Bruins grab Charlie McAvoy with 14th pick

The Boston Bruins selected defenseman Charlie McAvoy with the 14th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.

Charles McAvoy

Position: Defense
Height: 6-0
Weight: 198 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Boston University (NCAA)
Nationality: American

Even before he was drafted, McAvoy had been comparing himself to one of the game's best defensemen.

"I like to play like Drew Doughty," McAvoy said immediately after completing the NHL draft combine earlier in June. "I think he's a complete player and I try to pride myself on being a complete player, someone who can play both ends of the ice."

McAvoy was ranked sixth among North American players ahead of the draft after a very impressive freshman season at Boston University, where he averaged 0.68 points per game.

His game is described concisely here by Future Considerations:

McAvoy is a slick puck moving defender who sees the ice with elite vision and makes passes with soft touch. He is a very strong skater with outstanding pivots and edge work; able to skate with the puck out of pressure and start the rush. He drives deep into the offensive zone and glides around with his head up looking for his best options. He is a deadly in transition and a real weapon on the power play. Has a heavy shot and has the potential to be a big NHL point producer.

McAvoy provides a need for the Bruins on defense with rumours swirling of late that the club has shown strong interest in St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.