B2B’s 2016 NHL Entry Draft Preview – Pick 36: Filip Hronek

Coming in at the number 36 pick on the B2B Entry Level Draft Preview is Filip Hronek. A Czech Republic native, the 18-year-old is the highest rated European defenseman on the NHL Central Scouting list (#8).

From Hockeys Future:

Only 6-foot and 165 pounds, Filip Hronek has had quite an active season, suiting up for the Hradec Kralove men’s and junior teams, Czech national U20 squad, and HC Litomerice of the Czech second league. With four assists and a +5 rating in 34 Czech Extraliga contests, Filip has shown the ability to apply a strong understanding for the game to what is becoming an everyday job. His four points in 12 second league games are enhanced by 14 points in 11 U20 league games, further affirming that his strengths ultimately lie in the offensive contributions he can make from the blueline.

Hronek sounds like the kind of defenseman to which the NHL is adapting, a smaller, more mobile defender whose biggest impact is on the offensive blue line.

Some Highlights:

@2016NHLDraft top prospect Filip Hronek with his second of the tournament at U20 4 Nations in Russia #EHSHockey pic.twitter.com/OfSI6xozXa

— Michal Sivek (@michalsivek) August 29, 2015

Nice to see him taking things seriously in the off season as well.

Top european @2016NHLDraft defense prospect Filip Hronek already started his off ice workout before 16/17 season pic.twitter.com/uoWrXf4mUO

— Michal Sivek (@michalsivek) April 28, 2016

Why the Bruins should want him:
Coming in at pick number 36 on our draft board, it’s likely that the Bruins aren’t going to luck into him with their second-round pick. However he could be scooped up by San Jose at 29 or 30. While his ability to make plays as a kid in the top Czech league is a sign of things to come, he does need a couple years of seasoning before making the jump to the NHL.

Why the Bruins should pass:

With two first-round picks at 14 and 29/30, a reach into the early second-round for Hronek seems unlikely.

What do you think?