Summer is in full swing, with nice weather, open beaches, and bustling cookouts, making it a great time to enjoy with friends and family. Baseball is entering its second half of the season, but hockey fans can also start to get excited as the NHL season is not far away.
As we approach August, the anticipation for hockey season builds. Training camps will soon open, followed by preseason games. For the Boston Bruins, several intriguing young players will enter training camp with hopes of making the leap to the big league roster.
All Eyes on the Young Guys
The Bruins are led by their veteran core, with Captain Brad Marchand at the helm and David Pastrnak as the focal point of the offense. The defense is well-rounded with Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, and Brandon Carlo. Additionally, the team boasts one of the best young goaltenders in the league.
The team also has promising young players ready to take the next steps in their careers. Matthew Poitras and Mason Lohrei, entering their sophomore seasons, are expected to be key contributors. After making their mark during the 2023-24 season, they have shown they belong at the NHL level. However, there is an open spot on the second-line right wing for the 2024-25 season.
Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov are expected to compete for this spot and potentially crack the opening night roster. Both players have progressed well with the Providence Bruins. Lysell has recorded 87 points in 110 games, while Merkulov has amassed 120 points in 134 games. Both have impressed and will look to continue doing so during training camp. Despite their likelihood of making the roster, a dark horse candidate could challenge for a spot come opening night.
Player to Watch During Training Camp
Forward Trevor Kuntar is a dark horse candidate with a chance to make a case for himself during training camp. If he makes the roster, he would likely play a fourth-line role, which suits his style of play well.
Kuntar is known for his hard forechecking and battling for loose pucks, embodying the Bruins’ identity, especially on the fourth line. He also has offensive upside, adding depth scoring potential. Kuntar had an outstanding season in the United States Hockey League (USHL), scoring 28 goals and 53 points in 44 games, and continued to excel at Boston College.
In three years at Boston College, Kuntar put up 59 points in 93 games. In his first season with the Providence Bruins, he recorded 20 points in 70 games. Kuntar’s work ethic, relentless puck pursuit, and hard battles create scoring chances. He has the tools to be an impact player and could make the opening roster. However, several obstacles stand in his way.
Roadblock for Kuntar
Kuntar is likely destined for a fourth-line role, but the path ahead is challenging. During the offseason, general manager Don Sweeney traded Linus Ullmark, acquiring center Mark Kastelic, a faceoff specialist with a physical edge needed in the bottom six. John Beecher, who made his mark with the Bruins during the 2023-24 season, is also a key presence in the bottom lineup. Kuntar will face stiff competition for the winger position.
Additionally, the Bruins signed Max Jones to a two-year contract worth $1 million per season. Jones brings physicality and speed to the lineup, a combination the Bruins desire. Justin Brazeau is another player in the mix. Kuntar’s youth and speed are assets, but his path to the big league roster is difficult, making him a true dark horse candidate.
Kuntar Should Be Watched
This upcoming training camp promises to be exciting, with key names like Lysell and Merkulov vying for spots. However, Trevor Kuntar should not go unnoticed. He has a real chance to showcase his worth, but the players ahead of him present significant challenges. It will be interesting to see if Kuntar can shine during training camp and preseason. Despite the tough competition, he remains a dark horse candidate to make the Bruins’ roster for the 2024-25 season.
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