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Boston Bruins player outlook 2018: Matt Grzelcyk will find his role

By Sam Minton

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 19: Matt Grzelcyk #48 of the Boston Bruins battles against James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Grzelcyk; James van Riemsdyk
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 19: Matt Grzelcyk #48 of the Boston Bruins battles against James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at the Air Canada Centre on April 19, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Bruins defeated the Maple Leafs 3-1. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Grzelcyk; James van Riemsdyk /
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Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk had a great start to his NHL career. With a crowded group of defenseman, Grzelcyk will have to stand out once again this season.

Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk became a fan favorite early on in his career. When you are a Charlestown kid and played college puck at Boston University, the Bruins faithful should appreciate you.

In Grezelcyk’s rookie season he was at the bottom of the roster. Bruins fans got to watch a quality defenseman blossom in front of their eyes. Grzelcyk had 3 goals and 12 assists in his first NHL season.

Grzelcyk’s size seems to hold him back at times. He isn’t exactly running guys over. Opposing players can take advantage of Grzelcyk in the defensive zone, especially in front of Tuukka Rask.

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Also there were times that Grzelcyk made stupid decisions. Who can forget in the second round of the playoffs when Grzelcyk misplayed a bouncing puck and unraveled a red carpet straight to the net. Those dumb mistakes can’t be happening this season.

Prediction time:

Grzelcyk’s main concern for this season should be finding his role. The Bruins have a boatload of defenseman. Boston went out and signed John Moore to a long-term deal. The competition for a roster spot will be tough.

Grzelcyk also got a nice pay raise this summer. He signed a new two-year deal and looks to be apart of the Bruins plans for the future.

This season I expect Grzelcyk to stay on the bottom d-pairing, but I think he should improve. He has bulked up in the offseason and that should help him get some extra fire behind his slapshot and help him when he is fighting for pucks in the corners.

This season I expect Grzelcyk to score 7 goals and 15 assists. He is a bottom defenseman you shouldn’t expect him to be at the top of the leaderboard for scoring. Grzelcyks’s main concern should be continuing to keep his rating high and play a much cleaner game. If he can eliminate those mistakes that would make life a lot easier on Tuukka Rask.

Next. Zdeno Chara will continue to defy time. dark

I hope to see Grzelcyk play a lot this season. He is definitely a fun player to watch.

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