Next Bruins’ Breakout Star

The Boston Bruins are contenders and they have a team assembled with a young core and one that can certainly make another deep playoff run.(As long as they handle some contracts)The Bruins have had some youngsters experience breakout seasons in the past few years like McAvoy, Pastrnak, Carlo and DeBrusk, so who’s next?

Anders Bjork could be the next top line candidate for the Bruins and fill out some star potential. Bjork has already spent some time on the NHL roster but has suffered a few injuries which have caused him setbacks. In his first season in 2017-18 Bjork spent most of his time alongside Bergeron and Marchand with a ton of production he mustered 12 points in his first 30 NHL games. Unfortunately he ended up tearing his labrum during a game and spent the rest of his first season on the injured reserve. Bjork returned to action in 2019 and experienced some underwhelming performances only registering 3 points in 20 games. Bjork spent time up and down the lineup for the Bruins before he suffered another injury and was shelfed again for the season.

Bjork is fully recovered from his second shoulder surgery in two years and is looking to stay healthy for his third season. Bjork should be in the mix for a spot in the top six, he’s showcased great speed and he certainly has the ability to perform in the NHL. He was able to create chemistry with Bergeron and Marchand which would give the Bruins the flexibility to put Pasta and Krejci together. Bjork is still just 23 years old and he’ll get plenty of opportunity to perform this season, he’s a former Hobey Baker finalist and quickly became a top prospect for the Bruins’ while he was in school. Last year in Providence Bjork was still able to put up some decent number, in his ten games he scored 13 points.

Although the Bruins still have some in house contracts to deal with, if Bjork can step into the top six and produce they will have at least one of their issues resolved. Bjork should get every chance to succeed, seeing time with both top lines and hopefully some looks on the power play. If Bjork pans out the Bruins’ missed opportunities in the 2015 draft might be swept under the rug.

-Tyler Smith (@TylerSmith4386)