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NHL Mock Draft Roundup: Here's Who The Bruins Could Pick In The First Round

By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston

BOSTON (CBS) -- While the most pressing need for the Boston Bruins is a top-pairing defenseman who can help the team immediately, they also have two first-round picks in Friday's NHL Draft - and they may end up forced to keep them.

As of Friday afternoon, the Bruins hold picks 14 and 29 in the first round of the draft. Ideally, Bruins GM Don Sweeney ships one or both of those picks for a legitimate top-four (preferably top-two) defenseman to anchor the blue line for years to come. Unfortunately for him, his options are dwindling rapidly - and since the Bruins clearly aren't interested in a complete overhaul or total rebuild of the roster, they should be looking to get back to playoff legitimacy now.

While NHL draft picks are rarely guaranteed to be successes or live up to their first-round value, at pick 14 the Bruins would have a decent shot at ending up with a good defenseman ... within three or four years. It's getting more ominous by the minute that the Bruins won't be making a significant move involving one of their first-round picks, so let's assume they're keeping the picks.

Here are some prominent mock drafts from around the web and who they pegged the Bruins to pick, along with profiles from various analysts.


No. 14 Pick


Hockey's Future: D Dante Fabbro, Penticton Vees (BCHL)

"...A dependable two-way defenseman with high offensive upside. He plays with poise and makes mature, high-percentage decisions under pressure. In his own end, he is proactive with both his body and stick, and does everything right to interrupt passing lanes and win back possession. With the puck on his stick, he is mobile at an elite level and can direct plays like a quarterback. He possesses a hard and accurate release on his shot, that he gets off quickly and on-net. All-in-all, a complete defenseman that plays a refined game at both ends of the ice. (Curtis Joe, EliteProspects)"

TSN: D Charlie McAvoy, Boston University

"McAvoy is an A-rated skater on NHL Central Scouting's November players to watch list ... McAvoy describes himself as an offensive defenseman, but he understands the importance of taking care of the defensive zone before making the quick transition." (Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com)

NHL.com: C Michael McLeod, Mississauga (OHL)

"Centers Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are 30 years old but should still be useful players when the speedy McLeod (6-2, 185) is ready to make an impact. With 21 goals in 57 games he showed he could finish plays, but his strength was using his skating to create time and space for his linemates." (Adam Kimelman, NHL.com)

The Hockey Writers: D Jake Bean, Calgary (WHL)

"Super-poised blueliner was an apprentice to Philadelphia Flyers' first rounder Travis Sanheim, and himself looks more than capable of running a NHL powerplay QB, and log plenty of all-situation minutes. He's a smooth, sublime skater with outstanding puckhandling skills. His 24 goals scored in regular season led all CHL defenseman."


No. 29 Pick


Hockey's Future: LW Vitali Abramov, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)

"While undersized, Vitali Abramov has plus skill and brings a huge dose of speed from the right side, two areas the Boston Bruins are in need of at the moment. In his rookie year in the QMJHL this past season, Abramov was fifth in the league with 93 points (38-55), running away with the rookie scoring title. The next closest on the scoring leaderboard among rookies was Toronto prospect Martins Dzierkals, who had 67 for league champion Rouyn-Noranda."

TSN: C Pascal Laberge, Victoriaville (QMJHL)

"Pascal Laberge is a tough and spirited two-way forward with a high level of hockey sense. Hunts for turnovers and causes havoc whenever he is on the ice. Uses his size well to shield the puck, exert physical force, and win board battles. Has a good set of goal-scorer's hands, but tends to use them more to pass than anything. All-in-all, an efficient, yet exciting, two-way forward with potential to develop into a playmaking goal scorer." (Curtis Joe, EliteProspects)

The Hockey Writers: D Logan Stanley, Windsor (OHL)

"Stanley is a huge two-way defenceman. He loves to play physical and clear the crease, but also can chip in offensively when needed. He has become a nasty player that the other team dreads whenever he is on the ice. Very few players can match him physically due his monster 6'6 frame, and he uses this to his advantage every game. He is a very consistent player who's offensive game improved as the year went on." (Tyler Parchem, EliteProspects)

NHL.com: C Tage Thompson, Connecticut

"The 6-5, 195-pound power forward had a strong freshman season and scouts like his puck skills and accurate, quick-release shot. He also could boost the Bruins' power play; his 13 goals on the man-advantage led the NCAA."

Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

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