After 5 decades the Bruins are now lacking this before the start of the season
Boston Bruins' GM Don Sweeney is seemingly content entering the 2023-24 season with Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle as centers.
This marks a rare occasion as the team faces a season without a proven No. 1 center. Going back to Phil Esposito's era, the Bruins always boasted top centers, even second-liners who could lead on other teams.
Post a three-team trade, where Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson joined the Penguins, GM activity is quiet, except speculation about the Canadiens' Hughes possibly trading Petry and DeSmith.
After trade talks for Linus Ullmark, Sweeney signed Lucic and van Riemsdyk.
Other acquisitions include Geekie, Brown, Boqvist, and Shattenkirk. Young talents like Geekie, Boqvist, and Frederic vie for bottom-six center spots. However, with minimal cap space and retirements looming, Sweeney must address the No. 1 center gap.
With several Bruins facing free agency, Sweeney might be banking on the current squad. Failure to secure a top center could impact playoff chances, risking Sweeney's role. His moves before the 2024-25 season are pivotal for his future as GM.
As seen on Bostonhockeynow
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