Causeway Crowd
Fansided

Boston Bruins: Top 3 defensemen worth bringing in for PTO

By Matt Hawkins

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 27: Karl Alzner #27 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 27: Karl Alzner #27 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at the Bell Centre on February 27, 2020 in Montreal, Canada. The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Del Zotto #44 of the Anaheim Ducks skates in during a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in a preseason game at Honda Center on September 24, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Del Zotto #44 of the Anaheim Ducks skates in during a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in a preseason game at Honda Center on September 24, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. The Boston Bruins should bring in Michael Del Zotto for a PTO.

At 30 years old, Michael Del Zotto is the youngest defenseman on this list. Over 11 seasons in the NHL, Del Zotto has played in 657 games and scored 236 points — so he’s capable of bringing some offense to the team.

However, Del Zotto sometimes struggles defensively due to his questionable decision making. He often tries to do too much or tries to force a breakout pass leading to a chance against.

This has resulted in his career +/- being a -31 and his E+/- being -26.4. Additionally, because of his poor decision making, the once 20th-overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft has now been on six different teams.

Related Story. Boston Bruins: A Cheap Veteran Blue Line Free Agent Option. light

Although Del Zotto can royally mess up sometimes, when he doesn’t it can be a thing of beauty. Del Zotto last year had seemed to figure out his decision-making issue, as he recorded 15 points (two goals, 13 assists) with a +5 rating in 49 games with the Anaheim Ducks.

Furthermore, Del Zotto isn’t afraid to throw his body around, checking the opposition and blocking shots.

Overall, Del Zotto should be considered if depth is needed. He can bring some offense from the blueline but isn’t the best defensively and decision-making wise. He’s basically a cheaper John Moore, but can play 18+ minutes in a game if needed.

Home/Bruins News