It’s been over four months since we last saw some Boston Bruins hockey, but fear not Boston fans for the 2017-18 season is just around the corner.
Training camp got underway last Thursday and the Black and Gold have already begun preparing for the preseason.
There are a lot of storylines to follow, but for now let’s keep it simple. Here are four key players to keep an eye on during camp.
Anders Bjork
Anders Bjork may be new to the NHL, but if his recent play is any indication, then he’ll certainly make the Bruins lineup. He shined in college and has impressed the Bruins’ coaching staff this offseason.
The 21-year-old rookie was a star at Notre Dame, scoring 21 goals and 52 points over 39 games. He won the 2017 Hobey Baker Award which is given to the best player in college hockey.
Bjork could possibly end up on Boston’s top line. Learning from Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron could help ease his transition into the NHL and would allow David Pastrank to provide solid fire power on the second line.
Only time will tell how the Bruins plan on using him.
Malcolm Subban
The clock is ticking on Malcolm Subban. Once thought to be the backup for Tuukka Rask, Subban may now being fighting for his career as a Bruin.
The younger brother of Nashville’s PK Subban has struggled mightily in the minor leagues and has struggled to find NHL playing time.
At the NHL level he has allowed six goals on 26 shots. That’s not ideal numbers for an NHL-level goal tender.
With the Bruins backup goalie situation being surrounded by question marks, Subban needs to step up now before they seek further outside help.
Charlie McAvoy
After a solid performance in last season’s Stanley Cup playoffs, the Charlie McAvoy-hype has blown up.
The Bruins faithful have been waiting all offseason to see what the young star can do in the regular season.
McAvoy headlines a group of young defenseman that look to be the Bruins blue line of the future.
Boston fans will know soon enough if McAvoy is the real deal or just a one hit wonder.
David Pastrnak
After a long contract dispute, the Bruins finally signed Pastrnak to a six-year, $40 million deal last week.
The 21-year-old forward is coming off a breakout season that saw him score 34 goals and 36 assists.
It’s time for him to prove his 2016-17 campaign wasn’t a fluke and that he’s worth the massive contract.
