As we enter GM Mike Ramsey's third season in the FNHL, we are starting to see an identity evolve in Beantown. After a surprising playoff appearance two years ago, the Bruins fell just short of making the cut last season. With a focus on not only making it back into the playoffs but having an extended run at the cup, Boston has shifted its focus to a grittier, in-your-face defensive strategy.
On the offensive side of the rink, the core of the top six remains the same. Budding superstar and newly appointed captain Filip Chytil and ageless speedster Louie Caporuso remain the constants up the middle. They are flanked by two of the best young forwards in the league, former top pick Juraj Slafkovsky and Tyson Foerster. Both are expected to take on even bigger roles this season. To round out the top six, former captain and fan favorite Anders Lee was brought back in a deal with Edmonton while hard-nosed winger Timo Meier was signed to a 3 year contract. Lee and Meier bring experience and intensity to a young core. Not to be lost in the shuffle, young center Anton Lundell is hoping to take a big step this season and solidify his role on this for years to come. He will be joined by veterans Ricky Rakell and Tyler Seguin on a tough third line.
The biggest changes this offseason was on the defensive end. After nearly leading the league in GAs last season, GM Ramsey put an emphasis on improving the blue line. That started with two high profile trades to bring in veteran d-men Cody Franson and Jonas Brodin from the Flyers and Maple Leafs, respectively. Franson and Brodin have valuable grift and experience to help guide and mentor the young duo of Adam Boqvist and Jake Sanderson, who was also brought in via trade with Minnesota. Franson was already rewarded with an "A" on his sweater and all four are expected to hold the line for Boston over the next several years. Rounding out the third pairing is legend Ty Wishart and journeyman Matt Dumba. This new look defense plans to cause havoc on the ice all season long.
And the puck stops before the net, with Semyon Varlamov and Andrei Vasilevskiy forging a strong veteran tandem. Varlamov continues to defy time but after slowing down towards the end of last season, Vasilevskiy was acquired in a trade with Buffalo for former goalie-in-waiting Jake Oettinger. Vasi and Varly are expected to create a "Russian Red Curtain" across the red line in Boston this season to further enforce the new look, defensively aggressive Bruins.
8/25/2024 - 435 words
