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3 Bruins Who Need to Rebound in 2021-22

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: Matt Grzelcyk #48 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)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: Matt Grzelcyk #48 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)
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Mar 3, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (48) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Grzelcyk

When Torey Krug left in free agency for the St. Louis Blues last October, many people thought despite Charlie McAvoy taking on a bigger role on the Boston defense, Matt Grzelcyk was most people’s choice to take over Krug spot on the power play.

Unfortunately for Grzelcyk, the 2020-21 season was won where he battled injuries and some inconsistent play. In 37 regular-season games, he had five goals and 15 assists with a plus/minus of plus-11. While Grzelcyk is not expected to put up big-time numbers, 15 assists in 37 games is not too bad.

Grzelcyk re-signed with the Black and Gold last October for a four-year, $14.75 million contract that carries a cap hit of $3.6 million a year. Not a bad deal for someone who ended up slotting next to McAvoy on the Bruins’ top pairing in the second half of the season.

The playoffs left a sour taste in Grzelcyk’s mouth as Game 6 against the New York Islanders is not something that should sit well with him. He had two second-period turnovers that led to New York goals that sank Boston. Assuming the Bruins protect him from the Seattle Kracken Expansion Draft and he’s not selected if left unprotected, Grzelyk having a better 2021-22 season is almost a must if the Bruins are going to be able to make another run at a championship.

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