It’s been almost two months since you last screamed at your TV over the Boston Bruins’ on-ice issues.
And we’re talking very specific gripes. “Clear the puck!” “Hit someone!” “Pucks in deep!“ “Would you do something about this Florida forecheck?!” Not to mention, the way they built the roster in the first place. Some center help, please?
Well, the Bruins have emerged from the first wave of NHL free agency a better team, and they improved in those same areas that had fans eventually throwing trash on the ice at TD Garden. OK, that was because of the officiating, but still.
The signing of veteran do-it-all centerman Elias Lindholm (seven years, $7.75 million AAV) was the no-brainer of all no-brainers, a move over a year in the making, never mind the fact that he alone addressed multiple glaring problems. But they’ve also made other forward additions and a huge one (literally) on the back end that will help, too.
Here’s a closer look at how the Bruins’ recent additions, by both free agency and trade, worked toward solving some of their biggest problems in recent seasons…
Center Depth
![Elias Lindholm signed with the Boston Bruins at the start of NHL free agency.](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/07/Elias-Lindholm-Canucks-white-jersey_1719958521_.jpg?resize=1024,774)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 08: Elias Lindholm #23 of the Vancouver Canucks warms up prior to a game against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on February 8, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
The Bruins’ succession plan for Patrice Bergeron had a one-year gap. Lindholm is the clear, true successor for No. 37, and a worthy one.
Lindholm clearly becomes the Bruins’ new No. 1 center, even if he may be best suited as a strong No. 2 on a true Stanley Cup contender. But in Boston, he’s the top dog. And, as Ty Anderson and I discussed on the latest episode of the Sports Hub Underground (listen above), it’s not a simple plug-and-play situation, but a domino effect.
Installing Lindholm as the top center next to David Pastrnak will allow Pavel Zacha to slide over to left wing, where the added burdens of playing in the middle are lifted off his shoulders. Zacha has arguably been at his best when playing LW, as he did next to David Krejci for most of the 2022-23 season.
This also slides Charlie Coyle and captain Brad Marchand down to second-line duties. Coyle scored a career-best 25 goals and 60 points in a major role for the B’s last season, and should now draw easier matchups as a clear No. 2 option, while continuing to kill penalties and deliver a strong possession game.