Much like the first night, the second day of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft proved to be a successful one for the Boston University men’s hockey program.
Following center Jack Eichel‘s selection at No. 2 overall to the Buffalo Sabres, three players with connections to BU were selected on day two of the draft.
The first of these draft picks was sophomore forward A.J. Greer at No. 39 to the Colorado Avalanche. Although Greer was ranked No. 69 by NHL Central Scouting and was projected to be drafted anywhere between late in the second to the fourth round, Colorado nabbed him early.
Proud to be apart of the @Avalanche. Excited for what’s to come and so thankful for everyone who has helped me through this journey. #GoAvs
— AJ Greer (@ajgreer_10) June 27, 2015
Greer battled inconsistencies early in his BU tenure, but picked up his play during BU’s postseason run. He had a chance to play on the second line and made contributions, including a goal during the national semifinal against the University of North Dakota.
The next of the selections was soon-to-be-freshman forward Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson at No. 45 by the Boston Bruins. Forsbacka-Karlsson, who was ranked No. 31 by Central Scouting and 52nd by TSN’s Bob McKenzie, joins captain Matt Grzelcyk as a Bruins prospect.
With the USHL’s Omaha Lancers this season, the 6-foot-1 Karlsson had 53 points in 50 games. The Sweden native is considered a two-way center that can skate well and win faceoffs.
Another 2015 commit, forward Jordan Greenway, rounded out the BU selections when he was taken No. 50 overall by the Minnesota Wild. Standing at 6-foot-4, Greenway is a highly touted power forward in this year’s recruiting class. He had 44 points while playing with U.S. National Under-18 team, which included a trip at Agganis Arena.
Although they were ranked by ISS Hockey, sophomore defenseman Brien Diffley and incoming freshman forward Bobo Carpenter were not taken in the draft.
In all, 23 current or future Hockey East players were selected this season, the most of any college hockey conference. BU and Boston College led the conference with four picks each.
How many years am I going to have to wait to see a BU Terrier get drafted by my Rangers? Otherwise, great showing by BU Hockey in the 2015 NHL Draft. Four out of the first fifty draftees were Terriers.