At just 26 years old, Justin Brazeau is quickly making a name for himself in the NHL. Known for his towering 6-foot-6, 227-pound frame, the Bruins forward showed off a new side of his game during a remarkable 4-2 exhibition victory against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. While he’s been called everything from a hulking presence to a “Humvee on skates,” this time, Brazeau added “penalty killer” to his growing list of accolades.
Tuesday night marked a major step for the young winger, who had the opportunity to play a significant role in the Bruins’ special teams. In addition to scoring the team’s fourth goal, Brazeau was crucial on both the powerplay (logging 3:56 of ice time) and penalty kill (1:43), proving that his versatility could be key for the Bruins this season.
“Honestly, it’s one of the first times I’ve killed penalties,” Brazeau said. “It’s something I did a little bit in Juniors, and I think it’s something I can add to my game to help the team. I felt comfortable, and if that’s what I need to do, I’ll embrace it.”
Brazeau’s offensive abilities are well-documented, especially after his dominant four-year career with the North Bay Battalion in the OHL, where he scored 100 goals in his final two seasons. This included a breakout 61-goal campaign in 2018-19. After honing his skills in the AHL over the last four seasons, Brazeau was called up to the Bruins late in the 2023-24 season, where he made an immediate impact.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Brazeau’s combination of size and skill helped him notch five goals and seven points in just 19 games with the Bruins. Over a full season, that pace would have translated to more than 20 goals.
“I had one of the best summers of my career,” Brazeau said, reflecting on his recent success. “It feels good to get off to a strong start and contribute. Now, it’s all about building on that momentum.”
Currently, Brazeau is in the mix for a coveted spot as the Bruins’ second-line right winger, competing with players like Matt Poitras, Tyler Johnson, Fabian Lysell, and Morgan Geekie. His imposing size and ability to control the front of the net make him a compelling option for the role, and his contributions on the penalty kill could further elevate his standing.
Brazeau sees his expanding role as part of his journey to becoming a regular NHL player. “It feels great when the coaches trust you with new responsibilities,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Beyond his work on the penalty kill, Brazeau also contributed offensively in Tuesday’s game, playing alongside Johnson and prospect Georgii Merkulov on the second line. The trio sealed the victory when Brazeau scored off a slick backhanded pass from Merkulov, giving the Bruins a 4-1 lead.
“Any time you score, it feels good, especially in the first preseason game,” Brazeau said. “It’s about shaking off the rust and getting back to your game. It felt good.”
Having spent the last two seasons in Providence with Merkulov, Brazeau showed excellent chemistry with the young prospect. “I knew he wasn’t going to hold onto the puck down there for too long,” Brazeau said. “I just tried to find a good spot, and he made a great play.”
Bruins coach Jim Montgomery praised Brazeau for his all-around performance, noting that his hockey IQ is what sets him apart. “We know he has a real good hockey brain,” Montgomery said. “He did some really good things tonight, and he might develop into a solid penalty killer. It was great to see him step up.”
For Brazeau, the challenge is clear: continue building on his early success and show he belongs in the Bruins’ regular lineup. “I’m just trying to bring what I did in Providence to this level,” he said. “So far, so good.”
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