Exclusive: A Boston veteran outlines the attributes that offseason additions ought to possess.
Exclusive: A Boston veteran outlines the attributes that offseason additions ought to possess.
During the 2023–24 NHL season, Charlie Coyle was one player who was given more responsibility by the Bruins. Following the retirements of David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron last season, Coyle became a top-six center for Boston.
After youngster Matt Poitras had a season-ending shoulder surgery in November, the position grew thinner, but Coyle, Morgan Geekie, and Pavel Zacha stepped up to play more minutes and assume a bigger role.
When asked about the Bruins’ end-of-season availability on Sunday, Coyle said, “It doesn’t matter where you play or how many years you play on a certain line, there’s always that learning curve.” What makes this game unique is that you may always improve and learn new things. It’s impossible to ever feel content. You gain knowledge every day. There was a little more responsibility and a role that I’ve wanted for a while and that I wanted to succeed in, personally. I’ve always been hard on myself when it comes to criticism. That makes me proud of myself because it motivates you to work harder. Although I believe that some progress has been made, there are still certain areas in which I can and will improve.
“I always want to improve my skills and abilities so that I may return to this squad as a more valuable player. You must take that action. That’s my goal as well. And that’s what we all aim to accomplish,” he said. That’s what makes the guys on this squad and in this room so great. It gives you confidence to have that expanded role in playing time, but everyone has that mindset, so it won’t be any different heading into the summer. And once you have that, all you want to do is get better.
With so many unanswered uncertainties heading into the offseason, the Bruins would be well served by adding a center to their roster. Should the front office choose to bring in a new center this summer, Coyle has a solid sense of the kind of attributes a player should possess.
We take great satisfaction in being two-way players. I make it my goal to be like that. That’s what Bergeron and Krejci have given us thus far. That’s what you want, those boys. Someone who produces and connects well, has experience on both sides of the rink, according to Coyle. And he plays well in a team. It’s always possible to expand that department. We’ll welcome a guy like that with open arms if that’s the goal.
You want folks to come here who will fit in, be good team players, and provide assistance. However, he continued, “you usually fit in here because you just become ingrained in the culture and way of life, regardless of who you are.” There isn’t an alternative. If you don’t fit in here, you will stand out like a sore thumb, and that is simply the way it is.
A number of players discussed the Bruins’ locker room culture and how they support one another both on and off the court.
It is unclear if Don Sweeney will sign a new center during the offseason. While replacing Krejci and Bergeron will be challenging, the Bruins will be well-positioned for the 2024–25 campaign if they can add a player who improves the play of those around them.
