Friday, August 14, 2015

Elite blueliner Chad Krys commits to BU for 2016


BU’s already well-stocked 2016 recruit class became even stronger with today’s commitment from left-shot defenseman Chad Krys, one of the top ’98-born blueliners in North America. Like Terrier senior Danny O’Regan, he is the son of a former BU captain; his dad, Mark Krys, played on two Frozen Four squads and captained the Terriers to the 1991 NCAA championship game.


The 5-11, 183 lb. native of Ridgefield, Conn., was the top-scoring defenseman for the US NTDP U17s last season, registering 29 points (3G,26A) in 41 games before being called up to the U18s, where he added 20 points (3G, 17A) in 22 games. Primarily paired with current freshman Charlie McAvoy, he scored five points in seven games of the IIHF World Championships, helping Team USA retain the gold medal. During his tenure with the U17s, he was named to the all-tournament team at the World U17 Challenge. Krys will return to the U18s for his senior season.

The previous season he played for the New Jersey Rockets U19s, tallying 45 points in 41 games, teaming with BU 2017 recruit Patrick Harper. In 2012-13, he rang up 71 points in 49 games, again with a future Terrier teammate, 2016 recruit John McDermott.

Earlier this month, he participated in the USA Hockey Junior National Team evaluation camp in Lake Placid.

Described by USHR as “an effortless skater who can single-handedly take over games,” Krys is a playmaking defenseman with superior vision and a “knack for finding open teammates.”  In 2014, he was the top ranked skater for the QMJHL draft.

Last summer, he told the Ridgefield Press: 
“I’m not a huge guy (6’0, 175 pounds), so I like to use my speed. I’m an offensive defenseman who likes to join the rush.”
SBNation's Chris Dilks profiled Krys last season:


Krys is the biggest standout of the [NTDP U17 defense]. He consistently joined the rush as a fourth forward, yet I didn't see a single instance where he got caught out of position and didn't make it back into his position. It's like there were two of him out there. He's super-patient with the puck because any time he is pressured, he can use his superior skating ability to spin away from trouble and keep possession of the puck. He holds both blue lines really well because he doesn't have to worry as much about getting beat with his skating ability.


Krys was near the top of OTB’s list of uncommitted prospects for more than a year. This entry is from February 2014.
If Krys, a pre-eminent prospect for the QMJHL draft, chooses the college route, he’ll be a major coup. The son of former BU captain Mark Krys plays loose, dynamic, opportunistic hockey for the Rockets U19 team and is impactful on nearly every shift. At the U19 level, his anticipation and ability to dictate the tempo are at an elite level, as few skaters can orchestrate the play from the point like Krys can at any age – let alone at 15 years old. Has some Erik Karlsson in his ability to shrug opposing skaters off leading the rush and jump-start the offensive attack at will, but fellow CT-native Kevin Shattenkirk is a closer long-term projection. Scouts will look to see his game round out, especially defensively, though skating ability and sharp stick-work save him now, and he doesn’t lack for defensive awareness.
Last December, International Scouting Services ranked Krys as the 10th best prospect for the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Future Considerations has ranked him sixth. BU could have as many as four first-round picks in 2016 as McAvoy and Krys’ U18 teammates Clayton Keller and Kieffer Bellows also are projected to go in the first round.  Terrier fans will have a chance to see Krys, Keller, Bellows and 2016 goalie recruit Jake Oettinger in action when the U18s play an exhibition game against the Terriers on Oct. 16 at Agganis Arena.

● SB Nation Report
● OverTheBoards report
● Daily Free Press report
● USA Hockey news feature
● Elite Prospects card 

Summer Ice

Photo credit: Michelle Jay

The Foxboro Sports Center Pro League—with numerous current and former Terriers skating--will hold its playoffs next week. Semifinals are on Monday and the championship will be played Wednesday.

Team Harlow features Jack Eichel, former BU captain Garrett Noonan and current Terrier TJ Ryan, who has recovered from last season’s injuries and, according to reports, has impressed on the ice.

Team M5’s roster includes Chris Bourque and current Terrier Nick Roberto; Team McDonough has two former BU blueliners, Sean Sullivan and Adam Clendening; and Team Keator has Charlie Coyle and senior Danny O’Regan (photo), BU’s top returning scorer.

Details on the playoff games and full team rosters are here.
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