The Bruins were satisfied with their six selections in the 2013 draft: three Europeans (Linus Arnesson, Peter Cehlarik, Anton Blidh), two New Englanders (Ryan Fitzgerald, Wiley Sherman), and Canadian Mitchell Dempsey.
“I think we were able to stick to our policy of having Bruins-style players,” said Wayne Smith, director of amateur scouting. “People that are committed to winning and committed to the team game. I’m confident in every one of those players that they’ll do everything they can to make it. I know they’re excited about it.”
Some observations about the prospects from Smith, assistant GM Jim Benning, and European head scout Jukka Holtari:
Arnesson: “Steady defenseman. Very difficult to beat one-on-one. Responsible. Sticks up for his teammates. Plays a good puck-moving game. Has size to go with it.” (Smith)
Cehlarik: “If he turns out what we wish him to be, the style of play reminds me a little bit of Anze Kopitar. Kopitar was already ahead of this player at this age. He played in the men’s world championships. But the style of play has some similarities.” (Holtari)
Sherman: “We drafted him because he’s 6-foot-6. He’s a raw player right now. But he’s athletic. He’s a good skater. He can make a good first pass. We’re hoping he develops into a defensive, stay-at-home D-man. If he hits his high side, we’re hoping he can kind of play a Hal Gill-style of game.” (Benning)
Fitzgerald: “He’s a real smart hockey player. He plays hard. He competes hard. He’ll fit right into our culture and our competitiveness. I think he’s going to be a real good player for us.” (Benning)
Blidh: “Plays a Bruins-style of play. He’s an up-and-down, hard-nosed kid.” (Smith)
Dempsey: “Big, strong kid. Had injury problems with a high ankle sprain and pneumonia this year. Fortunately, we were very familiar with him. We took a chance he’s going to have a comeback season this season.” (Smith)
