“I’ve always thought that learning in a winning environment is important,’’ Providence coach Rob Murray said yesterday upon the opening of development camp at Ristuccia Arena. “I think for that reason, for me, it was disappointing that we had the year that we did.
“In saying that, we battled right until the last weekend. Mathematically, we were a long shot, but we were still in it. Guys were working hard. We had something to play for. We won a couple overtime games late with five games to go that, if we hadn’t won, we would have been mathematically eliminated.
“But you learn from the playoffs. Two years ago, when we went deep into the conference finals against Hershey, that experience was invaluable. We look to rectify that this year and make sure we make the playoffs.’’
The Bruins have hit with picks like Lucic (2006) and David Krejci (2004). They’ve supported their depth with trades for Rask and Boychuk. They’ve drafted depth players such as Mark Stuart (2003) and Matt Hunwick (2004).
But during general manager Peter Chiarelli’s tenure (he first sat at the Bruins’ draft table in 2007), the organization has yet to draft and develop high-end NHL talent. Zach Hamill, the No. 8 pick in 2007, is the club’s only prospect from the last four drafts to have appeared in an NHL game.
The Bruins are hoping that will change soon. They believe their picks are getting closer to being NHL-ready. Also, their skintight salary situation (approximately $55 million already committed to the 2010-11 roster) will encourage them to consider youngsters on cap-friendly entry-level contracts.
“I think we’re in a healthy position,’’ said assistant general manager Don Sweeney, who also is director of player development. “I think that we are going to see some guys, younger guys, start to challenge here. That’s their job — to get in there and start to push other players out. As an older player, when you go through things, you constantly think, ‘OK, who’s coming next?’ ’’
