The Boston Bruins have received several pleasant surprises this season. Brad Marchand is still writing a season high performance for scoring. The Bruins defensive core has fixed most of its problems, and the younger players have found a way to fit in with the veteran Bruins.
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Now the Black and Gold seem to be on the receiving end of another piece of good news. Veteran forward and alternate captain Chris Kelly is healing far ahead of schedule. Kelly is already on the ice and took his first practice with the team today. While this is certainly good new for the B’s, it raises one question: If Chris Kelly gets back in the lineup, who will Claude Julien sit?
There are several options. Claude Julien could fall back on his old routine in sitting the younger players. This means Noel Acciari could sit(and that would make some sense), or David Pastrnak(which wouldn’t). Julien has sat performing players in the past (which hurt the B’s last season).
Claude Julien could also use Kelly’s return as a way to discipline under performing players. The biggest offender on that list right now is Jimmy Hayes. Hayes production has fallen off, and Julien has already placed Hayes down on the fourth line. Giving the Pride of Dorchester a chance to step back could help him get back on track.
Brett Connolly could also find himself guarding the popcorn machine if his production doesn’t improve.
Claude Julien has had his share of hits and misses with his line combinations, so hopefully he finds the right chemistry in the right lines to help the Bruins succeed(Just don’t touch Patrice Bergeron’s line Claude!).
Granted, this could all be academic supposition. While Chris Kelly has made amazing progress, he may not be ready until the playoffs. If Kelly isn’t ready to go by the postseason, it might be in the best interests of the B’s just to sit him for the playoffs. Even off the ice, Kelly is a leader that can still contribute to the team.