Johnny Beecher needs to keep using these tools to make the Bruins roster out of camp

The former first rounder struggled to score at times in the NCAA, but has transitioned quite smoothly to the pro game

Johnny Beecher entered camp on Thursday with one set goal, and that is to make the big club. The former Michigan Wolverine hasn’t put up the type of numbers you would want from a first-round draft pick at the college level, with only 39 points in 81 NCAA matchups. However, some would argue that he has had limited opportunities when playing for Michigan, and when moving pro he had more of a higher role, which led to better production.

Let’s look at the numbers last season with both Michigan and Providence.

Last year with the Wolverines, Beecher had an average time on ice per game of 13:46, an average power play time of 00:40, (when given the ice time) an average penalty-killing time of 2:01, and an average amount of shifts of 18, all per InStat.

When at the professional level at Providence, Beecher was given an average time on ice of over 16:00, an average power play time of over 2 minutes, and an average penalty-killing time of exactly 2 minutes, also per InStat.

If we dive deeper into the numbers, Beecher was given almost 19:00 of ice time in a game against Utica in April, and back at Michigan, he had a game against rival Michigan State with only 10:09 on the ice.

So obviously, when given more opportunities even at the pro level, Beecher will definitely show up. I strongly believe he could have a case to make the NHL roster out of camp based on his full season last year if you look at his all-around game.

Faceoffs -

One of many strong parts of Beecher’s game is his ability to win faceoffs. He has very strong numbers at the dot in both the NCAA and the AHL. Per InStat, Beecher won about 60% of faceoffs at the dot last year in both leagues.

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Johnny Beecher could possibly make the team, and one way to do it is if he keeps his faceoff game going.

In this video, you’ll notice two parts to his faceoff game. He wins them cleanly, and sometimes aggressively. This is a strong suit to his game that will most certainly translate smoothly to the NHL when needed.

Using speed efficiently-

The top thing you’ll notice about Beecher is his speed. To be 6'3, and fly around the ice as Beecher does, always will grab your attention. Johnny stated recently at rookie camp that he lost about 10-15 lbs in the off-season, which could definitely improve his speed even more.

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Johnny Beecher’s ridiculous speed wins it for the P Bruins. Three point game for him tonight. Incredible.

At both levels, we have seen Beecher use his speed, and it has been quite effective at times. If Beecher gets some more looks on the PK, his speed will kill. Back in the NCAA, Johnny Beecher had about 5 short-handed breakaways (most created by his defense) but could not connect.

Bruins Network @BruinsNetwork

Johnny Beecher forces himself on his second breakaway of the night, this time on a zone-to-zone carry while on the penalty kill. Beecher, No. 17 in white, showcased the shot the whole way and couldn’t convert. Frustration mounts and he snaps his stick on the bench. #NHLBruins

With that last slide by Bruins Network, it leads us to my final tool he needs to maintain..

Effective Penalty Kill -

At Michigan, I mentioned earlier in this piece Johnny Beecher didn’t get a lot of power play time but did get a good chunk of penalty kill time. He was effective at both leagues at killing off penalties, whether it was using his speed, defending, back-checking, etc. Let’s take a look at some scenarios:

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Working on a Beecher story, and I am realizing he can absolutely defend. Doesn’t get the goal off the steal + breakaway, but still a great play all around.

Here we see Johnny covering the slot, and it leads to a steal off a bad pass. With him leading to a steal, he can use his speed to call for a pass from Van Wyhe, so Beecher can use his speed to get on a breakaway.

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Penalty Killing is his specialty. Beecher starts it off by winning the draw, leading to a clear. Then, Johnny tries to back check to clear again, at neutral ice. Can’t quite do it, but after the T-Birds enter the zone, Beecher dives and pokes at the loose puck for another clear. https://t.co/DylsRNNy8F

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Working on a Beecher story, and I am realizing he can absolutely defend. Doesn’t get the goal off the steal + breakaway, but still a great play all around. https://t.co/wCLWg6KWc5

Now at the pro level, here’s a bit of a longer clip. First, Beecher wins the faceoff which will lead to a clear. After the puck is cleared, he attacks and tries to force pressure onto Springfield’s attempt to enter the attacking zone. Beecher attempts to back-check but just misses on a few tries. Not long after, there is a puck battle in the Bruins’ zone. Johnny watches it closely, then sees the puck get loose and immediately dives and pokes the puck away to clear. Great kill all around.

Will we see Beecher on opening night? Time will tell, as he still only has 9 professional games under his belt, and a little more development cannot hurt. But if he seems to be a better option down the middle than some older players on the roster, anything can happen. There isn’t lots of room right now on the Bruins’ bottom six, along with Oskar Steen Nick Foligno, Tomas Nosek and A.J. Greer signed to one-way deals, which could make this decision difficult in the end.