Bruins Sign Noel Acciari From Providence

The Boston Bruins have been rather busy signing players outside the organization since Don Sweeney took over as the general manager. Their latest signing will bring in a national champion.

The Bruins have signed forward Noel Acciari out of Providence College. Providence defeated Boston University from the TD Garden in Boston two months ago to win the NCAA hockey title. The signing was first reported by ESPN’s John Buccigross.

Acciari was a huge part of the Friars championship run. He scored a point in every game Providence played during the NCAA tournament. He had 32 points this season, 15 of which were goals, good for second on the team.

It almost seems like Acciari was a perfect signing for the Bruins. He’s a gritty skater who has some scoring prowess, but he’s known more as a defensive forward. If the Bruins are keeping Claude Julien at the helm of this team at the coaching level, he’s a terrific fit. He’s very versatile, working on face offs and also provides some physicality. He projects to be a fourth line type, maybe at his ceiling a gritty third liner. It really depends on how his scoring skills project in the pros.

According to MassLive.com, Acciari redshirted his freshman season so he had the opportunity to return to the Friars even though he graduated from Providence. If he waited until next year he would have to sign only a one year contract, however, after he went undrafted. The recent deal he signed with Boston is for two seasons.

The Bruins have been rather busy with signing undrafted college prospects. They signed Austin Czarnak, a former college team mate of the recently extended Reilly Smith, out of Miami of Ohio along with Frank Vatrano out of UMass.

According to CSNNE.com, the Bruins have been “discussing an opportunity” with Acciari. It’s hard to figure out just how to take that piece of information, but one could possibly assume that they would be willing to give him a shot at the NHL roster going into next season.

CSNNE.com also has a scouting report on Acciari from a Western Conference scout.

"“High energy, hard-working 2-way center. The kids motor never stops. Average size but gets his nose dirty and plays really hard. Will need some time in AHL, but he has 4th line/checking upside, and is smart. Think Antoine Roussel minus the fighting and agitating, or a Derek McKenzie type. Just loves to play.”"

Acciari is a native of Rhode Island and he is 5’11, 205 lbs. His size isn’t huge for his style of play, since he is considered a rather physical player. He’s the type of guy, with his grit, who probably could step in with the Bruins and not struggle too much to start his NHL career.