Fill In The Blanks: Bruins 2011-12 Roster Version

by Ryan Durling on Jul 22, 2011 2:00 PM EDT in Player Trends

It's July 20th. Pending the signing of Brad Marchand - which the feisty winger admitted at Monday night's DVD premiere is an inevitability, albeit knowing nothing about the discussions - it's safe to say that the Bruins are done making moves this offseason. That brings their transaction total to five - signing Benoit Pouliot and Marchand, trading for Joe Corvo, bringing Ryan Spooner and Jared Knight on board and extending Adam McQuaid.

Peter Chiarelli's attention will now turn to re-upping David Krejci and Tuukka Rask, which means that we've reached the point of the summer where it's time to turn our attention to what Claude Julien's going to do to ready his team for the year ahead.

The following names are likely non-roster training camp invitees, but nothing's yet set in stone:

Goaltenders

G Michael Hutchinson
G Anton Khudobin
G Zane Gothberg

Defense

Forwards

F Zach Hamill
F Carter Camper
F Jared Knight
F Ryan Spooner
F Maxime Sauve
F Trent Whitfield
F Craig Cunningham
F Alexander Khokhlachev
F Tyler Randell
F Ryan Spooner
F Jamie Arniel
F Lane MacDermid
F Jordan Caron

Along with current roster players, if all those names receive invitations, that means that when camp opens, the Bruins will have five goaltenders, 14 defensemen and 24 forwards (hat would be a serious reduction from last year's six goalies, 19 D and 32 forwards, but the Bruins are also at a point where they know the talent that they have in the system). There will surely be a few more additions that will bump those numbers up a bit, but unless somebody spectacular shows up, they won't last long and likely won't cause much of a stir.

The ones that do will still have their work cut out for them in order to make it through all the cuts. Taking a look at the Stanley Cup Final Game 3 roster (because we obviously have to include Nathan Horton), there isn't much room for anyone to worm their way in:

Nathan Horton - David Krejci - Milan Lucic

~~Mark Recchi~~ - Patrice Bergeron - Brad Marchand

~~Michael Ryder~~ - Chris Kelly - Rich Peverley

Shawn Thornton - Gregory Campbell - Daniel Paille

Zdeno Chara - Dennis Seidenberg

Andrew Ference - Adam McQuaid

~~Tomas Kaberle~~ - Johnny Boychuk

Tim Thomas

Tuukka Rask

With Steven Kampfer waiting in the wings to take over Kaberle's role - and Joe Corvo to assume it in the interim - the defense corps is pretty firmed up without anyone having laced up a skate. It's not as sure as the goaltending tandem, but it's a pretty sure thing.

While the Bruins have high hopes for Pouliot, they also expect a much stronger year from Tyler Seguin - and there's no reason that they shouldn't get it. Julien will probably try to keep the explosive forward on a wing while he develops a stronger defensive presence - and Felger will no doubt rail against him for that abomination of a coaching decision - but there's little reason to believe that Seguin couldn't center the third line (regardless of who's on it). Still, the thought of he and Marchand on the wings with Bergeron would surely give opposing coaches and second-pairing defensemen nightmares, and it would be a lot of fun to watch, to boot.

Seguin's making the team, there's no doubt about that. Pouliot, it's safe to imagine, will as well, though it's as yet difficult to discern just how much of what kind of role he'll play. Because of Boston's familiarity with Seguin, it's fair to imagine that they'll give him a shot where he wants to play, whether it be second-line wing or third-line center. Pouliot right now projects as a third-line winger, though that could be in Providence as easily as in Boston, considering the Bruins' deep, talented pockets at that position.

The biggest road bumps that either Seguin or Pouliot will encounter en route to finding their roles aren't big road bumps. They stand five feet, ten inches and five feet, eleven inches and measure 175 and 202 pounds, respectively. And their names, everyone knows now, are Ryan Spooner and Jared Knight.

That the Bruins are reported to have signed the two young, talented centermen to entry-level deals (they haven't announced it yet) says something of what the Boston brass thought of their performance at development camp earlier in July. It also says that Seguin and Pouliot - two naturally talented forwards who, albeit in short time, have spent spurts in the press box during their careers - should be on notice.

Knight and Spooner don't take time off. They don't take workouts off. They - especially Knight, who suffers from Diabetes - don't take their nutrition for granted. And from what anyone's seen of them on the ice, they certainly don't take shifts off.

I've suggested before that one of the two will make the team, especially with the Bruins having cap room to carry extra players and because neither will be 20 by December 31st, 2011, meaning that they can't play in Providence, per the NHL-CHL agreement.

Since Jordan Caron is eligible to play at any level, he becomes expendable, at least as far as our opening-night lineup is concerned. There's no reason that Caron can't watch the game from up top, or go to Providence where he could probably get more regular minutes, especially on the power play, where it stands to reason that the Bruins would like him to develop his net-front presence. Because neither Knight nor Spooner can make the I-95 switch, they either have to make the team or head back to the OHL.

Of course, there's the option of having one or both of them around for the first nine games of the year, and at that point, if they're deemed to not be NHL-ready, the Bruins can send them back to the OHL without it costing them a year of their ELC. If, in the small sample size that training camp, rookie games, preseason and those first nine NHL tilts provide, one or both of them appear ready, the Bruins can keep them around, even if it means having them watch a lot of games from the press box.

Of course, it's not likely the Bruins would just let talent like that languish on the ninth floor with the chocolate chip cookies, flat ginger ale and root beer that tastes (and looks, ironically enough) like tonic water. But that puts Chiarelli and Co. in a bit of a dilemma: neither Knight nor Spooner are going to improve too immensely in another season of OHL play - they've already had their jumps (last year) and any progress they show at this point isn't likely to raise their ceilings any - and it's not even likely that Knight could benefit from the extra time to put on weight, whereas Spooner could at least use that.

Caron, Spooner and Knight will all be battling for a chance to crack the roster and make a statement in the NHL this season. Caron may actually benefit most from the competition in camp - last year, he was presumed to be making the team, because Joe Colborne wasn't ready and there wasn't anyone else close to his level of play, save for Seguin, who was a shoo-in. But if seeing Jared Knight in a few camps has convinced anybody of anything, it's his desire and willingness to work for what he wants, and more importantly to stop at nothing until he gets there. Spooner's not much different, but it's obvious that he could use some time to put on some muscle if he's going to be battling against NHL second-liners in a couple of seasons.

The disclaimer in all of this is one that we've heard a lot about the Bruins in the past 12-plus months: it's not a bad problem to have.

And it's not. But that doesn't make it any less interesting. And with opening night now just 76 days away, it's one that's going to start getting some attention.

Considering everything, who do you think makes the opening night roster?

Poll

Which Bruin will fill the now-empty wing spot on the third line on opening night?

Benoit Pouliot

203 votes

Jared Knight

80 votes

Ryan Spooner

23 votes

Jordan Caron

120 votes

Other (state in comments, please)

10 votes

436 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 34 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Well we know Joe Corvo is taking Kaberle’s spot, but it may be time to give Andrew Bodnarchuk his chance.

by Dave Carignan on Jul 22, 2011 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

How about..

..one chuck for another chuck? “Boy-chuck” did not have the best year both defensively and offensively so if there is a “D-bubble” I would think he is on it.

by Federko on Jul 22, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

look at bodnarchuk's numbers from last year

in the AHL.

they’re not great.

He didn’t have the best season at that level, and there’s absolutely no proof he’d do any better in the NHL. I vote no on that one.

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by sarahconnors on Jul 24, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you saying my Panini “Hot Rookie” card for him isn’t worth anything?

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 24, 2011 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Bodnarchuk’s time has come and gone. Kampfer is next in line, with Bartkowski and Cohen behind him in some order.

by Phunwin on Jul 23, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Just seems like

both Spooner and Knight play in the OHL this upcoming year. I agree that it appears as though they have made some great jumps over the last year but what would the point be of having them sit in the press box for 60 games? If they are deemed NHL ready then they need to play in order to develop. I like having Pouliot as a back up for one of them and having him ride the pine but I think Caron makes the team this year and we see our newly acquired ex-Hab watching from up top and our two budding prospects playing one more year in JR.

They did it for Savy, they did it for Horton, they did it for each other, they did it for us. I give you the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions....The Boston Bruins!!

by beachguy113 on Jul 22, 2011 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

I agree although I think they may keep one or both of them around for the limited number of games before sending them back to juniors.

I personally think Caron will make the team this year although I also think Arniel may push for a roster spot-although I think he may very likely end up in Providence at some point in the season (or float back and forth if injury becomes an issue).

Corvo IMO is the starting defenseman and I suspect Kampfer is the #7 while everyone else goes to Providence. I wasn’t all that impressed with Bargkowski when he was called up, so if injury requires a d-man from Providence I hope they send another hopeful (unless Bartkowski really improved over the summer).

by TCL40 on Jul 22, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think that Knight or Spooner play in the NHL next year (aside from a 9 game taste as a nice reward for a good camp). By keeping them up, the Bruins would be giving up their 20, 21, and 22 years under an ELC for their 19, 20, and 21 years and that doesn’t make sense unless you have an unreal 19 year old. Here we’re talking about potentially 3rd line roles.

I don’t buy the fact that they have absolutely nothing to learn in the OHL. For comparison purposes, Hall was more productive two years before his draft year than either Knight or Spooner was last year. And he still got better the next year in junior. Neither of the Bruins guys was in the top 20 in scoring in the OHL last year, so there is lots of room for them to grow even offensively. As long as they marginally improve in the OHL, even if it’s just as minor as putting on 5 pounds of muscle, having their 20, 21, and 22 aged years on an ELC versus their 19, 20, and 21 years will be more valuable to the team.

I think soon enough we’ll see Caron on the 2nd line wing and Seguin being flanked by Peverley and Kelly.

On the blue line, I think the pairings will be altered (Chara and McQuaid, Corvo and Seidenberg, Ference and Boychuk).

I also think by mid-season Rask will be the starter.

by Bourque77 on Jul 22, 2011 4:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Bold predictions sir.

by tkent on Jul 22, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, I think they’ll keep the Bergeron / Marchand combo as a match-up for other team’s top lines and Caron fits in that role better than Seguin in my mind. That pushes Seguin to the third line.

The team eventually seems to want Seguin in a center role and they’ll eventually learn that Kelly can’t take draws, so that pushes Seguin in to the middle.

I think the blue line I predicted is essentially what most are saying – splitting Chara and Seidenberg up during the regular season – at least until they get another top 4 quality D.

And people seem to forget that Thomas is 37 and less than a year ago couldn’t be given away. Goalies themselves are so volatile and he’s had enough leg problems that I don’t see him being anywhere close to what he was this year.

by Bourque77 on Jul 22, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Good logic re: Caron, and ultimately, it’s an issue of whether the Bruins want a high-octane offensive second line or one that’s more balanced. I think they will opt for the high octane line, and hope that being on the ice with Bergeron and Marchand disguises Seguin’s shortcomings defensively and allows him to develop defense at his own pace.

While it’s true that goalies are volatile, it seems like Thomas’ health problems can be pinned on the hip problem that was corrected surgery. I wouldn’t rule out some regression to the mean from Thomas just because he was light years above replacement level, however. In fact, I would count on it.

And not that you implied otherwise, but I actually think that the Bruins are going to be fine defensively. If Thomas overperformed, Rask and the defense underperformed. Corrections of both should more or less cancel each other out.

by Phunwin on Jul 23, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ll take another 103 points

"2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins!" - Music to my ears!

by SkateHitShoot on Jul 23, 2011 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Excellent point re: Spooner and Knight. With the Bruins a deep enough organization, it may not make sense to start the clock ticking on their eligibility unless they look unreal during camp. And even then, there’s a pretty mammoth issue of sample size to consider.

by Phunwin on Jul 23, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Thomas will be the starter for the next 2 years

by Mikol on Jul 25, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

we said that after 08-09 too

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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jul 25, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Nathan Horton – David Krejci – Milan Lucic
Rich Peverly – Patrice Bergeron – Brad Marchand
Chris Kelly – Tyler Sequin – Benoit Pouliot
Shawn Thornton – Gregory Campbell – Daniel Paille

Zdeno Chara – Dennis Seidenberg
Andrew Ference – Adam McQuaid
Joe Corvo – Johnny Boychuk

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Julian will play Pouliot, I believe. Putting him on the wing with Kelly around Seguin will provide some grit and experience for the kid, and put him back where he belongs in the center circle. I toyed with the notion of moving Peverly up to the first line, if only because I was pretty impressed by his play as a sub on the first line against Vancouver, and I think Horton’s size would be helpful for Bergie and Marchand (the new Rat?). But he’s a good backup on the draw in those rare instances when PB is waived out and in the end, I figured I’d stick with what I think Claude will do rather than how I might experiment. Despite his playoff PK heroics, I can easily see Paille sitting for one or two of the prospects over the course of the season. Hard to figure how he’s going to pair up the D men, but I believe TT has another season or two like this one in him still…

by Professor Wagstaff on Jul 22, 2011 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

As a Bruins fan, that third line scares me.

by Bourque77 on Jul 22, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

that third line could post the worst plus-minus on any division champion in a very long time.

by Ryan Durling on Jul 22, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah that third line is realllllly questionable.

For Horton!

by Scott Frano on Jul 22, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Not to pile on, but that third line looks like it was thrown together like a Cobb salad. “Who’s left over, okay, just throw them on the third line and hope for the best.” That seems like a poor way to handle your future star’s development.

by Phunwin on Jul 23, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Despite this being my post, I don’t really care for that 3d line, either. It’s just my guess as to what Claude’s going to do…but in regards to Seguin’s development, any place you put him is going to be a compromise in some way. My reasoning…

1st Line – Tyler’s game, but he can’t mix it up in the corner like any of the other 1st liners and that’s this line’s game. This is a placement that just doesn’t make sense to me, until he’s built up a bit more bulk in his frame.

2nd Line – top checking line, responsible for covering the opposing teams scorers. How can he fit in here without seriously compromising the function of the line? Is he really better than Peverly at this point? I think the Pev-Berg-March line could be a real killer and it’s not worth dropping Peverly back to the 3rd line when he might even compete for wing on the 1st.

3rd Line – If Rex hadn’t retired this would have been perfect. Kelly & Rex grooming him for the big time and feeding him beautiful breakaway passes…but he did retire and so we’re stuck with Kelly & Pouliot, both decent sized 6 year vets. The latter, especially, is a big unknown and coming from the Les Habs, we’re all trying to deny the hate when he wears his new jersey. But the guy can play if the coaching staff can figure out how to get his best out of him.

4th line – We have the best 4th line in the league, don’t fuck it up.

After all that… would this be better?

Milan Lucic – David Krejci – Rich Peverly
Tyler Sequin – Patrice Bergeron – Brad Marchand
Benoit Pouliot – Chris Kelly – Nathan Horton
Shawn Thornton – Gregory Campbell – Daniel Paille

by Professor Wagstaff on Jul 25, 2011 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I pretty much agree that this is likely what we will see on opening night.

I suspect Caron makes the roster as well as Kampfer although they will be healthy scratches.

It is possible Caron works his way into the line-up while somebody else works his way off it (or is injured off it) but I believe this is likely the line up. I think there is an off chance Seguin will wing Bergeron and Peverly, Kelly and Pouliot on the third.

by TCL40 on Jul 22, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d like to think we’ll see Knight up for the nine games, just because I’d like to see how he does. After that, if he sticks Pouliot sits, and if goes back to juniors Pouliot takes that third line spot. Caron will be in there somewhere too. Spooner goes back to juniors.

For Horton!

by Scott Frano on Jul 22, 2011 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Since I’ve been poking holes at everyone else’s combos, I might as well post my own to offer the same courtesy:

Lucic-Krejci-Horton
Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin
Kelly-Peverley-Caron
Paille-Campbell-Thornton

Chara-Seidenberg
McQuaid-Corvo
Boychuk-Ference

You can practically draw straws for that third line RW slot. I’ll say Caron for now, just because a third line with Kelly, Peverley and Caron wouldn’t be too bad defensively. I think Pouliot will have a good shot at it, however, and could take it in camp. If Jared Knight has a hell of a good camp, he might steal it, though.

I actually think the defense pairings are very much up in the air; I don’t agree with Ryan on that at all. I think that the Chara-Seidenberg tandem was initially designed as a playoff-only thing, but McQuaid may have become good enough that he’s capable of carrying the second pair (their goal with Seidenberg), as long as he’s paired with someone sufficiently mobile to keep him from getting trapped. Someone like Joe Corvo.

I’d trade Boychuk, and put Kampfer on the third pair, but that ship seems to have sailed, and so failing that, the only thing to do is give him as little ice time as possible and hope that he can learn from some of his mistakes and pair him with a reasonably responsible veteran.

by Phunwin on Jul 23, 2011 2:02 PM EDT reply actions

I agree with your first two lines, I think Seguin is the one they want to take that spot, but Pevs and Providence Guys will get a shot. I don’t expect Pouliot to get off the 4th line and Paille will be the one to move up and play with Kelly and whomever ( I should probably start to get used to Caron, since you had an early Marshmont mancrush last year!)
I don’t like the thought of trading Boychuck, those six D look pretty good to me in almost any pairing! The only thing up for grabs is the 7th spot in camp! If Corvo is an upgrade it could be a outstanding season! It should be an interesting camp at least!

"2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins!" - Music to my ears!

by SkateHitShoot on Jul 23, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Paille moves off the 4th line.

I think if Pouliot is failing then Caron or whatever 13th forward has been in the press box gets moved up and Pouliot likely goes to the box.

Paille has stone hands, Pouliot at least seems like he has a shot.

by TCL40 on Jul 23, 2011 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Pouliot is more of a boom or bust guy. If they motivate him, he could be a 50 point guy with solid defense. If not, he’ll probably finish out the season in Providence and be gone next year.

You know what you’re getting with Paille: 20 or so points, great penalty killing, and about 30 plays that begin with him making a great play to get the puck, showing beautiful straight line speed…and end with him getting off a weak shot or lousy pass that remind you why he’s a fourth liner. They’ve got good chemistry on that line, they’re all willing to work, willing to hit, scrap it out in the corners and the like. He is a perfectly serviceable fourth line winger, nothing more, nothing less.

by Phunwin on Jul 24, 2011 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I have thought about this for a while, and I find this to be the best possible line combinations.

LW C RW
Lucic Krejci Horton
Marchand Bergeron Seguin
Kelly Peverley Pouliot
Paille Cambell Thornton

The 3rd line RW slot is really up for grabs, but I expect Pouliot to be in the lineup opening day. Caron will get playing time this year however

by Pat Holden on Jul 23, 2011 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

I could see this. I think Seguin or Peverly will be switching out second line wing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if at some point they don’t give Caron another shot at that wing.

And the reality is injuries are likely going to come, and Caron or whoever is mostly wearing his suit to the press box will crack the line up.

by TCL40 on Jul 23, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

line combinations

I would like to see Seguin get moved up to the right wing with Krejci and Lucic. Horton gets moved to the right side with Marchand and Bergeron. The Campbell line stays as is with Paille and Thornton. Caron, Pouliot and Arneil fight it out for the other forward spot with Kelly and Peverley. These combinations provides better speed to the Krejci line, move front of the net size for the Bergeron line and the rest is what it is.

Has Marchand been signed? Perhaps I missed that.

by JimT389 on Jul 24, 2011 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

Marchand has not been signed, but there’s no reason to worry.

I don’t agree with the rationale about splitting up the #1 line, though. I like what you’re thinking about “net front presence”, but Marchand is more than capable of doing dirty work, small size or no. Bergeron’s great down low, too.

by Phunwin on Jul 24, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah-I don’t think the second line needs a guy in front of the net and honestly I think Marchand and Bergeron are both good at it. For a small guy Marchand is very willing to get dirty and his agility is such that he can often extricate himself easily while.

Although there is a part of me that would love to see what Seguin could do with Krejci, so I wouldn’t mind seeing the switch just to see what would happen.

by TCL40 on Jul 25, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I’d be curious to see Seguin and Krecji working together, too, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. I’m struggling w/ the Kelly-Peverly-??? line because they just didn’t seem to have the right chemistry when they were together this (last) year. Maybe more time on the team and the opportunity to work together in camp will change that, but I don’t think so. After reading everyone else’s thoughts, it seems weird everyone (me included) is giving Kelly an automatic slot w/o anyone having anything particularly good to say about him or why he should be there.

by Professor Wagstaff on Jul 25, 2011 3:15 PM EDT reply actions

I think Kelly is pretty solid defensively – he’s just horrible on face-offs. When you consider how few draws he won, his possessions statistics seem to be at least acceptable. Put him on the wing (or at least line him up there on the draws) and I think that he can be a good contributor to a third line.

The guy I really don’t like there is Pouliot. I don’t see him dressing on this team at all (he was a healthy scratch on the Habs just a couple of months ago). He’s 25 now and has a few years of NHL experience under his belt. What you’ve seen is likely what you’ll get.

Caron is a lot younger and last year wasn’t much worse than Pouliot, so I have a hard time seeing Pouliot on a line with Caron on the bench. I would pick a Kelly – Peverley – Caron line as the third line with Seguin on the second line wing as a preferable action to the Kelly – Seguin – Pouliot line. That combination just strikes me as:
- solid NHLer
- guy learning to play center – hope it works
- guy not good enough to dress

That’s not a strong line-up.

If you have Peverley in the middle, you’ve got someone who has established themselves as a solid NHLer at the relevant position on that line.

I am concerned overall about this team’s depth at forward and expect that at the deadline we will be sending a few draft picks / prospects around the league to add some depth. That’s the impact of standing pat in the offseason.

by Bourque77 on Jul 25, 2011 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions