Bruins star set to lead the team this upcoming season
The Boston Bruins are gearing up for a hockey season unlike any other in recent memory.
For the first time in nearly two decades, they'll take to the ice without the familiar faces of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.
It's a monumental change, and veteran center Charlie Coyle is prepared for the challenge it presents.
Speaking on WEEI's The Gresh & Fauria Show, Coyle acknowledged the void left by Bergeron and Krejci, describing them as "world-class players" whose absence will be felt.
However, Coyle sees this as an opportunity for himself and the team. He believes it's a chance for players to step into new roles and contribute to the team's success.
"We all wish they could play. But those are job opportunities right now, right? That gets me fired up, it only gets our team fired up," Coyle remarked. "If we need to claw our way a little more this year, so be it. That's going to help us in the long run come playoff time."
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Coyle expects this season to be a departure from the norm, both on and off the ice.
With the departure of their longtime leaders, the Bruins will need to establish a new culture, one that emulates the legacy of Bergeron and Krejci.
While they can't replace these players individually, Coyle emphasizes the importance of collective effort.
"We want to solidify that culture that those guys brought," Coyle explained. "That's why our organization – our team – is good because of that culture. So when those guys are gone, how do we emulate that? You can't replace those guys individually, but we can all put our hand in and make sure we pull the rope a little more."
Having spent the last five seasons with the Bruins, Coyle is no stranger to their system. In the previous season, he contributed with 16 goals and 45 points in 82 games while averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game.
With the departures of Bergeron and Krejci, Coyle is expected to play an even more prominent role in the upcoming season.
The 2023-24 Bruins will be a vastly different team without Bergeron and Krejci, and they face a significant void to fill.
Bergeron, a six-time Selke Trophy winner, and Krejci, who played 16 seasons with the team, leave behind a storied legacy.
Despite their historic 2022-23 season falling short of their ultimate goal, Coyle reflects on the fun and camaraderie within the team.
"It was fun, every day we came to the rink we had such a blast. It felt like we barely lost. It was a very special team," Coyle shared. "Of course, our end goal, we didn't meet that. We've gotta use that as fuel to fire us, and I think we are."
The Bruins are gearing up for a new chapter, ready to embrace change and work towards their goals.
Previously on Bruins Insider
NHL players in this story
Charlie Coyle| POLL |
5 SEPTEMBRE | 64 ANSWERS Bruins star set to lead the team this upcoming season Do you believe Charlie Coyle and the Bruins can successfully adapt to the challenges of the upcoming season without Bergeron and Krejci? |
| Yes | 55 | 85.9 % |
| No | 9 | 14.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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