Returning to the “Good Hockey Name” method of choosing prospects, today’s feature will look at Bruins hopeful Wacey Rabbit. The Lethbridge, Alberta native is a graduate of the Saskatoon Blades/Vancouver Giants of the WHL. The Bruins selected the 5’9, 186 forward in the 5th Round of the 2005 Draft, after he had posted 22-45-67 in 70 games with the woeful Saskatoon Blades.
Scouts were especially impressed with Rabbit in his draft year after he had made a big comeback from a disappointing 17 year old season. The small, playmaking centre had posted 45 points as a rookie, then saw his production drop to 17 points the following year. Those who saw him play as an 18 year say that he came back a much more determined and complete hockey player, who was no longer considered selfish with the puck, as was evidence by his 45 assists, 3rd most amongst draft eligible forwards in the WHL.
Rabbit played one more year with the Blades and recorded 56 points and added another 8 in 10 playoff games. He signed a multi-year deal with the Bruins in 2006 and spent the first half of his 20 year old season in Providence. He struggled to make the jump to pro-hockey and ended up finishing the year with the Vancouver Giants, where he was able to play on a line with Milan Lucic. He scored 36 points in 30 games and added another 20 in 22 playoff games.
Rabbit is back with the Baby Bruins this season and hopes to have a strong season and get a look from the big club. A threat to score or create a chance every time he is on the ice, Rabbit possesses world classic vision. A smooth and quick skater, Rabbit’s speed and willingness to play in traffic negate his lack of size. Scouts seem to be unanimous in their assessment that he has huge offensive upside and could be a player in the NHL.
