With the likes of Ryan Spooner, Jared Knight and Jordan Caron entrenched in the Bruins system, a good influx of young talent is ready to step into the black and gold within the next few years. That's without mentioning the likes of Milan Lucic, Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand and David Krejci on the big club, all under the age of 24. Having sent Phil Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs for two first round picks and a second rounder, the B's look to complete the trade with another top ten pick.
"With the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Boston is proud to select, from the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League: Duncan Siemens."
With some blue chip prospects amongst their forward ranks, Boston takes a mean rugged blueliner who continues the legacy of the 'Big Bad Bruins.' A mobile defenseman with size, and some offensive upside, Siemens brings the type of hockey that every championship lineup needs.
Skating and mobility really put this shutdown defender ahead of the pack. A long powerful stride with lateral agility highlight his ability to be where he needs to be. Though his initial stride is a step behind, the mechanics are there and with coaching it shouldn't be an issue long term.
Standing at 6'3, 192 lbs, Siemens a tough customer. Growing up a fan of the infamous Scott Stevens, Siemens is known for throwing his weight around with some highlight reel bone crushing hits. His positioning, gap control and poise defensively are his bread and butter, however, preferring to take care of his own end first. The most impressive part about his calm nature, defensively; a September birthday, where he is one of the youngest in the 2011 Draft.
The question mark surrounding the blueliner stems from his offensive upside. While he came on strong in the second half of the season, some wonder if his game will translate to the NHL level. Whether it does or not, Siemens is great on the transition game, boasting a good first pass.
A leader in every dressing room, Siemens is the type of guy teams love to have come April-May. Hard working, tough nosed, with a chip on his shoulder, the saying
'defense wins championships' can make a case with Siemens.
An intelligent kid on the ice, there's a lot to like about Siemens as a well rounded player. Size, skating, smarts and good skills; all the makings of an NHL defender one day.
Taken Previously...
1. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Gabriel Landeskog
3. Jonathan Huberdeau
4. Dougie Hamilton
5. Adam Larsson
6. Sean Couturier
7. Ryan Strome
8. Ryan Murphy
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