Two 2004 draftees sign with Bruins
There is still no official word on a new Bruins general manager -- although Ray Shero's appointment appears imminent -- but interim GM Jeff Gorton has been working to shore up the future of the franchise.
Yesterday, the club signed a pair of prospects, 19-year-old center David Krejci and 20-year-old left wing Martin Karsums, who were selected in the 2004 draft at Nos. 63 and 64, respectively.
Both played in the Quebec League this season, Krejci for Gatineau, for whom he had 27 goals and 54 assists in 55 games, and Karsums for Moncton, where he tallied 34 goals and 31 assists in 49 regular-season contests. Karsums is tearing it up in the postseason, with 16 goals and 11 assists in 22 games heading into last night's Memorial Cup matchup against Peterborough.
Both players will be at training camp in September. If they don't make the Boston roster, they'll be eligible to play for Providence or go back to junior hockey as over-age players.
``Krejci is a slick player," Gorton said recently. ``He's got good hockey sense and he sees the ice well. He's a natural centerman and he has a lot of talent."
As for Karsums, who would've gone back in the draft if he hadn't agreed to terms before June 1, Gorton said he's a goal scorer, which is something the Bruins sorely lack. As high as the front office is on him, though, he doesn't appear ready for the NHL.
``He's got nice hands, he can be physical and he's got a good work ethic," said Gorton. ``He's strong. There's a lot to like, he's got a good pro makeup.
``More than likely, we're talking Providence. I don't want to set unreasonable expectations for some of these younger players, but the way the game is going and the way some of the younger players are having an influence on the playoffs, it's not unrealistic to think that some of these guys are going to be with us.
``We feel that both players are excellent prospects and they will be given every chance to make our club at training camp."
Krejci is a native of Latvia and Karsums is a native of the Czech Republic.
