Now that the dust has settled on the 2024 NHL Free Agent Frenzy, it begs the question: Are the Boston Bruins better?
Well, I want to share my thoughts and then let you be the judge.
GOALTENDING
Breaking up the top NHL duo of recent years is sure to result in a decline. The trade of Linus Ullmark from the Bruins to the Senators sparked some backlash. Setting aside concerns about contracts and compensation, is the decline truly as severe as many believe?
Consider this: Jeremy Swayman may start up to 55 games, or even more. Therefore, 14 or more of Ullmark’s starts will be taken by Swayman. This allows 27 games for Joonas Korpisalo, Brandon Bussi, or Michael DiPietro. You can strategically schedule their starts against weaker teams in the league. Will this result in more losses compared to last season?
We also know that barring injury, Swayman will start each and every playoff game. Those are the games that matter most.
As I stated, it is sure to result in a decline, but not to the level some are anticipating.
DEFENCE
Starting off, having a coach dedicated to working with the defense is a definite improvement from last season. I’ve been emphasizing the need for one for a year on multiple different podcasts. The fact that it’s Jay Leach is an extra advantage.
Gone are Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort and Kevin Shattenkirk who became an after thought in the “playoff six”. Nikita Zadorov has arrived, pushing Parker Wotherspoon down to the seventh position. The new lineup is larger, more aggressive, and capable of higher production.
Charlie McAvoy is positioned on the top pair on the right side, with Brandon Carlo on the second pair and Andrew Peake on the third pair. The coaching staff has the flexibility to mix and match on the left side based on the game situation and matchups.
Disregarding compensation, this top six has significantly improved and is capable of compensating for some of the perceived deficiencies in the crease.
FORWARDS
Gone are Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, James van Riemsdyk, Oskar Steen, Pat Marron, Jakub Lauko and Jesper Boqvist. In comes Elias Lindholm, Max Jones and Mark Kastelic.
Most fans are worried about finding a replacement for the missing offense. In the case of DeBrusk’s 19 goals, Lindholm is expected to step up. The hope is that he can score 19 goals independently. As for Heinen’s 17 goals, they will likely be filled by a group effort. Trent Frederic and Morgan Geekie are anticipated to show growth compared to last season. The same goes for John Beecher. Additionally, we could see a complete season from Matthew Poitras and Justin Brazeau.
Kastelic and Jones should provide more offence than Maroon, Lauko, Boqvist and Steen provided through the season.
Three things that should be mentioned here.
Bringing in Lindholm addresses multiple things. Improved faceoffs, a natural bumper for the powerplay and it slots other players into better positions. It allows Pavel Zacha to move back to left wing thereby improving that position. It allows Charlie Coyle to move down a spot and not always face top opposition.
Enhanced production from the blueline is the second key factor. While coaching will certainly contribute to this, a full season with Mason Lohrei will be beneficial. Expect Hampus Lindholm to rebound as Zadorov absorbs some of the tougher minutes he faced. Additionally, Zadorov’s presence should enable McAvoy to participate more actively in the offense.
The third aspect to consider is the vacancy on the right wing. It is yet to be determined whether General Manager Don Sweeney will fill this position internally, through a trade, or by signing a free agent. There are options and time is on their side.
I prefer a wait and see attitude when it comes to hockey. However, I am of the opinion that this current roster is superior to last season’s even with the loss of Ullmark. One thing is certain, they will be fun to watch.
Dom - Hockey 