The 2016-17 season was largely a disappointment for the Boston Bruins. With their core players locked up long term, it will largely be up to the current roster to take a step forward next season. Boston finished third in the Atlantic this past year, eight points back of the Montreal Canadiens. A first round playoff exit at the hands of the Ottawa Senators was a major negative. It will be very interesting to see what management does following a disappointing season. Here is a look at the Bruins offseason plan.
3 Things The Bruins Have To Work On
1. Rest And Recover
There is a good chance that management will send a clear message to its players to rest and recover this offseason. Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Krejci, David Backes, Zdeno Chara and Tuukka Rask all participated in last year’s World Cup of Hockey. There is a good chance that increased workload really took its toll on those players early on. The Bruins should benefit from a full offseason to rest and recover without sending its best players to an international tournament just before the season begins.
This is a team that has a key core of veterans who are getting a little bit long in the tooth. They are all still at the top of their games. However, it’s at the point where you’d rather see them put the franchise (and their body) first because they may not have the energy necessary for long seasons and playoff runs. Rest and recovery could be key to a better start and better health in 2017-18.
2. Give Prospects A Shot
David Pastrnak exploded on to the scene for Boston in 2016-17 with 34 goals and 70 points. The Bruins would be smart to give their young prospects more opportunities this upcoming season. Frank Vatrano, Charlie McAvoy and Danton Heinen are all ready to contribute at the NHL level but they need the opportunity. Vatrano showed flashes with 18 points in 44 games last season. McAvoy and Heinen are next in line. Boston’s forward core could certainly benefit from a spark and their young prospects might be able to provide one for them next season.
3. Improve Scoring Depth
Brad Marchand and Pastrnak led the Bruins in scoring last season with both forwards reaching the 70-point mark. No other player on the roster had more than 54 points. Boston’s lack of scoring depth was a major issue for the club last season and must be addressed.
The other issue is that while someone like Krejci did score 23 goals, he doesn’t perform consistently. It seems like he only delivers when he’s in the mood. The Bruins need to light a fire under him somehow. He’s on the wrong side of 30, though, so this could just be who he is now.
The young prospects on the roster might be able to provide some support but the Bruins could use some help in terms of free agent options. Boston will have some cap space to work with so improving its scoring depth should be a focus.
Key Free Agents
Drew Stafford, Dominic Moore and John-Michael Liles are all set to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Boston might bring back Moore but would be better off letting Stafford and Liles walk. Ryan Spooner has shown flashes of his immense potential but hasn’t been consistent enough at the NHL level. Pastrnak is due for a raise as a restricted free agent. However, the Bruins will have a tough decision to make with Spooner as an RFA. Boston could focus on the free agent market with the intention of replacing its current crop of FA’s beyond Pastrnak.
The Bruins will also want to target a top-four defenseman – if they can afford it. Obviously, Cam Fowler would be ideal but they may not be able to do that deal. Another potential option out there could be Dmitry Kulikov, who should be cheap after a down year. They need someone to pair with Charlie McAvoy.
The Bruins have a busy offseason ahead of them and it will be very interesting to see what they do in free agency to provide support for their core group moving forward.
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