Boston Bruins: Who will be the breakout player this season?
Every season, a team has a player that completely passes all expectations. The Boston Bruins are no exception.
Last season, I would argue it was Charlie McAvoy. So many questions surrounded the young defenseman, who was forced to be the No. 1 man on the blue line at just 23 years old. McAvoy not only became the leader of the defense, but was a Norris Trophy contender. He certainly answered the bell and then some, turning into one of the most dominant defensemen in the league.
For this upcoming season, there are a number of candidates who could be the breakout star for the Bruins. With a number of new faces, they all have something to prove in their first season in the black and gold. But there are also some returners whose future could be in jeopardy if they don’t step up their game.
Let’s take a look at some of the potential breakout candidates.
Taylor Hall picks up the offensive production with Krejci gone
When Taylor Hall was acquired by the Bruins at the trade deadline last season, he was brought in to be the second line left wing to provide secondary scoring. He answered with 14 points in 16 regular season games and re-signed for four years to stay with the B’s.
That’s the reason why Boston is such a good fit for Hall is because he’s not relied on to be the top guy. Heck, he doesn’t really need to be a top-three guy. The expectations and pressure is off him playing on the second line, where it looks like he’ll play opposite Craig Smith, with either Jack Studnicka or Charlie Coyle down the middle.
Would Hall be more effective this year if David Krejci was still on the team? Yeah, probably. Hall might take a hit with his 5-on-5 numbers, but he’s slotted on the top power play unit. He should rack up a good amount of points playing with the top Boston players. It would be a big win for the Bruins if Hall could be a 60-point scorer, replacing Krejci’s production.
Jake DeBrusk takes a major leap forward in a contract year
If there is any Bruin that desperately needs a breakout season, it’s Jake DeBrusk.
The first round pick from 2015 had a career-low year last season. He was demoted off the second line, constantly brought up in trade rumors and even was healthy scratched on multiple occasions. The year couldn’t have gone much worse for DeBrusk, who recorded just five goals and 14 points in 41 games.
The good news is things can only (hopefully) go up for DeBrusk. Bruce Cassidy has seen what DeBrusk is capable of. He can be the spark plug, using his speed to get in on the forecheck and drive to the net. It’s what made him so effective in the Bruins’ playoff runs in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
If DeBrusk can get back to his formal self and provide scoring depth on the third line, it will be beneficial to both the Bruins and DeBrusk. He’s looked strong so far in the preseason, but it is just the preseason. He needs to prove it in the regular season.
Jeremy Swayman becomes the Bruins’ No. 1 goaltender
This is not at all a knock on Linus Ullmark. I mean, he probably could make this list as a potential breakout star for Boston. But Bruins fans have seen what Jeremy Swayman is capable of. A 1.50 GAA and a .945 save% at the NHL level over 10 games. It’s relatively small sample size, but it’s still a sample.
Ullmark will be the No. 1 starter to kick off the season. But the way Cassidy dictates his goaltenders could ride on the shoulders of Swayman. If the youngster plays lights out, he’s going to force his way into more starts. Cassidy hasn’t shied away from a two-goalie system in the past, and this year shouldn’t be an exception.
A real big win would be if Swayman overtakes Ullmark as the No. 1 goalie. The Bruins will have their goalie of the future, and a reliable backup that could either split time with Swayman or take a back seat as Cassidy rides the hot hand. Ullmark, despite just signing a four-year deal, could even be used as trade bait if it gets to that point.
The first step is for Swayman to prove what he flashed last season wasn’t a fluke. After that, if the Alaskan can keep developing, this year can be a big stepping stone for the goaltender.
Jack Studnicka solidifies a center role for the Bruins
With the loss of Krejci this offseason, the Bruins are in a big need of a second-line center. They also desperately need one of their forward prospects to take the next step and become a full-time NHLer.
They could kill two birds with one stone if Jack Studnicka proves to be that guy. He’s already filled the second-line role this preseason with Charlie Coyle getting back from an injury. Studnicka could keep that role, as Coyle is more suited for the third-line center role.
The second-round pick from 2017 bulked up this offseason, adding on 15 pounds and it’s noticeable during the preseason. He got 20 games at the NHL level last season, so he’s had a taste of what it takes to play in the show.
Most likely, Coyle will get the second line spot to start the season and the third line is building chemistry with Erik Haula centering it. But if Studnicka gets hot, the Bruins should consider putting him on the second line and bump Coyle down.
Erik Haula proves to be the best addition this offseason
Speaking of Erik Haula, the 30-year-old Finnish forward has looked impressive in the black and gold, centering the third line with DeBrusk and Nick Foligno.
Haula is a versatile, offensive player. He has played both center and left wing before. His production has bounced all over and part of the reason why Boston is his fifth team in the last five years.
It’s highly unlikely Haula recreates his 55-point season he did in 2017-18 with the Vegas Golden Knights, the only season Haula registered more than 40 points. At the very least, Haula should provide at least 30 points this season.
In order for him to be a big breakout star, a 40-point season would have to be in play for the forward. He’s done it before, can he do it again with his first season in Boston?
Next. The importance of the Bruins' third line. dark