Now that the four-game preseason slate is over, it's time for the NHL's 84-game regular season to begin. For the Boston Bruins, that begins on on Tuesday night at the TD Garden against the New York Rangers.
All that is between the season opener and the Bruins is the final few roster cuts for second-year head coach Marco Sturm, his staff, and Boston's front office. Those decisions are going to be made in the coming days, but before they are made, here is Causeway Crowd's final prediction for Opening Night.
Forwards
- JJ Perterka-Elias Lindholm-David Pastrnak
- Morgan Geekie-Pavel Zacha-Casey Mittlestadt
- Marat Khusnutdinov-Fraser Minten-James Hagens
- Tanner Jennot-Sean Kuraly-Mark Kastelic
Extras: Matthew Poitras, Mikey Eyssimont
There is really no debate with the top-nine; it's James Hagens time. Keeping the "Kid Line" together makes sense for Sturm. However, one player who has not looked great in preseason games is veteran Sean Kuraly. You can make the case that Matthew Poitras has looked better, but an injury has put him on a setback.
When it comes to the top six, it's just a matter of where the pieces are going to fit in the top six, whether it's on the wing or down the middle. Other than an injury, that is set in stone.
Defensemen
- Nikita Zadorov-Will Borgen
- Hampus Lindholm-Mason Lohrei
- Frederic Brunet-Connor Clifton
Extras: Jonathan Aspirot, Charlie McAvoy (suspended)
As far as the defense goes, Charlie McAvoy being suspended for the first six games is certainly a blow, but it opens up a roster spot for someone. Who that someone is remains to be seen, but one player who has made a serious case to not only break camp on the roster but also start against the Rangers is Frederic Brunet. He has been very good in his preseason games.
Keeping Henri Jokiharju and Aspirot over Brunet, where Brunet needs waivers to get to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Bruins, makes little sense if that is the route the Black and Gold go. Jokiharju has not earned a spot on this roster over Brunet. As for the rest of the roster on the back end, the biggest questions will be when McAvoy is eligible to return and who will be the odd man out.
Goalies
- Jeremy Swayman
- Michael DiPietro
There were very few questions as to who would be Jeremy Swayman's backup going into camp. Michael DiPietro has taken the bull by the horns and played very well. He looked very good in Sunday night's shootout win over the Washington Capitals and in Thursday's 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Boston appears to be set in goal in 2026-27.
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