Bruins
“Just because you’re a skilled guy doesn’t mean you’re gonna earn that spot because you can dangle through three guys.”
As chaotic as Brad Marchand’s on-ice persona has been over the previous 15 years, stability has largely been on his side in Boston when it comes to his linemates.
Largely stapled at the hip with Patrice Bergeron for most of his tenure in a black-and-gold sweater, the 2023-24 campaign marked the first time in over a decade where Marchand skated with a new pivot in Charlie Coyle.
A full slate of training-camp practices and preseason contests await, but the 36-year-old Marchand expects to open the 2024-25 season alongside Coyle once again.
“I thought we we came a long way last year and built some good chemistry, and it’s something that we can continue to work on,” Marchand said Tuesday following Boston’s first captains’ practice of the year at Warrior Ice Arena. “The longer you get to play with someone, obviously the more success you’re gonna have and the more familiar you’re gonna get with one another.”
But now, for the second straight season, Marchand will be looking for another regular linemate — this time on the wing, following the offseason departure of Jake DeBrusk.
As divisive as DeBrusk might have been to some Bruins fans due to his hot-and-cold scoring production, the speedy winger gelled next to Marchand for the past few seasons. DeBrusk’s growing two-way game made him far from a liability on a line anchored by Bergeron in 2022-23 and Coyle in 2023-24.
Over the past two seasons, the Bruins outscored opponents, 42-24, over the 873:46 of 5-on-5 ice time that Marchand and DeBrusk skated together (per Natural Stat Trick).
Jim Montgomery and the Bruins’ coaching staff have no shortage of options to turn to in that vacant top-six role, with high-skilled youngsters like Fabian Lysell offering arguably the highest ceiling.
Lysell’s playmaking capabilities and knack for deking through a wall of defenders makes him an appealing option to slot in next to two established forwards in Marchand and Coyle.
But on a Bruins’ second line whose identity will be rooted on strong play down both ends of the ice, Marchand stressed that the Bruins aren’t just looking for an empty-calorie scorer to slot into such a key spot on the depth chart.
“The biggest thing is that guys come in and not try to do too much and understand that for our group — the details — are what allows you to have success and stay,” Marchand explained. “And I think first and foremost, they want to see you be able to make plays and take advantage of situations, but you gotta be able to be responsible on both sides of the puck and manage how you play with it.
“Just because you’re a skilled guy doesn’t mean you’re gonna earn that spot because you can dangle through three guys. You’ve got to be able to be very responsible defensively, especially playing with Chuck and I where we kind of play both sides of the puck and play against a lot of teams’ top line.”
If the Bruins are opting for more of another two-way presence as the missing piece on that Coyle line, Trent Frederic could be an appealing option if Montgomery deems him worthy of a promotion.
Not only has Frederic’s offensive contributions improved over the last few seasons (35 goals in his past 161 games), but he’s developed into an underrated defensive asset on a Bruins team whose identity focuses on accountable, steady play.
Over the last three seasons, the Bruins outscored teams, 119-75, over Frederic’s 5-on-5 reps (2,562:21 TOI). His physicality, ability to win puck battles, and positioning often made the difference between a Grade-A look for opponents and a harmless clear.
“It’s as much about being really strong defensively as it is offensive and understanding the game management,” Marchand said. “It takes a lot of time. So a lot of times guys will get up and I remember one game I played with Marc Savard and felt like I had to do something every time I touched the puck and make highlight-reel plays … it’s just about being comfortable to allow you to have success.”
Even though a younger, unproven player like Lysell might not be as steady defensively as a player like Frederic, the Bruins should be invested this preseason in giving the 21-year-old winger every opportunity to stick in the NHL ranks — especially in a spot in the lineup where his puck skills and skating can be properly utilized.
A best-case scenario for all parties would likely involve Lysell putting his best foot forward in preseason play, allowing Montgomery to put a skilled, cost-controlled asset in a spot where he O-zone talents can thrive, while also allowing players like Frederic and Morgan Geekie to continue to exploit matchups in a third-line role.
It remains to be seen how exactly Boston’s top-six grouping will shape up between now and the season opener in South Florida on Oct. 8. But Marchand is already bullish on what Coyle can provide in his second full season as a top-six pivot.
“He was ready for it,” Marchand said of Coyle stepping into an elevated role last year, adding: “He thrived. He was prepared. He put the work in, and he competes so hard. He trains so hard every day. He’s extremely committed to try to get better and improve.
“And he was an absolute animal last year. I love playing with him — seeing the minutes that he ate up and how his confidence grew throughout the season. It was great to see and I’m sure he’s going to take another big step again this year, being more familiar and helpful in his role and position now.”
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