On Friday the Portland Winterhawks announced they traded for the rights to Bobby Brink from Minnetonka, Minnesota. The five-foot-ten, 165 pound forward was previously on the Prince George Cougars’ protected list. Acquiring the rights cost the Winterhawks a 2019 seventh round pick in the upcoming bantam draft.
If he signs with the Winterhawks a second round pick in 2021 will be sent to Prince George.
The conditions get a little more complicated though based upon when he is on Portland’s roster. If before January 10th, Portland sends a fourth round pick in 2021. However, if he is on the roster after this season, but before October 10th, the compensation is a sixth round pick in 2021.
Therefore, in total, the cost to Portland could end up being three picks to acquire Brink should he report.
Currently, Brink is playing with the Sioux City Musketeers in the United States Hockey League (USHL) where he is tied for third in the league in scoring as a 17-year-old. While he is tied for third in scoring, and trailing the leaders by one point, he has played in three and eight less games than the two players above him.
In 19 games with the Musketeers Brink has amassed 33 points (15 goals and 18 assists). His 1.74 points per game leads the USHL.
The reason Brink’s number of games is significantly less is a result of representing team USA at the World Junior A Challenge earlier this month. Not only did he represent team USA, he led the team to a gold medal over Team Russia.
Brink scored the game-winning goal in the gold-medal game and was named tournament MVP. In six games he finished with eight points (2 goals and 6 assists) tying him for the tournament lead.
The Winterhawks acquired a player in Brink who is expected to be selected in the first or second round in the 2019 NHL draft. According to the most recent NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch List, posted November 12th, Bobby is listed as “B” ranked skater. The Winterhawks have forward Reece Newkirk and John Ludvig on this list as “C” ranked skaters.
Brink does have a verbal commitment to play for the University of Denver starting in 2020-2021. He will be faced with a decision whether to join the Winterhawks or continue down his path of playing NCAA hockey after two years in the USHL.
The Portland Winterhawks are not entirely new to Bobby. He attended training camp with the Winterhawks in 2016 as a 15-year-old “camp invite”. Not only did he attend training camp, he scored two goals during the Neely Cup.
Another connection for Brink is current Winterhawks defenseman Clay Hanus. The two played together at Minnetonka High School as freshmen back in Minnesota a few years ago.
Curious about the most recent Winterhawks acquisition? Take a look for yourself in a couple of short videos:
This shot does not find the back of the net, but gives you an idea of what he can do:
Bobby Brink took a hard shot that looked destined for the net but hit the post. Czechs got lucky. #WJAC pic.twitter.com/jTGYKe6zDT
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) December 12, 2018
This shot; however, does light the lamp:
11 seconds into a 5-on-3, the Americans make it 2-1 after a great shot from Bobby Brink. First shot for the team. #WJAC pic.twitter.com/895a0j1WM4
— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) December 12, 2018
His personal highlight video from the 2016-2017 season:
If you want to read more about his game, our partners at DrafGeek.ca, specifically Sam Happi, wrote an in-depth review of his game.
Portland will attempt to bring Bobby Brink in this season; however, if or when he arrives in the Rose City is still to be determined. Either way, the Winterhawks acquired the rights to one of the top players in the 2019 NHL draft.
More to come, stay tuned.