2013 Season Preview – Boston Bruins

Last Season – The Bruins finished 49-29-4 and won the Northeast Division, and earned the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference, despite having the 4th best record in the Conference

Saying Goodbye – Joe Corvo, Brian Rolston, Tim Thomas, Marty Turco

Saying Hello – Aaron Johnson, Garnet Exelby

Ready to Step In -Dougie Hamilton has been dominant in the OHL and will likely get invited to the scaled down training camp, and from all indications Boston wants him in the NHL this year.

Tyler Seguin is prepared to break out this season after being one of the top NHLers in Europe during the lockout. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

Look For A Bounce-back Season From – Nathan Horton missed the last 3 months of the season after suffering a concussion last January.  He is a top-line player who will add to Boston’s depth up front.

Hardware Hopefuls – Dougie Hamilton, Calder; Patrice Bergeron, Selke; Zdeno Chara, Norris

Upside – Limited turnover will be a big thing in this season’s sprint to the finish.  The Bruins have the advantage over almost every team in that area.

Downside – Tim Thomas’ sabbatical reduces the depth in net.  Rask has been a number 1 and can re-assume the role, but his backup will not be of Thomas’ caliber.

2013 Prognosis – The best team in the Northeast Division.  Will no doubt make the post-season and will make some noise.  Maybe not the favorite to win the cup, but have to be in the conversation of contenders with their overall depth and talent.