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The Boston Bruins completed two trades just hours before the 2015 NHL Draft, adding 4 picks and 2 youngsters in an attempt to clear cap space and boost the talent and youth of a roster that narrowly missed the playoffs last season.
The first trade saw the Bruins send promising defenseman Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames, while they received the 15th overall pick as well as 2 second-rounders.
22-year-old Hamilton was the 9th overall pick in 2011, and is touted as one of the top upcoming defenseman the league has to offer. He racked up a 10-32-42 stat line in 2014-15, but had a -3 plus-minus in 72 appearances. On the other hand, the Bruins feel this trade is worth their while thanks to the addition of 3 early-round picks (15th, 45th, 52nd overall). The Bruins used the 15th pick to add to their attacking strengths, drafting RW Zachary Senyshyn. The offensive-minded Canadian scored 26 goals in 66 games for the Sault Saint Marie Greyhounds of the OHL last season. Boston will use their second round picks on Sunday night.
In the second trade, the Bruins sent 27-year-old LW Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, they received the 13th overall pick, goaltender Martin Jones, and 22-year-old defensive prospect Colin Miller.
Lucic spent the last 8 seasons with the Bruins but lacked productivity last season, posting only 44 points in 81 games. Comparatively, Lucic collected 59 points last season and a total of 123 points in 2 seasons between 2010-2012. “I’m thrilled. Gives me another chance to win a cup” Lucic said after hearing of the trade. The Bruins will retain $2.7 million of his $6.5 million 2015-16 cap hit, but in return got an abundance of potential talent in return for the hard-hitting winger.
Firstly, they received the 13th overall pick in tonight’s draft which they used to select 18-year-old Jakub Zboril, a physical two-way defenseman who had 33 points in 44 games in the QMJHL last season. they also acquired 25-year-old goaltender Martin Jones, who played the role of backup goalie for Jonathan Quick in Los Angeles. Jones made 15 appearances last season and posted a 4-5-2 record, .906 SV%, and 2.25 GAA. Boston already boasts one of the best goaltending cores in the NHL, which is why the acquisition of Jones is raising eyebrows among Bruins fans. Colin Miller, a defensive prospect who shined for the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL last season, will also be joining the Bruins.
By the time the draft began, the Bruins held the 13th, 14th, and 15th overall picks, and used the 14th to select LW Jake DeBrusk. In the end, this was a very productive night for the Boston Bruins, and is a huge step towards turning this team into a contender once again. Here is a list of today’s transactions by the Bruins:
Drafted: D Jakub Zboril, LW Jake DeBrusk, RW Zachary Senyshyn
Acquired through trade: G Martin Jones, D Colin Miller
Other picks received: 45th & 52nd overall
OUT: LW Milan Lucic, D Dougie Hamilton
