I am bit more optimistic about this team than last year. Taylor Hall was rewarded with a contract in the offseason and CharlieMac was given a long term extension a few days back.
Offseason additions include Nick Foligno, Erik Haula, and Tomas Nosek at the Forward position. IMO this immediately provides depth they haven't had in a few years at this position.
The D is fairly questionable outside the top 4.....(Carlo, CMac, Grz and Reilly). I've seen Forbort in Calgary and he doesn't belong in the top 4. But Between Clifton (who has grown beyond my wrath now), Moore and Zboril they should be able to field a serviceable 3rd D pair.
So there are a few big IFs here....can the top line keep doing it? This is it for one of the best and most under rated players of our era, Patrice Bergeron, and although I can't see him going anywhere else...money talks.
Its too bad Curtis Lazar is on the IR for a bit with a shoulder injury....I've always liked the guy but this could be if for him if one of the kids takes his spot permanently while he's out.
Jake Debrusk (24)....he's looked good in preseason but its time to step up or get a fresh start somewhere else. Charlie Coyle (29)...its now or never for this guy...can you anchor a 2nd line or are you just a role player in the bottom 6 for 5.2 Mil until 2026.
Swayman and Ulmark. I am sold on Swayman but not Ulmark. I was a bit irritated to hear that they will split time initially. I feel Swayman has earned his chance to carry the team until he doesn't.
I don't see this team not making the playoffs this year. Back in the Atlantic and a lot of the teams have digressed. At the worst the B's are a number 4 team behind the Leafs, Lightning and Panthers. At their best they could lead the Atlantic easily. A lot rides on the new goal tending tandem and of course there is always the option of calling Tuuka early next year as a stop gap. Scoring should be a bit more even and that's going to go a long way in taking pressure off the top line.