In the world of NHL prospects, the path to the big leagues is as varied as the players themselves. While many top prospects leave college early, a few choose to complete their four-year journey in the NCAA, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Enter Andre Gasseau, a Boston Bruins seventh-round pick from the 2021 draft, who has taken the road less traveled by staying with Boston College throughout his collegiate career.
Gasseau has been a standout for the Eagles, and his decision to remain in college seems to be paying off. With Boston College's season nearing its end, he's likely eyeing a contract with the Bruins organization, with Providence being a probable next step for their playoff push.
However, whether Gasseau will see significant ice time with Providence remains uncertain. The team is stacked, and integrating him without disrupting team chemistry could be a challenge.
There's even a whisper that James Hagens might follow a similar path, reminiscent of Charlie McAvoy's journey post-2016 draft.
Gasseau's recent performance is turning heads, with four assists over the weekend and 16 points in 12 games since his return from injury in mid-January. His stats are impressive, especially considering his transition to center on Hagens' line, where he's netted 13 points in 10 games. Yet, it’s important to remember he’s a seasoned fourth-year player, and comparisons to other four-year college stars provide context.
Take Jimmy Vesey, for instance. A Harvard standout with stellar NCAA production, Vesey was a highly-touted prospect who eventually found himself in Europe after 194 points in 626 NHL games. Similarly, Kevin Porter shone at the University of Michigan, later becoming a leader in the AHL with the Rochester Americans but only tallying 58 points in 249 NHL games.
Then there's Matt Grzelcyk, a local success story. Drafted by the Bruins, Grzelcyk spent four years at Boston University, using the time to mature physically. Once he joined the Bruins, he became a key player, logging significant minutes over the past decade.
For Gasseau, the Bruins would certainly welcome a career with 250+ NHL games, but it’s wise to temper expectations. Bruins fans might best view him as a promising AHL talent with potential to evolve into a bottom-six NHL forward, depending on his development in Providence. As always in hockey, patience and progression are key.