Boston Bruins‘ 7th round pick in the 2008 draft (#170 overall) sixth year defenseman Matt Bartkowski(44) had pretty much done all he could under the current system with the club.
Heading into 2015/2016 he was left without a contract coming off a one-year extension for a continued look, but after a disappointing season getting only 4 assists in 47 games with a -6 rating on a non-playoff team it was time to look elsewhere.
The 6’1″ 196 d-man had his most productive year 2013/2014 wearing a spoked B, as he dished the puck for 18 assists and was a +22 plus/minus and was looked at as a blue liner strong in his own zone with the ability to move the puck.
It was his first full year up in the big league.
In his first three campaigns he split time between the parent team and minor league affiliate Providence Bruins, where he was able to connect for almost 20 assists each season and always counted on to punish players in the attacking zone.
It didn’t take long for Vancouver Canucks to step in, signing him to a nice pay increase on a one-way contract as unrestricted free agency opened.
The 27-year old has new life, striking for his first two NHL goals and 5 assists in the first 25 games with the new club and also looks to show a healthy increase in penalty minutes.
Time and change of scenery may be just want the doctor ordered for this deep draft selection to realize his potential.