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Earlier this week, I took a look at the Bruins' prospects up front, now is time to look at the defensemen they have in the pipeline that could be in Boston soon.
Adam McQuaid appeared in 19 regular season games for the Bruins, scoring a goal and racking up 21 PIMs. He was also called into action during the playoffs when Mark Stuart and Dennis Seidenberg went down with injuries. McQuaid appeared in 9 playoff games and was a serviceable replacement to the full-time NHLers. McQuaid signed a 2-year contract extension with the Bruins.
The Outlook: McQuaid has a good shot to be the Bruins 7th defenseman this season. Maybe the equipment staff will even spell his name correctly this year.
There has been a lot excitement among hardcore Bruins fans about Yury Alexandrov's potential. Alexandrov is a smooth skating, puck-moving defenseman. He has already played the game at a high level, having played in the KHL. He posted 6-16-21 totals in 56 games in the KHL with Cherepovets Severstal last season. The 22-year old defenseman signed a 2-year entry level contract with the Bruins in the off-season, and also apparently changed the spelling of his first name from "Yuri" to "Yury".
The Outlook: Alexandrov will need to get stronger and adjust to the North American game before he is ready to take his game to the NHL level. Look for Yury to gain some strength and seasoning in the Ocean State this year.
Andrew Bodnarchuk had a cup of coffee with the Bruins at the end of the regular season, appearing in 5 games. He played in 70 games for the Providence Bruins during the '09-'10 season, recording 15 points (5-10-15). The Bruins re-signed Bodnarchuk to a one-year extension this summer.
The Outlook: Bodnarchuk could compete for the 7th defenseman spot, but will likely spend most the year in Providence.
The Bruins signed Nathan McIver to a 2-year deal this off-season. McIver spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks' AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, where he had 5 points (1-4-5) and 109 PIMs in 44 games. The gritty defenseman has appeared in 36 NHL games for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks racking up 95 PIMs and adding an assist.
The Outlook: As one of the Bruins' few depth defensemen with NHL experience, McIver could be called on at times this season, especially if one of the B's physical defenseman goes down with an injury. At age 25, this will be a pivotal year for McIver if wants to become a full-time NHLer. Look for him to spend most the year in Providence with opportunities for a call-up or two.
Jeff Penner finished the AHL season with 35 points (7-28-35) for the Providence Bruins. Penner appeared in 2 games for the Bruins last season, making his NHL debut on March 9th vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Outlook: Jeff Penner will likely be in the mix for the 7th big club blue-liner job. He will need to improve in his own end to make the jump to the NHL.
The Bruins traded prospect Matt Marquardt to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Cody Wild at the 2010 trade deadline. Wild split last season between the Springfield Falcons and Providence Bruins of the AHL and the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL. Wild collected 17 points (all assists) in 55 AHL games last season and finished a -20. He also had a helper in 4 games in ECHL.
The Outlook: Chances are the North Providence native and former Providence College Friar will stay close to home this year.
Alain Goulet appeared in 71 games for the Providence Bruins in his first pro season, recording 18 points (3-15-18). I have not seen Goulet play since last year's development camp. The few things that I took away from seeing him play were that he has good speed for someone his size and has a hard wrister with a quick release. One area that Goulet seems to need to work on is his footwork, especially stops and starts.
The Outlook: Goulet will need to fill out his lanky frame and polish his game if wants to make it to the next level. Don't expect to see Goulet traveling up 95 North this season.
Still a few years away: Matt Bartkowski, Ryan Button, Matt Delahey, Ryan Donald, and Steven Kampfer