Top 5 Defensemen For Boston Bruins

Top 5 Defensemen For Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are loaded up with talent at the blue line. Too much talent is a good problem for the Bruins to have, making it easier to move players around and adjust to injuries. The departure of Andrew Ference this offseason has done little to stem this problem thanks to the upsurge of promising young players coming up from the Providence Bruins and those returning for next year.

Developmental camp has given coaches and fans a glimpse of what can be expected in the years to come. Last year, Torey Krug and Dougie Hamilton shined and made the jump to the senior squad. But that does not seem to be the same situation for this year. Although talented, there does not seem to be any more room left for players in the AHL beyond those who have already played for the Bruins. However, one player to keep a watch on in the future is Kevan Miller, who finished the season with over 20 assists and was second is scoring. He has loads of potential and could be a solid player in the future.

The real story from last season that will carry over into this season was the introduction of Torey Krug, Dougie Hamilton, and Matt Bartkowski onto the big stage. All three impressed with their play and slotted well into the team. Even during the playoffs, they managed to keep their composure and perform despite their limited experience.

On top of all the hype about the prospects, there is a also strong core of veteran defensemen returning. Captain Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg and Johnny Boychuk are some of the most reliable and consistent performers on the team. Their experience and leadership, especially in the presence of the younger guys, is just as important as the goals and blocked shots they produce.

Let's take a look at the best of the Bruins defensemen next season as the team balances out youth and experience when trying to compensate for all of the talent available for coach Claude Julien.

Tim Nikolouzos is a Boston Bruins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @timnikolou

5. Dougie Hamilton

Dougie Hamilton is one of the rising stars on the team. He performed well during the regular season despite his limited experience. If it was not for his injury during the playoffs, he would have continued to shine. Next season, he looks set to get some more playing time and possibly a full-time slot with the team if he can prove himself. He may still headed down to the AHL for development to fine-tune his game, but Hamilton is certainly a player for the future.

4. Torey Krug

Torey Krug was arguably the story of the season last year and a bright spot in the disappointing end to the playoffs. He played with reckless abandon and had no fear in the face of his more experienced opponents on the ice. It would be hard to imagine him not starting the season with the Bruins unless he fails to impress during training camp. He skates well, has a good slap shot, and makes up for his size with a great effort. It he can continue with these things, he will seeing a lot of ice time and probably a contract extension.

3. Johnny Boychuk

Johnny Boychuk is the type of player that exemplifies what it means to be a Bruin. His physical style and effort to win the puck make him a fan favorite and great defender for the team. He is always in front of goal blocking shots and checking forwards into the boards. The team relied on him during the playoffs and he delivered. Expect the same aggressive, consistent play from him.

2. Dennis Seidenberg

Dennis Seidenberg is a leader and tremendous player for the Bruins. He dishes the puck out to the forwards and fights for the puck in front of goal as well as anyone on defense. In addition, his pairing with Chara is among the best in the league. His contract is up at the end of the year, so expect him to play for what will likely be his last long-term contract for big money. He deserves it and will play to show that he does.

1. Zdeno Chara

The 36-year old captain and defenseman, Zdeno Chara is unquestionably the best on the Bruins — and most likely in the whole league. He has carried the load for the team in terms of physical power, leadership and defensive play, combined with the fastest slap shot ever recorded. As long as Chara is around, the Bruins always have a chance to make a run for the Stanley Cup. It may not seem like it, but Chara has been around for a long time, and the window is closing for another Cup victory. He will be 40 years old when his contract expires, so enjoy the most that you can out of him now.