NHL division previews: 2017-18 Atlantic Division preview

NHL division previews: 2017-18 Atlantic Division

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 08: Montreal Canadiens center Alex Galchenyuk (27) gets congratulated on his game winning goal in overtime during the NHL hockey game between the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings on April 8, 2017, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 25: Boston Bruins right defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) rushes in to congratulate Boston Bruins left wing Anders Bjork (10) after his goal during a preseason game between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks on September 25, 2017, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4th in 2017-18 Atlantic Division – Boston Bruins

The Bruins are a hard team to peg. They have a nice mixture of youth, some seasoned veterans and a goaltender that is one of the best in the league when at the top of his game. If they can get everyone to fire on all cylinders, there is reason to believe that the Bruins can challenge for the Atlantic Division title and easily make their way into the playoffs.

The biggest note of the off-season was the re-signing of David Pastrnak, especially at the price they signed him at. It was widely believed that Pastrnak, based off what his demands were reported to be, would come in on a contract with an AAV of over $7.5 million. However, the Bruins brought him back on a six-year deal worth $6.67 per season.

With the deal of Pastrnak put in the past, that was really the only roadblock for the Bruins. Players like Krejci, Pastrnak, Bergeron and Marchand should, unsurprisingly, lead the way offensively for the Bruins.

On the back-end, things are looking relatively solid as well. With players like Torey Krug, Zdeno Chara, Brandon Carlo and rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy leading the way for the top two pairings, things like solid in front of Tuukka Rask.

As for the netminding, does anything really need to be said? If Rask can stay healthy, he will shoulder the vast majority of the load for the upcoming season. And when he is on his game, he is a dark horse candidate for the Vezina Trophy.

It’s unlikely that the Bruins will challenge seriously for the Stanley Cup, but they look to be a shoe-in for a spot in the playoffs, possibly the top Wild Card spot.

Player to watch in 2017-18: Charlie McAvoy. The young defenseman impressed in his extremely small sample size last season, and he projects to be a very good defenseman. It’s almost a definite that he will spend the season with the Bruins and will very likely find comfort alongside the more seasoned defensemen on the Bruins roster.