This new Boston Bruins forward could be a nice surprise for the Original Six club this season.
This new Boston Bruins forward could be a nice surprise for the Original Six club this season.
The Boston Bruins have announced their opening night roster and some intriguing names made the cut. One specific player who surprised during training camp and made the team is Cole Koepke.
The Bruins signed Koepke to a one-year, two-way deal this off-season. When the move was made, he was viewed as a depth addition who would likely play for the Providence Bruins. However, he has now earned a spot on the NHL roster and will look to build on it from here.
Koepke, 26, played in nine games last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting two assists and 23 hits. Overall, he worked well in a depth role for the Lightning and certainly provided them with more grit when used. The 6-foot-1 winger should give Boston just that as well.
However, it is also fair to wonder if Koepke could hit a new level offensively. Down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Syracuse Crunch last season, he had 20 goals and 39 points in 53 games. Thus, he has shown some offensive promise at the AHL level. It will now be interesting to see if he can translate some of it to the NHL and be a big surprise for Boston.
Koepke is projected to play on the Bruins' fourth line tonight (Oct. 8) against the Florida Panthers. It will be exciting to see what kind of first impression he makes from here.
Recent Bruins News
Bruins Announce Interesting Opening Night Roster
Bruins Rising Star Ruled Out for Season Opener
Bruins Lose New Goalie Through Waivers to Rival
Bruins Get New Promising Matthew Poitras Update
Jeremy Swayman Has Massive Goal With New Contract
3 Bruins Extension Candidates After New Swayman Deal
Former Bruins Top Prospect Placed on Waivers
Bruins Cut Several Players From NHL Roster
Bruins Make Big Decision With Top Prospect