Boston Bruins players to watch this season
As we start another NHL season, here are a few of the Boston Bruins players to watch this year, according to Scaz, producer of the night show with Joe Murray.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
1. Pavel Zacha
Zacha was acquired by the Bruins in a trade with the New Jersey Devils last year, he played in all 82 games last season, posting 57 points with 21 goals and 36 assists. Zacha is a player the Bruins are going to lean on more this season with the retirement of Bergeron, Krejci and Tyler Bertuzzi signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Zacha should also see more power play time this season and I expect him to capitalize on it. Zacha has proven he’s a solid two way player and the Bruins will rely on him in all areas again this season.
Oct 2, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jeremy Swayman
Swayman, a fourth round pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft, has quickly flown through the Bruins system and made an impact at the NHL level the last two years. Swayman has started 82 games in his career, posting a 54-23-7 record with a 2.24 GAA and a .920 save percentage. Linus Ullmark still appears to be the Bruins’ starting goalie, but they’ll platoon the job, and I expect Swayman to be the better of the two this season. With the Bruins relying on him down the stretch. Swayman recently reached an
arbitration deal with the Bruins and if things go well this season I expect the Bruins to approach him for a contract extension.
Mar 23, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) reacts after scoring during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jake DeBrusk
DeBrusk has been one of the more polarizing
Bruins of the last few seasons after being drafted 14th overall by the Bruins in 2015. DeBrusk is coming off a 50 point season in which he played 64 games. With the loss of Bergeron, Krejci and Bertuzzi, DeBrusk is going to need to raise his all around game and I believe he’s up for the task. I expect DeBrusk to get more power play time as well so he’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase his ability. The Bruins and DeBrusk have been engaged in contract talks during the off-season with nothing coming to fruition yet but I’m hopeful they can get something done. The Bruins will need DeBrusk to step up this season if they’re going to make a playoff run.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 05: Matthew Poitras #51 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
4. Matthew Poitras
Poitras was the most talked about player in the preseason, impressing in every situation he was tossed into. New Bruins captain Brad Marchand like the rest of us has been impressed with Poitras from the start of camp. “I really like him. He’s a really good kid,” Marchand said. “He just seems like he’s never under pressure. The game doesn’t move too fast for him. … He has all the attributes to be a great player in this league, and we’ll see how it plays out.” People expecting Poitras to be Patrice Bergeron’s replacement are probably putting a little too much on the rookie’s shoulders, but Poitras will be a key piece in rebuilding the Bruins and I expect him to make an immediate impact at the NHL level.
James Scaramozzino is the producer of the Joe Murray show weeknights on the Sports Hub. James is a graduate of Bridgewater State University and the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. An avid sports fan who was always obsessed with sports radio, he started on the Sports Hub’s street team. Then started working overnights at the station and filling in on any show that needed him. James has produced Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots games to go along with filling in producing every show on the station when needed. James writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.
