NHL Notebook: Ex-BC star could parlay Olympic experience into short-term return

There are two significant events in the hockey world this month – the Winter Olympics and the NHL trade deadline. Despite the NHL not participating in PyeongChang, it doesn’t mean there’s no correlation between the Olympics and a chance to see the best league in the world in the coming weeks.

Many NHL teams, including the Boston Bruins, are keeping close tabs on Team USA captain Brian Gionta. The 39-year-old veteran forward “retired” prior to this season after a 15-year NHL career, but depending how the one-time Stanley Cup winner (with the Devils in 2003) performs during the Winter Games, he could land a job for the remainder of the season in the NHL.

He would be a low-risk bet. There would be no acquisition costs other than signing him for the rest of the season. Gionta is a true pro and would be a solid addition in any room. For a team like the Bruins, he would add depth in a bottom-six role and could be another veteran voice off the ice.

“It’s an interesting scenario,” said one NHL executive in regards to Gionta’s availability.



A native of Rochester, N.Y., the former Boston College standout represented Team USA at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy. His overall international resume is impressive -- it includes two trips to the World Junior Championships (1998 and 1999) and three appearances at the World Championships (2000, 2001 and 2005). He also captained the U.S. at the 2017 Deutschland Cup.

Originally selected in the third round by the New Jersey Devils (No. 82 overall), Gionta played 1,006 games with 289 goals, 299 assists for 588 points. He also registered a plus-36. If he performs well at the Olympics, he could prove to be a major asset for an NHL team down the stretch. The Bruins are one team paying attention -- they scouted Gionta's one game with the AHL's Rochester Americans two weeks ago.

***

Since the NHL is not participating, it allows those players that wouldn’t normally have an opportunity a chance to represent their respective countries. Team USA is loaded with talented players, and many have New England connections.

Forward Mark Arcobello, of Milford, Conn., played at Yale and spent parts of four seasons in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes. Internationally, he won a bronze medal at the 2015 World Championship. He also played in the 2017 Deutschland Cup.

Forward Chris Bourque of Boston played at Boston University and has had an interesting pro career. The son of Ray Bourque, Chris was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the second round in 2004 and has played for the Bruins and Penguins. He’s spent the majority of his pro career in the AHL. Internationally, Bourque was a member of the 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Junior team. He also played in the 2013 Deutschland Cup.

Forward Bobby Butler, a native of Marlborough, Mass., played at the University of New Hampshire. He played parts of six seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Devils, Predators and Florida Panthers. He’s playing for the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL this season. Internationally, he played in the 2013 World Championship and the 2015 Deutschland Cup.

Defenseman Matt Gilroy, a native of North Bellemore, N.Y., played at Boston University and was a three-time All-American. He won the Hobey Baker Award and a national championship for the Terriers in 2009. He signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers in 2009, and also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Senators and Panthers during his NHL career. Internationally, in played in the 2010 World Championship and the 2015 and 2017 Deutschland Cup.

Forward Ryan Donato, a native of Scituate, Mass., is playing for Harvard. The son of former Bruins forward and ’92 Olympian Ted Donato, the Bruins selected Ryan in the second round in the 2016 draft.

Current Terrier and Canton, N.Y. native Jordan Greenway is the first African-American to play for the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team. The Minnesota Wild selected him in the second round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He won a gold medal at the 2015 Under-18 World Championship and the 2017 World Junior Championship.

Defenseman Ryan Gunderson, a native of Bensalem, Pa., played at the University of Vermont. He also represented Team USA at the 2017 Deutschland Cup.

Forward Broc Little, a native of Phoenix, played two seasons at Cushing Academy before attending Yale. He’s represented Team USA in three Deutschland Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2017.

Forward John McCarthy, a native of Boston, played at BU and helped the Terriers to a national championship in 2009. The Sharks drafted him in the seventh round of the 2006 draft and played parts of five seasons in San Jose. He’s playing in the AHL this season. This is his first international playing experience.

Forward Brian O’Neill, a native of Yardley, Pa., played at Yale. He played in the 2017 Deutschland Cup. He most recently played for Jokerit of the KHL. He was named the AHL’s MVP and helped the Manchester Monarchs win the 2015 Calder Cup. He has 22 games of NHL experience with the Devils.

Defenseman Noah Welch, a native of Brighton, Mass., played at Harvard. The Penguins selected him in the second round of the 2001 draft. He also played for the Panthers, Lightning and Atlanta Thrashers. Internationally, he played in the 2017 Deutschland Cup.

***

On the women’s side, New England is well represented on Team USA. This is an exciting squad, one with a legitimate chance for gold.

On defense, Cayla Barnes, of Eastvale, Calif., plays for Boston College. These are her first Olympic games. Westfield, Mass., native Kacey Bellamy will participate in her third Winter Games. The former standout at UNH, she currently plays for the Boston Pride of the NWHL.

Also on defense, Kali Flanagan, of Burlington, Mass., plays at Boston College and this is her first Olympic experience. Buffalo, N.Y., native and former BC standout Emily Pfalzer is making her Olympic debut. She also plays for the Buffalo Beauts of the NWHL.

Forward Kendall Coyne, a native of Palos Heights, Ill., played at Northeastern and was a three-time All-American. This is her second time representing Team USA in the Olympics.

Three-time captain and Danvers, Mass., native, Meghan Duggan also plays for the Pride. She joins former Team USA member Cammi Granato as the only player to serve as captain three times. Forward Haley Skarupa, of Rockville, Md., played at Boston College and currently plays for the Pride. She’s making her Olympic debut.

***

Even though the NHL is not participating, Bruins alternate captain Patrice Bergeron, who’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Team Canada, will be watching the Winter Games. He’s disappointed of the league’s decision to skip the Olympics, but Bergeron is still rooting for his country, especially former Bruins teammate Chris Kelly, who is Team Canada’s captain.

“Yeah, I’ll be following for sure,” Bergeron said. “I’ll definitely be cheering Canada on and it’s definitely disappointing that we’re not there. It would’ve been nice to at least have a say in it. A guy like (Kelly), I’ll be watching -- he was named captain and I’m really happy for him. It’s an amazing way to end, if it is the end (of his career) for him. I couldn’t be happier for all these guys that have a chance and deserve it. They’re going to represent us, and hopefully they do well.”

Bergeron also won World Junior Championship gold and a World Cup of Hockey title for Team Canada.