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The Boston Bruins have made another round of cuts. Headlining the group is settling the "McIntyre or Subban" debate: Both have been sent to Providence. Here's a breakdown by position of who's left in camp, and their status.
- "Locks" are players that we'd be shocked to see miss the opener.
- "Bubble" players are ones we consider in contention for a spot.
- "Questions" are players that are still in camp because they're probably filler for preseason games.
Forwards: (20)
The locks (10): Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, Loui Eriksson, Matt Beleskey, David Krejci, David Pastrnak, Jimmy Hayes, Ryan Spooner, Brett Connolly, Chris Kelly.
The bubble: Austin Czarnik, Brian Ferlin, Seth Griffith (IR), Joonas Kemppainen, Alex Khokhlachev, Zac Rinaldo, Max Talbot, Frank Vatrano.
The questions: Anton Blidh, Tyler Randell
Either three or four of the bubble players will make the team, with Rinaldo and Talbot having inside tracks. Vatrano and Czarnik are interesting options, but will likely start the year in the AHL, same as Khokhlachev. Joonas Kemppainen and Brian Ferlin could get that last spot as the thirteenth forward, but if Ferlin makes the team he should play, otherwise it could stunt his development. Chris Kelly's versatility allows some movement on the fourth line to allow for a more skilled fourth line, or a more defensive oriented fourth line.
Defensemen: (12)
The locks (6): Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg (IR), Torey Krug, Adam McQuaid, Zach Trotman, Matt Irwin
The bubble: Colin Miller, Joe Morrow, Kevan Miller
The questions: Chris Casto, Tommy Cross. Linus Arnesson
All three bubble players will likely make the team with the injuries to Chara (day to day) and Seidenberg (6-8 weeks), and reports that the Bruins are thinking about keeping 8 defensemen. Of the bubble defensemen, only Colin Miller does not need waivers to be sent down, which would likely be the smart move in the short term, knowing that injuries will hit and Miller will be called back up
Goaltenders: (3)
The lock (1): Tuukka Rask
Battle of the backups: Jeremy Smith, Jonas Gustavsson (PTO)
Two goalies enter, only one can sit at the end of the bench. With both top prospects Zane McIntyre and Malcolm Subban in the AHL, minutes will be tough to come by if Gustavsson is signed. Matt Ginn was signed to an AHL deal
, and will likely start in the ECHL with potential to get a start or two in case of injury in the AHL.