By: Andrew Parker
It has been just about a week after the Game 7 loss against the Blues, but the off-season is now in full swing for the Bruins.
The Bruins are essentially bringing back the same group of players that came one game away from the Stanley Cup. One would have to believe they would be heavy favorites to come out of the East once again next season.
Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney did a remarkable job at the trade deadline, bringing in hometown kid Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson. With those two acquisitions, Sweeney was able to bring in two players who contributed more than most thought they would in their long playoff run.
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Charlie Coyle immediately established himself as the 3rd line center that the Bruins were missing all season after Riley Nash left last off-season. Marcus Johnasson stepped up big time and had immediate chemistry with Coyle and Danton Heinen on the 3rd line that looked like the Bruins most dominating line in the playoffs at times. The depth acquired was much needed and it can be argued that the Bruins would not have made it as far as they did without the two.
Sweeney helped organize the Bruins at the deadline, and Bruins fans should put all of their trust in him that he will do it again this off-season. He needs to resign Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, and make a crucial decision with Johansson. He also needs to go out and sign or trade for a RW for David Krejci.
With players like Jack Studnicka and Anders Bjork set to compete for jobs in the forward corps, you would hope to see Sweeney try to acquire an established winger for that second line. Only time will tell the results, but Don Sweeney should have earned the trust of all of Boston to go out and make the right choice.
Cover Photo via: Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
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