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Bruins: Breaking down and analyzing Boston’s protected list

By Matt Hawkins

Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) looks to pass as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) looks on during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins center Trent Frederic (11) looks to pass as Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (55) looks on during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy
Jun 7, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) skates the puck during the third period of game five of the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensemen protected by the Bruins.

As previously stated, the B’s decided to protect three defensemen for the expansion draft. They are:

  • Charlie McAvoy – right defenseman
  • Matt Grzelcyk – left defenseman
  • Brandon Carlo – right defenseman

Reason for protection:

McAvoy:
McAvoy is the B’s top defenseman. He’s as obvious of a protection as Bergeron and Marchand if they didn’t have NMCs. No way he was being left exposed.

Grzelcyk:
Grzelcyk is Boston’s second-best defenseman, McAvoy defensive partner, and the quarterback for the Black and Gold’s first powerplay unit. Yet another very expected protection.

Carlo:
Although Carlo struggled a bit to stay healthy this season as he sustained multiple concussions, he’s still key piece to Boston’s defense and overall team. He holds down the team’s second D-pairing and kills penalties. Not as easy of a decision to protect like McAvoy and Grzelcyk, but still an expected decision.

Must Read. Boston Bruins: Solidifying The Blueline. light

Defensemen left exposed by the Bruins:

  • Jeremy Lauzon – left defenseman
  • Connor Clifton – right defenseman
  • Jakub Zboril – left defenseman

Reason for exposure:

Lauzon:
If Lauzon played just a bit better and didn’t get injured as much this season, he may have warranted a protection. However, he struggled in an increased role and broke his hand two times. His exposure also might have to do with how many forwards the B’s had to protect.

Clifton:
Clifton is in a similar situation to Lauzon. With so many injuries to Boston’s backend this season, Clifton was asked to play almost regularly. He struggled a bit and found his game during the playoffs but ultimately doesn’t warrant a protection over anyone that is protected.

Zboril:
Zboril is one of the three 2015 first-round picks. He started 2020-21 as the B’s third-pair left defenseman but ultimately was injured and lost his job after Mike Reilly was acquired at the deadline. Not to mention, he struggled a decent amount when he was healthy and in the lineup.

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