Boston Bruins Daniel 'Darth' Vladar Signed to Fortify Goalie Depth

‘Darth' may be joining the empire in Boston next season as the Bruins signed draft pick Daniel Vladar to an entry level deal to bulk up their goalie depth after he completed an excellent year in the USHL.

The Bruins announced April 26 that they had signed Vladar to a three-year entry level contract starting next season. The move provides some security for a team still in search of a legitimate backup to starting goaltender Tuukka Rask, as well as prospect depth in Providence with Malcolm Subban recovering from a serious throat injury and Zane McIntyre coming off a year in which he struggled in his first pro season.

Boston’s backup to Rask this past season, Jonas Gustavsson, 31, finished with a respectable 11-9-1 record, 2.72 goals against average, .908 save percentage and a shutout over 24 games, but the Bruins would feel a little more comfortable if all of those numbers were just a little better. Journeyman Jeremy Smith, 27, filled in admirably in Providence for Subban coming over from a stint in Iowa to post an outstanding 2.02 GAA and .934 SV% over 20 games with the Baby B’s, but he’s never played in an NHL game. Smith and Gustavsson are unrestricted free agents and unlikely to be resigned with Vladar, McIntyre and Subban ready to compete next fall for Boston’s backup role and spots in Providence. The B’s still may try to sign a veteran goalie in free agency while their young goalies continue to develop.

Backup goalie, in addition to defense and a heavier right wing, was identified as one of three key offseason needs by Bruins President Cam Neely last week. “We have to take a look at the backup goaltending situation with Subban’s injury this year. It kind of threw a wrinkle in maybe that development there,” he said on the Bruins website.

The towering 6’6” Vladar, 18, 185 lbs, is an interesting prospect who was Boston’s 3^rd round 75^th pick in the 2015 draft. He finished 5^th in the USHL for the Chicago Steel in both goals against average (2.31) and save percentage (.920) in 30 games, while adding three shutouts and being awarded Goalie of the Week twice. He also was a member of the Czech Republic National Team at the World Junior Championships in Finland in December and January.

"[Vladar] has a strong and powerful leg drive, quickness and athleticism. He's got that presence of being a future quality NHL goaltender." - NHL Central Scouting's Al Jensen

In 2014-15, Vladar was dominant for both the Czech Under-20 HC Kladno team with a 2.78 GAA, 9.26 SV% and a shutout in 29 games and HC Kladno’s men’s team in the Czech Extraliga second league where he recorded a shutout, 1.97 GAA and a stingy .933 save percentage in eight games. He was then selected by the Steel as the 7^th overall pick in the 2015 USHL draft.

Before the Bruins picked him last June, NHL.com rated Vladar as the second best goalie going into the draft and he was also ranked second among European goalies by NHL Central Scouting.

He takes up a lot of net and uses his instincts as an advantage, NHL.com reported. “He has a strong and powerful leg drive, quickness and athleticism,” Al Jensen, NHL Central Scouting's top goalie evaluator told NHL.com last June. “He's just got that presence of being a future quality NHL goaltender.”

Vladar, for his part, brings a goalie’s sense of humor to the position. “My father wanted me to be a forward when I was 5-years old but a year later my coach said I was the worst forward on the team so I tried for goalie,” he told NHL.com. “It's more expensive to play goalie, but we had no choice. I'm glad it worked out.”

Hockey’s Future gives Vladar a B in probability of NHL success. “Vladar is a long-term project,” they report. “He does however have a lot going for himself. For his size, he’s very quick and very good at covering the bottom of the net. He does need to work on his positioning but that will hopefully come with maturity. Vladar’s size and raw ability suggest he can be an NHL goaltender one day.”

Vladar has already been through one Bruins camp and will have three fellow Czechs in David Pastrnak, David Krejci and Jakub Zboril to help him feel further at home in Boston.

Meanwhile Subban, 22, 6’2”, 201 lbs, the Bruins 1st round 2012 pick, was having a decent season for Providence with a 2.46 GAA and .911 SV% in 27 games (albeit down from .921 the previous year) before he suffered a fractured larynx getting hit with a puck Feb. 6. He underwent successful surgery a couple days later. According to NESN, the Bruins reported there was no definitive timetable for his return and he was expected to be out at least eight weeks. But he started practicing on the ice again during the Baby B's late April playoff run, and they were bounced from the postseason before he had a chance to return to action.

McIntyre, 23, 6’2”, 205 lbs, a former star at the University of Dakota and NCAA goalie of the year, was drafted by Boston in the 6^th round of 2010. He struggled in Providence this year over 31 games with a 2.68 GAA and .898 save percentage, but showed glimpses of success and should improve given that it was just his first pro year.

The exciting element is that the Bruins now have three young, upcoming goalies in their system that will all have a chance to show their stuff next year.

“If [last year] has proven anything when it comes to goalies it's that having the ability to stick with it and work hard can lead to good things,” Jansen added. “There were so many goalies out there [in the NHL] who didn't make it at first. But when given an opportunity proved they could thrive. Goalie is also a position where when you get on a roll, your confidence rolls and the puck begins to look like a beach ball. There isn't a whole lot of difference between stopping pucks in the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League.”

Boston Bruins Jakub Zboril and Jake DeBrusk Undergo Late Season Resurgence; May Compete for B's Jobs Next Year

After lackluster regular seasons in which Bruins’ 2015 first round picks Jakub Zboril and Jake DeBrusk saw fellow first rounder Zach Senyshyn rocket past them and up Boston’s prospect chart with a spectacular 45-goal outpouring in the OHL, the pair are enjoying a post-season resurgence as they lead their junior teams through the third round of the playoffs with eyes on the finals.

After a bit of a down year in which Zboril notched 6 goals and 20 points in 50 games for the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL (he had 13 goals, 33 points and 21 more shots in 44 games for them last season), he has taken off in the playoffs with two goals, eight points and a +8 in 14 games. Counting regular season and playoffs, the 19-year old now has 8 goals and 20 assists in 64 games with a +18 rating (up from last year’s total of -1).

At 6’2”, 185 pounds, the left-shooting defender may be rounding out his game. He gained the high profile experience of competing on the international stage in December and January as a top two-way blueliner for the Czech Republic in the World Junior Championships in Finland, and capped things off April 19 with a 3-point night in the Sea Dogs’ 6-2 decisive game 7 win over Cape Breton in front of 6,000 home fans to advance to the QMJHL semifinals.

A smooth-skating defenseman who moves the puck well up ice and quarterbacks the powerplay, Zboril also plays with an edge in the defensive zone. He isn't afraid to drop the gloves when needed, either. “I like to play physical and hit other guys, maybe piss them off a little,” he told The Hockey News leading up to last June’s draft when the Bruins selected him 13^th overall – just before they chose DeBrusk and Senyshyn.

The Bruins are in dire need of a young, quick defender who can both cover well and move the puck with poise - and Zboril has those traits. A bit of a mean streak may also serve him well as Boston tries to put some fear back in opponents who enter the defensive zone.

"I like to play physical and hit other guys, maybe piss them off a little."        -Jakub Zboril

Meanwhile after an outstanding draft year in which he pelted WHL nets with 42 goals and 81 points in 72 games, DeBrusk tailed off a bit this season. He came out of the gate roaring for Swift Current with 20 points in 13 games, but went down with a lower body injury blocking a shot early in game 14 and missed 11 games while being hobbled in several more as he came back a little too soon. He was traded to Red Deer in a WHL deadline move to help the Rebels’ playoff run while Swift Current rebuilds. The trade to his hometown Edmonton province seemed to give him new life, as he finished +15 the rest of the way after going -5 with the Broncos. Although he scored only 21 goals, he finished with a respectable 65 points in 61 games.

“It’s been a little bit up and down,” DeBrusk told the Boston Globe in mid February. “But, honestly, this year I’ve learned a lot and I’m focusing on my defensive side of my game and things like that. I think I’m finding my stride here, but just continue to try and get better every single day. [And] trying to add new elements to my game. I think I’m a better player than I was last year.”

A left-shooting left winger, DeBrusk, 19, 6’0”, 181 pounds, has seized the opportunity to play for a good team and soared in the playoffs leading the Rebels' charge to the semifinals against the Brandon Wheat Kings. He’s second on the team in playoff scoring with 14 points in 14 games, including 6 goals. He is using his creativity in the offensive zone and scoring knack in front of the net. Added with his regular season totals, he now has 27 goals and 52 assists for 79 points over 75 games – comparable to the 81 points he had in 75 total games last year.

Playing on a better Red Deer team also gives DeBrusk the additional big-time playoff experience he didn’t get in Swift Current. “I’ve never been past the first round of the playoffs in my life, so this is a great opportunity for me here,” he said on Yahoo Sports Canada. “I want to end (my junior career) off on a high note.”

With Bruins wingers Brett Connolly and Landon Ferraro restricted free agents and Loui Ericksson, Chris Kelly and Lee Stempniak unrestricted free agents and all uncertain to be resigned, DeBrusk has a chance to impress Boston brass to compete for a roster spot in the fall and at a minimum should be playing for Providence in all situations.

While both Zboril and DeBrusk are already signed by the Bruins to entry level deals for when they are ready to go pro, DeBrusk is poised to move on from the WHL this upcoming offseason. Since he turns 20 in October, he’s eligible to play in the AHL next year. He also has NHL roots – his father is former NHLer Louie DeBrusk. “I just need to continue to work hard and focus on the team,” he added. “You need to work hard and believe in yourself.”

After years of poor drafting and trades (including the franchise-altering Tyler Seguin deal), as well as overpaying veteran role players, the Bruins have a renewed focus on developing and integrating youth through the draft and free agency. David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner stepped into full-time roster roles this year, while Noel Acciari, Frank Vatrano and Colin Miller got into NHL games for the first time. Zboril and DeBrusk have a chance to follow suit next year as the B’s try to keep pace with the NHL’s fast-moving speed train.

“This is a young man’s business and we have to understand we have to make space and room for them,” Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs told the Bruins website. “It will be exciting.”

UPDATE:  The Sea Dogs and Rebels both came just short of reaching the finals as they were eliminated in game 5 losses from the respective QMJHL and WHL semifinals on April 29, each going down 4-1 for their series. DeBrusk notched his 8th playoff goal in the final game with  a nice deflection  in front from a point shot and finished the playoffs with 17 points in 17 games, giving him a total of 29 goals, 53 assists and 82 points in 78 games. Zboril also finished strong, picking up three hits and two assists off his point blasts in the loss. He completed his playoff run with 10 points on two goals and eight assists over 17 games, totaling eight goals and 30 points in 67 games for the year. Since Red Deer hosted the Memorial Cup, DeBrusk returned to action May 20 for the four-team tournament between the Rebels and the champions of the OHL, QMJHL and WHL, and recorded a goal, three assists and 17 shots in four games.

Boston Bruins Snipers Zach Senyshyn, Frank Vatrano Pace Award Lists Among B's Prospects; Austin Czarnik Topped AHL Rookies in Scoring

While the Bruins sputtered out of the playoffs, several Boston prospects captured honors in their respective leagues - shedding further light on the promise of the B’s future.

A couple of pure goal-scorers in particular paced the award lists among Bruins-to be.

The Bruins’ 15^th overall pick in last June’s draft, Zach Senyshyn capped a high-flying 45-goal, 65-point season in 66 games for the Sault Ste Marie Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League in just his second year of juniors by being named a Red Tilson Trophy finalist as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player of the Year. He was also voted the Western Conference’s ‘Best Skater’ and finished third as ‘Most Dangerous in the Goal Area’ in the OHL Coaches Poll. Senyshyn, 6'2", 195 lbs, who only turned 19 March 30, further brought home three Soo team awards - including the Three Star Award and a share of both the club MVP and humanitarian awards.

“This is a huge honor,” Senyshyn told the Sault Star. “I had a lot of fun this year and it's really nice to be recognized.”

Bruins fans hope the big, speedy right wing will soon be racing with the puck up ice, driving the net and scoring goals in Boston.

Meanwhile University of Massachusetts-Amherst free agent pickup Frank Vatrano went out and scored a league-best 36 goals along with 55 points in a monstrous season as a first-year pro for the Providence Bruins. He finished six goals ahead of the second place AHL scorer and tied for 19th in points despite only playing 36 games. 

"He's got a shooter's mentality. With his release, he catches a lot of goalies late before they get set."  - Providence coach Bruce Cassidy on Vatrano

Vatrano was recognized for his work with a plethora of hardware, including the AHL’s Co-Rookie of the Year, and being named to the league’s First All-Star and All-Rookie Teams.

The 5’9”, 201-pound 22-year old winger also notched 8 goals and 3 assists in 39 games with Boston and showed the lightning release, quickness and relentlessness to his game that makes him another top prospect for the B’s.

“The guy wants to score and he’s got a shooter’s mentality. With his release, he catches a lot of goalies late before they get set,” Providence coach Bruce Cassidy told the Boston Globe in late February. “His eyes light up when he has the chance to get to a scoring area and a puck’s gonna show up. Now it’s a matter of him building his overall game.’’

Along with Vatrano, Providence teammate Austin Czarnik, 23, made the AHL All-Rookie Team with a great year in which he tallied 20 goals in 68 games and 61 points – tops among rookies and tied for 7^th overall in the league. The 5’9”, 161-pounder is a quick, shifty playmaking center who was also an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami (Ohio) and gives the Bruins good skill depth up the middle and potentially a challenge for a 4th line role if the B's want a little more scoring throughout the lineup next year. He also brings a lot of battle to the ice despite his size, and led a valiant Providence comeback with two goals and three points in their season-ending 5-4 double-overtime loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after they were down 4-1 entering the third period and 2-0 in the series. Cassidy challenged Czarnik and others to rise to the occasion between periods, saying this is the time of year when you need your best players to be your best and the young centerman's high compete level gave the team the push they needed to nearly pull off an unbelievable comeback. 

"It was awesome," Vatrano said on WEEI's website. "It was a fun ride. We had a really great group down here and I enjoyed coming to the rink every day with these guys."

Providence veteran Seth Griffith, 23, joined Vatrano on the First All-Star team with 24 goals and 77 points in 57 games – good for second in the AHL, while Alexander Khokhlachev, 22, finished tied for third with 68 points as Providence skated four top-20 scorers to surge from way back into the playoffs with the league's best powerplay.

In the meantime, Bruins 2015 second rounder Jeremy Lauzon was named to the Second All-Star Team of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League after an excellent season for the dominant Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in which he put up 10 goals, 50 points and a whopping +40 in 46 games. The big mobile D-man suffered a scary neck laceration after getting cut with a skate in the QMJHL playoffs April 15 and was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery, but was reported afterward to be out of danger and recovered over the ensuing few weeks in time for a return to play in the Memorial Cup in May where he notched a pair of assists in five games. He has quietly become one of the Bruins better defense prospects headed into the offseason.

Furthermore several other Bruins prospects, including Matt Grzelcyk, Danton Heinen, Ryan Fitzgerald and Anders Bjork, were earlier named to NCAA All-Star teams for their respective conferences, while Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson made All-Rookie. Heinen, a center who tallied 20 goals and 48 points in 41 games for the University of Denver, was signed to an entry level contract by Boston at the end of the year and added two assists in two games for the Baby B's. Grzelcyk was also signed by Boston after completing his senior year at BU after putting up 20 goals, 61 points and a +49 in 68 games from the blueline over his final two seasons as captain.