PedroSpecialK

Comes at you like a tornado of hair and the NHL sa
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Dec 12, 2004
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If he turns into a Coyle type player, I’m thrilled - but the B’s seem to be banking a lot on Studnicka developing into a top 2 center.
 
burstnbloom

burstnbloom

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Dick Pole Upside said:
He was C3 on the US National Team behind Hughes and Zegras, so there wasn't a lot of premium PP time available to him. I like the pick at 30. Brawny. I think Coyle is a decent (projectable) comp.
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And Turcotte. That he ever saw the ice was a miracle
 
veritas

veritas

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I was pretty hard on this pick in the draft thread but I think I'm coming around to it. Watched some clips this morning and he really does have elite wheels. And looks a lot more skilled with the puck than I anticipated based on his production. Even when playing in exhibition games vs top NCAA teams, and with other 1st round picks on the ice, he stood out to the eye test.

His size/speed combination is extremely rare at center. Andreas Athanasiou is probably a good comparison, and Beecher is bigger. I really can't think of anyone else off the top of my head though. Players with specific elite skills are who you should be targeting at this part of the draft when they fall. I'm ok with this pick. He is not Trent Frederic.
 
TheRealness

TheRealness

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veritas said:
I was pretty hard on this pick in the draft thread but I think I'm coming around to it. Watched some clips this morning and he really does have elite wheels. And looks a lot more skilled with the puck than I anticipated based on his production. Even when playing in exhibition games vs top NCAA teams, and with other 1st round picks on the ice, he stood out to the eye test.

His size/speed combination is extremely rare at center. Andreas Athanasiou is probably a good comparison, and Beecher is bigger. I really can't think of anyone else off the top of my head though. Players with specific elite skills are who you should be targeting at this part of the draft when they fall. I'm ok with this pick. He is not Trent Frederic.
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Ultimately I very much approve of this pick, and the above is a lot of why. He has great speed, is big and seems to model his game after Blake Wheeler. The Bruins have need for depth at the position and banking on a guy with wheels and size is a good risk especially if you believe in the hands. Ultimately this is probably answered by the end of his freshman season, but his highlights show high level skill. He’s got a ways to go, but I’m a fan of the pick.
 
cshea

cshea

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Beecher and USA back in action this afternoon at 4pm against Finland, game is on NHLN. 2018 4th rounder Curtis Hall is also in the US lineup.
 
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