After the Bruins selected center John Beecher in the first round of this past June’s entry draft, some once again questioned general manager Don Sweeney’s draft decisions.
But after a solid first impression during development camp, Beecher is once again doing some impressing.
Representing Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase, the 18-year old Beecher has three goals and one assist in two games.
His four points are good enough for second among all skaters in the tournament, while his three goals has him tied for first with Finland’s Sampo Ranta.
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
With his play so far in the Summer Showcase, we’re getting to see what made Beecher an attractive option to the Bruins.
The more I watch John Beecher (@umichhockey), the more I think the Bruins may have stolen him w/ the No. 30 pick in the 2019 Draft.
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) July 27, 2019
As a member of the US National Under 18 Team, Beecher didn’t get as much attention as he should have. With more household names ahead of him on the depth chart like Jack Hughes, Alex Turcotte and Trevor Zegras, Beecher quietly had himself a 43-point season in 63 games.
It’s going to be a while before we see Beecher at the professional level as the native of New York will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. But with Beecher on board, the youngster adds to a list of prospects who will look to someday replace the aging Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
Beecher’s combination of play making skills and willingness to get physical when needed makes him a potential fit with the skill set of a Jake DeBrusk or Danton Heinen.
With prospects like Jack Studnicka and Trent Frederic ready to crack the Bruins roster, Beecher becomes a part of that next wave of younger centers.
It will be fun to keep an eye on Beecher as he goes through his collegiate career at Michigan.