It’s never too early to start thinking about the Bruins’ possible line combinations and defensive pairings.
In fact, as training camp quickly approaches, management and the coaching staff have already held meetings and know what they’ll be looking for once rookie camp begins on Sept. 7. There’s a pool of young talent that will be given every opportunity to push the veterans in the preseason.
Watch for forwards Jake DeBrusk, Zach Senyshyn, Danton Heinen, Anders Bjork and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson to lead the core group of prospects.
DeBrusk should be NHL ready. He had a strong season in Providence and has become a pro on and off the ice. Senyshyn still needs some seasoning but he could gain an extra look. Heinen has made big strides in the AHL too. Bjork and JFK could also have immediate impacts.
Heinen and Bjork should see time on Patrice Bergeron’s right side. It’s safe to say the youth movement has officially begun in Boston.
Bruce Cassidy will have a few options but here’s what the lineup could look like once the regular season begins on Oct. 5 against the Nashville Predators.
Forwards
Frank Vatrano-David Krejci-David Pastrnak
Marchand-Bergeron-Bjork/Heinen
Matt Beleskey-David Backes-JFK
Tim Schaller-Riley Nash-Noel Acciari
Defense
Zdeno Chara-Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug-Charlie McAvoy
Kevan Miller-Adam McQuaid
Goalies
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin
This is a fun discussion to have in the final week of August. There are others who should stand out in camp, including Sean Kuraly and Austin Czarnik. It’s also going to be interesting to see what happens with Ryan Spooner.
- The biggest question as camp quickly approaches is whether or not Pastrnak will have a new contract. The sides continue to talk in hopes of finding common ground, which could be $6.75 to $7 million per season for six years. It could even drop as low as $6 million per season for four years, but it’s no secret both sides want a longer deal, depending on terms. Either way, Pastrnak will be on Krejci’s wing once the season begins.
- Many have asked why the Bruins haven’t thought of giving veteran and future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr another chance in Boston. He’s a man without a team at this point, but he’ll probably sign elsewhere once camp begins. The 45-year-old winger doesn’t fit in Boston’s plans. In fact, one current player said recently, “What did he do for us in ’13?’
- At the trade deadline, Don Sweeney engaged in trade talks with Avalanche GM Joe Sakic, regarding forwards Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog. Colorado wanted Carlo but the Bruins felt the price was too high. Sakic wasn’t in a rush to force a deal with the Bruins, or another team, because he knew something could still happen during the offseason. It’s likely Sakic will pull the trigger and deal Duchene before camp begins.