This past weekend’s NHL Draft in Buffalo, New York was undoubtedly historic for the Boston University men’s hockey team. A whopping six Terriers heard their name called at First Niagara Center, speaking volumes to the youthful talent that will soon grace Agganis Arena for the 2016-17 season.
It’s important to take a step back, though, and ponder this: Just how many NHL selections does head coach David Quinn have at his disposal? As it turns out, quite a lot.
On any given weekend in Hockey East or out-of-conference play, it’s likely 11 skaters will have been drafted. The numbers break down to five forwards and six defensemen, altogether coalescing into what is – on paper – one of the NCAA’s most talented rosters.
Forwards: The Terriers have nearly two lines NHL scouts have tabbed as ready for the next step. It’s impossible to predict who will pan out as hoped, but potential is abound.
- Kieffer Bellows – Freshman – New York Islanders – First round, 19th overall in 2016
- Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson – Sophomore – Boston Bruins – Second round, 45th overall in 2015
- Jordan Greenway – Sophomore – Minnesota Wild – Second round, 50th overall in 2015
- Patrick Harper – Freshman – Nashville Predators – Fifth round, 138th overall in 2016
- Clayton Keller – Freshman – Arizona Coyotes – First round, 7th overall in 2016
Defenseman: Lineup decisions and injuries notwithstanding, Quinn could field an entire defensive unit of NHL draft picks. Somerby, the team’s captain, leads the contingent.
- Dante Fabbro – Freshman – Nashville Predators – First round, 17th overall in 2016
- Brandon Hickey – Junior – Calgary Flames – Third round, 64th overall in 2014
- Chad Krys – Freshman – Chicago Blackhawks – Second round, 45th overall in 2016
- John MacLeod – Junior – Tampa Bay Lightning – Second round, 57th overall in 2014
- Charlie McAvoy – Sophomore – Boston Bruins – First round, 14th overall in 2016
- Doyle Somerby – Senior – New York Islanders – Fifth round, 125th overall in 2012
Here are some remarks from Quinn following the 2016 Draft about the NHL picks that’ll be wearing scarlet and white.
Also, be sure to read this article by Alex Prewitt of Sports Illustrated. He was on location in Buffalo last weekend, and has some interesting tidbits from McAvoy, Quinn and Jack Eichel.
Here’s a brief preview:
“Just talking about it and thinking about it,” said Charlie McAvoy, the only one of the quartet who skated for the Terriers last season. Not the upcoming first round of the draft, mind you, but the prospect of playing together in the fall. “It’s surreal, the class that we’re coming in with. It’s going to be special.”
Hi Nick and Jon! Have there been any sightings of our prized recruits on campus yet?
Hi Glenn! Nick and are I not on campus this summer, but should be again around Labor Day. We’ll keep everyone in the loop with any and all news as it arises.
ALL recruits are on campus now…..
YES!!! Thanks, Guest 22. Just curious, how did you find out … or is that confidential?
nick and jon or anyone else,
can you find out the answer to this question:
do you know how this NHL expansion (Las Vegas) draft will affect drafted players going into their junior years? i heard that if a team wants to keep a kid, they would be forced to sign him (even if the kid and team would like him to stay) if it has been 3 years since they first drafted him…. aka Greenway and JFK. otherwise the team exposes him to the draft and they could potentially lose him