Boston Bruins release Teddy Purcell from professional tryout

If the former 20+ goal scorer is going to play in the NHL this season, it won’t be with the Boston Bruins.

It has been announced by the Boston Bruins that Teddy Purcell has been released from his professional tryout with the organization. The 32 year old forward, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, and Los Angeles Kings, will need to find a new landing spot if he wishes to continue his NHL career.

Last season, Purcell played 12 games in the NHL with the Kings and 38 games with their AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign. While in Ontario, he scored 10 goals and added 28 assists, for a point-per-game average. However, in his 12 NHL games, he accumulated only 2 assists.

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Ever since Purcell put up back-to-back 50+ point seasons in a Lightning uniform (2010-2011, 51 points; 2011-2012, 65 points), his production has dipped. While he still recorded double-digit goals the following four seasons, his point-per-game total steadily declined.

While Purcell didn’t necessarily appear to perform poorly during his preseason time with the Bruins, he also didn’t exactly stand-out on the ice. On a PTO, especially on a team that is stacked with young talent, Purcell would have likely needed to dominate during the preseason to earn a roster spot.

It would have been incredibly hard to justify slotting Purcell in the Bruins lineup over young players like Anders Bjork, Jake DeBrusk, Riley Nash, Noel Acciari, and the like. The game is getting younger and faster, and the Bruins need every fresh set of legs they can get to keep up with the trend.

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I would imagine that Purcell will find himself playing somewhere this season. Perhaps a team that finds themselves hit by the injury bug will need his services. Maybe an AHL team that needs a veteran presence will come calling. He can still play, so there will be some doors open.