3. Jakub Zboril will need an impressive training camp to make the Boston Bruins’ 2021 opening night roster.
A former 13th overall pick by Boston, Zboril has just two NHL games to his name. Being one of the three first-round picks by the Black and Gold in 2015, it has taken him a bit longer than most have hoped for Zboril to find his way to the NHL.
But with a spot open on the left side of the B’s defense, Zboril could finally break the roster and lineup consistently in 2021. But he’ll have to battle the previously mentioned Miller and Vaakanainen in training camp to win the spot.
Although he hasn’t shown it during his time in the AHL, Zboril has some offensive potential. Over the course of his 144 games in the QMJHL, Zboril registered 28 goals and 66 assists for 94 points — a 0.65 points per game pace.
In the AHL, Zboril has seemed more concerned with his defensive game as he has taken far fewer penalties and has a higher +/- while scoring 37 fewer points in 38 more games.
Zboril actually has a lower points per game than Vaakanainen does in the AHL. However, if Zboril can find the offensive touch that he had in juniors, he could be a much more effective defenseman than Vaakanainen.
Because of the upside that Zboril possesses in the O-zone, I think he has a slight edge over Vaakanainen to make the opening night roster.