5 Darkhorse Candidates For The Bruins Roster

With the Bruins in the middle of training camp, some darkhorse candidates have emerged for a bottom-six role with Boston. Through 3 preseason games, there have been performances by some bottom six forwards that have caught the eye of Bruins management.

Cole Koepke – The 6 foot 1, 203 lb, Left Wing from Two Harbors, Minnesota, has been productive in the preseason with a goal and an assist in 2 preseason games. Koepke is a former Tampa Bay Lightning skater who has played for the Lightning in the last two years with 3 points and 55 hits in 26 games. He’ll throw his body around and could fit nicely on the 4th-line left wing next to potential center Mark Kastelic, acquired from the Ottawa Senators in the Linus Ullmark trade.

Riley Tufte – Another Minnesota boy, the 6 foot 6 Tufte is a former 1st-round pick of the Dallas Stars (25th overall) and has played parts of 3 seasons for Dallas and Colorado. Tufte has played 18 games with 3 points, 23 hits, and 6 blocks. The big left wing has a goal in 2 preseason games for the Bruins, and his large frame certainly fits the identity and size the Bruins have been looking for since they were eliminated in the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the eventual champion, the Florida Panthers.

Trevor Kuntar – The Providence Bruins agitator was a bright spot for Boston in Rookie Camp and has carried that momentum into Training Camp with the Bruins. Kuntar is a pest, he’s always around the puck and the front of the net and brings a nastiness and competitiveness that could benefit a Bruins group with many nice guys. In 2 preseason games with Boston, the Buffalo, New York native has a goal, five hits, and three crosschecks to the back of Will Cuylle. He needs to improve at the faceoff circle if he sticks with the Bruins. Kuntar is 1 for 6 in draws so far this preseason. Kuntar plays an in-your-face style that Bruins fans would love.

Riley Duran – The fast, physical former Providence College Fryar has risen among the Bruins prospects since he was drafted in the sixth round in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Duran hasn’t found the score sheet in two preseason games, so he is on the outside looking in. He has a game that translates to the NHL and some within the hockey community believe his game is better suited to the NHL than the NCAA and the AHL. He still needs to make an impact at the NHL level to be given a chance to make the roster. It will be a challenge to win a spot, some of those around him have played better to this point.

Justin Brazeau – The New Liskeard, Ontario native may have the inside track for a roster spot. He burst onto the scene last season with five goals, two assists, 31 shots on goal, and 43 hits in 19 games with the Bruins, and then a goal and an assist in 9 playoff games. The 6 foot 5 winger is not a great skater and not overly physical, but he can possess pucks down low and has good hands around the net. If the Bruins are looking for a little more scoring punch in the bottom six to go with the speed and physicality of a John Beecher or a Mark Kastelic, Brazeau may be the best complimentary piece.

The time is running short for any of these players to push for a bottom-six role in Boston. Which of these players can do the most in their limited opportunity to show what they can do? What value do they have to the Bruins? Who best fits what Jim Montgomery is looking for from a 4th line player? Time will tell.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1