Traditionally, the Canadian major junior hockey programs were seen as key to getting a well-developed, NHL-ready player. These days, the NCAA has proven time and again to work perfectly fine as an alternative; something the Boston Bruins have capitalised upon.
All three North American picks from the Boston Bruins’ 2019 NHL Entry Draft are committed to colleges for the 2019-20 season. John Beecher, their first round (30th overall) pick will be headed to the University of Michigan. Quinn Olson, the only Canadian pick they made this year is committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth whilst Jake Schmaltz will be at the University of North Dakota.