It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation
-Herman Melville
Most people define success solely in terms of winning, and the NHL is no exception. In reality, only a few NHL teams are genuinely equipped to win the Stanley Cup. Therefore, the criteria for a successful season must vary for the remaining teams.
During the previous offseason, the Bruins experienced departures of key players such as Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno, as well as trade deadline additions Dmitri Orlov, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Garnet Hathaway. Their cap space was limited due to bonus overages, a consequence of their aggressive approach in the previous season, which ultimately did not meet expectations.
This, was going to be a transition year.
Don Sweeney, the General Manager, had to put together a team with budget-friendly signings during the offseason. This led to the addition of players like James van Riemsdyk, Danton Heinen, Kevin Shattenkirk, Parker Wotherspoon, Morgan Geekie, and more.
A lot of individuals viewed this team as a bubble team contending for a wild card spot. However, they surprised many by competing for the top spot in the league throughout most of the season. Despite doubts, particularly against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, and predictions of a swift series win for the Florida Panthers, they proved to be formidable opponents.
It’s okay to be disappointed, that’s what sports is about.
The team will have a different look next season. This season was successful because it provided answers to many lingering questions.
All doubts about Jeremy Swayman and his capability to lead the team and handle the responsibility have been addressed. It is clear that he requires a new contract, but with these queries resolved, you can now feel more confident regarding the term and financial aspects. It also opens the door wider to trade Linus Ullmark.
Mason Lohrei is poised to become one of the top 4 defensemen in the near future, resolving many uncertainties regarding the Bruins’ blueline for the upcoming season. His valuable experience will facilitate his progression to the next level. Without Lohrei’s contributions during this season and the playoffs, there would have been doubts about the blueline in the offseason.
John Beecher has demonstrated his potential to become an NHL player, even if positioned lower in the lineup. His upcoming year of experience and growth will further enhance his development. Beecher has proven his ability to fulfill his role, addressing most doubts about his capabilities.
An offseason of Boston Bruins hockey chatter would not be complete without a conversation about Jake DeBrusk. Despite a lackluster regular season, he performed well during the playoffs. The value of such performance is up for debate. It is essential for players to excel in the postseason, but consistent contributions all year round are also crucial. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on his price tag. Should he depart, finding a replacement becomes necessary. The question then becomes, at what expense?
The main lesson learned is that the Bruins must secure a reliable top-six center, as Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha were unable to consistently fulfill the role. This opportunity could have greatly helped Matthew Poitras, who initially showed promise in assuming the position eventually, but a season ending injury hampered that. However, it is unlikely he would have been ready to assume the role for next season, so the Bruins will continue their search during the summer.
Many choices must be made this offseason, including determining which prospects to consider. A detailed analysis of prospects will be presented in the upcoming weeks to address this.
Review the Bruins lineup and salary cap status. This is not a definitive roster projection. A 23-player roster must be compiled using current contract information. Adjustments will be made as transactions occur.
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Dom - Hockey 