Flames GM Explains Decision To Claim Former Bruins Forward John Beecher

The Boston Bruins lost former first-round pick John Beecher on waivers on Tuesday.

Boston put Beecher on waivers as he wasn’t getting into the lineup, in hopes of sending him down to the AHL. However, the Calgary Flames claimed the former first-round pick to add some depth to their forward group.

After claiming Beecher, Flames general manager Craig Conroy explained the move.

“We were looking for a guy with size, speed and he’s good in the faceoff circle,” Conroy said on Tuesday, according to Sportsnet’s Eric Francis. “I think maybe he could benefit from a change of scenery, and he’s a good age at 24.”

Boston selected Beecher 30th overall in 2019, but the forward struggled to make an impact, and the Bruins opted to waive him.

“For me as a new coach, I gave him a new opportunity,” Sturm said on Tuesday about Beecher. “Quite frankly, I thought he would be a little bit better, more effective. I thought he wasn’t. At some point, you have to decide to move forward.”

Beecher skated in six games, recording one goal with the Bruins this season. In his NHL career, he’s played in 136 games, recording 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. The 24-year-old is on a one-year, $900,000 deal.

The Bruins are set to take on the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET in the first of a four-game road trip.