The Boston Bruins: Veteran Leadership Needed To Take Next Step

The first team I’m starting my off season analysis with is the Boston Bruins.  The Bruins were the top team in the NHL’s eastern conference this past regular season and despite their disappointing loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs, the Bruins have to be considered one of the best and most balanced teams in the league.  Boston has a couple of holes that need addressing for them to get over the hump and make it to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Their supply of dangerous offensive weapons is impressive: Marc Savard, David Krejci, Phil Kessel, Blake Wheeler, Michael Ryder and Milan Lucic ( four of whom are under 23 and will only get better ).   The Bruins almost lost Kessel to the New York Rangers at the opening of free agency but terms could not be worked out.  It is definitely in Boston’s best interest to hang on to the young dynamic player.

What this team lacks is a veteran presence.  While the Bruins have a true veteran and three-time Cup winner on the blue line in Aaron Ward, they could use another veteran forward to help mentor their younger players along with Mark Recchi.  The answer to that problem could be Columbus Blue Jackets un-restricted free agent Micheal Peca.  Peca, who has been an NHL captain with two different teams, would be a solid addition with his defensive skill and experience.  It could be the missing ingredients Boston requires to push it to a championship level next season.  He also is expected to ask for a reasonable salary, a key factor when GM Peter Chiarelli is trying to fit all his young stars under the salary cap.

Boston had the 25th pick in the draft and selected Jordan Caron, a big right winger from Rimouski of the QMJHL. Caron is a big body, skates well and possesses a big shot.  He is a very steady, dependable player.  He scored 36 goals this season, but some will say that’s an inflated number in a high-scoring league.  He should fit in nicely on Boston’s 2nd or 3rd line.

While Jason Chara leads Boston’s solid group of blueliners there’s room for improvement.  But obviously they’re really pressed by salary-cap limitations.  Look for them to try to add someone who can make a difference.  They may be able to get that player if they decide to trade Kessel.

One thing Boston doesn’t have to worry about is their goaltending.  Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas has that position all taken care of and backup Manny Fernandez with 16-8 reord last year is more than the Bruins could have asked for.  With these two tending goal, it will be difficult for teams to beat the Bruins.

The city of Boston had high hopes for their team this past season, with the unexpected loss to Carolina in the second round of the playoffs it just puts even more pressure on the Bruins for next season.  Bruins management and their fans will be demanding nothing short of a Stanley Cup victory.