Stat Hockey’s Boston Bruins 2022-23 Line Projections

This is a look at the Boston Bruins 2022-23 line projections. It will cover all four forward lines, defence pairings, goaltenders, and scratches.

Projected Lineup

F

Pavel Zacha – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

Taylor Hall – David Krejci – Jake DeBrusk

Trent Frederick – Charlie Coyle – Craig Smith

Nick Foligno – Tomas Nosek – Jack Studnicka

S- Oskar Steen, Chris Wagner

D

Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo

Mike Reilly – Connor Clifton

Derek Forbort – Jakub Zboril

S- Connor Carrick

G

Jeremy Swayman

Linus Ullmark

Notable injuries to start season: Brad Marchand (hip), Charlie McAvoy (shoulder), Matt Grzelcyk (shoulder)

Forwards

Marchand is a big piece missing off of the Bruins’ top line until his expected return around American Thanksgiving. The forward group will look noticeably different with him back in the lineup. Zacha is a good placeholder for now to be put in a position to succeed with elite players. While some may think spreading the wealth out a bit by shifting Pastrnak to the second line is better, I think he belongs on the top line, especially in Marchand’s absence.

Hall and DeBrusk will benefit from having a very responsible two-way centre on their line while some pressure is taken off of Coyle as he shifts down a line. He and Smith will form a solid scoring threat from the third line. Frederick should get a better opportunity in moving up the lineup while Studnicka looks to have a place on the Bruins now after 15 games last season with Steen in close competition for a spot in the lineup.

Defence

The defence has taken a huge hit by losing McAvoy and Grzelcyk for an extended period of time to start the season. Both are top-four defencemen and McAvoy is one of the best in the league. This causes a couple of third pairing defencemen to move up in their place which is an opportunity for them as well as a concern for the Bruins.

Zboril should get a chance to prove himself as an everyday NHLer with the room in the lineup, while Clifton may see himself elevated to start the season. Lindholm and Carlo will have to carry a big portion of the load on defence.

Goaltending

Swayman and Ullmark formed a formidable tandem last season and Ullmark stepped up when Swayman struggled for a period of time. This is a 1a, 1b situation in net, but Swayman is the future. He has proven to be more consistent and better than Ullmark and should earn more starts. If someone goes down to injury at any point, there should be no worry.

Related: Stat Hockey’s Arizona Coyotes 2022-23 Line Projections