Boston Bruins: 2015-16 Most Valuable Players Ranked

20. Zac Rinaldo

Rinaldo, acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Flyers this offseason, will be limited to a fourth line role. He may need to step up as an enforcer with the departure of Milan Lucic, though this remains the Boston Bruins most puzzling offseason move. In four NHL seasons Rinaldo has just 8 goals and 16 assists in 223 games. His most significant impact comes in penalty minutes, where he has amassed 572 minutes in the box.

19. Kevan Miller

Returning from a significant shoulder injury, Kevan Miller has a shot at cracking the Bruins opening day roster, and GM Don Sweeney is hoping he can do so. “I think it’s been lost a little bit that Kevan Miller is coming back to our group because he’s been out for so long,” Sweeney said. “We’ve got young players that at some point in time have to recognize that a situation presents itself and take advantage of it.” Miller provided solid defense in 41 games last season for the Black and Gold, and if he’s healthy and takes the next step with his game, he could be a great asset for a young Boston defense.

18. Zach Trotman

The 24-year-old defenseman showed that he has what it takes to stay in the NHL last season. Trotman provided a strong defensive core when replacing Dougie Hamilton in 2014. Production could dip if Trotman is not once again placed alongside Zdeno Chara, but it seems like he is here to stay. He five points in his 27 games last year proved a solid start to an NHL career.

17. Matt Irwin

Irwin, signed this offseason to a one-year contract, is a candidate for a third-line spot on defense. The 6-foot-2 blueliner who tallied 19 points for the San Jose Sharks last season, may feel right at home with the Bruins. Irwin spent two seasons playing college hockey at UMass, and played for the AHL’s Worcester Sharks for two seasons once he went pro. Hopefully this unofficial “homecoming” can provide Irwin, and the defense with an extra spark this year!

16. Ryan Spooner

In just 29 NHL games last season, Spooner proved he has the talent to remain on the Bruins roster. In those few games he tallied a quick 18 points. This came following criticism from coach Claude Julien earlier in the year, when Spooner claimed he was “blocked on the depth chart” and that was why he didn’t crack last year’s opening roster. That seemed to have lit a fire and Ryan Spooner was able to contribute off the bench in 2014-15. He will need to work on his defensive zone faceoffs and earn the coaches’ trust to take on that responsibility.

15. Max Talbot

Max Talbot, a 10 year NHL veteran, is likely playing his last season in Boston. He should be a solid fourth-liner alongside Zac Rinaldo and Chris Kelly (assuming the team holds on to Kelly). Talbot will look to come out strong and post some big numbers in a contract year, hoping to cash in in next year’s free agency.

Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Dakota Sioux goaltender Zane Gothberg (31) makes a save against the Minnesota Gophers during the first period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

14. Backup Goaltender

We still don’t know who is going to be the backup to Tuukka Rask this season. My guess is that Zane McIntyre from the University of North Dakota will make the leap. The three candidates, Malcolm Subban, Jeremy Smith and Zane McIntyre have very little experience, and Subban is the only one with an NHL game in his records. Though McIntyre lacks NHL experience he worked closely with Bruins coach Bob Essena during the offseason. Malcolm Subban and Jeremy Smith may have been with the team longer, since McIntyre was playing at UND, but McIntyre has the ‘veteran’ experience having attended a total of six Bruins development camps. He comes in as the favorite, and it seems that unless the team signs a free agent veteran, it is McIntyre’s job to lose. If the backup goaltender can play just a bit better than Niklas Svedberg did last season, the Bruins should be in good shape.

13. David Pastrnak

Pastrnak quickly became a fan favorite last season when he racked up 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists) in 46 games. The now 19 year old brings flexibility to the Bruins lineup as he can play at both his right wing position as well as on the left side. If Pasta can avoid a sophomore slump, he’ll bring speed and a strong young presence to the Boston lineup.

12. Adam McQuaid

Following the trade of Dougie Hamilton, McQuaid signed a four-year extension in Boston, and will help solidify the Bruins’ defense with veterans Dennis Seidenberg and Zdeno Chara. His veteran presence will help to move along some of the young talent that the team has recently added. McQuaid may be paired with young blueliner Torey Krug, and this duo could be key to Boston’s defensive success.

11. Jimmy Hayes

Welcome home Jimmy! I may be a little biased here as I grew up playing sports in Dorchester with Jimmy’s younger brother Kevin (current New York Ranger forward), but I believe Hayes could make a big leap this season in production. He put 19 pucks in the back of the net last season with the Florida Panthers, but many believe that he could become an even bigger offensive presence. Hayes will certainly be used on the penalty kill, given his 6-foot-6 220 lbs frame, but could also be used on the man-advantage. Last season Hayes had four power play goals, as many as Bruins star Patrice Bergeron.

Mar 29, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins defensemen Torey Krug (47) skates with puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

10. Torey Krug

Our first spot in the Top 10 is another defenseman. With the absence of Hamilton, Torey Krug will need to step up and produce for the Black and Gold. Krug is playing on a second straight one-year deal, and he hopes that his play will lead to a long term deal in Boston. “For me, it’s about this year, showing your worth, your value. … It’s a big year for me. I want the stability for my family and obviously for my mental sake, sanity and everything. It would be great. But I’m very determined,” Krug recently said at an event for the 2016 Winter Classic. In his 160 NHL games, he has 81 points, a solid clip for a young defenseman  that is still figuring out his role on the NHL roster. If Krug can maintain his pace of improvement, he may become an X-factor for the Bruins going forward.

Feb 13, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

9. Dennis Seidenberg

Leadership. That is what makes Seidenberg so valuable on this year’s team. He will need to provide leadership to the young players that are rising to the top in Boston. The core of Seidenberg, McQuaid and Chara will be crucial to the team’s 2015-16 success. Solid play, and helping each teammate excel and progress will be the key role for this veteran blueliner.

8. Brett Connolly

Bruins fans never got a real chance to see what Connolly can add to the lineup. The big right-winger is not afraid to use his body to his advantage, and fits in with the usual Big Bad Bruins attitude. Connolly played only five games for Boston last season before being sidelined by injury, but his toughness and grit were clearly in line with his Boston teammates. In his 50 games between Boston and Tampa Bay in 2014-15, he posted 17 points, proving that his offense was there and that he can be a dependable offensive asset.

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7. Matt Beleskey

Matt Beleskey is the biggest name added to the Bruins roster this offseason. Beleskey is pegged to be a top scorer in the NHL, and Boston is hoping that those dreams come true. He netted 22 goals last season with the Ducks, far and away a career high, but many believe that he will consistently be a 20-25 goal scorer from now on. Boston is hoping that 2014 was a sign of things to come for Matt, and will likely have him on the second line.

6. Loui Eriksson

Eriksson has struggled to grab the adoration of Boston fans thus far. It would be difficult to build the fan base that young Tyler Seguin did, but the early Boston struggles have not helped Eriksson’s case. Last year though, Loui was able to turn things around. He contributed 47 points to a struggling Bruins team, and was one of the lone positives on the team. If Eriksson can maintain the pace he set for himself last season, his scoring will provide a boost and could help propel Boston back into the Eastern Conference hunt.

Mar 28, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) watches the puck during the first period against the New York Rangers at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

5. Tuukka Rask

We all know how important Tuukka’s paly is for the Boston Bruins. Rask’s play took a slight hit last season due to the lack of goaltending behind him. He played more games than he probably should have as Niklas Svedberg could not solidify his role in the net. Rask will be looking to return to his Vezina Trophy-like form in 2015-16 and help the Bruins become a force to be reckoned with once again.

Mar 29, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) shoots the puck during the first period against the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Zdeno Chara

Big Z remains a force on the Bruins top defensive line. Though he saw a dip in offensive production in 2014-15 (20 points in 63 games), Chara remains the captain, as the “C” on his chest states. His strong leadership and defensive mind will allow the younger Bruins core to improve and prosper. His guidance will be key to how the younger players perform towards the end of the season.

3. Brad Marchand

Pesky Brad Marchand will once again annoy his opponents. His chip-away mentality will prove to be helpful throughout the year, and will teach the newer players to stick in it even when the going gets rough. Last year Brad had 42 points in 77 games, a great pace for a top winger.

Oct 11, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Patrice Bergeron

Leadership and consistency. Patrice Bergeron remains one of the most consistent players in all of the NHL. He is always a top face-off center, and his offense helps him to remain a premiere talent in the league. With 23 goals and 32 assists last year, there is some room for improvement however. His role in face-offs, the penalty kill and the power play is what sets Bergeron apart though. Bergeron is optimistic about the new look Bruins team. “I have a lot of trust in Don and the management group. We brought in a bunch of guys that were excited to be here, want to be here and have a lot of talent as well…a lot of young guys as well with prospects and whatnot. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m excited.”

1. David Krejci

David Krejci needs to become the Bruins’ star. Following an injury-plagued 2014-15, he will be looking to return to his 2013 69-point form. If Krejci is able to become this big of an offensive power once again, the Boston Bruins should have no problems recertifying themselves as an Eastern Conference powerhouse. Let’s hope all the stars align and the Bruins could be 2016 Stanley Cup contenders!