Bruins make first round of cuts from training camp

It’s beginning to look a lot more like an NHL camp for the Boston Bruins, who made their first round of cuts from their training camp roster on Wednesday night, with over 15 players reassigned by the team.

These cuts didn’t exactly answer any of the Bruins’ pressing roster issues, and more so gave the P-Bruins some bodies ahead of their camp opening next week, and returned some of the team’s CHL players back to their junior teams after a week of NHL camp experience for the group.

Up front, the team announced that forwards Joey Abate, Samuel Asselin, Justin Brazeau, J.D. Greenway, Curtis Hall, Georgii Merkulov, Luke Toporowski, Eduards Tralmaks, and Alex-Olivier Voyer were assigned to Providence for the start of P-Bruins camp.

There was some stuff to like from numerous players in that group through their week-long run in Bruins camp. Toporowski was especially noticeable as an energetic forechecking presence for the Bruins. Originally signed to an AHL-only deal, his progress will certainly be worth watching, as his progress could lead him towards a standard NHL contract sooner than later.

Merkulov was also noticeable, and had a near-goal in Tuesday’s overtime win over the Rangers. The ex-Ohio State standout is expected to play in a top-six role for the P-Bruins in 2022-23.

One player who probably deserved a longer look? Eduards Tralmaks. But unfortunately for the 6-foot-4 Latvian forward, who put up 14 goals and 27 points in 51 games with Providence last year, a lower-body injury in a scrimmage last Saturday took him out of action. It’s an injury that’s expected to keep him on the shelf for at least four weeks, according to the Bruins.

On the blue line, P-Bruins captain Josiah Didier was assigned to Providence along with Jacob Wilson.

Didier, who has been with the P-Bruins since 2019, has appeared in 113 games with the organization, and is entering his second season as Providence’s captain. Wilson, meanwhile, will join the P-Bruins for his first full pro season after a four-year career with Arizona State University. Wilson made a two-game cameo for the P-Bruins last year following the conclusion of the Sun Devils’ season.

And in net, the Black and Gold assigned netminders Brandon Bussi and Francois Brassard to the minors. Neither player got into action during their two-game preseason ride with the club.

On the junior front, the Bruins assigned 2022 second-round pick Matthew Poitras to the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League. Poitras was the last junior player hanging around in Boston’s camp. The 5-foot-11 center put up 21 goals and 50 points in 68 games with the Storm last season.

The team has also assigned defensemen Frederic Brunet, Jackson Edward, and Ryan Mast to their respective junior squads. For Brunet, that’s a reassignment to Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), while Mast will report to the Sarnia Sting, and Edward to the London Knights.