Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Within the past few weeks the Bruins have sustained multiple injuries, most notably to defenseman Dennis Seidenberg. Another injury the Bruins have had to deal with is the loss of center Chris Kelly to a fractured right fibula. He has missed 16 games so far, dating back to December 7 against Pittsburgh when he sustained the injury.
After the loss of Kelly, the Bruins called up Ryan Spooner from Providence. In his 18 games so far this season he has proved that he contribute in the NHL right now.
Through the 18 games Spooner has zero goals and ten assists with an even plus/minus rating. His ten assists is tied for tenth on the team even though he has played in less games than his teammates. Despite his lack of goals, Spooner has shown blazing speed and great playmaking ability.
The speed factor in Spooner’s game is something that nobody else on the Bruins roster has. He best uses his tremendous speed when he blasts by defenders and sets up his line mates with great scoring chances. He uses his great playmaking ability best on the powerplay. Five of Spooner’s assists have came when the Bruins have had the man advantage. He has played some shifts on the penalty kill.
Even though Spooner has played eleven less games than Kelly, he has shown more offensive production. In 29 games this season, Kelly has three goals and four assists with a -1 rating. Even though Kelly may be a better defensive player, Spooner is the better option for the third line center role.
With the emergence of Spooner, Kelly might become a trade option for the Bruins. With the loss of Seidenberg and now Dougie Hamilton to a concussion, the Bruins should be looking for a defenseman in the trade market. When Kelly is healthy he could be that piece in a trade that could bring a defenseman to Boston.