BreKel
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,537
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We know that Boston is going to have some serious in-house competition for some spots. For this mock, Bjork and Debrusk both impress enough to make the team out of camp. After Marchand, you could see a lot of interchanging going on for the LW position. I personally think Debrusk's style and smarts would fit well with Krejci and Pastrnak. He's a very intelligent player and sees the ice well. That said, Beleskey could turn a corner and force his way up the lineup. Vatrano is a wild card for me this season. We know he can shoot the puck, but can he be consistent enough?
The 3rd line, in general, has a make or break feel to it. This is Spooner's big year. We know what he can do on a PP, but can he do it 5v5? Backes is there to take faceoffs and be the veteran of the line. If everything meshes well, that actually has potential to be a solid line. You have a physical player to make space (Backes). A solid playmaker with superb passing skills and vision (Spooner) and a finisher (Vatrano). That said, I wouldn't be shocked if Spooner/Vatrano are not here come opening night.
Beleskey will need to show he's back to being the player Boston signed before he's thrusted into a top 9 role. He is capable of playing a 4th line style, so he would not be out of place there. Schaller is there to take over, should Beleskey continue to falter. Kuraly is also an option in Providence.
On the defense, McAvoy is given top pairing minutes with Chara, and Carlo slots into a spot that should benefit him after his first year. The 3rd pairing consists of two veterans capable of slotting up if needed (injury, performance based from a rookie). It's not ideal to have 5 righties in a lineup, but Cassidy doesn't seem to think of it has a big deal. Also wouldn't shock me to see McQuaid dealt.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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