Bruins prospect profile #8: Jamie Arniel

Jamie Arniel, C
6-0, 190
November 16, 1989
Shoots: Right
Boston's 4th choice, 97th overall in 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Signing status: Signed through 2012

Talent Analysis

Physical: Only has average size, but has done diligence in the weight room to build up his strength and fitness. Nice skater with good jump and the quickness and agility to get things done in all zones. Has the ability to separate in open ice. Solid puckhandler who can advance the puck in traffic and has quick enough hands to finish in close. Good passer and shooter who scored 30 goals in junior and could hit 20 in the right situation eventually. Forces turnovers with a tenacious forecheck and active stick. Hustles and finishes his checks. Plays with a little grit and jam, but doesn't have the size or temperament to bring a consistent physical presence and mean streak. NHL bloodlines.

Intangibles: Good defensive hockey sense; not overly creative, which will limit his production at the NHL level, but understands the game well enough to be a solid two-way forward. Works hard and earned a one-game recall to Boston last season as a reward for his efforts. Replaced Steve Kampfer at the AHL All-Star Game in Hershey, Pa. and played well.

Boston Bruins 2011 Development Camp assessment

Did not attend

Projection

The classic Jack-of-all-trades, master of none type player. As it stands right now, Arniel's upside appears to be as a third-line pivot. He's got good bloodlines and was a solid value pick for the Bruins three years ago when they traded up with Columbus to land him (interestingly enough- his uncle Scott Arniel, who played briefly for the Bruins in '91-92 now coaches the Blue Jackets). He's solid across the board and can play special teams, so in time, Arniel might be the kind of ideal option in terms of ability and salary cap hit to play on the lower lines and work him into the NHL. He's not all that big, but should be okay so long as he continues to work on his strength. He's not a blazing skater, but he's fast/quick enough. He doesn't score a lot of goals, but he's capable of getting some big ones. This isn't the kind of player who will garner a lot of headlines, but he's on a steady path of progression which should end up in Boston eventually. Just don't expect him to be a top-six forward who comes out of nowhere to be an NHL star-- this is a player you win with in the trenches...nothing more, nothing less.

Arniel 2008 video draft profile

Click here to see Arniel on YouTube

Quotable

“Jamie is pretty multidimensional in terms of where he can play and the kinds of things he’s able to do. I don’t know that he’ll be that No. 1 center in the NHL, but he’ll be the kind of dependable guy that the coach feels comfortable putting out there to play a lot of different roles for the team.”- former Providence head coach Rob Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2009

“Jamie is using his natural speed effectively this year to score goals and be a dynamic player that was maybe lacking in him (last season). His ability to play a more consistent game has been noticeable; we’re pleased with his performance when we review the games as opposed to wanting more from him.”- Murray to New England Hockey Journal; December, 2010

"(The All-Star Game) was definitely a lot of fun. I was a little nervous going in; not sure what to expect, but the guys were great, we ended up winning the game and I had a pretty good time."- Jamie Arniel to New England Hockey Journal; February, 2011

"(2010 training camp) was definitely big for me. I worked hard over the summer and pushed myself more than I ever had. I ended up sticking around, and when the team sent me down, they told me that I stayed a lot longer than they had thought I would. They said that I had a chance to be a depth player for the Bruins this season, so that provided a lot of motivation for me to start."- Arniel to NEHJ; February, 2011

"Last year, we could see that Jamie had the skill but he left us wanting more. That has not been an issue this season. He’s playing as well as anyone."- Murray to NEHJ; February, 2011