The Future of Terrier NHL Picks

By Marisa Ingemi
BU News Service

With the Boston University men’s hockey team falling to the University of Denver in the NCAA tournament, the careers of several Terriers have come to an end. Along with six graduating seniors, there are several other players with the opportunity to make the leap to the National Hockey League.

Brandon Hickey

One of several talented defensemen on the Terriers roster, Hickey was drafted by the Calgary Flames. Prior to joining the Terriers, there was speculation about Hickey joining the team that owns his junior hockey rights, the Moose Jaw Warriors, but he elected to stay at BU. Hickey might be the most likely of the Terriers NHL’ers to make the jump next season, but several reports out of Calgary have mentioned he isn’t expected to be with the Flames anytime soon.

Doyle Somerby

Somerby was drafted by the New York Islanders in the fifth round of 2012, and there has been some talk that he will attempt to go to the NHL next season. Newsday writer Arthur Staple said on Twitter that he expects him to return to BU next season, however. Somerby could end up the captain of the team next year as a senior, and at the least will be one of the leaders on the team. Despite the reports, things change quickly, and Somerby’s rights are held by the Islanders.

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson

Forsbacka-Karlsson, known as “JFK,” is one of two Bruins prospects who was on the BU roster, along with graduating senior defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. JFK will be going into his sophomore season next year, and it might be a stretch for him to make the leap next season (especially since the Bruins don’t exactly love young, dynamic players). JFK has taken up comparisons to Bruins alternate captain Patrice Bergeron as a two way forward, and he impressed with Team Sweden in the world junior championships. Forsbacka-Karlsson will likely be back next season, but there remains the possibility he joins his teammate across town at the TD Garden.

Charlie McAvoy

For McAvoy to make the leap to the NHL it would take a lot, but he is projected to be a top ten draft pick in the upcoming draft, so it remains a possibility. McAvoy, who played for Team USA at the world junior championships in December, has caught the eye of many NHL scouts, and his stock has only risen throughout the NCAA season. A defenseman who has speed and the ability to carry the puck in all three zones, McAvoy played on the top defensive unit for BU all season, alongside team captain Matt Grzelcyk.