theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.
The Boston Bruins enter the 2016-17 season having made few offseason moves.
The club was ultimately unable to come to terms with second-leading scorer Loui Eriksson, who took his talents back to the Western Conference and the Vancouver Canucks.
In his place, the Bruins took what some might deem a gamble, committing five years and $30 million to former St. Louis Blues captain David Backes.
The Bruins missed the postseason by a mere three points last season but should push for a playoff berth once again in 2016-17. With no vast offseason improvements, however, success will have to come from within.
Related: Season preview: 3 players to watch on the Bruins
Forwards
| LW | C | RW |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Marchand | Patrice Bergeron | David Backes |
| Ryan Spooner | David Krejci | David Pastrnak |
| Matt Beleskey | Riley Nash | Jimmy Hayes |
| Frank Vatrano | Dominic Moore | Tyler Randell |
- While the Bruins top nine forwards appear set in stone, there could be competition, especially with Peter Mueller, who was signed to a professional tryout, and Seth Griffith, who looks like he may have outgrown the AHL.
Defense
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Zdeno Chara | Kevan Miller |
| Torey Krug | Adam McQuaid |
| Joe Morrow | John-Michael Liles |
- The Bruins defensive depth is thin, so don't expect too many surprises coming out of training camp.
Goalies
| G |
|---|
| Tuukka Rask |
| Anton Khudobin |
- Both Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre could have a chance at the backup goalie position, but unless they marvel in preseason and/or Anton Khudobin is unexpectedly terrible, they're likely to start the season in the AHL.
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