Boston Bruins Announce Multiple Roster Transactions

With the regular season looming, the Boston Bruins are looking to cut their roster down. Sunday marked the first day that the team made their first roster transactions to do so.

Per the team’s official website:

"“Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today, October 2, that the team has made the following transactions to its 2016 Training Camp roster: forwards Anton Blidh, Colby Cave, Peter Cehlarik, Colton Hargrove, Justin Hickman , defensemen Linus Arnesson, Matt Grzelcyk and goaltenders Zane McIntyre and Dan Vladar have been assigned to the Providence Bruins; forwards Jesse Gabrielle, Zach Senyshyn, and defensemen Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub Zboril have been returned to their Junior teams; forwards Mark Naclerio, A.J. White, defensemen Josh Atkinson, Chris Breen, Alex Roach, and goaltender Matt Ginn have been released from the Boston Bruins Training Camp and will join the Providence Bruins Training Camp; forward Peter Mueller has been released from his Professional Tryout Agreement; defensemen Chris Casto, Tommy Cross and Alex Grant have been placed on waivers for the purpose of reassignment.”"

Some Surprises, but Most Expected

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Some of the names on that list come as no surprise, while some are more intriguing. Peter Mueller showed some solid NHL-ability in his brief tryout with the team but ultimately failed to make the roster. While Mueller didn’t catch on in Boston, he may have made enough of an impression for another team. At just 28-years-old, the Minnesota-native is just looking to find his way back into the league.

While both Jakub Zboril and Zach Senyshyn failed to make the club, Jake DeBrusk is receiving an extended look. Those three will forever be linked, given the circumstances in which they were drafted. In 2015, the Bruins selected Zboril, DeBrusk, and Senyshyn with three consecutive first-round picks. DeBrusk has had a solid preseason so far and could earn a brief tryout to start the season. With Frank Vatrano out to start the year and the Bruins missing on Jimmy Vesey this summer, there’s definitely room for the for the 19-year-old to impress.

Making Some Tough Calls

As it stands, the Bruins do need to figure out which lines work and don’t work, this far into camp. There are quite a few players auditioning for a full-time roster spot with Boston this year, but there are only so many players who can actually make the cut. As it stands, one player looks all but guaranteed a spot at this point.

After a strong showing in three preseason games so far this year, Danton Heinen has likely earned himself a roster spot. When Heinen left the University of Denver early to sign his contract, he did so with the intention of making the team, and not playing in the AHL. If he continues to impress at the level he has so far, there’s no reason to think he can’t achieve his goal.

Next: Danton Heinen Shining in Preseason

The Bruins next preseason game comes at home against the rivaled Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 4. That game will be the first time some players get a chance to play in the long-time rivalry. Though that rivalry may have become less of a factor in recent years, it’s still a series that most Bruins fans circle on their calendar every year.

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