So, it's here, Boston.
The draft is this evening, the second under Don Sweeney's tenure, and there are many options with the B's (right now) holding two picks in the first round, at 14 and 29. There's a lot of good players out there-here's an assessment of some of the best options.
FORWARDS
Julien Gauthier (Val D'Or Foreurs): The big, fast power forward is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft. He's rated by most draft boards in the teens, so would likely need to be taken with the B's first pick if required. Here's the SCoC profile on him.
Michael McLeod (Mississauga Steelheads): The skilled playmaking center is likely to be available around the B's first pick after a slight drop in the draft rankings and an underwhelming draft year in the eyes of many, but he's one of the best passers in the draft and will attract serious interest should he be around at this pick.
Nathan Bastian (Mississauga): McLeod's linemate is one of the more unheralded forwards in this draft class. He is also one of the more versatile and will likely be around at the B's second pick, allowing them to focus on defense with their first. Here's SCoC's analysis of him.
Alex DeBrincat (Erie Otters): The little winger is a lethal sniper who is going to be picked far lower than he should be because of his size. He would be a brave option at #14, but could still be around at Boston's second pick if the chips fall right. If he should, then he is likely to be snapped up very fast indeed - as well he should. Here's SCoC's take on him.
Adam Mascherin (Kitchener Rangers): Another very good player who will likely still be around at the B's second pick - the stocky sniper with the booming shot is a player who some have called a sleeping top-ten player. He's a player that the B's can add to their already deep forward prospect pool and allow to develop over the next few years as a genuine offensive threat.
DEFENSE
Charlie McAvoy (Boston University): The local boy has been playing hard minutes as an NCAA freshman and is a player that many in the Bruins orbit are very high on indeed. He will likely have to be snapped up early and will be one of the best players available should he be around at the pick. Here's SCoC's in-depth take on him
Dante Fabbro (Penticton): Scouts are high on Fabbro because of his speed and hockey IQ along with his playmaking ability. There remain a few questions as he's played tier-II hockey this season, but the fact he's committed to BU for his NCAA career might be an attraction for the B's who can watch him develop in close proximity. He's likely going to be around only for the B's first pick.
Jacob Moverare (HV71): The big Swede is a player who could be the smartest D pick in the draft for the B's, particularly if they want to go with a forward with the first pick. He's skilled, calm and already playing with men in the Swedish Elite League, which makes him an attractive option. Here's an in-depth look.
Jake Bean (Calgary): Like Dante Fabbro, Bean at a truly skilled playmaker. He's also one of the fastest and best skaters in the 2016 draft as well as the highest-scoring defenseman. He is one heck of a player, for sure..but he is likely a few years away from NHL level and as a pure offensive D, he may not be the player the B's are looking for. Here's an in-depth look.
Kyle Clague (Brandon Wheat Kings): Clague is described as a tantalising blend of speed, skill, and cunning. He's one of the top offensive defensemen in this draft class and will almost certainly be around at the 29 pick, should the B's keep it. He will likely compete with Moverare in the B's affections at this point, depending on what style of defenseman they want. He is a sleeper pick on the blue-line, but a very, very promising and tantalising one, particularly at #29.
These are just some of the B's options, but they're the ones that seem to stand out the most as solutions to what the B's need. It's going to be an interesting watch this evening.