Over the years, Jeremy Lauzon has become one of the most well-known names in the Boston Bruins system. This past season, however, the former second-round pick got his first extended taste of NHL season.
Lauzon not only performed well but earned a two-year extension that will keep him in Boston through the 2022-23 season. While the Bruins focus has now shifted to the postseason, Lauzon has become an important part of the future.
Coming into this season, Lauzon had some NHL experience, appearing in 16 games during the 2018-19 campaign. While Lauzon had a solid debut, he began this season in Providence. Due to injuries, Lauzon got a second opportunity and took full advantage.
Jeremy Lauzon's first career NHL fight comes against Matthew Tkachuk pic.twitter.com/nxjPqtNZyI
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 22, 2020
Before the regular season was canceled, Lauzon had appeared in 19 games for the Bruins. The Canadian native was averaging 15:25 of total ice time and had landed 20 shots on net. While Lauzon’s ice time was slightly down from the year before, he had become a staple on the Bruins third defensive pairing.
Additionally, Lauzon chipped in offensively as he had one goal and two assists. The 23-year-old was more aggressive in the offensive zone as he landed 20 shots on net compared to 11 the season before. His ability to play in all three zones made Lauzon an effective presence in the Bruins lineup.
Furthermore, Lauzon was able to block 23 shots and land 32 hits. He was smart with the puck as with increased playing time he only had six giveaways. The young defenseman also showed some toughness as he did not back down to any challenge. While Lauzon’s play earned him a two-year extension he still has some things to improve heading into the playoffs.
Jeremy Lauzon with the final save of the night. What an ending. pic.twitter.com/SV2xX2xsul
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) November 18, 2018
Despite only playing 293 total minutes, Lauzon finished with the 10th most penalty minutes on the Bruins roster. While those penalties are mostly due to his inexperience, he will have to limit them in the postseason, as the margin for error is a lot smaller.
As the Bruins form their postseason roster, Lauzon has played well enough to earn a spot. While his statistics don’t jump off the page, he has continued to improve as his playing time has increased. The former second-round pick also has a knack for impacting the game in ways that do not show up on the stat sheet.
With the postseason hopefully weeks away, the Bruins will have a lot of decisions to make. Inserting Lauzon into the lineup for the playoffs, however, is one that should not require a lot of thought.
