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The Boston Bruins’ lineup juggling has focused on keeping a prized rookie in the lineup as the team hopes to transition this season.
The Boston Bruins’ Opening Night lineup will likely feature some lineup juggling to keep a prized rookie on the team.
The juggling consists of moving center Pavel Zacha to the wing on the second line in order to accommodate Casey Mittelstadt as the 2C. By keeping Mittelstadt in the 2C role, the Bruins can bring in rookie Fraser Minten as the third-line center.
Head coach Marco Sturm, as noted by The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa, would much rather have Zacha as the 2C. But doing so would mean sending Minten down to Providence.
That’s a dilemma the Bruins need to solve. The way out is putting Zacha on the wing, with Mittelstadt as the 2C. That seems like a reasonable solution, except that there’s no assurance that Mittelstadt will work out in that role.
If he does, the Bruins could be sitting pretty. Mittelstadt finally becomes the top-six forward he was earmarked to become since he was drafted. Zacha finds a meaningful role that ensures he remains a solid top-six NHL forward.
As for Minten, the Bruins get a good look at the prospect they plucked from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Brandon Carlo trade.
Yes, it all seems very optimistic. But it’s something the Bruins have to do to maximize the talent they’ve got on the team.
Minten Major Part of Bruins Future
Fraser Minten was a huge part of the Maple Leafs’ plans. The former second-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft was on track to play a significant role in Toronto. He had gotten a couple of looks but was ultimately given more time in Junior and then in the AHL.
Minten has been high on several teams’ radars over the years. He was part of the reported package for Mikko Rantanen at last year’s trade deadline. The Maple Leafs had offered Minten, along with other prospects, to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes passed, allowing the Bruins to pluck Minten.
On the whole, the projection for Minten had been playing a significant middle-six role. While he’s not a typical high-scoring center, his size (6’2”, 205 pounds) and overall skill set seem tantalizing. He could grow into a solid two-way center, providing depth and reliability.
That’s what the Bruins aim to get from Minten. Of course, tossing him into the 2C role now would be foolish. But then again, it might only be a matter of time before the 21-year-old takes on more responsibility.
Could that happen this season? Hardly. But a good first full season from Minten could make someone like Casey Mittelstadt expendable.
Jury Still Out on Boston’s Minten Experiment
The bottom line is that the Bruins are running an experiment with Fraser Minten this season. The club is hopeful that he’s ready to step into a full-time NHL role. Last season, Minten made the Maple Leafs out of camp, got a nine-game trial, and was sent back down.
This time around, he could stick. The Bruins view themselves as playoff contenders. But if the Bruins fall out of a playoff spot, the club could be willing to have Minten spend the entire season in the NHL.
If the Bruins find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, and if Minten struggles, Zacha could return to the 2C role with Mittelstadt sliding down to the third line.
Ultimately, the jury is still out on the Bruins’ Minten experiment. If all goes well, Marco Sturm could have a tough choice with plenty of talented centers vying for limited lineup spots.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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