After weeks of uncertainty, nearly every professional sport has announced a plan to return to play. The NHL is hoping to return to play in late June or early July and head straight to the playoffs.
The Boston Bruins will be one of the top seeds as they prepare to embark on their playoff run. The President Trophy winners are expected to receive some reinforcements from Providence in the form of Jack Studnicka, Trent Frederic, and others. As the Bruins will get a preview of what the future will hold, one of its brightest players is prospect Johnny Beecher.
The Bruins selected Beecher in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft with the 30th-overall pick. After being drafted, Beecher impressed people in developmental camp due to his size and strength combined with his skating ability. The young center showed that he had the potential to become a top-six player just months after joining the organization.
John Beecher has some wheels, huh? pic.twitter.com/JZf0nOvGPZ
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) June 22, 2019
Although Beecher is still a couple of years away from the NHL, he followed up his impressive camp with a solid freshman season. In 31 games for the University of Michigan, Beecher recorded nine goals and seven assists. He finished the season with a plus/minus rating of plus-seven.
While playing for the US developmental team during the 2018-2019 season Beecher stood out due to his elite speed and his aggressive playing style in the offensive zone. Due to his size and forechecking ability, he was able to excel on the penalty kill. In 63 games for the US Beecher totaled 15 goals and 28 assists.
Here are John Beecher’s goals today. He scored his first goal by gaining net-front real estate to tip it in, then he skated in and sniped one for his second goal— extremely impressive this weekend. This is the same player dubbed by some as a “reach” on draft night. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/PaTCUM8M2l
— Bruins Network (@BruinsNetwork) July 28, 2019
As the Bruins look to the future, the development of Beecher will be key. David Krejci only has one year left on his deal and Patrice Bergeron is 34 years old. Even with Jack Studnicka waiting in Providence, the Bruins are hoping Beecher can eventually claim a top-six spot and be a part of the Bruins next championship core.
Despite Beecher’s bright future, there are still areas of his game that need to improve. When Beecher begins his sophomore season, he will be looking to improve his stickhandling. His success will depend on how his shot, strength, and size translate to the NHL.
Regardless of how this season plays out, Beecher’s name is one that Bruins fans should pay close attention too for the foreseeable future.
