How lengthy is Boston’s present Stanley Cup window?

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The Bruins have bolted out of the gates within the Japanese Convention remaining and have an excellent likelihood to take dwelling the Stanley Cup for the primary time since 2011. Because of some younger stars, nevertheless, this 12 months is probably not the group’s solely likelihood to win all of it.Charlie McAvoy|Michael Tureski/Icon Sportswire through Getty ImagesNot that I’m gifting the Boston Bruins the Stanley Cup already, as a result of I’m not…however the staff’s play in 2019 does have me eager about their championship window proper now.
Clearly the Bruins have put themselves in an important place to play within the remaining, placing Carolina down 2-Zero within the Japanese Convention championship. And let’s say the Bruins preserve taking part in sensible hockey and win all of it in opposition to San Jose or St. Louis within the remaining sequence. It’s all proper there for them, positive.
However what does the longer term maintain for Boston? I’d argue that, regardless of being an older staff in lots of regards, the Bruins’ championship window doesn’t shut with the top of this marketing campaign. In actual fact, I consider they will regenerate their roster sufficient to be aggressive for years.
Let’s begin on the prime with the Greatest Line in Hockey. Middle Patrice Bergeron could also be an previous 33 (accidents, plus a heavy profession workload), however he’s nonetheless among the finest gamers within the sport, whereas 31-year-old Brad Marchand is an elite-level expertise when he’s not auditioning for the Actually Rottens. The important thing for me is the third member of the road, David Pastrnak. At 22, he’s within the early stage of his peak years and could also be even higher subsequent 12 months than he was this time round (and he was superb in 2018-19). So even when Bergeron’s sport degrades within the subsequent 12 months or two, the uptick from Pastrnak would stability it out. Lengthy story brief, the Greatest Line in Hockey stays so for the speedy future.
From there, Charlie Coyle seems to be a part of the reply to Boston’s ahead depth query, even when it took a little bit of time for him to regulate. He’s nonetheless below contract subsequent 12 months. Jake DeBrusk can be counted in that firm and he’s nonetheless on his inexpensive entry-level deal subsequent season. The B’s additionally signed Oskar Steen to his rookie deal and I’ve all the time favored the Swedish winger. He’s quick, expert and performs with an edge – surprise if Boston followers like these qualities? It is going to be enjoyable to see if Steen can crack the lineup subsequent 12 months.
On protection, Zdeno Chara is coming again at a reduced fee and given his toughness and management, the deal works for me. His lack of pace can damage, however that’s the place associate Charlie McAvoy is available in. Like Pastrnak, McAvoy is simply coming into his prime and I consider he’ll be even higher subsequent season. Not solely will that assist prolong Chara’s profession yet another season, but it surely additionally prepares Boston for the post-Chara period. Although they’re completely totally different defensemen, I consider McAvoy shall be a compelling No. 1 for the Bruins for years to come back. With Torey Krug, Brandon Carlo and others behind him, McAvoy can preserve that Boston ‘D’ corps buzzing. Plus, Urho Vaakanainen is simply starting his NHL march. What kind of affect can he have long-term?
In web, Tuukka Rask is clearly the man and can proceed to be the man for the recognized future. Despite the fact that the NHL is skewing youthful now, the unwritten rule doesn’t appear to use to goalies.
Like Rask, a number of the NHL’s greatest netminders this season have been on the flawed aspect of 30: Ben Bishop, Marc-Andre Fleury, Pekka Rinne…heck, even Rask’s battery mate Jaroslav Halak qualifies.
Now, are there considerations that GM Don Sweeney should tackle within the low season? In fact, as there may be with each staff. That David Backes contract is wanting just a little sketchy and sadly, the veteran has two extra seasons at $6 million per, full with a no-move clause. Oh, and McAvoy? He’s a restricted free agent this summer season. He’s been an absolute cut price because of his entry-level deal, however now that stipend wants to begin at $7 million with huge time period. Carlo and Danton Heinen additionally want new offers and whereas the Bruins are crushed for cap house, in addition they don’t have a ton of it proper now (about $14 million to play with, roughly).
The current is wanting nice for the Bruins and the near-future is fairly stable too. Will it end in a Cup? It gained’t take lengthy earlier than we discover out. However one other may very well be coming quickly after, as properly.
Tags: boston bruins, nhl, stanley cup playoffsConnect: Concerning the AuthorRyan KennedyRyan Kennedy is the affiliate senior author and draft/prospect knowledgeable at The Hockey Information. He has been with the publication since 2005 and in that span, Don Cherry, Lil Jon and The Rock have all known as his home. He lives in Toronto together with his spouse and children the place he listens to loud music and collects NCAA pennants.