ATLANTIC DIVISION

Boston Bruins (1st)

2022-23 Record: 65-12-5 135 Pts

Eliminated in First Round by Panthers

Key Subtractions: Patrice Bergeron (retirement), David Krejci (retirement), Taylor Hall (traded to Blackhawks), Nick Foligno (traded to Blackhawks), Dmitry Orlov (signed with Hurricanes), Garnet Hathaway (signed with Flyers), Tyler Bertuzzi (signed with Maple Leafs), Connor Clifton (signed with Sabres)

Key Additions: James van Riemsdyk, Morgan Geekie, Milan Lucic, Kevin Shattenkirk, Jesper Boqvist

Overview: After a historic regular season that saw them set a new NHL record for most wins (65) and points (135), the Bruins crashed and burned out in a heartbreaking first round series loss to the Panthers. They blew a three games to one lead, falling in sudden death to the Cats on home ice.

It was an emotional scene with all-time Boston Bruin Patrice Bergeron waving goodbye to the crowd, while close friend Brad Marchand was reduced to tears. It proved to be the final game for both Bergeron and David Krejci. Each announced their retirements this summer.

With the organization preparing for the departure of their top two centers, they also were forced to trade Taylor Hall with Nick Foligno to the Blackhawks in a cap cutting move. Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi each left via free agency. So, too did Garnet Hathaway. Even tough third pair defenseman Connor Clifton departed.

That’s the cost of doing business in the salary cap world. The Bruins went all in on trying to win a Stanley Cup. Instead, they lost in crushing fashion to the Panthers, who made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. In the playoffs, anything can happen. It’s too bad that was the end for Bergeron, who is one of the most popular Bruins in team history. The next stop is Toronto for Mister Selke.

With many key players leaving, that leaves the Bruins looking towards a few bargain basement additions to help the secondary scoring. They’re hoping James van Riemsdyk can stay healthy and still contribute 20-plus goals. He can play a top nine role. It might be asking a lot for him to play in the top six.

Morgan Geekie was signed as well. He proved capable of contributing with the Kraken. Maybe that move will pan out. Jesper Boqvist comes over from the Devils to supply a checking role. He’ll likely fill the void left by Tomas Nosek, who ironically signed with Jersey. It’s almost like a swap. Boqvist is younger. Maybe they think they can get more out of him. Similar to Pavel Zacha, who has big shoes to fill at center.

Both Zacha and Charlie Coyle are the new top two centers. They will be leaned on by Jack Adams winner Jim Montgomery. Both can play in all three zones, including power play and penalty kill. The latter is an area each excels at. Zacha will stay intact with fellow Czech countryman David Pastrnak. The premier power forward. He’s in his prime. A repeat of sixty goals and 100 points is expected.

Coyle should replace Bergeron and work with Marchand, who still has the unique combination of speed, skill, and grit. The Rat must stay healthy for the B’s to be successful. Jake DeBrusk continues to improve. Is this the year he hits 30 goals? He’s up for a new contract next summer.

Popular forward Milan Lucic returns to the city where he helped win a Cup. Obviously, he’s not the same player he once was. But “Looch,” as he’s affectionately known by fans, knows what his role will be. He plays a physical style and brings energy. A good teammate who understands what it means to be a Bruin, it’ll be interesting to see how his second stint goes.

Boston is looking for energizer Trent Frederic to continue to develop into a gritty player who outworks opponents. He is expected to center the third line. The former first round pick had a breakout season. Let’s see if he can follow it up.

Veteran Alex Chiasson is invited to training camp on a pro tryout. Maybe he can earn a job as a fourth line guy.

Although they lost Orlov to Carolina and Clifton to Buffalo, the Bruins still boast a strong blue line. Led by Charlie McAvoy, who’s one of the game’s best defensemen, they should be formidable. Hampus Lindholm is coming off a good season. As a top pair, they’re one of the best in the sport.

Matt Grzelcyk and Brandon Carlo remain key stalwarts who should play important minutes. Derek Forbort is a savvy veteran who blocks shots. Veteran Kevin Shattenkirk was brought in on a one-year deal. He’ll compete with Jakub Zboril for minutes as the sixth defenseman. Shattenkirk still can provide offense with his shot. Defensively, it’s no picnic. How will he fare playing in a more structured system?

Goalie shouldn’t be a problem. Rating Vezina winner Linus Ullmark had a memorable 2022-23. Unfortunately, he wasn’t 100 percent in the first round. It showed. Montgomery waited too long to go to Jeremy Swayman. Swayman remains the future in goal. Both netminders have a great relationship. They always do the cool postgame celebration after a win. Until proven otherwise, it’s probably the best goalie tandem in the league.

Analysis: Obviously, the Bruins won’t come close to a repeat of last year. However, it’s premature to write them off. They still boast elite players at key positions. Montgomery will be tasked with challenging them to prove the doubters wrong. They could still be a playoff team. They’re more proven than the Sabres, Senators, and Red Wings. All teams in the division who should be in playoff contention.

Prediction: Forty-five wins are still possible. But scoring could be an issue. They might have to win a lot of low-scoring games. They’re built for it. If the cutoff is 96 points, it’ll be close.