Lauko makes a good impression
BUFFALO — Jakub Lauko, a third-round pick of the Bruins last spring, arrived with a reputation of a skilled, speedy forward. The edge with which he plays is an added bonus.
Whenever the whistle blew during the Prospects Challenge, Lauko could often be found pushing and shoving, fighting for his space in front of the net.
“He competes his butt off,” said Providence Bruins coach Jay Leach. “He’s a competitive guy, exceptional speed and he attempted to make some plays. I like him. I thought it was a good experience for him to get over here and be in a North Americastyle rink and try to figure it out, because it’s a lot different than where he came from.”
Lauko picked up an assist in yesterday’s 6-2 loss to New Jersey, converting a turned-over pass at the offensive blue line and feeding Connor Clifton down low.
The question about the Czech forward is where he’ll play this year. He’s got three options — Providence, the Czech pro league or the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
“That’s undetermined,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney about Lauko’s next stop. “His preference would be to play in Providence, to sign and play there, but that league is tough for young players. We want to see him play in as offensive a role as possible. He has an opportunity to play back in the Czech Republic and that’s likely where he’ll end up. Certainly there’s the Quebec league, which is pining for him to go play there. That’s still an option. We’re going to go through camp, reconvene with him and his representatives and see where it goes.
“I like his speed, I like his ability to get on pucks, his tenacity. He didn’t show his finish that he’s been able to show (in the past). And that’s playing at levels where you have to have that confidence to be able to do that.”
Lauko, who likens his game to Detroit’s young forward Dylan Larkin, was happy for the chance to play against players who’ve already turned pro. And he’d like that opportunity to continue.
“I’m not sure (where I’ll play) but I’d like to stay here in America and sign a contract,” said Lauko. “It was my big goal before this tournament and before the start of the season. I will see what will happen back in Boston and then I will know. I think that would be a step forward for me and my play. I really want to stay here and sign. I think it will be the best for me.”
Lauko feels that playing junior would be “a step back.”
“But (the decision) is not just on me,” said Lauko.
Winnik, Stempniak sign
Sweeney added to the competition level at forward for training camp, signing left winger Daniel Winnik and right winger Lee Stempniak on pro-tryout contracts. The 35-year-old Stempniak, who has been working out at Warrior Ice Arena in the offseason, was a trade deadline acquisition here from New Jersey in 2015-16 and scored 19 goals between the two teams that year. Last year, he had three goals in 37 games with Carolina. The 33-yearold Winnik had six goals, 17 assists for Minnesota last year . ...
Sweeney said that David Krejci will be a late scratch for the 10-day China trip because of a complication with his visa. Colby Cave will take his place. With Krejci staying back, that means all three returning centermen — Patrice Bergeron, Krejci and Sean Kuraly — won’t make the long trip while the three hopefuls for the third-line center spot — Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Trent Frederic and Jack Studnicka — will be on the ice in China . ...
Free agent signee out of Minnesota-Duluth, Karson Kuhlman, could push for varsity time at this year in a bottom-six role.
“That tenacity of Karson is what’s going to stand out,” said Sweeney. “He goes to the hard areas. He got rewarded the other night. He can penalty kill, forecheck, he’s a responsible player. He’s certainly a guy that we’ve identified that might grow with us and carve out a niche.” . . .
Fitzy fits nicely in future
As for Ryan Fitzgerald, no one particular skill jumps out, but as one scout put it “he’s just a hockey player.” That was meant as high praise. The former Boston College forward had 21 goals last year in Providence. He is always in the right spot, takes the right angle to the puck. He should push for playing time if injuries hit . . . .
Sweeney’s had some conversations with representatives for Rick Nash, but said any comment regarding his situation will come from Nash. In a phone call, Nash’s agent Joe Resnick declined comment. Nash, a free agent, took himself out of the July 1 sweepstakes while contemplating retirement due to multiple concussions.