Boston Bruins Top 5 Questions For 2015-2016

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Who will fill out the 3rd defensive pair?

Sep 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) controls the puck during the first period against the Washington Capitals at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest concern for the Bruins this season is their depleted defensive corps. Boston is still hurting from the loss of fan favorite Johnny Boychuk last season, and the departure of Hamilton this offseason certainly left another hole in the defense. The Bruins have their top 4 defensive spots solidified with captain Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Torey Krug, and recently re-signed Adam McQuaid locked in. With the 5th and 6th spot open, there are 5 players currently in the Bruins system that have a realistic shot of earning their way onto the NHL roster: Kevan Miller, Colin Miller, Matt Irwin, Zach Trotman, and Joe Morrow.

To be quite blunt, Kevan Miller should get one of the available spots. How can you argue against him? Miller battled shoulder injuries throughout the year that caused him to miss half the season. But in the 41 games he played, he registered 2 goals, 5 assists, and a +20 rating that lead the team. That +20 stat alone is enough for me to give him a roster spot. He has proven over his career that he is a smart and fundamentally sound defender at the NHL level. Kevan Miller brings a strong defensive presence, experience, and an intimidation factor the B’s sorely need.

That leaves 4 guys fighting for 1 final spot. If the B’s go by NHL experience alone, that final spot will go to Matt Irwin. Irwin played 53 games for the San Jose Sharks last year recording 8 goals, 11 assists, and a +3 rating. He will definitely receive some consideration to crack the opening day roster. Zach Trotman and Joe Morrow both saw limited action in Boston last year. Neither of them lit up the scoresheet, but both showed brief flashes of the value they bring out on the ice. Morrow is a solid skater who can carry the puck through the neutral zone to create scoring chances, while Trotman is more of a stay-at-home defenseman that relies on his size and strength to help lighten the load in the defensive zone. Both Trotman and Morrow are expected to be big parts of the Bruins’ future, but whether that future means 2015, remains to be seen.

Colin Miller was acquired by Boston as part of the deal that sent Milan Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings. He had a stellar season in the AHL last year as part of the Kings AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs. He played 70 games and recorded 19 goals (10 on the power play), 33 assists, and a +11 rating. To top that all off, Miller also won the hardest slap shot contest AND the fastest skating competition in the AHL All Star Game Skills Competition. If that doesn’t excite Bruins’ fans, I don’t know what will. A two-way defenseman that can move his legs, as well as bring the heat from the point is something that will have B’s fans picketing for Colin to get a shot with the big club. And who wouldn’t love seeing a Miller & Miller defensive pair? I can imagine the nicknames already. It’s going to be a very closely monitored competition throughout training camp and the preseason to see who earns the final 2 defensive spots, but at this point, my money is on Kevan Miller and Matt Irwin.

Next: Which prospect can make the biggest impact?

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