Jim Montgomery Explains Bruins’ Decision On Roster Hopefuls

The Boston Bruins had their top-six forwards locked up, but the preseason was an opportunity for someone to make a statement and earn their spot on the roster.

All eyes were on prospects Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov, but it was Max Jones, Mark Kastelic, Cole Koepke and Riley Tufte who earned their spots on the Opening Night roster. The third line was going to feature Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau, and Jim Montgomery liked what he saw from the expected fourth line.

“We thought Kastelic and (Johnny) Beecher played really well throughout camp together,” Montgomery told reporters Monday, per Eric Russo of BostonBruins.com. “Koepke had a strong camp. And the third line are guys we think are gonna be important, big and heavy to us.”

Boston made it clear in the offseason that it wanted to get bigger and tougher across the roster. The Bruins also tested out veteran Tyler Johnson, who signed with the Black and Gold on a PTO. His status with the team remains up in the air as Montgomery said Johnson was “not with the team.” The head coach did not have an update beyond that. Matthew Poitras was day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, so that could open things up for Johnson.

The only question Boston had for Opening Night was who would start in net against the Florida Panthers. That will be known closer to the 7 p.m. ET puck drop Tuesday.