Boston Bruins: Charlie Coyle expected to break-out in 2019

Who would you expect to be the Boston Bruins best player? Better yet, who would the players expect to make the biggest impression in the 2019-20 season?

Certainly, there are many Boston Bruins players on the roster who we expect to have another terrific season. Whether we are talking about Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak, Tuukka Rask, David Krejci or Torey Krug, all of them are relatively safe bets.

However, who exactly does the playing group see as most likely to breakthrough this year and show up in a big way?

Slightly surprisingly, it’s Charlie Coyle. Coyle came to Boston last February in a trade deadline deal with the Minnesota Wild. Mainly in the playoffs after some early struggles, Coyle shone for the Boston Bruins. His three goals in the Stanley Cup Final cannot be overlooked. Coyle is now entering the final year of a five-year contract worth $3.2 million per season.

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In the recent poll made by The Athletic (subscription required), 8 out of 12 Bruins’ players picked Charlie Coyle as their favorite to shine during the upcoming season. Well, only 11 players made their pick. “I don’t know. I don’t follow. I’m just trying to get myself in shape. I really haven’t looked that much. I’m the wrong guy to ask. Sorry,” said Tuukka Rask. Of course.

“Coyle’s a great player. He’s dialled in this year. He looks incredible. From the first day of camp until now, he’s been by far the best player. He’s just dominating in every area right now,” reacted Brad Marchand. Patrice Bergeron said it even without seeing Coyle’s play in the away games during the pre-season action.

“Yeah, 100 percent (Coyle’s) looking amazing right now. He’s having a great camp and obviously we didn’t see him last season in the beginning, but he looks like he’s ready to go, and hopefully, he can keep it up,” stated Pastrnak. Danton Heinen, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Jake Debrusk, and Boston Bruins captain, Zdeno Chara all picked Coyle as well.

Krug chose Connor Clifton, and himself. Steven Kampfer decided to go with Brad Marchand, while Grzelcyk voted for Czech winger, David Pastrnak. However, the majority of the Boston Bruins’ prime core of the top players went with the Charlie Coyle selection.

When guys as Marchand, Bergeron, Chara or any other teammate, expect you to have a breakout season, and you are entering your contract year, that’s a heck lot of pressure for the 28-year-old center.

Nevertheless, at least in the preseason, Coyle’s confidence goes up with every minute of ice-time. Last year, he was a great addition to the Bruins. This year, they are going to have him right from the start. Will it make a difference?