Boston Bruins: Top 3 players who will breakout in 2021
By Matt Hawkins
![BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 19: Matt Grzelcyk #48 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders during the third period at TD Garden on December 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 19: Matt Grzelcyk #48 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Islanders during the third period at TD Garden on December 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5dbeca0ee6cc24892e8e40cba3451385a95543c635e52ca222b8a6588a458a3a.jpg)
1. Matt Grzelcyk could break out for the Boston Bruins in 2021.
Poised to take over top powerplay unit duties with Krug signing with the Blues, we could see great numbers from Matt Grzelcyk in 2021.
After having a very good third full season in the NHL in which he set career-highs in games played (68), goals (four), assists (17), and points (21), Grzelcyk seems destined to be even better this year.
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Along with manning the point of the Bruins’ top powerplay unit, Grizz seems likely to be given the responsibility of playing alongside Charlie McAvoy on the team’s top defensive pairing.
Even if Chara does return, it seems very unlikely he’ll be playing the minutes we’re used to him playing. Because of this, we could see Grzelcyk’s ice time jump up from around 18 minutes a game to 20+ minutes a game.
With the additional ice time from the first powerplay unit and the first defensive pairing, Grizz’s offensive production is bound to increase. His possession numbers show he has the ability to drive and control the play, which should result in points.
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I would not be surprised if we see Grzelcyk put up a season this year where he’s on pace for 35+ points in a normal 82-game schedule.