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Boston Bruins: 3 Early Season Surprises in 2021

By Scott Roche

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jeremy Lauzon #79 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Jeremy Lauzon #79 of the Boston Bruins waits for a face off during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils on December 31, 2019 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /
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Boston Bruins Jeremy Lauzon
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Jeremy Lauzon #79 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2020 in New York City. The Bruins defeated the Rangers 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Jeremy Lauzon

Over the last two seasons, Jeremy Lauzon has played in 35 games as an injury replacement for the Bruins on the blue line, but this season, he has worked his way up with McAvoy on the top pairing.

Averaging 19:54 a night, Lauzon has been the more stay at home defensemen while McAvoy has become more involved in the offense. Another 2015 draft pick, 52nd overall in the second round, Lauzon has seen his time increase in the last two games last week when he cracked the 20-minute mark in both victories against the Flyers.

Lauzon’s skill is improving this season and he is gaining confidence each night, which has allowed Cassidy to play him in certain situations, like on the penalty kill. He is not going to find himself on the scoresheet too often, but he is filling Chara’s role with McAvoy better than the Bruins had hoped before the season.

There are other surprises that could have been on this list. Connor Clifton has been good in the six games he played for Grzelcyk, while Trent Frederic had an impressive start to the season and has worked his way to the third line because of injuries.

light. More. Bruins: David Pastrnak names NHL 1st star of the week

Losing the power play quarterback in Krug and a future Hall of Famer in Chara are big shoes to fill, but so far, the Bruins young guys have filled and done a pretty good job early in the 2021 season.

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