Bruins analysis: Forwards making it tough on Sweeney & Co.

Since the Bruins are off today with no media availability, it’s a good time to delve into the upcoming difficult decision for general manager Don Sweeney and coach Bruce Cassidy. With two preseason games in the books and five remaining, it’s evident that the majority of the prospects in the organization are making the most of their opportunities for the open roster spots.



Several NHL scouts in attendance for Tuesday’s 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings were impressed with Boston’s young talent, depth, and speed. I don’t ever remember the Bruins being this fast in nearly every aspect of the game.

Things could change before the season-opener against the Nashville Predators on Oct. 5 at TD Garden, but the roster is coming together nicely, barring any injuries. The younger players have been so good that the internal competition has reached a new level and the veteran players on the bubble should be worried.

“I would like to have some very difficult decisions when training camp is over because players have pushed and played well,” Cassidy said. “That is the hope. Hopefully you have a difficult time because guys have done what you’ve asked. You’d hate for it to be the other way when you’re looking at the waiver wire. Guys understand that there is opportunity and they’ve really pushed hard so far.”

Where does Ryan Spooner fit into the equation?

With the emergence and continued development of the young talent, the biggest question is where does forward Ryan Spooner fit into the equation? Actually, it’s more of a puzzle for him. Entering his seventh pro season, his abilities haven’t completely transitioned to the NHL level on a consistent basis. His strength is on the power play. He has the ability to own the half wall on it and his speed should be more effective. He still has defensive deficiencies.

The 25-year-old forward signed a one-year deal worth $2.825 million during the summer. As camp progresses league-wide, there could be more than a few teams that could use a third-line center on the cheap. Just based on what’s coming up Boston’s pipeline, I can’t envision a scenario where Spooner remains a Bruin for much longer.

Rookie Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson could be the third-line center, with David Backes on the right and Matt Beleskey (more on him later) on the left.

In the early going, Cassidy would like to see JFK become more engaged. He’s smart with the puck but at times tries to do too much instead of allowing his natural ability and hockey sense to become second nature.

“Like a lot of young guys, he wants to try to be mistake free,” Cassidy said. “Sometimes there is a bit of tentativeness when you have that mentality, which is ok, but we’re trying to free him up and let him play. That’s what training camp is for, but he’s a good young payer and we’ve got a lot of them.”

Is Jake DeBrusk a lock? 

Yes, it’s still early but the small sample size with DeBrusk on the left side of David Krejci and David Pastrnak looks solid. DeBrusk has the pedigree and of all the young players in the organization, he’s the closest to making the jump to the NHL.

Bjork continues to look the part, but it might be Heinen

Anders Bjork hasn’t looked out of place as a player just out of college. Every time you see him on the ice he does something that impresses. He has exceptional ability to read the play. He’s strong on his stick and likes having the puck. He’s not afraid of the physical aspect either. Bjork still needs to get more comfortable at the pro level. Eventually, fans will see him in a preseason game playing the right side with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.

At the conclusion of camp, if Bjork still needs some seasoning and is sent to Providence to continue his development, look for Danton Heinen to play on Bergeron’s right side. Heinen made big strides in the playoffs for the P-Bruins last spring and he’s doing it again in camp.

“He’s a nice hockey player in terms of what he brings,” Cassidy said. “He can move around the lineup, play both wings. He’s a cerebral player and the battle level for him last year was an education. He’s taken that to heart and you see it out there.”

Heinen makes good decisions when he has the puck and his pace has improved. He’s also strong on the forecheck, which could make him effective on Bergeron’s line. Heinen is also good on the PK and at blocking shots.

More seasoning needed

The Bruins are also learning that Zach Senyshyn can make plays on the right side when he uses his speed to his advantage. He’s been pushing the pace too. He’ll need more development at the AHL but his game isn’t too far off.

Ryan Fitzgerald, who scored during Tuesday’s exhibition, has been one of the better prospects on the ice since rookie camp. He has heart and plays at both sides of the ice. He's a true hockey player.

Versatility important for Vatrano

Frank Vatrano was a player I originally had playing the left side with Krejci and Pastrnak, but DeBrusk is the leader in the clubhouse for that spot at this point. Vatrano is a high-energy player and could fit well on the third line too. This is where Beleskey’s situation comes into play.

He’s coming off a sub-dismal season. He arrived at camp slimmer and ready to respond from last season’s debacle. Beleskey will make $4 million this season and next before $3 million in his final year of his current contract. It’s a lot of money based on his performance last season, so if he can produce this winter maybe the Bruins consider moving him once another team could use his services. Fans will have to wait and see on that one.

Options galore 

There’s more than a few options for the third line. Sean Kuraly has performed well in camp. He’s got a high-end motor, is strong on the PK and could fit nicely on the third or fourth line. He’s versatile and can play the left side.

At the start of camp, it appeared the fourth line of Tim Schaller, Riley Nash and Noel Acciari could be set in stone. While that could be the case to start the season, rookie Jesse Gabrielle has gained attention for his relentless style of play and offensively upside. Vatrano could also fit on the fourth line.

Cassidy described forward Austin Czarnik as the “forgotten man” when people talk about the prospects and depth in the organization. He was outstanding in Tuesday’s game. He was buzzing around the ice and won a lot of puck battles. He’s been doing a lot of little things right.

The one issue (if you can describe it as such) is the fact that a lot of these younger players battling for spots have similar skill sets. It will come down to which players can handle the heavy part of the game and keep up the intense pace on a consistent basis.

When it comes time to make those final decisions, and if there’s a tie, those players that show character and a willingness to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team will find a spot on the Bruins’ roster.

It’s going to be fun to watch it unfold.