NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Johnny Boychuk, D (Trade with the Colorado Avalanche)
Michael Ryder, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Montreal Canadiens)
Blake Wheeler, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Stephane Yelle, C (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Calgary Flames)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Alex Auld, G (Signed as a free agent with the Ottawa Senators)
Jeff Hoggan, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Glen Metropolit, C (Signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers)
Glen Murray, RW (Buyout)
2007-08 Season Finish: 3rd Northeast Division, 8th Eastern Conference, 94 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Lost 4-3 to Montreal Canadiens in Quarterfinals
2008-09 Season Prediction: 2nd Northeast Division, 6th Eastern Conference
The Boston Bruins look to be a much improved team this coming season over last season after losing in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens in the 1st round of the 2007 playoffs. The Bruins have several young players who could see breakout seasons in 2008-09. Milan Lucic, Phil Kessel, Chuck Kobasew, and David Krejci will look to improve their offensive production and land a spot on one of the Bruins' top two lines. Boston's offense will gain a much needed boost this season when Patrice Bergeron returns, who missed most of last season with a concussion. Newcomer Michael Ryder, who struggled offensively last season with Montreal, will look to improve his game this season with a younger supporting cast. Other veterans returning include Marco Sturm, Marc Savard, Peter Schaefer, Shawn Thornton, and the oft rumoured-to-be-traded P.J. Axelsson. The Bruins have a bright future on offense with prospects Zach Hamill, Matt Marquardt, Petteri Nokelainen, Vladimir Sobotka, Nate Thompson, and Blake Wheeler, who declined a contract with Phoenix and signed with Boston, all looking to make a spot on the team this season. While the Bruins have plenty of good, young offensive talent, they could probably use one or two more veteran forwards to help mentor the young players. The Bruins lost some veteran leadership in Glen Murray after buying out the final year of his contract, but his declining production was not helping the team offensively.
***UPDATE***
The Boston Bruins signed center Stephane Yelle on September 3 to a one year contract worth $750,000. He should provide good experience and depth to a young Bruins team on either the 3rd or 4th line.
The Bruins' defense looks to be stronger next season. Team captain Zdeno Chara, who enjoyed a career year last season and a Norris Trophy nomination as top defenseman, provides Boston's defense with a wealth of experience and toughness. Dennis Wideman, who signed a four year deal over the summer, will look to improve on his career season last year. His gritty play and ability to score goals will make him an important part of Boston's defense for years to come. Andrew Ference, Aaron Ward, Mark Stuart, Andrew Alberts, and Shane Hnidy also bring plenty of physical play to the Bruins' blueline. The Bruins have plenty of defensive prospects who will look to make the team at training camp, including Matt Lashoff, Matt Hunwick, Adam McQuaid, and newcomer Johnny Boychuk. While Boston has plenty of physical defensemen, they could use at least one more offensive defenseman to compliment Chara's and Wideman's offensive abilities.
Manny Fernandez and Tim Thomas will be the Bruin's two goaltenders next season. With two potential starting goaltenders as their tandem next season, the Bruins have a lot of depth and experience in goal. If Thomas ends up becoming the starting goaltender, it could create problems with Fernandez, who does not like to have competition for the starter's role. If Fernandez loses the starter's role, he could become an unneeded distraction to the team, much like Ray Emery with Ottawa during the 2007-08 season. Tuukka Rask, tabbed as the Bruins goalie of the future, will likely play the season in the minors unless there is an injury to Thomas or Fernandez.
STRENGTHS
- Plenty of offensive prospects ensure the Bruins will be a competitive team for years to come.
- Very physical defense.
- Lots of goaltending depth.
WEAKNESSES
- Could use one or two more veteran forwards for depth and experience.
- Need more offense on their defense.
- Fernandez could become a distraction if he doesn't get the starter's role.
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