Bruins training camp: Top candidates for second-line right wing spot
[ad_1]
Bruins training camp: Top candidates for second-line right wing spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The No. 1 roster battle in Boston Bruins training camp likely will be the second-line right wing spot alongside left wing Brad Marchand and center Charlie Coyle.
After losing wingers Jake van Riemsdyk, Danton Heinen and Jake DeBrusk to free agency over the offseason, the Bruins are a little thin on the wing, especially the right side. Van Riemsdyk, Heinen and DeBrusk weren’t the most consistent offensive producers a year ago, but they did score 11 goals, 17 goals, and 19 goals, respectively. That’s just under 18 percent of the Bruins’ 264 goals scored in the 2023-24 regular season.
The Bruins chose to make their big-ticket forward acquisition Elias Lindholm. The top-six center signed a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on Day 1 of free agency. It was a great move for the Bruins, but it also meant the team would likely have to fill the second-line right wing spot from within.
DeBrusk played with Coyle and Marchand more than any other winger last season. He logged 306 minutes at 5-on-5 with that veteran tandem, per Natural Stat Trick, and the B’s outscored opponents 13-7 during those minutes. Even though DeBrusk was susceptible to going long stretches of games without scoring a goal, he was strong enough defensively to play with Marchand and Coyle, who often face the opponent’s top-six forwards every shift.
While the Bruins want someone who can contribute offensively in this second-line right wing spot, it’s also important that this player can handle the defensive responsibilities of the role. These aren’t easy minutes, to say the least.
Here are the best options for the Bruins at second-line right wing (in no particular order).
It’s time for the Bruins to see what they have in Lysell. He was the No. 21 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He is the most offensively skilled player in Boston’s prospect pool. He has an excellent shot, he’s a…
[ad_2]