Local Boy Ryan Fitzgerald takes the #22 spot

Bruins Top 25 Under 25

#22 - Ryan Fitzgerald - F

Where Did He Come from?: 2013 Draft - 4th Round, 120th overall

Age: 22

Has he played in the NHL?: No

Fitzgerald has been a slow burn prospect that the team has had the unexpected luxury of not having to go far to keep tabs on his career.

Starting in North Reading, playing in Malden High, then finally playing for the BC Eagles, Fitzgerald has been a quietly promising young player for the maroon and gold in Hockey East play: a speedy, skilled player that was an impact player from day 1, bringing fluid movement and smart, no nonsense shooting, all leading up to being in the top 5 of scorers for the Eagles and being an alternate captain.

He also got praise from SBNation’s BC blog in the announcement that he signed with the team:

...Fitzgerald, who was an alternate captain on this year’s squad, has been an important offensive factor for the Eagles. He’s likely a player that will spend a bit of time in the AHL, but he definitely has the skills to be a permanent NHL player. Fitzgerald had 31 points for BC this season, and is one of the players that is clearly always giving 100% on the ice.

Of course, he has to come and prove that first, only playing 8 games at the end of the Providence Bruins season and being generally inconsequential in them.

What does the future look like for Fitzgerald?

It looks Black and Gold, that’s for certain.

650k for a player that could blossom into a quality middle-six scorer is definitely a nice thought, but for the time being with all the talent at center and right wing currently taking over the team, he’s best serviced getting used to the pro-level pace with time in Providence, and as probably 4th or 5th in line for a call-up on the off chance a number of players get injured.