Questions remain where Frank Vatrano fits into Bruins lineup

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and coach Bruce Cassidy will have a difficult job finalizing the opening night roster, but it’s a good problem to have as the team enters the 2017-18 season.

Since the start of training camp, we’ve discussed the projected lineup and the intense internal competition. This organization hasn’t had this much depth in nearly 20 seasons. No matter how the Bruins finish the upcoming season, this team will be entertaining to watch.

So far the likes of Anders Bjork, Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, Danton Heinen, Austin Czarnik, Sean Kuraly and Ryan Fitzgerald have all been at the forefront of the prospect’s depth chart.

It leaves a big question: Where does Frank Vatrano fit into the mix?

There's more than one scenario in this case. A lot depends on what happens with Matt Beleskey and Ryan Spooner. Vatrano shows flashes but he needs to be more intelligent on the ice. Heinen could be the player that pushes Vatrano to the curb too.

Due to a foot injury last September, Vatrano began the season as a non-roster player but finished with 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points in 44 games. He showed glimpses as a versatile player who can have success in different roles.

At the start of training camp, he projected to play on the left wing alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak. At this point, DeBrusk could earn that spot since Vatrano hasn’t taken full advantage of his opportunity.

Krejci said he’s excited about the possibility of playing with DeBrusk, but it seems as though Krejci would be comfortable with Vatrano too if that’s the case.

“Two words: speed and shot,” Krejci said when asked to describe Vatrano’s game. “That’s his strength. Other things will follow but every night he brings these two things to his game. He’s just so gifted with his shot and his speed it’s fun to watch him, even in practice. The way he skates and shoots the puck, I wish I had that.”

As soon as Vatrano hits the ice he’s always thinking one thing: score. He’ll shoot the puck from any angle in the offensive zone and is willing to crash the net when needed. He hasn’t had the best luck during the preseason, but no doubt he has an upside.

“It’s just good to know if you have the puck in the middle and you know what to expect (from your linemates). I know he’s got great speed so when I see him playing on the wing I just want to give him the puck,” Krejci said. “He hasn’t been scoring 20 or 30 goals in the league, but he hasn’t played a full season yet either, but he has the potential to do that.”

Vatrano and Krejci were on the same line at times last season and it worked well, but not on a consistent basis.

“It worked at times, other times it didn’t,” Cassidy said. “We’ll see where (Vatrano) best fits. Frank’s calling card is his straight-line speed and he’s got an NHL-releasing shot. It’s heavy. He shoots it past the goalie. That sounds like a simple term but that’s what he needs to do on a regular basis.

“Part of that is his makeup as well. He’s not scoring and we’ve got to get him past that, so on the days he doesn’t he can contribute in other ways. Add a physical element and add some good defensive play with good sticks and work ethic. It’s a work in progress to make sure he understands that and that’s where Frank’s at right now.

When breaking down different lineup scenarios, it’s difficult to see where Vatrano will fit in to start the season. Either way, he’s happy with how his camp has gone.

“Pretty decent,” he said. “It’s good to get my legs back underneath me. When you haven’t played in a while it’s tough to get your game back, but I feel good and in the preseason games felt like my legs were there. I really can’t complain. Hopefully there are a few more opportunities"

This is a unique season for the Bruins. The depth chart is impressive and there are several players with similar skill sets that can fill many roles, including Vatrano. While the internal competition is healthy for the organization, Vatrano said he’s not focused on it.

“You can’t worry about it,” he said. “Management and coaching staffs know what lines you’re going to be with, so when you’re out there you’ve just got to prove you can play shift in and shift out and that’s the most you can do as a player and show them what you can do and where you fit in the lineup. Hopefully you can control your own destiny.”

There are two preseason games remaining and it’s possible Vatrano could play both so management can get a better look at his game. It’s simple: He needs to bear down on his chances and score goals. If not, he could be on the outside looking in once the regular season begins.

“If I create my scoring chances, use my speed and my tenacity to get pucks and bear down on defensemen, if I can do that I’ll keep getting more opportunities,” Vatrano said.