Team-by-Team Season Preview – Boston Bruins

The 2013-14 season had to be considered a disappointment for the Boston Bruins. In the regular season they won Presidents Trophy, but then were bounced in the second round of the playoffs by their arch rivals from Montreal. The offseason has not gone much better than the postseason for the B’s. They were strapped up against the salary cap and had to let some key players walk.

Their biggest loss was Jarome Iginla, who signed a three-year, $16 million dollar deal with the Avalanche. Iginla scored 30 goals for the Bruins last season and no one was brought in to replace him. However, the lack of offseason moves by the should not be cause for concern. They have a solid base of prospects who should be ready to take on full-time NHL roles this season.

Jordan Caron, 23, was the 25th overall pick in 2009 and had three points (1G / 2A) in 35 games with Boston last year. Ryan Spooner, 22, split his time between the NHL and AHL. He had 11 assists in 25 games with the big-club and 46 points (11G / 35A) in 49 games with Providence. Then there is Alexander Khokhlachev, 20, who had 21 goals and 36 assists (57 points) in 65 games in the AHL. All three of these youngsters should make the B’s out of training camp and help replace the hole left by Iginla.

While those kids resumes are impressive, they will play in supporting roles to an already deep and quality lineup. In 2013-14, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand finished one-two-three in the NHL in plus/minus. Bergeron also recorded his second career 30-goal campaign while Krejci finished ninth in the NHL with 50 assists–his second 50-plus assist season. On top of those three, the Bruins have Loui Eriksson, one of the most consistent wingers around. Reilly Smith had a career year, posting 51 points in 82 games and do not forget their 6-foot-3, 228 lbs. power-forward, Milan Lucic.

Not a bad top-6 eh? Well it gets better. The Bruins have arguably the NHL’s best goaltender in the 2014 Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask. A lot of Rask’s success can be attributed to the two-way forwards they have, but they also have one of the deepest bluelines in the NHL. Their blueline is anchored by 6-foot-9 captain Zdeno Chara. Their next two biggest fantasy relevant blueliners are 23 year-old Torey Krug and 21-year-old Dougie Hamilton. Both are tremendous offensive talents and are among fantasy’s top young D options. In 2014-15 Boston will be aided by the returns of a healthy Dennis Seidenberg and Adam McQuaid, who missed a combined 100 games last year.

Look to the Draft (Ranking Bruins Fantasy Players)

1. Tuukka Rask – G
2. Patrice Bergeron – C
3. David Krejci – C
4. Zdeno Chara – D
5. Milan Lucic – LW
6. Loui Eriksson – LW/RW
7. Torey Krug – D
8. Brad Marchand – LW
9. Reilly Smith – RW
10. Dougie Hamilton – D

Click HERE for the Bruins potential line combinations heading into the 2014-15 season. 

Season prediction: The Bruins finish first in their division (Atlantic) for the fourth time in the last five seasons. Narrowly beating out the Lightning.

Other Season Previews: Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes