Bruins prospect profile #22 Zach Trotman

Zach Trotman, D
6-4, 200
August 26, 1990
Shoots: Right
Boston's 8th choice, 210 overall (seventh round) in 2010 Draft
Signing status: Unsigned

Talent Analysis

Physical: Big frame but lean with much more room to add muscle mass and strength (he'll probably play in the 220 range at his peak). Good mobility; above average straight line speed and lateral agility and crossovers. Moves well in all directions and has pretty good footwork for a big man but is still growing into his body and could stand to improve balance and strength on his skates. Solid passer who kicked his game up a notch this past season, posting a career-high 20 points as a sophomore. Above average shot; the point slapper is not overpowering but he does a good job of mixing up the shot variety and can get the puck on net effectively from the blue line. Defense and positional play is a work in progess. Shows a willingness to play a physical game and uses his size effectively along the boards and in front of the net. A good solid shutdown 'D' prospect based on his progress with Lake Superior State, but could spend the next two years in school before he's ready for the pro ranks.

Intangibles: Confident player who has a good grasp of his strengths and shortcomings. Has the vision and offensive hockey sense to be a two-way defender at the next level. Already has the physical tools to provide more of an offensive contribution, and after leading the Lakers in scoring among defensemen, is on his way. Is a long-term project who appears to have the physical and mental chops to develop into a pro prospect eventually.

Boston Bruins 2011 Development Camp assessment

Trotman was one of the most pleasant surprises of any player at development camp on defense. Showed marked improvement in his confidence, poise and decision making from where he was a year ago. Demonstrated an ability to get the puck in on net from the point with a quick wrist/snap shot. Advanced the puck well in scrimmage action and was a standout for his skating and passing acumen during the various drills.

Development Camp interview with Zach Trotman



Projection

With his offensive upside, could force his way into the middle pairing one day. At the very least, Trotman will be a solid AHL defender who has enough skill to warrant NHL action even if he fails to establish himself as a regular at the highest level. With his blend of size, mobility, offense and smarts, Trotman is one of the more intriguing complete packages on D in Boston's system. He's probably too low on this list, and should he continue with the production at LSSU as a junior, will move his way up the B's prospect depth chart. Appears to have all the tools to be an NHL option one day, and may just have the toolbox, too. For a guy who was picked last in the 2010 draft, Trotman is progressing nicely and justifying Boston's decision to trade their 2011 seventh-rounder to take him.

Quotable

"I haven’t had a chance to see a lot of Zach [Trotman] play outside of video. I thought that physically he’s a really developed kid. But he’s moving better. His puck decision stuff in the course of this was really good. "- Bruins Assistant GM Don Sweeney; July 11, 2011

"I'm looking to improve on my overall game. I've got to get faster at making decisions on the ice and I'm working on doing more offensively. I'm looking forward to this season and trying to become more of a two-way player and hopefully getting more points."- Zach Trotman to B2010DW, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010

"It's been a good time; I've enjoyed getting to know all of the players here and the coaches and learning about the Bruins' system and how they do things. I'm just trying to learn what I can and take it back to school with me."- Zach Trotman, Wilmington, Mass.; July 6-10, 2010