camps and other preseason stuff

TSC · Sep 16, 2023

Connor Bedard has a hat-trick in his first NHL pre-season action.

ifmanis5 · Sep 16, 2023

His first was best. He's going to be a beast.
View: https://twitter.com/ByScottPowers/status/1703201763531051139

Dummy Hoy · Sep 16, 2023

I still think he's going to struggle a bit this first year...I previously have suggested a Hughes comp, and while I think Bedard will be better, quicker, I can still see a "disappointing" 60 point season from him. Kid is a stud and his carrying skill (shot) will show up quicker than Hughes' (skating), but I think the bar is set a little high for him. I don't think he's a McDavid/Crosby class of player, but I could be very wrong- that shot (and offensive awareness) is absolutely elite.

Seems a good kid too...Blackhawks deserve the grief they get but I'll be rooting for him to be successful.

cshea · Sep 19, 2023

Camp opens this week. Quick State of the Bruins:

Forwards:

Marchand - Coyle - DeBrusk
JVR - Zacha - Pastrnak
Frederic - Geekie - Lauko
Lucic - Brown - Greer

Boqvist, Chiasson, Heinen, McLaughlin, Beecher, Lysell, Merkulov

The forward group is really an open competition as there was a massive amount of turnover from last year. There's a lot that can happen here. Marchand, Coyle, DeBrusk, Zacha and Pastrnak are obviously 5 of the top 6 forwards.

2LW to me is the biggest question mark. They don't really have an obvious candidate. I penciled in JVR but I'm not sure he can handle that kind of role anymore. Frederic, I guess is the next man up, has shown some flashes of offensive competence when playing with good linemates but it's never been there consistently. I think if a kid flashes this is an interesting spot where maybe Lysell could win a spot but it's probably a big ask.

We can probably also ink in Geekie as 3C but the wingers, who knows? Maybe JVR lands here if he can't cut it at 2LW. I'm a Lauko fan but I think he's best suited as a 4th liner where he's basically sent out there to use his speed to annoy defenders and draw penalties. Not sure he has the offensive chops to play much higher. Greer may be a piece they can use here but he also doesn't provide a ton of offense. I've always been a fan of Danton Heinen so his versatility and 2-way game might be a fit if they sign him.

4th line is Looch then who knows. Beecher and McLaughlin are candidates from Providence who could win a 4th line spot. Boqvist was brought in from NJ and has NHL experience if they want to go that route. Greer and Lauko could also end up here depending on what happens with the 2nd and 3rd lines.

Anyways, a lot going on with the forwards, a lot of options (may not necessarily be good options). but probably the area to keep the closest eye on during camp.

Defense

Lindholm - McAvoy
Grzelyck - Carlo
Forbort -Shattenkirk
Zboril, Mitchell

The back bone of the team. Don't anticipate much of a competition here, it's basically Clifton out; Shattenkirk in. The only thing to watch among the top 6 is if Monty splits Lindholm and McAvoy.

Depth wise it's Zboril and Mitchell. Lohrei make get featured a bit in the preseason to gauge his readiness but I suspect he'll start the year in Providence. An interesting name to watch is Reilly Walsh who was picked up in a trade with the Devils. Some prospect folks are intrigued by him. He put up huge numbers in the AHL for consecutive years but was buried down in a very deep New Jersey defensive depth chart. Don't expect him to make it but will try to keep an eye on him.

Goalies

Ullmark
Swayman
Bussi/Keyser

Obviously barring injury it's Ullmark and Swayman. This is the first year in a while where they haven't brought in a veteran for Providence so Bussi and Keyser are likely next up. Curious to see how they perform against NHL shooters.

mwonow · Sep 19, 2023

Thanks, @cshea, it's been too long since Bruins hockey!

FL4WL3SS · Sep 19, 2023

When do we think they'll announce the captaincy?

cshea · Sep 19, 2023

FL4WL3SS said:
When do we think they'll announce the captaincy?

With Bergeron they did it on the first team practice after training camp. No clue if they'll follow the same pattern. Bergy was obviously a no-brainer but this time around it's maybe not as clear cut (even though I'm nearly positive it'll be Marchand) so maybe they do it early in camp to kind of set the tone.

Scoops Bolling · Sep 19, 2023

I really don't want Marchand as captain. He's too close to the end of the line, and even as he's matured, he's still just not a guy I see as a true captain material. Great A, but not a C. I'd prefer they give it McAvoy as an official torch passing, and to light a fire under his ass to try and drive him to the next level as a player and a leader.

cshea · Sep 20, 2023

Sweeney getting things underway.

They want to know, and soon, if DeBrusk is open to staying
All players reported to camp healthy, no lingering issue.
Expectations have not changed despite the turnover. Doesn't expect to win 65 games but expects them to be highly competitive.

cshea · Sep 21, 2023

Group A Forward lines:

Marchand - Coyle - Lysell
Heinen - Merkulov - DeBrusk
Richard - Geekie - Frederic
Harrison - Megna - Steen

cshea · Sep 21, 2023

Group B Forwards

Boqvist - Poitras - Pastrnak
JVR - Zacha - McLaughlin
Lucic - Beecher - Lauko
Greer - Brown - Chiasson

Granite Sox · Sep 21, 2023

I know it’ll never stick, but I kinda like that Lucic - Beecher - Lauko line. Good size, and the youngsters have good speed. Wouldn’t be a bad L4.

The Mort Report · Sep 24, 2023

Are we seriously going to ignore that the Bruins are playing an actual game in the Garden in 45 minutes? I don't have the NHL network and have never needed to stream a game, anyone have a legit stream website?

edit: wait, it's on NESN+. YAY HOCKEY!!

The Mort Report · Sep 24, 2023

So just one preseason game obviously, but man Poitras played a really good all around game and Bussi looked fantastic. Sure he had the goal and assist, but I watched Poitras closely all game even without the puck, and he made a lot of little plays that won't be pointed out anywhere. Like a NY D had the puck in their zone, they tried to pass it up to the red line and Poitras laid his stick down to stop the puck at the blue line and flipped it back in. Sure it didn't amount to anything, but he just mostly seemed to make the correct play and took very few instances off.

Bussi played outstanding, he was really good positionally and under control. I do think he was a little lucky to come out with the shutout, two posts, one off his stick handle, and a few shot into him, but that's life of a goalie. He also adds a different dimension by being full right, it gives a look that NHLers aren't nearly as use to. B's have great goalie depth

cshea · Sep 25, 2023

Poitras is probably going to vall victim to the CHL/AHL rules. Just had to keep a kid around for an entire season who has no AHL eligibility.

Cotillion · Sep 25, 2023

It would be kind of funny if he made the team and we had the career end of a center that started to play in the NHL at 19 years old coincide with the start of a new 19 year old center's career (not that I'm saying they comparable beyond that simple correlation).

Salem's Lot · Sep 25, 2023

Cotillion said:
It would be kind of funny if he made the team and we had the career end of a center that started to play in the NHL at 19 years old coincide with the start of a new 19 year old center's career (not that I'm saying they comparable beyond that simple correlation).

Bergeron was 18 when he started playing for the Bruins. He spent his age 19 season in Providence due to the lockout. I think the rules were different then, or they let guys that played in the NHL at 18 play in the AHL at 19 because of the lockout.

MiracleOfO2704 · Sep 25, 2023

Salem's Lot said:
Bergeron was 18 when he started playing for the Bruins. He spent his age 19 season in Providence due to the lockout. I think the rules were different then, or they let guys that played in the NHL at 18 play in the AHL at 19 because of the lockout.

I can’t remember, but was it a problem of him burning his CHL eligibility by playing 2003-04 in the NHL, so he didn’t have many places to go otherwise?

Cotillion · Sep 25, 2023

Darn... off by a year. But still, cool if he makes the team (if that's what's best for his development).

cshea · Sep 27, 2023

Another interesting rookie to watch is Frederic Brunet. 5th round pick in 2022, has 73 points in 66 games last year in the QMJHL.

He played last night and it appears a lot of things happen when he is on the ice, both good and bad. Very chaotic. Last night was a lot more on the good side though:

Attempts: 28-12 Boston
Shots: 11-7 Boston
Scoring Chances: 15-6 Boston
High Danger Chances: 8-4 Boston
Goals: 1-0 Buffalo
xGoals: 1.63-0.82 Boston

It's only a single preseason game so hard to draw any conclusions but pairing last night with his QMJHL production he appears to have some offensive ability but needs to work on his own end.

I believe he has AHL eligibility this year or could go back to the Q for an over-age year. I think it'd be good for him to play in the AHL but there might be a numbers crunch as there's a bunch of LHD projected to play in Providence already- Lohrei, Callahan, Wotherspoon, Renouf.

TSC · Sep 30, 2023

It won't happen, but Lohrei has shown he can and should play at this level.

Doing so would mean doing something with Forbort - so there's no hope we see him to start the season, but the kid is going to be a stud. Reminds me a ton of Dougie Hamilton out there.

Maximus · Sep 30, 2023

TSC said:
It won't happen, but Lohrei has shown he can and should play at this level.

Doing so would mean doing something with Forbort - so there's no hope we see him to start the season, but the kid is going to be a stud. Reminds me a ton of Dougie Hamilton out there.

I agree, Lohrei should be playing at this level. He is the one player that has jumped out to me during the pre season games.

LogansDad · Sep 30, 2023

TSC said:
It won't happen, but Lohrei has shown he can and should play at this level.

Doing so would mean doing something with Forbort - so there's no hope we see him to start the season, but the kid is going to be a stud. Reminds me a ton of Dougie Hamilton out there.

Don't get me excited about this season.

katnado · Sep 30, 2023

TSC said:
It won't happen, but Lohrei has shown he can and should play at this level.

Doing so would mean doing something with Forbort - so there's no hope we see him to start the season, but the kid is going to be a stud. Reminds me a ton of Dougie Hamilton out there.

Completely agree. His vision, passing, and puck retrieval are already NHL level.

But unfortunately, like you said that would require them to jettison Forbert, so he'll start in Providence and we'll be stuck watching Forbert be a detriment over and over. At this point I think he has compromising pictures of Monty and the front office. It's the only explanation of him being on the roster and getting playing time.

amfox1 · Oct 1, 2023

Scott McLaughlin
@smclaughlin9
7m

Montgomery: The Bruins have released Alex Chiasson from his PTO.

amfox1 · Oct 1, 2023

Mark Divver
@MarkDivver
1m

Bruins put Michael DiPietro on waivers and send Frederic Brunet and Brett Harrison to Providence

jbupstate · Oct 1, 2023

katnado said:
Completely agree. His vision, passing, and puck retrieval are already NHL level.

But unfortunately, like you said that would require them to jettison Forbert, so he'll start in Providence and we'll be stuck watching Forbert be a detriment over and over. At this point I think he has compromising pictures of Monty and the front office. It's the only explanation of him being on the roster and getting playing time.

I really like Lohrei as a prospect. Great potential but I think he needs seasoning in the AHL to work on his defense. Forbort isn’t great but he’s useful on the PK.

katnado · Oct 1, 2023

jbupstate said:
I really like Lohrei as a prospect. Great potential but I think he needs seasoning in the AHL to work on his defense. Forbort isn’t great but he’s useful on the PK.

He's not even useful on the PK, the PK didn't drop-off at all when he was hurt, and he was abysmal in all phases in the playoffs. In a season where they are going to struggle to score I want puck moving offense first defenseman over Forberts corpse even if he'll occasionally struggle.

jbupstate · Oct 2, 2023

katnado said:
He's not even useful on the PK, the PK didn't drop-off at all when he was hurt, and he was abysmal in all phases in the playoffs. In a season where they are going to struggle to score I want puck moving offense first defenseman over Forberts corpse even if he'll occasionally struggle.

The Bruins are going to go as far as their goaltending and defense take them. I think replacing Forbort with a defensive defenseman is the upgrade. McAvoy, Lindholm, Gryz and Shattenkirk are all fine PMD. The Bruins need someone to take heavy PK minutes with Carlo.

cshea · Oct 2, 2023

If they want to keep Lohrei it means they'll have to waive Zboril and then make Forbort the 7th D. They can't keep those 2 plus Lohrei on the roster, doesn't work cap wise, unless they decide to only carry 12 F. I think they'll probably slow play it with Lohrei and start him off in Providence. There's no real immediate need for him in the NHL, they already have one of the better D corps in the league. I think he will be first up when the injury bug inevitably strikes.

Curious to see how they use Poitras the next two nights. He's still around which is long for a junior-eligible player. They have 3 games and 9 days until Opening Night so we're getting into dress rehersal type situations. They have a back-to-back tonight and tomorrow so let's see how the team uses him. Poitras making the team and developing into a top 2 center would be a massive, massive development for the organization and team going forward.

katnado · Oct 2, 2023

cshea said:
If they want to keep Lohrei it means they'll have to waive Zboril and then make Forbort the 7th D. They can't keep those 2 plus Lohrei on the roster, doesn't work cap wise, unless they decide to only carry 12 F. I think they'll probably slow play it with Lohrei and start him off in Providence. There's no real immediate need for him in the NHL, they already have one of the better D corps in the league. I think he will be first up when the injury bug inevitably strikes.

Curious to see how they use Poitras the next two nights. He's still around which is long for a junior-eligible player. They have 3 games and 9 days until Opening Night so we're getting into dress rehersal type situations. They have a back-to-back tonight and tomorrow so let's see how the team uses him. Poitras making the team and developing into a top 2 center would be a massive, massive development for the organization and team going forward.

Just wish so many teams weren't up against it, because then they could actually have a chance of dumping Forbert for a pick. Freeing up a couple million and creating some flexibility. Nobody is trading for that contract though .

Poitras is definitely interesting, I honestly figured he'd be sent back to Juniors by now, so agreed the fact that he's still up means they definitely see something. He's a lot of fun to watch.

lexrageorge · Oct 2, 2023

katnado said:
Just wish so many teams weren't up against it, because then they could actually have a chance of dumping Forbert for a pick. Freeing up a couple million and creating some flexibility. Nobody is trading for that contract though .

Poitras is definitely interesting, I honestly figured he'd be sent back to Juniors by now, so agreed the fact that he's still up means they definitely see something. He's a lot of fun to watch.

Forbort is an expiring so I can see him being moved near the deadline to a team looking to add some defensive depth. Just tough to do it now.

cshea · Oct 3, 2023

With all the "it's preseason and small sample" caveats, here's Poitras results:

33 minutes at 5x5
Shot attempts: 26-16 Boston
Shots 17-11 Boston
Scoring Chances: 16-5 Boston
High Danger: 6-0 Boston
Expected Goals: 1.33-0.28 Boston (82%)
Actual Goals: 2-0 (individually he has 1 assist).

Also chipped in a goal and an assist on the PP. Worked on the PK last night as well. His quality of linemates has fluctuated. He's played with, and gotten results, with veteran NHLers like JVR and DeBrusk and also the fringe guys like Boqvist and McLaughlin. Eye test wise, I thought he looked good in both ends. Battled and won pucks, can exit/enter the zone and make things happen.

I *think* he's done enough to stick around for the 9-games. Monty used him last night on what is projected to be the opening PP2, which is an indication that they may be serious about keeping him around given Monty specifically said he was splitting the roster for the back-to-back based on the PP units so that they could maximize the minutes for each projected unit.

We'll see what happens this week. I'm not sure if he'll play tonight but Thursday is supposed to be the dress rehearsal so that might be the indicator. The biggest problem with keeping him around is the lack of flexibility. If he gets past that 10 game and the contract year is burned and then he hits a wall at 30,40 games you don't want to stall the development and sit him on the bench for an extended period. They could send him back to juniors but lose the option to recall him and have burned a valuable ELC year. So, to me it's kind of an all or northing. They either have to commit to playing him for 82 games (or something reasonable, not long stretches of inactivity) or send him back.

amfox1 · Oct 3, 2023

cshea said:
The biggest problem with keeping him around is the lack of flexibility. If he gets past that 10 game and the contract year is burned and then he hits a wall at 30,40 games you don't want to stall the development and sit him on the bench for an extended period. They could send him back to juniors but lose the option to recall him and have burned a valuable ELC year. So, to me it's kind of an all or northing. They either have to commit to playing him for 82 games (or something reasonable, not long stretches of inactivity) or send him back.

Or he gets "hurt" at the end of his 9-game tryout or when he hits the rookie wall and sticks around Boston on a weight- and strength-gain program while "recovering" on IR. I'm not sure going back to Guelph is the right answer for him.

amfox1 · Oct 3, 2023

cshea said:
We'll see what happens this week. I'm not sure if he'll play tonight but Thursday is supposed to be the dress rehearsal so that might be the indicator.

Poitras is playing tonight in the B2B.

katnado · Oct 3, 2023

cshea said:
With all the "it's preseason and small sample" caveats, here's Poitras results:

33 minutes at 5x5
Shot attempts: 26-16 Boston
Shots 17-11 Boston
Scoring Chances: 16-5 Boston
High Danger: 6-0 Boston
Expected Goals: 1.33-0.28 Boston (82%)
Actual Goals: 2-0 (individually he has 1 assist).

Also chipped in a goal and an assist on the PP. Worked on the PK last night as well. His quality of linemates has fluctuated. He's played with, and gotten results, with veteran NHLers like JVR and DeBrusk and also the fringe guys like Boqvist and McLaughlin. Eye test wise, I thought he looked good in both ends. Battled and won pucks, can exit/enter the zone and make things happen.

I *think* he's done enough to stick around for the 9-games. Monty used him last night on what is projected to be the opening PP2, which is an indication that they may be serious about keeping him around given Monty specifically said he was splitting the roster for the back-to-back based on the PP units so that they could maximize the minutes for each projected unit.

We'll see what happens this week. I'm not sure if he'll play tonight but Thursday is supposed to be the dress rehearsal so that might be the indicator. The biggest problem with keeping him around is the lack of flexibility. If he gets past that 10 game and the contract year is burned and then he hits a wall at 30,40 games you don't want to stall the development and sit him on the bench for an extended period. They could send him back to juniors but lose the option to recall him and have burned a valuable ELC year. So, to me it's kind of an all or northing. They either have to commit to playing him for 82 games (or something reasonable, not long stretches of inactivity) or send him back.

He's in the released lineup for tonight's game. So he's getting the back to back

https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/topic/press-release/bruins-announce-roster-for-preseason-game-vs-washington-capitals?fbclid=IwAR0KG7lyjlgBW6DjfXJ__nAOy0D6Ukm8xeDon2z8u_vv0jZ3piXvtN2TYSg

cshea · Oct 3, 2023

Poitras is centering Marchand and Frederic.

Fluto wrote this morning that if Poitras made the team it might be as 2C, centering Marchand and DeBrusk.

BostonFanInCanesLand · Oct 3, 2023

It would be lots of fun to see the Bruins slot Poitras in for 9 games (and then we’ll see). And even though Coyle has talked about relishing the chance to elevate to the 1st line I bet he’d be professional about slotting back into the 3rd line with Frederic (while getting both PP and PK time too).

I know the Bs are serious about developing Zacha as a C but man I would love to see Poitras centering Zacha and Pasta, Coyle with Marchand and DeBrusk and JVR bumped to the 3rd line with Geekie and Frederic. 4th line of Lucic/Heinen-Beecher-Lauko.

cshea · Oct 3, 2023

I kind of wonder what happens with Heinen. I like him as the 13th forward a little better than Greer. Doesn't bring the fighting but we've got Lucic for that. Heinen is bit more of a jack of all trades and can slot in almost anywhere, eat some PK and PP minutes if necessary. Greer is a better skater but the versatility of Heinen nudges him over the finish line for me.

Poitras potentially making the team complicates things from a roster and cap perspective so not sure if that would squeeze Heinen out.

Salem's Lot · Oct 3, 2023

cshea said:
I kind of wonder what happens with Heinen. I like him as the 13th forward a little better than Greer. Doesn't bring the fighting but we've got Lucic for that. Heinen is bit more of a jack of all trades and can slot in almost anywhere, eat some PK and PP minutes if necessary. Greer is a better skater but the versatility of Heinen nudges him over the finish line for me.

Poitras potentially making the team complicates things from a roster and cap perspective so not sure if that would squeeze Heinen out.

How does the PTO work? Could they keep him around practicing for awhile if he agrees to that? Personally, I would just waive Greer & sign him, but I don’t know if they would do that.

cshea · Oct 3, 2023

Yeah, Heinen can stay on the PTO and practice with them for as long they want as they agree to it.

BostonFanInCanesLand · Oct 3, 2023

I agree that Heinen’s versatility (and Montgomery’s comfort level with Heinen) give him an edge in roster construction. And that Poitras’s push for a spot has made it more complicated. I guess it’s possible that they ask Heinen to be on the shadow roster for the first dozen games while they see what they have in Poitras. I’d keep Heinen over both Greer and Brown, and maybe over Boqvist too (I haven’t seen enough of Boqvist {or his advanced stats} to have a well-formed opinion). I think Greer has potential but with Lucic locked into a roster spot I don’t see a place for Greer on this year’s team.

@Frisbetarian has given us a window into why the Bruins value Forbort but man, his $3 million slot could be really useful right now - the B’s could go with 7D and 14F. Waiving/trading Forbort would mean that management has confidence in Zboril/Mitchell/Shattenkirk to hold up as a 3rd pair (And that any step down would be worth the financial flexibility and ability to have 14F). They could also just waive Zboril but that’s a net zero financially. I keep waiting for Zboril to build on the glimmers he shows but he just hasn’t shown any consistency.

cshea said:
I kind of wonder what happens with Heinen. I like him as the 13th forward a little better than Greer. Doesn't bring the fighting but we've got Lucic for that. Heinen is bit more of a jack of all trades and can slot in almost anywhere, eat some PK and PP minutes if necessary. Greer is a better skater but the versatility of Heinen nudges him over the finish line for me.

Poitras potentially making the team complicates things from a roster and cap perspective so not sure if that would squeeze Heinen out.

cshea · Oct 3, 2023

I think the decision on D is Mitchell vs. Zboril for the 7th D. I'd be pretty surprised if they did something with Forbort. Mitchell has stood out in a good way for me so I think he has the lead. Lohrei will be the #1 D in Providence and first up as an injury replacement.

That said, Zboril manned the 7th D spot admiarbly last year barely playing after November. I wouldn't say Mitchell is a prospect but he is 24 years old and Zboril is 26. I think it's more likely that Zboril is what he is at this point and they can stash him in the pressbox for long stretches whereas there may be some developement they think they can squeeze out of Mitchell if he plays in Providence. Guys don't usually pop at 24 but maybe they see something and think it's better for him to be playing regularly rather than in the pressbox, something Zboril has already done for a year. They both need waivers to go down. Zboril makes $1.1 million vs. $775,000 for Mitchell. Zboril will clear no problem at that price point. Mitchell is a question mark. I think he'll clear but $775K, RHD, young-sh with a decent camp showing. Maybe someone takes a flier.

amfox1 · Oct 3, 2023

Regula, Renouf, Richard, Walsh and Wotherspoon placed on waivers, no surprises. Keyser clears waivers.

Salem's Lot · Oct 3, 2023

cshea said:
Poitras is centering Marchand and Frederic.

Fluto wrote this morning that if Poitras made the team it might be as 2C, centering Marchand and DeBrusk.

Marchand said this morning that Poitras reminds him Mitch Marner. I think it plays well tonight, he’s on the team.

View: https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1709251213475053720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1709251213475053720%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

amfox1 · Oct 3, 2023

steve conroy
@conroyherald
1m

On top of the waived players, Callahan and Lysell sent to Providence

zenax · Oct 3, 2023

They are getting outshot by a lot more than I expected.

OPP SOG Bruins SOG
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NYR--29, BOS--22
BUF--35, BOS--38
PHI--36, BOS--27
PHI--24, BOS--14
WAS--41, BOS--20
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OPP--165, BOS--121

The Mort Report · Oct 3, 2023

Thinking about lines after tonight, I agree that both Beecher and Poitras have earned spots at least to start the year, though we go from 3 C's to 5. Thursday is a dress rehearsal according to Monty, but I bet a player or two on the bubble plays for one last look. I'm trying to figure out how this would shake out, my guess....

JVR - Zacha - Pasta
Marchand - Poitras - DeBrusk
Geekie - Coyle - Frederic
Lucic - Beecher - Lauko
Greer

McAvoy - Lindholm
Carlo - Grzelyck
Forbort - Shattenkirk
Mitchell

I think if Heinen could take Lauko's spot I would put him there, but from what I understand the cap gymnastics are tough. Then again getting off Forbort's contract creates multiple pluses in the lineup both by addition and subtraction. I originally thought about putting Coyle in the middle on the first line and putting Zacha on the wing, but I think Zacha and Coyle would be too grindy for a player like Pasta. If Poitras is going to be here, putting him with the two high motor high skill guys so they can always be in his ear and will hear it if he's not giving the correct effort. I think the third line would be a more skilled fourth and might score more goals than we'd expect. Beecher has shown enough, and the other option Brown has shown nothing. Lauko and Greer can rotate

The 6 D guys are easy, but pairing could be tweeked. I think if we didn't have such a firm top 6, Lohrei would make the team, but there is nothing wrong giving a 22 YO Dman an extra year in the minors. He did well, just not enough to force the issue. I originally had Zboril as the 7th D, but either he or Mitchell will have to go through waivers, and I think Mitchell would get claimed, Zboril a maybe. Plus I think Mitchell has a little more upside in him.

Only half joking, but does Bergeron have a spare bedroom? Maybe he can pay it forward to Poitras and mentor him how to be a person on and off the ice

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