There's still plenty of talent available to fill out the left side of Boston's forward lines, and the competition for those spots should be among the most spirited battles in camp. So just what does the Bruins' depth on left wing look like headed into the 2011-12 season?
Who's Back:
The Bruins should have everyone back on the left side this year, but there are a couple of issues that could prevent that. The most serious is second-line left wing Brad Marchand's contract status. After a breakthrough rookie campaign that saw him put up 21-20-41 totals in the regular season and another 11-8-19 in the playoffs, Marchand should be an integral part of the Bruins' offense this season as well. But he's a restricted free agent and remains unsigned with just over a week left before veterans report for camp. It's been rare to see anyone not on hand for the start of camp on Peter Chiarelli's watch, but Marchand could be the exception if there isn't a breakthrough in negotiations soon.
The other potential change on the left side could be the move of Rich Peverley or Chris Kelly, who split time between left wing and center on the third line after arriving at the trade deadline, to the right side with right wings Mark Recchi (retired) and Michael Ryder (signed with Dallas) now gone. The Bruins will have Milan Lucic back on the top line after he put up career highs while leading the Bruins with 30 goals and 62 points. Daniel Paille also returns to add some speed to the Bruins' effective fourth line and penalty kill.
Who's Gone:
Assuming Marchand eventually re-signs, the Bruins won't have lost any of the regular left wings from the end of last year. They did see a pair of minor leaguers leave the organization to sign in Germany this summer, with Jeremy Reich signing with ERC Ingolstadt and David Laliberte, who was acquired in the trade that sent Brian McGrattan to the Anaheim organization, finding a new home with arguably the best name for a team in any hockey league — the Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg.
Who's New:
The Bruins took a low-risk gamble on 2005 fourth overall pick Benoit Pouliot, signing the free agent to a one-year, $1.1 million deal after he was non-tendered by the Canadiens. Pouliot has size (6-foot-3, 199 pounds) and skill, but has yet to put it all together in the NHL. He also brings some baggage to Boston as he switches sides in the heated Bruins-Habs rivalry, having decked David Krejci in a regular-season fight and also battling Andrew Ference in the playoffs after delivering a cheap shot on Johnny Boychuk.
If Pouliot can play a physical style like that and put up some consistent offensive production, all will likely be forgiven. If he can't, the Bruins haven't invested much in the reclamation project. The Bruins could also give veteran camp invite Chris Clark a look at left wing, though he's played primarily on the right side. In future years, 2011 draft picks Alexander Khokhlachev, a skilled forward who can play either center or left wing taken in the second round, and Anthony Camara, a tough guy with the potential to develop into a bigger role selected in the third round, could find themselves in the mix on the left side in Boston.
In the System:
Closer to making an impact in Boston is 2009 first-rounder Jordan Caron, who can play either wing and was up with the big club for 23 games last season, then returned to practice with the varsity as a Black Ace in the postseason. Ryan Spooner is a natural center, but could find a home on the left side if he has another impressive camp after being among the final cuts last year. Lane MacDermid has impressed in his first two pro seasons in Providence, providing toughness while also showing he can be trusted to play a more regular shift. He could be ready to see some fourth-line action in Boston soon, especially if Shawn Thornton were to be sidelined. Craig Cunningham will be turning pro after an impressive fifth and final season in the WHL, where he posted 27-60-87 totals in 71 games. Justin Florek is further away from helping as he heads back to Northern Michigan University for his senior season, but the 6-foot-4, 202-pounder left a strong impression at this summer's development camp with an outstanding showing in July.
Roster Prediction:
There could be some intrigue here in camp, especially if Marchand does not re-sign soon. If Marchand is signed, he'll likely retain his spot on the second line flanking Patrice Bergeron, while Lucic will remain a fixture on the top line. Pouliot and Caron will battle for the third-line role, and if one of them emerges, that should allow Claude Julien to shift Peverley over to the right side to fill one of the holes there. Paille will have to fend off some challengers to keep his spot on the fourth line, but if he plays like he did in the postseason, he should be safe. Clark and Spooner are the wild cards to make a run at roster spots, with Clark offering some added experience and grit and Spooner supplying an enticing amount of speed and skill.
NESN.com Bruins beat writer Douglas Flynn will analyze a different position on the Bruins roster every day this week.
Wednesday, Sept. 7: Right wings
Friday, Sept. 9: Defense
