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<\/p>\nBOSTON \u2014 Johnny Beecher is 24. The Boston Bruins picked him in the first round in 2019. The center played at the National Team Development Program with a starry class that included Jack Hughes, Alex Turcotte, Trevor Zegras, Matt Boldy, Spencer Knight, Cam York and Cole Caufield, all born in the same year. Beecher is on a one-year, $900,000 contract.<\/p>\n
All of this makes Beecher, placed on waivers Monday, a real possibility to be claimed. This could end his Bruins career, and that would be a shame.<\/p>\n
The pity is not just that the Bruins would have to say goodbye to someone who has played 136 games for the organization. The unfortunate thing is that Beecher\u2019s game has declined to the point that the Bruins would risk losing him for nothing to assign him to Providence.<\/p>\n
For his first three pro seasons, Beecher projected to grow into a long-term third- or fourth-line center, penalty killer and faceoff presence. In 2023-24, he scored seven goals and looked like he was on his way to being a full-time NHL center.<\/p>\n
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has the size every coach likes. He skated with an effortlessness that caught opponents by surprise with how quickly he closed. Teammates used to remark at how easy Beecher made his speed look. On March 14, 2024, the then-rookie topped out at 23.64 mph. This placed him in the 98th percentile in the league.<\/p>\n
But Beecher\u2019s biggest asset has gone elsewhere. This year, he maxed out at 21.90 mph on Nov. 4.<\/p>\n
The statistic is just one metric in Beecher\u2019s portfolio. But it is a noticeable drop-off in a category in which Beecher cannot afford compromise. If Beecher does not arrive on time, he is falling short of meeting his responsibilities: winning races, forechecking well, being physical, staying above the puck.<\/p>\n
There has been nowhere for Beecher to hide when it comes to his coach\u2019s evaluation. Marco Sturm has played Beecher only six times. He has one goal and no assists in his six games, averaging 10:24 per appearance. Jeffrey Viel had taken his job of late.<\/p>\n
In Monday\u2019s 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Sturm sat Viel in place of Riley Tufte, who was recalled from Providence. Tufte is Providence\u2019s leading scorer, with eight goals and eight assists in 13 games. Tufte scored a garbage-time goal while playing 15:13, including 3:28 on the power play, in his season debut.<\/p>\n
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\n Riley Tufte made his season debut against the Hurricanes, scoring Boston\u2019s only goal. (Maddie Meyer \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Matej Blumel also made his first appearance of 2025-26. Blumel was the No. 2 right wing in place of Viktor Arvidsson, who is week to week with a lower-body injury. Blumel had one shot in 13:10 of play.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tough league,\u201d Sturm said of the NHL. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter how well you play in the AHL. It\u2019s just a big step. I know that too. You could see it today. I know both can play better. It\u2019s just a different league.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beecher was held off the ice for Monday\u2019s morning skate. He was not seen on the ninth floor of TD Garden, where healthy scratches usually watch the game.<\/p>\n
Some general managers would not proceed in this manner with a first-round pick. Don Sweeney, however, is nothing if not bold. He did not hesitate to say goodbye to Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo and Trent Frederic because he identified opportunities to improve the organization.<\/p>\n
In comparison, placing a healthy scratch on waivers is what it is: a minor transaction.<\/p>\n
Notes<\/p>\n