The Providence Bruins have been the picture of consistency over the past four regular seasons, dominating the league with winning percentages of .681, .646, .625, and last season, an impressive .764. The Baby Bruins looked like a formidable force last season with a lineup chock full of players who could be making a case for the NHL roster, but the team sputtered in the playoffs.
It's been a disturbing trend for the Bruins' AHL affiliate: all that regular-season success over the past four seasons has led to four straight first-round losses. Several factors contribute to this, chief among them players moving to the NHL and disrupting team flow. However, it would've been nice to see Boston's prospects make one run at a Calder Cup.
One prevailing thought about those Providence teams is that Ryan Mougenel wasn’t ready for the bright lights once the postseason came around. While that narrative might've been a bit overblown, it isn't surprising that the organization went in a different direction after all the playoff failures, which means Trent Whitfield will be the man tasked with getting the prospects over the hump.
Whitfield won't be the only one trying to help the team's flailing development scheme. Ryan Bourque's hiring last season was the first step in bolstering the staff, while the organization also added Ryan Ward this past offseason. The team hopes that they'll be a good mix of helping the AHL club compete while getting the prospects ready for the next level.
Projecting the Providence Bruins roster
The Providence blueline could be the team's strength if Henri Jokiharju passes through waivers, despite the big loss of Frederic Brunet. With Jokiharju, Jordan Harris, Ty Gallagher, and Billy Sweezey, the team has an experienced back end to support Loke Johansson and Max Wanner.
Boston's roster situation could also land the team another good defenseman, depending on the direction they go once Charlie McAvoy returns from suspension. A trade could materialize, but if not, we could see a player like Jonathan Aspirot pass through waivers. With all his AHL experience, that would be a massive name to return to Providence.
The team’s first line could be an NHL-hopeful trio of Lukas Reichel, Dans Locmelis, and Alex Steeves. Locmelis came close to making the NHL roster, and might’ve if there weren’t some veterans blocking his path. The organization will want to see him anchor the top line in the AHL for a while, hoping that extra development will make him even better once he lands in Boston.
Last season's captain of the Cleveland Monsters, Brendan Gaunce, will be a strong addition to Providence's middle six. The Bruins will have some wingers to choose from for his flanks, but Attilio Biasca and Riley Duran could get the nod, according to a projection from AHL writer Mark Allred.
In goal, Simon Zajicek will get the chance to be the No. 1 option after splitting time with Michael DiPietro last season. Jiri Patera will be a capable backup.
Zajicek's 14-6-1 record, 2.44 goals-against average, and .915 save percentage last season make him intriguing to watch in what is becoming a bit of a goaltender factory in Providence.
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