Bruins prospect sees himself as the “Next Marchand”

In his latest article for CBS Boston, reporter Matt Kalman takes a closer look at Boston Bruins prospect Jesse Gabrielle and his mission to become the next great uber-pest in the NHL.

The Bruins’ fourth round selection (205th overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft admits that he has a penchant for getting under his opponents skin, and it’s a trait that goes back to his earliest days on the ice. “Yeah, I’ve always liked to yap and get under their skin,” said the 20 year-old Saskatchewan native. “When I was eight years old I’d yap at little kids.” 

 Lucky for him, the 6’, 196 lb winger doesn’t have to look far for inspiration. Bruins star Brad Marchand is the prototypical pest in today’s modern NHL. As equally adept at hurting your feelings as he is at hurting you on the scoreboard, Marchand is the perfect example for a player like Gabrielle.

“Yeah he’s kind of the guy that 10 years down the road, that’s the guy I want to be, take his role and once he’s done take that spot,” Gabrielle said when describing Marchand.

But, does he have the skills? Bruins development coach Jamie Langenbrunner likes what he sees. “He’s learning. … A work in progress,” Langenbrunner said. “I think like any young player when the mind’s right and he’s going, he finds that balance. And sometimes it’s a little bit on the wrong side of that line. But it has improved and his time in games in the American League it was much improved from junior hockey.”

In fairness, the Bruins would be ecstatic if Gabrielle develops into even half the player that Marchand has become. It’s rare to find and develop a player of Marchand’s skill and temperament, but with patience and some guidance maybe the Bruins can strike gold for a second time.