Bruins U26 Squad

Équipe: 2022-23 Bruins de Boston

Date de création initiale: 13 déc. 2022

Publié: 13 déc. 2022

Mode - plafond salarial: Basique

Just Missed the Cutoff: Jake DeBrusk (26), David Pastrnak (26), Brandon Carlo (26), Connor Clifton (27)

For a team who's been near or at the top of the NHL for the vast majority of the late 2000s, 2010s, and early 2020s, this squad isn't as bad as I'd expect.

This IS NOT A RANKING OF PLAYERS, but rather a team build using only Bruins players age 25 or younger. I'm trying to get lines together that'd work well.

Line 1: Probably the three highest potential forwards in the Bruins system right now. Lysell and Poitras are both exceptionally quick, high IQ and elite vision playmakers that would pair well with the shooter Merkulov. Lacking in physicality and defense but overall would be a very fun unit to watch.

Line 2: This line is similar to the Czech Mates, but the lite version. Duran is a very smart two-way center who plays the game in a very details-oriented manner. He centers Zacha, who's a Czech mate, and Locmelis, who's an elite offensive player with little defensive ability. He'd have to take on the Pasta role on the line. Obviously not as good as the real thing, but the concept fits.

Line 3: This may be, in terms of talent right now, the best line on this squad. And, they'd be a pain to play against. All three players are good skaters, physical, and talented in their own end. If you need a spark, this is the line you send out.

Line 4: This is probably the third unit if this were a real team, as they are a scoring line more than anything, certainly more so than the third line. Harrison is an excellent net-front player, Kuntar is a shooter, and Jellvik is a puck carrier who has the vision and playmaking ability to get the puck where it needs to go. I think they'd compliment each other fairly well. Only Harrison is good defensively, though, so there could be an issue there.

Pair 1: Lohrei and McAvoy may be the future top pair for the Bruins in real life, and I'm excited for it. Both guys are very capable puck carrier, good shooters, and solid defensively. They are also both more than willing to chip in the occasional hit. Good all around pair.

Pair 2: The all-offensive defender in Ahcan paired with the all-defensive defender Mast. Seems to be a good compliment for each other. Mast will be able to play his game, hanging back while Ahcan joins rushes and chips in on offense.

Pair 3: Michael Callahan is an excellent stay-at-home defender, and Gallagher is a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. They should both be able to take on PK minutes, and they'd be a solid enough pair overall to get the job done.

The Goalies: Sway is obviously the highest ceiling goalie in the Bruins system right now, and despite inconsistent production to open up the year, I have high hopes fro him still. The backup is kind of a crap shoot, as it's a whole lotta nothing. I opted for Keyser, as he's played really well this year in the AHL. Could be anyone, though.

Scratches: The three forwards I've selected as "healthy scratches" all serve a different purpose in terms of how they'd plug into the lineup. Mantykivi would likely join the top six only, as the offensively-talented player with great playmaking ability. Spicer is a well-rounded player, could fit in pretty much anywhere. Greer is just more of honorable mention for how he's played in the NHL this season, but he probably doesn't play any higher than the third line. Defensively, Edward provides defensive prowess and physicality for the bigger teams, and Zboril is just an all around, plug-and-play guy who can mix in up and down the lineup. In net, I picked Bussi, as he's been pretty good in the AHL this year, but like Keyser, it could be anyone