After Saturday’s overtime defeat to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Boston Bruins have played four of their seven preseason matches and are just over a week away from their opening game (Oct. 8 in Florida). This seems like a fitting moment to evaluate the team’s progress and present our initial projection for the opening night roster.
Let’s dive in:
FORWARDS (13)
Pavel Zacha – Elias Lindholm – David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand – Charlie Coyle – Fabian Lysell
Trent Frederic – Matt Poitras – Morgan Geekie
Johnny Beecher – Mark Kastelic – Justin Brazeau
Max Jones
Lindholm has yet to participate in the preseason, having only been able to practice once due to an undisclosed injury, although his son Luka was born earlier this week. While missing these sessions is not optimal, coach Jim Montgomery indicated that Lindholm’s injury isn’t serious and expects his return this week. Once back, he is likely to resume his position as the first-line center.
For Lysell, it is crucial to finish the preseason on a high note to secure a spot on the roster. After a slow start during training camp and a challenging first preseason game, he has shown improvement in the past week. He delivered an impressive performance Tuesday night, practiced alongside Marchand and Coyle on Thursday, and excelled again in Saturday’s game while playing with Beecher and Patrick Brown.
Although Lysell did not register a point on Saturday, he generated multiple scoring opportunities. He created chances by winning a one-on-one battle on the forecheck, collecting a rebound in front of his net and transitioning coast-to-coast, driving aggressively toward the net during a rush, and racing to a loose puck in the offensive zone. It would be beneficial for the Bruins to evaluate Lysell further with Marchand and Coyle this week to determine if the 2021 first-round pick can secure a permanent spot.
Frederic, Poitras, and Geekie teamed up on Saturday and had a strong showing. They appear to form a promising third line, with all three forwards capable of offensive growth this season while also demonstrating two-way intelligence as natural centers. Each remains a candidate for the second-line right wing position, particularly if Lysell doesn’t perform well in the coming week. Although Poitras is eligible to be assigned to AHL Providence this year, his impressive preseason performance makes that an unlikely option.
During this preseason, Beecher and Kastelic have demonstrated solid chemistry and can alternate between faceoff and center responsibilities. Both are also expected to play integral roles in penalty killing. Their previous successful dynamic with Brazeau last season suggests a smooth integration as well. Although Jones has been absent from practice since last Saturday due to an undisclosed injury, he is anticipated to return shortly. His speed and physicality align with the Bruins’ summer objectives, positioning him to compete for regular playing time once he regains his form.
Georgii Merkulov, another top forward prospect for the Bruins, stands as a significant potential cut. The 23-year-old center has showcased flashes of talent this preseason, yet it seems he has not yet done enough to secure a spot. His performance is further complicated by the demanding nature of his position compared to Lysell, along with the increased competition he faces.
Another notable name in camp is Tyler Johnson, participating on a professional tryout. The 34-year-old’s experience winning the Stanley Cup and versatility to play all three forward positions makes him appealing. However, he will need to outplay someone else to earn a contract and will likely need to improve his performance to achieve that goal, with Lysell possibly being his primary competition.
Several forwards with ample AHL and some NHL experience have impressed during this preseason, including Patrick Brown, Cole Koepke, Vinni Lettieri, and Riley Tufte. If the Bruins decide to keep 14 forwards at the beginning of the season, it would not be surprising if one of these players secured the 14th spot.
DEFENSE (8)
Nikita Zadorov – Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo
Mason Lohrei – Andrew Peeke
Parker Wotherspoon, Billy Sweezey
The defensive lineup appears to be the most stable aspect of the roster, with the six regulars having consistently paired as listed above throughout training camp. Wotherspoon is a strong candidate to be the seventh defenseman as well.
Should Jeremy Swayman sign, the Bruins may face challenges with cap space and might be unable to maintain a full roster of 23 players. Conversely, if Swayman remains unsigned by the season opener, they could accommodate an eighth defenseman or a 14th forward.
In that scenario, I would likely advocate for an additional defenseman, with Sweezey deserving recognition for his strong preseason efforts. The 28-year-old from Hanson has demonstrated significant physicality, even dropping the gloves with Flyers captain Sean Couturier last Saturday, and has shown good judgment in disrupting scoring opportunities. Nonetheless, this arrangement would likely remain temporary until Swayman signs.
GOALIES (2)
Joonas Korpisalo
Brandon Bussi
The unresolved issue remains apparent. Jeremy Swayman is expected to lead the depth chart once he finalizes his contract, a move that has yet to occur. It is quite perplexing that either party could be obstinate enough to let this impasse extend into the regular season, ultimately impacting the team negatively. However, it seems increasingly likely that this situation could indeed persist.
As of now, Korpisalo is set to take on the starting role in Swayman’s absence. He has undeniably been the standout goalie for the Bruins during the preseason, showcasing his abilities with consecutive impressive performances that alleviated some worries stemming from his previous season in Ottawa. On Saturday, he saved 37 of the 40 shots directed at him, including parrying 12 of 13 high-danger attempts. There was little he could have done to prevent any of the three goals scored against him.
Both Bussi and Michael DiPietro have faced difficulties this preseason. Each poses a significant uncertainty should either be required to participate in a substantial number of regular-season games over the coming weeks. Nevertheless, Bussi remains in a more favorable position than DiPietro and is expected to serve as Korpisalo’s backup by default. Montgomery noted that Bussi will take the starting role in the Bruins’ upcoming preseason game on Tuesday, providing an opportunity for him to regain his form.
Boston Bruins Preseason Update: Roster Projections as Opening Night Approaches
Understanding the Boston Bruins Preseason Context
The Boston Bruins, one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, are gearing up for another exciting season. As the team prepares for opening night, fans and analysts alike are keenly observing the roster changes and player performances during the preseason. This article will delve into the latest updates regarding the Bruins’ roster projections as they approach the start of the 2023-2024 season.
Key Roster Decisions Facing the Bruins
With several veterans on the squad and promising young talent emerging, the Bruins face crucial decisions regarding their final roster. Here are some key factors influencing these decisions:
- Player Performance: Evaluating players’ preseason performances, including scoring, defensive play, and overall fitness.
- Injuries: Monitoring the injury status of key players which can significantly impact roster decisions.
- Salary Cap Considerations: Managing the salary cap effectively to ensure a competitive team without exceeding budget limits.
Projected Roster Breakdown
As the Bruins finalize their roster, here’s a detailed breakdown of potential line combinations and key players to watch:
Forward Lines
| Line Combination | Players |
|---|---|
| 1st Line | Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak |
| 2nd Line | Jake DeBrusk, David Krejci, Pavel Zacha |
| 3rd Line | Tomas Nosek, Charlie Coyle, Craig Smith |
| 4th Line | Nick Foligno, A.J. Greer, Trent Frederic |
Defensive Pairings
| Defensive Pairing | Players |
|---|---|
| 1st Pair | Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk |
| 2nd Pair | Brandon Carlo, Derek Forbort |
| 3rd Pair | Mike Reilly, Connor Clifton |
Goaltending Duo
The goaltending situation is pivotal for the Bruins. With Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark sharing duties, fans can expect a competitive edge in net this season.
- Jeremy Swayman: Known for his agility and quick reflexes, Swayman is expected to play a significant role in the Bruins’ success.
- Linus Ullmark: A veteran presence, Ullmark brings experience and stability, making him a reliable option for crucial games.
Notable Players to Watch
- Brad Marchand: Coming off an injury, Marchand’s performance in the preseason will be critical for the first line’s chemistry.
- David Pastrnak: As a key scorer, Pastrnak’s ability to find the net will be essential for the Bruins’ offensive strategy.
- Charlie McAvoy: Expected to anchor the defense, McAvoy’s performance will be vital in maintaining defensive stability.
Preseason Insights and Analysis
The Bruins’ preseason games have provided fans with a sneak peek at the team dynamics and potential strategies for the upcoming season. Here are some notable insights:
- Offensive Strategies: The integration of new players on the second line has led to a more dynamic offensive approach, focusing on speed and puck control.
- Defensive Adjustments: With McAvoy back from injury, the defensive pairings have shown improvements in response times and effective coverage.
- Special Teams Performance: Power play efficiency has been a focus, with new drills emphasizing puck movement and shot accuracy.
Impact of Injuries on Roster Projections
Injuries have played a role in shaping the Bruins’ roster for the upcoming season. Key injuries to players can alter line combinations and defensive strategies. Here’s how the team is managing these challenges:
- Regular updates on player recovery timelines help fans stay informed about potential return dates.
- Coaching staff is assessing depth players to fill in gaps, providing them with valuable game experience.
Fan Engagement and Community Involvement
The Bruins have long been committed to their fan base and the communities they serve. Engaging fans through preseason events and community outreach initiatives is essential, including:
- Open Practices: Allowing fans to attend practice sessions provides an insider’s view of team preparations.
- Fan Zone Events: Hosting events where fans can meet players and enjoy activities fosters a strong team spirit.
Looking Forward to Opening Night
As opening night approaches, excitement builds among players and fans alike. The Bruins have worked hard in the preseason to prepare for a competitive season ahead. Stay tuned for updates as the final roster shapes up and the puck drops on another thrilling NHL campaign!
