New Englanders invited to NHL Scouting Combine

The NHL will hold it's annual scouting combine from May 25th-30th in Toronto. The combine is an invite-only event where the NHL's top draft prospects are run through physical, medical, and psychological testing before the NHL Entry Draft on June 26th-27th. Of the roughly 110 prospects invited to the combine, at least 6 have New England connections.

The Boxford, MA native is the 14th ranked North American skater in this year's NHL Entry Draft. Most analysts have Kreider going late in the first round. NHL.com's Shawn P. Roarke thinks that the B's could be in interested in the local kid (Note: the Bruins will now have pick #25 in the first round after being eliminated from the playoffs). Kreider has committed to play for Jerry York at Boston College in the fall.

"Chris is an excellent skater with explosive speed and acceleration. His short-distance speed is exceptional. He sees the play ahead of time and knows what he's going to do with the puck as soon as he gets it. He is an excellent passer and playmaker. His foot speed, combined with his anticipation and quick stick, gives him the ability to create turnovers and gain puck possession. He is a constant threat to develop breakaways on the penalty-killing unit. He has both an excellent wrist and slap shot, which he disguises well and releases quickly. He can score goals in a number of ways."

- Gary Eggleston, NHL Central Scouting

Vazzano is ranked #6 among North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting.

OK, so he isn't from New England, but he did play the past two seasons in Maine for the Lewiston MAINEiacs. The lanky defenseman is ranked #38 among North American skaters.

The Connecticut prep school defenseman's draft stock has risen. At mid year, Bennet was ranked #63 by Central Scouting but has climbed to #40 among North American skaters.

The son of Ray Bourque recently represented the US at the U18 World Championships. Bourque was committed to UNH, but decided to go the major junior route and will play for Patrick Roy with the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL.

After playing public school hockey last season for Biddeford High, Dumoulin took his game to junior level with the New Hampshire Junoir Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League.