bostonglobe
As the calendar turns to the latter half of summer, the focus for Boston hockey fans shifts to the upcoming Bruins campaign. The team has seen significant changes since their first-round playoff exit in May, including the additions of winger JJ Peterka, defenseman Will Borgen, and the return of Connor Clifton, while losing 25-goal scorer Viktor Arvidsson to free agency.
Despite these moves, General Manager Don Sweeney has been unable to secure a true number-one center, a position that has been a glaring hole since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. The NHL's escalating center market, with top young pivots like Connor Bedard, Leo Carlsson, and Macklin Celebrini signing deals worth $15 million to $18.8 million annually, has made it even more challenging for the Bruins to fill the void.
The team will again enter the season with Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha as their top two centers, a duo that led them to a 100-point season and a wild-card berth last year. However, many analysts believe this is insufficient for Stanley Cup contention. Sweeney is banking on a by-committee approach, hoping that prospects Fraser Minten and James Hagens can eventually develop into top-line material.
Key Analysis
Minten and Hagens are talented but inexperienced, and the development curve for centers is steep in the NHL. The Bruins will likely ease Hagens in on the wing, a strategy that worked for a young Bergeron. Meanwhile, the departure of Arvidsson leaves a scoring gap that Peterka, acquired for two first-round picks, is expected to fill. Peterka has averaged nearly 27 goals over the past three seasons and is motivated to prove himself after a disappointing year with Utah.
On defense, the competition for roster spots is intense, with Borgen and Clifton among ten candidates vying for seven positions. A key question is who will quarterback the top power-play unit. Charlie McAvoy has been the primary option but has shown reluctance to shoot, a trait that could hinder the unit's effectiveness. Coach Marco Sturm and assistant Steve Spott will push McAvoy to be more aggressive, but if he remains hesitant, Hampus Lindholm could see more time in that role.
The power-play success may also depend on how Peterka integrates into the scheme, as his left-handed shot could complement David Pastrnak's right-handed shot. With a shortened preseason, Sturm may not have a clear answer until a few weeks into the regular season, which could impact the team's playoff positioning.
In goal, Jeremy Swayman will be backed up by Michael DiPietro, who was promoted from Providence after Joonas Korpisalo was traded to the Rangers. Both netminders are 27, and Swayman is expected to start 55 or more games. The change in backup could subtly affect the dynamic in the crease.
Rookies report to camp on September 11, with veterans following five days later. The season opens on September 29 against the Rangers at TD Garden, coinciding with a potential Red Sox wild-card game at Fenway Park. The countdown to puck drop is officially underway.
Originally reported by bostonglobe.