Boston Bruins: 5 bold predictions for the 2021 season

TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 09: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an Eastern Conference Round Robin game during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 09, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - AUGUST 09: Braden Holtby #70 of the Washington Capitals makes a save against David Pastrnak #88 of the Boston Bruins during the first period in an Eastern Conference Round Robin game during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on August 09, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
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Aug 13, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) blocks the shot of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele (13) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) blocks the shot of Carolina Hurricanes left wing Warren Foegele (13) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

3. Boston Bruins losing scenario – One of Tuukka Rask or David Krejci is traded.

The Eastern Division is insanely stacked. The Boston Bruins are coming into this season with debatably one of the thinnest rosters they’ve had in years. A lack of secondary scoring and defensive depth threatens as two potential pitfalls for this Bruins team.

There are several impending UFAs that could be on the trade block if the Eastern Division becomes too much to handle for the Boston Bruins. Specifically, there are two big names that could bring in serious returns if Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office turn towards the future.

Tuukka Rask is always an interesting debate for the Boston Bruins faithful. Love him or hate him, he’s one of the best in the league at his job and that is keeping the puck out of the net. I expect a massive haul if the Vezina winner is to be traded to a goaltender-needy team.

David Krejci is another interesting case. The veteran center has yet to fall off and would be an inciting depth center for a competitive team looking to make a deep run.

2. Boston Bruins winning scenario – Don Sweeney goes all in.

Don Sweeney has yet to make a big swing to put the Boston Bruins over the top in a potential cup run. Sweeney has made some nice depth deals and prioritizes term. This year though he has to see 2021 as a potential ‘Last Dance‘ for this Bruins team.

Could Boston Bruins fans cries for a competent second line RW for David Krejci finally come to fruition? Kyle Palmieri has been on the Bruins radar for a while and should be available from a New jersey Devils team that doesn’t look ready to compete anytime soon.

Defensive depth is another area the Boston Bruins should look to improve, especially on the left side. Alec Martinez or Alexander Edler could be great options to take some of the pressure off the young guys.