With the Capitals signing former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara and losing Torey Krug a few months back to the St.Louis Blues, this creates two big holes on the left side of the Bruins defense. Matt Grzelcyk, a speedy young defenseman who plays a good two way game, will most likely be Charlie McAvoy’s defensive partner on the first line. But what about the second and third line slots on the left side?
The Bruins could do a bit of experimenting as Jeremy Lauzon is currently playing beside Charlie McAvoy at training camp. Grzelcyk is playing with Brandon Carlo on the second line and the young Urho Vaakanainen is playing with Connor Clifton. Playing behind and learning from a veteran and captain in Zdeno Chara, these guys have learned a lot and will have to step up in a big way this season. Chara and Krug's departure leaves room for the Bruins to move around and play with different line combinations as where before some of these young guys struggled or didn’t get the chance to be in the lineup. This Bruins defense has a lot to prove.
On the offensive side of things, the Bruins could still look to add someone who is a proven playmaker and scorer. They did just that this off-season with the great addition of winger Craig Smith. The Bruins reportedly inquired about Pierre Luc Dubois after he requested a trade out of Columbus. Dubois, at age 22 had 18 goals and 31 assists last season totaling 49 points in 70 games played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubois plays center but can slide in at the wing. He is a big body who can get out front for dirty goals off rebounds and he can use his natural scoring and playmaking ability to create scoring chances.
Although the Bruins took a big hit losing their leader and captain of 14 seasons, they may end up benefiting from it. Newly named captain Patrice Bergeron, brings a lot to the table. He has the leadership, heart and effort that all captains need. At age 35, Bergeron brings a veteran presence to the locker room and will teach the younger players fighting for a spot on the team discipline and hockey sense. A confidence boost may be what this ends up being to the players. A confidence booster. New captain. New Year. Same goal.
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