While the Bruins’ 2021-22 roster certainly has some questions entering the new season, one that’s not as big as it was last year is whether young players can step into key roles.
With the team looking to improve its depth both up front and on defense this offseason, Don Sweeney elected to go out and sign veterans to fill those roles rather than leave them open for young players to fight over.
But not relying on young players to step up is different than not giving an opportunity to a young player who does so. The Bruins may not need a bunch of young guys to take big steps forward, but if one does, they’ll find a way to get him in the lineup.
The first name that will probably come to mind in this discussion is Jack Studnicka. The 22-year-old center remains one of the Bruins’ highest-rated prospects, and fans have seen him play 27 NHL games (including five playoff games in 2020) already.
While Trent Frederic looks like the best bet to get playing time in the Bruins’ bottom six early on this season, Studnicka has the higher upside and would appear to be the most likely youngster to push for a spot higher in the lineup (like, perhaps, second-line center if he really impresses and Charlie Coyle doesn’t run away with the job).
There’s another young forward who may be ready to challenge for a job, though: Jakub Lauko. The 21-year-old center/wing, who was a third-round pick back in 2018, has yet to play an NHL game, but new Providence Bruins coach Ryan Mougenel sees a player who is on the verge of being ready.
“Sometimes when we’re talking about players, one description I always use is, ‘Does he get you excited?’ And I think every time he steps on the ice, something happens,” Mougenel said Wednesday of Lauko. “He’s had a ton of growth. … He’s definitely put the time in in his growth as a player and a person, and I think he’s really going to push.
“I think he’s the type of player that [Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy] likes. He’s got some abrasiveness that really kind of showed up last year, along with the skill package. He’s the real deal. We’re very happy with how he’s come along. Special kid, tons of energy. He’s just an exciting kid to be around.”
Mougenel has seen that growth from Lauko up close the last couple years as an assistant in Providence. Last season Lauko had five goals and 14 assists in 23 AHL games, a notable jump from his nine points in 22 AHL games the previous year. He also played 25 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga (the same league David Krejci is now playing in) with North American leagues starting late last year, and registered five goals and five assists there.
Lauko, who will play in the 2021 Prospects Challenge in Buffalo this weekend before returning to Boston for training camp next week, said he spent this offseason working on his skating, conditioning and strength, and that he wants to be “uncomfortable to play against.” He added that he’s not thinking too much about whether he can win a job with the big club. Instead, he just wants to play his best each day and see where that gets him.
“Obviously everyone knows that the Bruins roster is pretty packed up with a lot of good players, a lot of good players on offense,” Lauko said. “I’m just trying to fight for an opportunity and I’ll do my best to stay here as long as possible.”
While some players could be discouraged seeing that “packed up” roster above them, Mougenel said he thinks the organizational competition is ultimately only a good thing for Lauko and other prospects.
“I think that’s a good thing to have,” Mougenel said. “We have the ability to have players marinate in the American League, and when they’re ready, they seem to go up when their games are tight and good. That’s a testament to the organization and the competition from within, that we have the ability to wait on some players and make sure that they’re the best version of themselves.
“I think Jakub Lauko is a prime example of that. He could probably go somewhere else and be pushed into duty and not be ready. I think the one thing that he’s done, he’s worked on his game. He feels good about his game. He understands some of those things that go into being a pro. It’s a testament to the organization and the strength that we have here.”
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Mougenel also discussed several other Bruins prospects during his Zoom availability on Wednesday. Here’s a run through some of what he had to say:
RW Fabian Lysell, whom the Bruins drafted 21st overall this year:
“The beauty for him is that he’s coming to an organization where the leadership group is so strong. He’s got a lot of resources here to lean on, which is important for a young player. Sometimes when you’re thrown into the mix like that, we forget, we get excited about the player, but I think the message for Fabian is just to take in as much as you can and be inquisitive. There’s a lot of great hockey minds around here to share.”
“…All the reports are honestly glowing about him as a player, but again, he’s a 2003 [birth year]. … The second he stepped on the ice, he has a presence to him. He can skate. Obviously he’s got a great skill set. … It’s just exciting to kind of be around him and watch.”
Lysell told reporters that no decision has been made yet on where he’ll play this season, but said he has met with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, who own his major junior rights. That would be an option if he’s not yet ready for the Providence Bruins.
D Brady Lyle, who had an impressive first pro season in Providence last year
“I think he is a player who grew and was receptive to coaching. He is one of those guys that, you know, he’s an asset now. He’s growing his game every day. I don’t think he’s there yet. I think he’s definitely put the time and the work in this summer to put himself in the conversation. He’ll be the first one to tell you. He’s really made a commitment to being here this year.
“…I think sometimes as young players, we think we work hard, but when you get around people like Brad Marchand and you rub shoulders with those guys, you truly understand the work that goes into the craft and being specialized. This summer was amazing for Brady, just being able to go out on the ice with Brad and Jack Studnicka. Being around people like that has been really good for Brady. He’s had some real positive influences here in the last little bit. I think that’s a big part of his growth, and the other part of it is Brady. He’s put the time in. He understands the quality of work, that sometimes it’s not just the quantity. And he got a lot of that from Brad. Brad Marchand’s been a big influence on him, just being around him.”
C Curtis Hall, a 2018 fourth-round pick whose AHL season was cut short by injury
“The one guy that really stood out to me [these last couple weeks] is Curtis Hall. He’s one of those guys who’s got a year under his belt. He had a great summer of training. When we had him in Providence last year, he was still going to school. Again, a young guy. You forget that sometimes because he went to college. He looks to me like he’s taken a huge step this summer.”
C/LW Samuel Asselin, who had 16 points (8g, 8a) in 25 games for Providence
“Samuel Asselin’s another guy, every time I see him, I think he’s getting faster. Another one who’s really taken ownership of his career. I really respect how he’s done it. He played that first year [2019-20] in the [ECHL] and I had a lot of conversations with him that year. The one thing about that kid is he wants to play in the National Hockey League, and he’s going to do everything he can to get there.”
RW Jesper Froden, a 26-year-old whom the Bruins signed out of Sweden in June
“I think, one, we have to be patient with where he is. He’s never played across the pond. There’s going to be a little bit of time for him to get adjusted and acclimated to the size of the rink, the pace, the size of the guys, but obviously expectations are higher. He had a fantastic year last year. I watched him in the Worlds, he had a great Worlds. Obviously a pretty special player, somebody that’s gonna push. Again, somebody with that skill set and that vision that the Bruins seem to do an amazing job of finding. So expectations are probably higher for him, just based on his pro experience. And not just because he’s had results, but because we have more of an idea of the identity of the player than some of these kids who are coming up and just kind of finding their way.”
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