As 2022 comes to an end, Boston Bruins fans can look back to an eventful year that included a disappointing first-round exit and subsequent changes within the organization. The 98th year in franchise history was interesting storylines in Boston. Here are five of the top storylines for the Bruins in 2022.
The Bruins Fire Bruce Cassidy And Hire Jim Montgomery
After the first-round loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in seven games in the 2021-22 postseason, General Manager Don Sweeney assured Head Coach Bruce Cassidy that he would remain at the helm for Boston. However, in early June, the Bruins surprisingly fired Cassidy among rumors that his candid, demanding approach had taken its toll on some players. The Bruins finished (51-26-5) and qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of Cassidy’s six seasons.
Almost a month later, Sweeney would announce hiring former St. Louis Blues’ assistant and Dallas Stars head coach Jim Montgomery as a replacement for Cassidy. Known as a players’ coach who brings positivity and relationship-building to the table, the former UMaine hockey star was brought in to help younger players along and provide a new voice to the Bruins’ bench.
The return of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci
After the 2021-22 season, Patrice Bergeron was an unrestricted free agent and undecided about returning to Boston for his 19th season with the club. There was also speculation that center David Krejci would return after playing a season in his native Czechia. It took until early August for decisions to be made, and both would sign team-friendly, bonus-laden deals to return to the Bruins.
Bergeron, who is coming off a fifth Selke Trophy for the league’s best defensive forward, is having another terrific offensive year with 15 goals and 15 assists in 36 games and has won close to 62 percent of face-offs. Krejci has helped develop more balanced scoring throughout the lineup, with ten goals and 18 assists in 30 games.
The Mitchell Miller Signing
Not a storyline that the Bruins intended to have in 2022, for sure. The signing of minor league defenseman Mitchell Miller created a storm of backlash and negative publicity from fans and media alike. Miller is a talented player who was drafted in 2020 by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round after having a checkered past that included repeated bullying of a black classmate for years. The Coyotes cut ties with Miller, who would play two seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League. The Sylvania, Ohio native’s skill is unquestioned after totaling 83 points in 60 games in 2021-22, but fans immediately questioned the signing after signs of a lack of remorse came to light. Eventually, the Bruins would rescind the deal, and Miller did not report to Providence of the American Hockey League. Miller is still getting paid as the Bruins try to walk away from it. The team announced an investigation into the vetting process and will make changes in the future.
The Status of David Pastrnak
The Bruins have been the best team in hockey all season long, but there is one elephant in the room when it comes to the team. Top goal scorer David Pastrnak is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season, and the Bruins were hopeful a deal would be done to re-sign the five-time 30-plus goal scorer by now. The team would like to sign Pastrnak to a deal similar to defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who is currently on an eight-year, $76 million contract. In the past, Bruins’ veterans have taken deals at less than market value, including Pastrnak himself. But the latest report has Pastrnak wanting a deal closer to market value, which could be around $11 million per year.
The Bruins Are Off To A Historic Start
The 2022-23 Boston Bruins are moving toward being one of the best teams in the 98-year history of the “Original-Six” franchise. The team is 28-4-4 through 36 games and an astounding 18-0-3 at home. Only the 1970-71 and 1929-30 Bruins have been equally as successful as this year’s team. Many believe this is the last attempt for Bergeron and Krejci to win a second Stanley Cup and this year’s club is a legitimate contender. Goaltender Linus Ullmark leads the league in goals-against average and save percentage, and the Bruins have eight players with more than 20 points, with two others close to 20 in just 35 games. The 2022-23 edition of the Boston Bruins is an exciting team with a plethora of storylines that continue to be written.
