It’s safe to say that the 2018 Boston Bruins were overachievers. A club that finished with 112 points and witnessed the development of promising young players. In this post, we’ll examine what steps the Bruins need to make this offseason going forward.
What The Bruins Need To Do Going Forward In 2018/19
In all sports age and health is a major issue for every a group. Veterans defended Zdeno Chara is signed for one more year. Adam McQuaid is also under contract for three more years. The club needs to redefine Charas role and come to terms with McQuaid status Rookie Charlie Mcavoy made great strides in 2018 and should be a strong candidate for NHL Rookie of the Year honours. Second _year player Brandon Carlo despite being injured in the playoffs has also NHL potential. Sweeney must also consider if Torey Krug and Kevan Miller will be a part of the team’s plans in the future. Krug who is excellent on offence is routinely criticized in Boston for his defensive style of play.
NHL Free Agents 2018;
As far as the 2018 free agent market does not expect the Bruins to be very active .. Currently, the club is already committed to veterans David Krejci and David Backes for the upcoming season Both players have the Bruins committed for 73 million dollars. Two quality defenseman on the market is Arizona’s Kevin ConnautonanPhiladelphia’s, Brandon Manning. Connauton played in 73 games and is only 27. Manning is 28 and played in 65 games. Both are young and durable and have a cap hit of 1,000,000 dollars each either one would be a nice centrepiece to add to your defensive pairings.
NHL Draft;
If the Bruins have been doing one thing right, it’s been drafting. Youngsters Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and Charlie Mcavoy are bona fide NHL players. Goalie Tuukka Rask had a fair playoff season in 2018. Do not be surprised if Sweeny selects a goaltender in the early rounds. Some notable prospects to keep an eye on are Michigan’s Hayden Lavigne, Notre Dame’s Cole Harris and Hunter Shepard of Minnesota. Out of the three, the prize is Harris who will have a lot of suitors on draft night.
Defensive players to watch are Quinn Hughes of Michigan, Brady Tkachuk of Boston University and Tarique Hammond of Denver. One thing is for certain no matter what direction the team goes in Bruin fans are thirsty for another cup.
