Boston Bruins: What you should know about Joakim Nordstrom

The Boston Bruins may have found their replacement for Riley Nash. Joakim Nordstrom is a solid bottom six forward with Stanley Cup experience.

The Boston Bruins have lost a good chunk of their team from last year. With all the talent the Bruins have this is okay, but there are always holes that need to be filled.

The Bruins may have found their new 3rd line center, as they signed 26-year-old Joakim Nordstrom to a two year deal.

Nordstrom has 5 NHL seasons under his belt and is already a Stanley Cup champion. At the ripe age of 22, he was apart of the Chicago Blackhawks 2015 Stanley Cup run.

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In his best season, Nordstrom had 10 goals and 14 assists. He will be looked on to skate hard and be a quality penalty killer.

Riley’s replacement?

I think Nordstrom could be the replacement for former Carolina Hurricane and current Columbus Blue Jacket Riley Nash. Nash was a quality penalty killer who was also a threat in the offensive zone. Now I wouldn’t expect Nordstrom to put up the scoring numbers that Nash did last season, but he can get the job done.

The Bruins love quality skaters and Nordstrom believes that’s his greatest asset.

"“I think my biggest asset as a player is my skating,” said Nordstrom. “I know the Bruins want to play fast, so that is, obviously, something I can help with. Then, just on special teams, the last couple years, I played a lot of PK, so that’s, obviously, something that I wanted to bring to the table, as well. I don’t want to limit myself to just be a special-teams guy, so hopefully I can take my game to the next level here with the Bruins.”"

I expect Nordstrom to be a solid bottom six forward who will be focused on trying to help his teammates get some good opportunities. Sean Kuraly is coming off a solid rookie campaign so it will be interesting to see if Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy moves Kuraly to the 3rd line or gives Nordstrom a shot.

Next: Sean Kuraly will be back on the 4th line

Joakim Nordstrom is a quality depth signing. Hopefully he can exceed expectations and have a quality season with the Boston Bruins.