Who doesn’t enjoy the dog days of summer? The weather is great, the beaches are open, and people are having cookouts. It’s an excellent time of year to spend with friends and family. Baseball is in its second half of the season, but hockey isn’t far behind.
We are now entering August, which brings us one step closer to the hockey season. Training camps will open, followed by preseason games. For the Boston Bruins, there are some fascinating young players entering training camp who could make the jump to the big league squad.
All Eyes on the Young Guys
The Boston Bruins, led by their veteran core, remain a formidable force in the NHL. Captain Brad Marchand serves as the nucleus that keeps the team together, while David Pastrnak is the focal point of the offensive attack. Their defense is well-rounded, anchored by Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Brandon Carlo. Additionally, the Bruins boast one of the best young goaltenders in the league.
What’s even more promising is the emergence of their young talent. Entering their sophomore seasons, Matthew Poitras and Mason Lohrei are expected to be key contributors on the big league roster. Both players made significant impacts during the 2023-24 season, proving they belong at the NHL level. As the Bruins look ahead to the 2024-25 season, there’s an open spot on the second-line right wing, presenting an exciting opportunity for one of these young players to step up and solidify their place on the team.
Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov are expected to compete for the open second-line right wing spot and crack the opening night roster for the Boston Bruins. Both players have shown significant progress with the Providence Bruins, with Lysell finishing with 87 points in 110 games and Merkulov amassing 120 points in 134 games. Their impressive performances have set the stage for a competitive training camp, where they will look to make a strong impression on the coaching staff.
While Lysell and Merkulov are the frontrunners, there is a dark horse candidate who could challenge for a roster spot come opening night. This adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the roster decisions, ensuring that the Bruins will have a highly competitive and talented team heading into the 2024-25 season.
Player to Watch for During Training Camp
Trevor Kuntar, a dark horse prospect, will get an opportunity to prove his case during this year’s training camp. If he makes the team, he would most likely play on the fourth line, where his game will fit in well.
Trevor Kuntar is an intriguing dark horse candidate for the Bruins’ roster. Known for his relentless forechecking and willingness to battle for loose pucks, Kuntar embodies the gritty, hard-to-play-against identity that the Bruins value, particularly for their fourth line. His offensive upside adds an extra layer of depth scoring, making him a versatile asset.
Kuntar’s impressive performance in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he scored 28 goals and 53 points in 44 games, paved the way for his transition to collegiate hockey with Boston College. Over three years at Boston College, he accumulated 59 points in 93 games. In his first season with the Providence Bruins, Kuntar recorded 20 points in 70 games. His hard work, relentless puck pursuit, and ability to create chances make him a potential impact player.
Youth is on Kuntar’s side, and with the Bruins aiming to get younger, he has a strong case for making the opening roster. However, the competition is fierce, and the roadblock of more experienced players could challenge his bid for a spot. Nonetheless, his determination and skill set will make him a player to watch during training camp.
Road Block for Kuntar
Trevor Kuntar faces a challenging path to secure a spot on the Bruins’ fourth line. General manager Don Sweeney’s offseason trade of Linus Ullmark brought in center Mark Kastelic, a faceoff specialist who adds the needed physical edge to the bottom-six. Additionally, John Beecher, who made a significant impact during the 2023-24 season, remains a key presence in the lower part of the lineup.
To contend for a winger position, Kuntar will have to navigate a competitive position battle. The Bruins’ free agency signing of Max Jones, a physical player who adds speed to the lineup, adds to the competition. Moreover, Justin Brazeau, known for his remarkable play, remains a formidable contender. Despite being younger, Kuntar also brings speed and tenacity, aligning with the Bruins’ desired lineup dynamics.
Kuntar’s journey to the NHL roster is steep, making him a true dark horse candidate. However, his hard-nosed playing style, offensive potential, and relentless work ethic give him a fighting chance to break through and make an impact with the Bruins.
Kuntar Should Be Looked At
Training camp for the upcoming season promises to be exciting, with key names like Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov expected to draw significant attention. However, Trevor Kuntar should not go unnoticed. He has a genuine opportunity to prove his worth and secure a roster spot, despite the formidable competition ahead of him.
Kuntar’s ability to showcase his skills and determination during training camp and preseason will be critical. The presence of players like Mark Kastelic, John Beecher, Max Jones, and Justin Brazeau poses a significant challenge, but it also underscores the level of competition and talent within the Bruins’ organization.
As a dark horse candidate, Kuntar’s journey to making the Bruins’ roster in 2024-25 will be intriguing to follow. If he can shine during training camp and the preseason, he could carve out a spot for himself, demonstrating that his hard-nosed play, offensive potential, and relentless work ethic make him a valuable asset for the team.
