Boston Bruins final roster prediction

(Photo credit: China Wong/NHLI via Getty Image)

Training camps around the NHL officially started on Wednesday, with players reporting for off-ice testing, and physicals.

Thursday will be the first day of on-ice sessions - where the Boston Bruins will be split up into two groups.

Group A, and Group B - initially - are pretty much an even split between veterans, bubble players, and minor leaguers.

As camp proceeds however, Group A will start to include roster mainstays, and select bubble players - while Group B will mainly feature those expected in Providence.

From there, rounds of cuts will take place until the Bruins condense down into one group for on-ice practice sessions made up of their near expected final roster.

So, which players will survive camp and be named to the Bruins 23-man roster for opening night?

That is what i'll be predicting here, and barring any major surprises or trades - is what fans should expect heading into camp.

First, here is the official training camp attendee list for the Bruins:

23-Man Roster Prediction:

Forwards (13) - David Pastrnak, Pavel Zacha, JJ Peterka, Morgan Geekie, Fraser Minten, James Hagens, Elias Lindholm, Casey Mittelstadt, Marat Khusnutdinov, Tanner Jeannot, Sean Kuraly, Mark Kastelic, Matt Poitras

Defensemen (8) - Charlie McAvoy, Hampus Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Will Borgen, Mason Lohrei, Connor Clifton, Jonathan Aspirot, Frederic Brunet

Goalies (2) - Jeremy Swayman, Michael DiPietro

Key waives or potential trades - Henri Jokiharju , Mikey Eyssimont, Alex Steeves, Lukas Reichel, Jordan Harris, Billy Sweezey (most if not all should clear waivers and report to Providence)

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So there you have my 23-man roster prediction for opening night - but let's take it a step further and try to put together some forward and defense line combinations to start the season.

For clarity, these aren't lines meant to predict what Marco Sturm WILL ice right away - rather, they're combinations he SHOULD implement.

The goal here is to put together a lineup that is a compromise of bold, and conservative - mixing youth, and veterans to best try and optimize their individual skill sets, and therefore the team.

These also aren't meant to be long term combinations or position assignments.

For example, many expect most of James Hagens' NHL career to be at center - but for now he may start at wing because it feels like the Bruins want that.

So fine, if he's going to be at wing for now - where could succeed most and with who?

With all that said, please see below:

Forwards:

Morgan Geekie - Fraser Minten - David Pastrnak

Reasoning: Geekie is better on his off-side wing where he can open his hips up in transition and have one-time opportunities off the rush rather than having to shoot across his body on his strong side. His production without Pastrnak is also a question, so we'll keep them together to start. Minten would be a nice change of pace at center for Pastrnak from Lindholm, and they paired well together at times last year. Here we have a young player surrounded by two vets - a theme you'll notice that helps keep everyone accountable, on their toes, and provide balance throughout the lineup.

James Hagens - Pavel Zacha - JJ Peterka

Reasoning: Peterka on his off-side wing for the exact same reasons as Geekie above, plus he and Pastrnak would make a dynamic one-two punch at right wing. Hagens gets his chance in the top-six with higher end talent, while his speed and playmaking could be an insane match with Peterka. Meanwhile, Hagens could learn details from Zacha about playing center at the top level and they could share responsibility. Zacha is a reliable presence up the middle who can keep up with Hagens and Peterka while mentoring Hagens and helping to provide depth by not loading up on the top line.

Casey Mittelstadt - Elias Lindholm - Marat Khusnutdinov

Reasoning: Mittelstadt and Lindholm have been producing at a third liner rate for some years now and should no longer be in the top-six with the additions of Peterka, Hagens, and growth of Minten. Still, Mittelstadt, and Lindholm are reliable professionals for Sturm and could make up a decent shutdown line. Khusnutdinov, meanwhile, adds pace, energy, forechecking ability, and skill that could help compliment the others while forcing them to play at a higher pace. Khusnutdinov could also help shoulder some center responsibilities with Lindholm as he navigates back issues. In fact, Mittelstadt for that matter, could as well.

Tanner Jeannot - Matt Poitras - Mark Kastelic

Reasoning: Jeannot and Kastelic are a solid pair of fourth line wings that provide toughness, grit, decent skating ability for their size, and some finish. They could provide some room for Matt Poitras to come in and add a dynamic of speed, and skill that Sean Kuraly lacks. With Kuraly, the Bruins have a solid, dependable fourth line. With Poitras, the Bruins could have a game breaking fourth line that many teams wish they had. Kuraly would be a dependable extra forward and would still get his fair share of games depending on matchups, injury, and or teammate underperformance - all of which are inevitable.

Defense:

Hampus Lindholm - Mason Lohrei

Reasoning: With McAvoy out, Lindholm will be asked to step up. Lohrei isn't a fit with Zadorov, and they wouldn't want him with Brunet, or Aspirot - too much risk. Sink or swim stretch for Lohrei.

Nikita Zadorov - Will Borgen

Reasoning: Big, strong, defensively sound and could be relied upon for many defensive zone draws.

Frederic Brunet - Jonathan Aspirot

Reasoning: Bruins are likely to give Brunet a chance, and bottom pair on his strong side is the best spot to ease him in. He also provides an element of transitional play and puck movement from the bottom pair that Aspirot, nor Clifton bring as much of. Aspirot earned Sturm's trust this past season and has a leg up on Clifton due to knowing the Bruins system - same with Brunet from his time in Providence. I'm sure there will be a rotation anyway through the first six games until McAvoy gets back - and once he is, someone may have to be waived or traded to make room.

Conor Clifton, Charlie McAvoy (suspended)

Goalies:

Jeremey Swayman, Michael DiPietro

Reasoning: Swayman is a reigning vezina finalist and DiPietro is the two-time reigning AHL goalie of the year.

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Enjoy training camp, and can't wait to see how it all plays out!