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Boston Bruins: Alexander Khokhlachev should come back to Boston

By Sam Minton

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Alexander Khokhlachev #76 of the Boston Bruins carries the puck with pressure from Nate Schmidt #88 of the Washington Capitals during the third period at TD Garden on September 22, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Alexander Khokhlachev #76 of the Boston Bruins carries the puck with pressure from Nate Schmidt #88 of the Washington Capitals during the third period at TD Garden on September 22, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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2011 draft pick Alexander Khokhlachev is considering a return to a Boston Bruins team that has evolved since he returned to Russia.

Alexander Khokhlachev was a product of the Claude Julien era.  He was stuck in the minors because he was a skill player with speed, something that Julien seemed to hate. Now that Bruce Cassidy is head coach, Khokhlachev is considering giving the Boston Bruins a second chance.

Khokhlachev had the best season of his career in Russia in 2018. He scored 19 goals and 31 assists for the Moscow Spartak of the KHL.  Khokhlachev’s style of play fits perfectly with today’s NHL. He may not be the best in the defensive zone, but he could be great in the offensive zone. The Bruins needed scoring this postseason. A move to bring back “Koko” would be a step in the right direction.

Khokhlachev also seems to love Bruce Cassidy. “Koko’s” best season in North America came under Cassidy’s watchful eye. In the 2015-2016 season Khokhlachev scored 23 goals and 45 assists for the Providence Bruins. Clearly, Cassidy and Khokhlachev mesh well together.

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Don Sweeney seems to think that a move is possible.

"“Khokhlachev indicated to us originally during the year that he was interested [in returning to Boston],” Sweeney said. “He did re-sign back in Russia, so I don’t know if necessarily – we had some preliminary talks and where he’d fit.”"

Khokhlachev still has a year left on his contract, but “Koko” is a young guy who may have found his play while back in the motherland.

The Boston Bruins have become a young team that is predicated on speed. The Bruins still have some guys who can deliver a big hit, but the big bad Bruins of yesteryear are no more.

Next: The Bruins should go after Noah Hanifin

Alexander Khokhlachev would fit in perfectly with the new and improved Bruins.

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