1. JORDAN CARON - RW 2009-10 NEHJ rank:2
2010-11 stats with Boston (NHL):
20 GP, 3 G, 4 A, 7 Pts., 6 PIM
Strengths: The strong, wide-body plays the off-wing and is highly effective along the boards/out in front of the net. Has a heavy shot and rapid release that he can pick the corners with. Very disciplined and intelligent; proved he can play any kind of role the team requires.
Weaknesses: Still needs to add a little quickness to his first few steps.
Projection: Second-line winger at most, but surefire third-liner with ability to create matchup problems for opposing coaches with size, skill. “As an organization, we have to keep Jordan playing,” Providence Bruins coach Rob Murray said. “Bringing him to Providence is in no way a demotion, and we believe that he’ll help us score more consistently and win games.”
2. JARED KNIGHT - RW 2009-10 NEHJ rank:NR
2010-11 stats with London (OHL):
31 GP, 13 G, 17 A, 30 Pts., 23 PIM
Strengths: Skilled sniper can put the puck in the net from just about anywhere on the ice. Has a natural nose for the net and drives hard into traffic. High compete level and dedication to team; will take the big hit to make the play.
Weaknesses: Doesn’t possess explosive speed despite his powerful stride and good lateral agility. Has not found chemistry with a new center since Nazem Kadri (Toronto) went pro, but still developing well.
Projection: Top-six winger and power-play scorer. It’s not about the numbers with Knight this season and more about his commitment to rounding out his game. “Jared is the kind of kid who, if he could get away with it, would put the puck between his teeth and hurl himself into the net,” Murray said. “He’s that kind of player; he’ll do anything to score.”
3. JOE COLBORNE - C 2009-10 NEHJ rank:1
2010-11 stats with Providence (AHL):
26 GP, 7 G, 8A, 15 Pts., 14 PIM
Strengths: Skilled pivot has all the tools to be a player, including good skating ability, wicked shot and excellent passing touch. Has added 30 pounds of muscle in three years since the Bruins drafted him.
Weaknesses: Not an overly physical presence and tends to float at times; uneven intensity/effort levels from game to game are biggest obstacles to winning a big-league job.
Projection: Second-line center and leader. Still Boston’s best prospect in terms of pure talent and projectable upside, but must start delivering on more consistent basis. “(Colborne) went from the beginning of the year not knowing where to be (on the ice) to really stepping up and causing us to say, ‘Wow, what a great player,’” Murray said. “Now, his challenge is to maintain that success and not revert back to some of the things that caused the slow start.”
4. RYAN SPOONER - C 2009-10 NEHJ rank:NR
2010-11 stats with Peterborough/Kingston (OHL):
27 GP, 18 G, 15A, 33 Pts., 4 PIM
Strengths: Blazing skater and puck whiz could have the most pure offensive skills, instincts of any Boston prospect. Makes plays at top speed and loves to assault into the teeth of a defense. A deft passer with quick release and an accurate shot. Deadly on the breakaway; if he gets a step on the defender, it’s over.
Weaknesses: Although he worked hard in the offseason, Spooner lacks strength to be an effective pro right now. The lack of size raises questions about durability. Defensive game is still a work in progress.
Projection: Top-six forward and special teamer. “Spooner is an outstanding player who is a plus-skater and has terrific puck skills,” Bruins director of amateur scouting Wayne Smith said. “He’s also a character kid who has done everything we’ve asked of him so far. We’re very excited to have him in our organization.”
5. STEVEN KAMPFER - D 2009-10 NEHJ rank:NR
2010-11 stats with Providence (AHL):20 GP, 3 G, 13 A, 16 Pts., 10 PIM
Strengths: Speed and aggressive, attacking style are his best attributes. Loves to jump up into the play and can carry the puck into the offensive zone by himself. He doesn’t possess an overpowering point shot but has a knack for getting it through traffic on net. Sound instincts to play an effective two-way game.
Weaknesses: Undersized; still learning the nuances of the game in terms of defensive positioning and making quick decisions under pressure.
Projection: No. 3 or 4 defender. “As a kid coming out of college, you could just look at Steve in his first few (AHL) games and the way he conducted himself off the ice and see that he was a little more ready for pro hockey than some of his peers were,” Murray said. “He’s carried that over in his first full season and been a strong, consistent player from Game 1 up to now.”