Bruins Release Eleven More

As the Boston Bruins got on the ice today, there was a full house—and still more than will be on the final roster—but it was a group that was eleven smaller as General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced the release of additional players. The Bruins hit the ice for practice at noon on Sunday, having returned in the wee hours of the morning from their two-game road trip. And while there were a lot of players on the ice, it was clear that not everyone was there.

After practice head coach Claude Julien was asked about if the players on the ice were those who would be going forward in camp and if additional cuts had been made. As he was saying yes, and began to list the players that had been cut, the media announcement arrived in e-mail identifying those players who had been released.

Those released included eight forwards: Alex Fallstrom, Brian Ferlin, Seth Griffith, Bracken Kearns, Jared Knight, Matt Lindblad, Tyler Randell, and Ben Sexton and three defensemen: Chris Casto, Joe Morrow, and Zach Trotman.

Brian Ferlin

Ten were released to join the Providence Bruins training camp which will begin this coming week, though Randell must clear waivers. And Kearns was released from his tryout agreement.

Ferlin gave up his senior year at Cornell University to sign his entry-level contract with the Bruins. And while he showed some promise and made it through the first round of cuts, his progression from the college game to the professional levels is probably better served by some time in the American Hockey League.

Jared Knight

Unfortunately, though his commitment level was certainly there, it did appear that Knight was struggling some in camp with his puck skills and skating. Of course, the competition this year is at the highest it has been in some years because of the number of slots available. Knight should certainly do well in Providence, though he is undoubtedly disappointed to have been released.

Griffith, who showed that he has serious potential did not go unnoticed by management. However, they felt that he needs a little more seasoning, and given his size, it is probably better that he can mature some in Providence before spending an 82-game season in the NHL. He is definitely one to continue watching though.

Those players going to the Providence Bruins training camp can take some consolation in knowing that they made it through the first round of cuts and that they are being noticed by the Bruins staff for what strengths they displayed. They are on the radar and, though no one wants to see someone get injured, the NHL season is long and players do get hurt. Some of these guys may be called up for a game or more, and in the meantime they can continue to improve and help the Providence Bruins this coming season.