Fantasy Summary
Zboril does not excel in any particular area of the game, but also has no glaring weaknesses. His overall ability should make him a lock for top-four duty in the NHL sooner than later.
Observations
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January 2020 – Zboril has managed just two goals and 12 points through 40 AHL games this year. He has spent the entire season in the minors, being passed over on multiple occasions for a call-up to Boston. His production is nearly identical to his first two pro campaigns, and it appears increasingly likely that offense will not become a calling card for the former first-rounder. With that being said, Zboril has managed to add more of a physical element to his game, which might grant him a path to the NHL in more of a depth role. Chris Mazza
November 2019 – After managing to survive until the later round of cuts during Boston’s training camp, Zboril has spent the entire season thus far in Providence, where he has managed one goal and five points through 18 games. His point totals, shots on goal and shooting percentage remain largely on par with his output from last season, which is ultimately a disappointment for the former first-rounder. Zboril is in the final year of his entry-level contract, playing in his third full AHL season and has seen just two career NHL games. While the expectation is that Zboril will receive some action with the big club this season, the remainder of his campaign will likely be spent with Providence, where the team will hope he can improve on his modest production. Chris Mazza
February 2019 – Zboril has managed just 11 points through 30 AHL games this season and is still working on his game-by-game consistency as a pro. The former first-rounder has been surpassed in many areas by other defensemen in the Bruins’ system, but still has plenty of room to grow and is just 21 years old. As the Bruins boast plenty of good, young defensemen, Zboril’s best path to the NHL might be through another organization, and he could be an ideal trade chip at this year’s trade deadline. Chris Mazza
November 2018 – Zboril was called up to the Bruins as their blueline continues to be hampered by the injury bug. The young defenseman has begun to right his ship after a poor start to the year, posting three points and a plus-three rating over the last eight games. Providence coach Jay Leach has noted an improvement in Zboril’s defensive game and a willingness to use his powerful shot more often. His stay in the NHL likely won’t be long, but it will be a good first test to see how he measures up against the game’s best players. Chris Mazza
October 2018 – After a strong first pro season, Zboril is off to a bit of a rough start this year with an uncharacteristically low minus-7 rating through five games. As Providence has just one win on the season, he should have no issue correcting this rating as the campaign moves forward. Zboril has always been viewed as a long-term project for the Bruins, so while it would be nice to see a boost in his point production this year, it would not be surprising for the young defenseman to be eased through his development as he looks to transition his talents to the professional level. Chris Mazza
February 2018 – Zboril has seemingly adjusted smoothly to the pro game. In 51 games this season he has 11 points for the Bruins affiliate in Providence. He did have a slow start, not scoring his first goal until January 26th, but has five points in the 11 games since. The Bruins management wanted him to improve defensive consistency in his first pro season. So far this season he leads his club with a +18 rating among defensemen. Zboril has all the tools he showed in major junior, and the offence looks to be coming into his professional game sooner than expected. Should his development continue to progress on track as it is, it is probable he will be given an opportunity on the big club next season. If you have him on your team hold on to him, you could see him sooner rather than later. Sid Osmond
February 2017 – Zboril has taken a step forward this season in for the St. John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. Zboril, selected in the first round in 2015, also had a fantastic WJC this Christmas for his home country of the Czech Republic. In 40 games played this season, Zboril has amassed an impressive 35 points including nine goals and is plus-19. Zboril is now beginning to show why he deserved to be a first-round pick and maybe a home-run for the Bruins organization. Zboril still has some holes in his game, particularly on the defensive side of the puck but his progression has been impressive, to say the least. -Mike Drover
March 2016 – Jakub Zboril is now seen by many to be the top prospect in the Bruins farm system. The lanky defenseman is finishing his second year with Saint John in the QMJHL and represented the Czech Republic at the WJC. Zboril is not outstanding in any one area, but it’s tough to find any weaknesses to his game: he can score, he’s physical, and he consistently exudes quiet confidence and maturity on the ice. Look for Zboril to play with the Bruins in about two years. Michael Boeckler
June 2015 – The Boston Bruins took mobile offensive-minded defender Jakob Zboril with the 13th overall selection of the 2015 NHL Draft. Brendan Ross
February 2015 – Broke out at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka tournament (5GP-4G-2A-6P), Czech defenseman Jakub Zboril has the makings of an offensive defenseman. He is a creative passer and displays inspiring four-way mobility offering good offensive zone upside. Zboril has struggled with his game-to-game consistency and will need to continue to improve on his defensive play but he mixes his offensive tools and physicality too well to not be considered a first-round talent. The rookie import shows an ability to play a North American style combining grit, mobility and a boomer of a shot. He’s missed sometime in his draft year to injury but Zboril has notched nine goals and 23 points in only 34 QMJHL games. Brendan Ross
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