The Boston Bruins have had some pretty outstanding players over the years. Let’s take a look at their all-time team.
As one of the Original Six NHL teams, the Boston Bruins have a pretty impressive legacy. Yes, they went nearly 40 years without a Stanley Cup. But fans should feel proud of the Bruins and their long, storied history.
It’s impossible to think about the original team in black and gold without thinking of defensemen. The Bruins have had countless ones. So naturally, their all-time team is led by perhaps the most lethal, effective blueline ever assembled. At the very least, it’s the most impressive that any franchise can boast.
But the Bruins have had some scorers too. And goaltenders as well. They have a very well-balanced all-time team.
Before we continue, let’s set the ground rules. Only players who played at least 300 games with the Bruins are eligible (200 games for goaltenders). There will be some exceptions, but they have special circumstances.
This team will consist of 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goaltenders, making up a 22-man roster. Though one’s overall legacy will be considered, a player’s legacy with the Bruins means the most. All eras will be considered and I’ll make it a point to try to include each of them in some way.
Let’s start with some honorable mentions. The best goaltender left off the team? Tuukka Rask. He’s among the franchise leaders in games played for a goalie and even has a Vezina Trophy to his name. However, that’s not enough for a franchise with a history as great as the Bruins.
Paul Coffey is one of the best puck-moving defensemen of all-time. No matter where he went, he produced. All the all-time great centers Coffey played with thought very highly of him, which is saying something. However, he only played for the Bruins for a year, so he didn’t qualify for the all-time team.
Don’t worry too much about the lines. Head coach Claude Julien would have a ton of options with this roster. Let’s take a look at a roster Bruins fans have dreamed about for years – their all-time dream team!