Bruins prospect profile #21 Brian Ferlin

Brian Ferlin, RW
6-1, 196
June 4, 1992
Shoots: Right
Boston's fourth choice, 121st overall, in 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Signing status: Unsigned

Talent Analysis

Physical: Good size and progressing well in his maturation and conditioning process. Quick burst of initial speed and separation gear- much better skater than his scouting reports indicate. Not the perfect skating technique, but he's sudden, fast and effective at getting through openings and going to the net. Quick hands and stick. Nice finishing touch in close and has a nifty knack for scoring goals. Fast release on a hard, accurate wrist shot and not afraid to unload. Soft hands for passing, but gets a lot of his assists by getting the puck to the net for rebound chances. Tore it up with Blake Coleman and Danill Tarasov on Indiana's top line, going 1-2-3 in scoring in the USHL last season as the trio accounted for 96 goals and 240 points. Not a thundering hitter or particularly snarly player, but does use his body effectively along the walls and out in front of the net. Shows a consistent effort at both ends of the ice.

Intangibles: Demonstrates impressive instincts and offensive sense and vision. Surprising flair for creativity given that he is Florida-born and trained, not going up to the USHL until age 17. Intelligent, industrious kid- will play for Cornell University in the fall. Still figuring out situational hockey given his non-traditional route and a lack of exposure to elite competition at an early age, but has the look of a natural whose development curve has taken off in the last three years.

Boston Bruins 2011 Development Camp assessment
Like Anthony Camara, Ferlin made himself some real money at development camp as a player who showed off some impressive offensive skill and finish. One memorable play, Ferlin beat top pick Dougie Hamilton in a footrace to a loose puck near center ice, then blew by the talented defenseman with a nice burst of separation. A Zane Gothberg glove save was the only thing that prevented the crowd being brought out of their seats at Ristuccia on the highlight reel-type sequence. Skating on a line with Ryan Spooner and Justin Florek, Ferlin gave the white squad fits in the scrimmages, scoring several times and presenting himself as someone needing to be accounted for on each shift.

Development Camp interview with Brian Ferlin



Projection

Ferlin was an interesting pick for Boston in that it marked the third consecutive year that the B's took an overage player (previously passed over) in the fourth round (Lane MacDermid in '09, Craig Cunningham in '10). Ferlin has top-six forward potential if he continues to develop his offensive skills to go with what appears to be an instinctive grasp of the game and creativity. He's a long-term project who will take several years in Cornell to hone his talents before turning pro. Success won't likely happen overnight for Ferlin, but he proved he belonged at development camp and has the look of a sleeper pick to keep a close eye on.

Quotable

“Four was [Brian] Ferlin, I thought Ferlin was good, good stick, protects the puck, you put him on that line, that line was good with [Justin] Florek, [Ryan] Spooner and Ferlin. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli; July 11, 2011

“That one line, I thought was very good, with [Justin] Florek, [Ryan] Spooner, and [Brian] Ferlin. I thought you could see the, they made plays together, they found each other, they scored. Just, it was just good to see the confidence in the players come out. “- Chiarelli; July 11, 2011

“Well, I think there’s a lot of room for growth on Brian [Ferlin]. He’s got tremendous upside athletically. I think he’ll continue to get more and more comfortable on the ice as he plays more and more hockey. It’s like taking the one thing until they converge, so to speak. I think that’s, as he plays more that athleticism will start to show up. He’s got good speed, he’s got good size, he’s got good skills, he’ll understand now in terms of how to utilize those even better as he plays with better players and moves forward. We’re excited. I think he’s a nice project and a nice piece to have to continue to go to work with and then see where he takes it. “- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney; July 9, 2011