Last year, the Boston Bruins emerged from the bubble group and ended up as one
of the elites in the NHL. Now, after many Bruins'; fans were just hoping for
development and playoffs a year ago, the Stanley Cup is now the goal. A big
reason for the change in expectation is that many of Boston';s young players
broke out a season ago. Guys like Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen
and Sean Kuraly all came to the NHL and outperformed expectations.

If Boston wants to continue their upward trajectory and compete for the Cup
this season, they';ll need more players to breakout. Considering some of the
losses the team suffered through this summer, there is plenty of opportunity in
 Boston.1. Anders Bjork, Left Wing

With Rick Nash contemplating retirement, a spot is now open in Boston';s
top-six. Bjork was considered a big-time prospect as recently as a year ago and
 has the skills to play a top-six role in the NHL. He posted four goals and
eight assists in 30 NHL games a season ago while also displaying strong
offensive tools when adjusting to the big leagues.Boston Bruins left wing
Anders Bjork (Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)

Bjork will enter this camp fresh off of surgery and ready to go. He';s
mentioned many times how excited and motivated he is for the season, with the
Winter Classic at Notre Dame being a huge push for him. Bjork has the skills to
 take over the hole left by Nash, and could be the next Bruin to emerge as a
legit piece in Boston. Bjork has the skills but just needs the chance. With a
good camp and preseason, he';ll get the look he needs.

If Bjork finds himself on the second line this season, I could see him scoring
15-20 goals and breaking out for this club. A great chance awaits Anders.2.
Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Center

There';s something about open roster spots being left by men named Nash. With
Riley Nash heading to Columbus, a spot down the middle will be open in Boston
this fall. Enter Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson, the former BU pivot who was
Boston';s second-round pick in 2015.Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson (Bob DeChiara-USA
TODAY Sports)

Forsbacka Karlsson plays a very responsible game and can be labeled as a
two-way center. He';s got great defensive instincts and should fit in nicely
with the Bruins'; style of play and the type of player they love. He played for
 AHL Providence last season, posting 32 points in 58 games. The man they call
JFK emerged in the AHL and became one of the better players for the P-Bruins by
 the end of the season. Personally, I think he is close to NHL ready.

The opportunity has presented itself to JFK. He';ll enter camp with a real
chance to make Boston';s roster in a bottom-six role. He likely won';t replace
Riley Nash';s production (41 points in 76 games), but an NHL job is certainly
up for grabs.

A good camp by the young pivot likely earns him his first NHL roster spot. That
 would be a big step forward for this prospect, and would certainly help the
Bruins as they look to fill the hole left by the other Nash';s departure in
free agency.3. Matt Grzelcyk, Defense

Grzelcyk played in 61 games a year ago after grabbing an NHL job. He posted 15
points in those 61 games and gained more ice time and responsibility as the
season wore on. This year, Boston enters camp with eight NHL defenders on the
roster. Grzelcyk was rewarded with a two-year contract this past summer and is
expected to be a contributor again this year.Matt Grzelcyk (Charles
LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

So what makes him a breakout candidate?

Great question. The thing is, there has been a ton of smoke surrounding a
potential Torey Krug trade. Although I think that would be a poor idea one has
to imagine that if Boston gets an offer they like they';ll pull the trigger. If
 they do, Grzelcyk would be the natural pick to replace Krug and gain the
powerplay time left behind. Should that happen, a spike in role and offensive
production would fall into Grzelcyk';s lap.

Even if a Krug trade doesn';t present itself, you';d have to think that
Grzelcyk sees an increased role this coming season. He';s got a cheap contract
and his style is a perfect fit for today';s NHL. There';s a real chance that
Bruce Cassidy relies on Grzelcyk more in his sophomore season with the Bruins.
If that is in fact, the case, Grzelcyk could emerge in a big way.

The post Bruins Camp Preview: Breakout Candidates appeared first on The Hockey
Writers.

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