Bruins Top 25 Under 25: #16 Matt Grzelcyk

Position: D

Vitals: 5'9'', 174 lbs

Acquired: Drafted by Boston #85 overall in 2012

Current Team: Boston University Terriers

Matt Grzelcyk's sophomore campaign could not have gone worse. He was unable to build upon his outstanding freshman campaign in which he finished third in the league in defensive scoring en route to a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie team. Like the rest of his Terrier teammates, Grzelcyk was plagued by an ice-cold shooting percentage, though not for lack of trying; his 3.2 shots per game was best on the team

The high point of Grzelcyk's shortened campaign was his bright performance the World Junior Championship tournament. Though it ended on a sour note, particularly for Grzelcyk, he was a standout on an underachieving U.S. team.

It was assumed that he would build on that momentum in the second half of BU's season, and he did not disappoint. In the two contests post-WJC, Grzelcyk put up three points (1-2-3), all on the power play. Just when it seemed like he turned things around, he dislocated his shoulder missing the rest of the season (including an outdoor game at Fenway).

Grzelcyk returns to BU for his junior year with a loaded freshman class which includes future top pick Jack Eichel. Expect a rebound year for Grzelcyk as he begins to think about a pro career. As an undersized offensive defenseman, he'll draw obvious comparisons to Torey Krug and David Warsofsky, which isn't necessarily inaccurate, though the like-for-likeness remains to be seen. Already a gifted skater and playmaker, it's a matter of showing physicality and defensive responsibility to make it to the next level. I've hedged my bets on him staying on Comm. Ave. for four years, though. And if I'm wrong, I owe someone a piece of pizza.