Bruins assign Hamill back to Providence
Hamill/By S. Bradley
Although it doesn’t seem like it would take much to outplay Benoit Pouliot right now, Bruins forward Zach Hamill obviously didn’t do enough in his two games to earn a permanent roster spot with Boston.
The Bruins today assigned Hamill to their Providence (AHL) farm club.
Hamill was a surprise entry in the Bruins’ lineup for their 6-2 win over Buffalo Saturday night, as Pouliot was a healthy scratch and Rich Peverley returned from injury. Hamill skated 14 shifts for 8:46 of ice time and was plus-1. He recorded an assist in his season debut Thursday against Edmonton.
In 10 games this season, Pouliot has scored one goal and is minus-2.
The Bruins are back to 12 forwards and six healthy forwards today with Andrew Ference day-to-day due to a lower-body injury. The team is off today and will return to practice Monday.
The team is obviously firing on all cylinders offensively right now (so its not like 2 weeks ago when everyone was in a panic mode), but I think they will give Cark a try right beofore T’giving. You always need to tweak things, and I agree with Dumond above that Pouliot does not does not quite fit Julien’s system. But for Pouliot’s contract, I know Julien preferred Clark all along.
I agree Pouliot hasnt been that bad, and isnt really getting the ice time to do what his skill set would allow. Probably no roster room for the guy though if Caron continues to play well.
I think Hamill had a great game 1 and a so-so game 2 but what I saw from him in game 1 has me feeling a HECK of a lot more positive about his potential either later this or next season. He made some great plays in first game set Chara up for an almost goal. Showed confidence. Drew penalties. We were all writing him off, but he might make it yet.
He’ll be first call up next time as well, and hopefully we’ll see more of the good stuff.
I’m on board giving Pouliot a break and more time. His size and speed can’t be ignored. We’ve seen new comers take some time to find their way on this team.
Pierre, completely agree. I really don’t know what #67 the rest of these people have been watching, but Pouliot has made the most out of all the ice time he’s been given.
Pierre
I have been a Caron supporter, but I would have sent Hamill back before Pouliot. I think there is more upside in his game than Hamill’s. I am somewhat jaded because I didn’t think he had played very well for the Habs. However, I do think day and day out, Caron will be a better player. As well, if the management was going to bring someone up on a more permanent basis, I think it will be Sauve. I base that on training camp performances.
I agree with Paul D. Hamill scored his 6th goal tonight in the P-B’s 3-2 ‘W’.
Am I the only one who doesn’t think Pouliot’s been that bad?
Pouliot is a waste of a roster spot. The Bruins don’t want to eat his contract yet, so they sent Hamill down to Providence. I bet we see Hamill or Clark again before too long. Eventually the Bruins will realize that Benoit is not cut out to play for Julien.
I don’t think this is really a reflection on Hamill. Since Hamill was up on emergency recall, this could mean that Paille (though accounts of his injuries are pretty gruesome, poor guy) is close to ready. Considering Hamill’s improved play and the ongoing experiment of turning him into a pro-level wing, his time is probably better spent resuming his regular routines and playing time with Providence than it would be if he was the healthy scratch in Boston.
If Hamill continues to play well, I do wonder if Boston sees him as much more than a trade chip at this point.