Rookies to watch part 2: David Warsofsky
Photo By Jared Wickerham |
Warsofsky has spent the last few years down in the AHL, and made his NHL debut last year for the Bruins, ultimately appearing in six games for the B’s.
This year, with the Bruins expected to carry eight defensemen on the roster—following pending salary cap moves in the next few days—Warsofky will most likely fill one of those spots.
Warsofsky’s addition to the Bruins means that the B’s will have quality depth at the backend, which will come in handy to relieve some of the veterans and perhaps even reduce big Zdeno Chara’s ice time—keeping him fresh for the playoff run.
Warsofsky brings a strong skating ability and he is a good puck moving defenseman who has the ability to man the point during the power play. Last year in Providence, the Boston University alum posted 16 points and a plus-1, in 58 games, while posting a plus-2 and two points in six games with Boston.
Warsofsky, a Massachusetts native, has had the privilege of working in the Bruins system for three seasons, meaning the learning curve and transition period are minimal, and he will be able to jump in seamlessly when called upon. Having put in his time down in Rhode Island, he has also caught the eye of Bruins management, with Peter Chiarelli saying, “I thought he had a real strong finish last year in Providence—like every time I saw him, he was one of the best players on the ice and he was doing things we were telling him to.”
With injuries unavoidable and unpredictable in this violent sport—as we saw last year with Seidenberg and McQuaid going down—it is critical to maintain a competent core, Warsofsky gives the Bruins that competency.
Providence has suited Warsofsky well, now it is time for the spoked-B to do the same, so be sure to keep an eye on him this year, especially as the season progresses and the wear and tear shows it affects on his defensive teammates.