BOSTON — A quick Google search of Vashek Blanar produced limited options — not even an Elite Prospects profile.
So when the Bruins drafted the Czech defenseman from Colorado with the 100th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, it was difficult to find information on him. Even those who follow prospects closely didn’t know much about him.
It turns out, the 6-foot-4 defenseman recently changed his name from Vashek Richards, which according to The Boston Globe is his mother’s maiden name. The name Vashek Richards produces an Elite Prospects profile with the Blanar last name.
“Threw you a curveball there, didn’t I?,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said after the conclusion of the draft.
North American Independent Central Scouting (NACS) called Blanar a “hidden gem.”
And even though there wasn’t a load of prospect reports and information about Blanar, that didn’t hinder the Bruins from doing plenty of research.
“It’s just a testament to the scouts traveling anywhere and everywhere,” Sweeney said. “You’re just trying to make sure. You might find a young man, in this case, that’s pretty raw. He’s in a bit of an underdeveloped frame right now. Great skater, wants to compete. He’s probably trying to do too much at times. I’ve used this analogy before, but there’s a piece of clay that you want to get a hold of and see if you can start to mold and stretch and understand the attributes he has that are really attractive.”
In 38 games for IF Troja-Ljungby in Sweden, Blanar had six goals and 15 assists for 21 points to go with 59 penalty minutes.
Blanar told The Boston Globe he committed to playing at least one more season in Sweden. But he’ll fly to Boston on Sunday ahead of development camp on Monday.
