Thoughts on the Bruins’ opening night roster, projected lines

On Tuesday, the Boston Bruins announced their opening night roster.

The Bruins will carry with them 12 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders, giving them an even 21 players on the active roster.

Their forwards are: John Beecher, Charlie Coyle, Jake DeBrusk, Trent Frederic, Morgan Geekie, Jakub Lauko, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Matthew Poitras, James van Riemsdyk, and  Pavel Zacha.

According to the team’s X account, they have also recalled Patrick Brown, but a corresponding move has yet to be announced.

Analysis
The first thing that springs to mind when looking at this forward groups is the fact that Matthew Poitras made the team. After the preseason he put together, it’s not entirely surprising, but where he is playing is another debate to be had now.

The second thing of note was a player that surprised me, well actually two: John Beecher and Jakub Lauko. Neither player actually blew anyone out of the water with their performances in the preseason, but Lauko does have the NHL experience to back up his case.

Beecher beat out, presumably, Jesper Boqvist who was battling for a fourth-line center job. Given his history with the organization, that is probably what pushed him over the newcomer from the New Jersey Devils.

Projected Lines (just guesses):
Jake DeBrusk-Charlie Coyle-James van Riemsdyk
Brad Marchand-Pavel Zacha-David Pastrnak
Milan Lucic-Matthew Poitras-Morgan Geekie
Jakub Lauko-John Beecher-Trent Frederic