Wait, who’s on the Bruins again? Part I: The Defensemen

Over the next few days, Metro will break down the players that should be on the Bruins’ roster when they open the 2013 regular season (probably Jan. 19 vs. Montreal). Today we take a look at the defensemen, Boston typically dresses six defensemen for every game (three pairings). 

Johnny Boychuk
2011-12: 5 goals, 10 assists, plus-27, 53 penalty minutes, 171 shots on goal
A physical presence and one of Boston’s only right-handed shots from the blue line, Boychuk had a career year last season. His checks are always a highlight of any Bruins game. 

Zdeno Chara
2011-12: 12 goals, 40 assists, plus-33, 87 penalty minutes, 224 shots on goal
The Bruins’ captain is still the leader of the team and one of the best defensemen in the NHL. He also possesses the hardest slap shot in the league and he is as tough as they come. Oh and he’s 6-foot-9, making him a physical force that we’ll probably never see again for the B’s. 

Andrew Ference
2011-12: 6 goals, 18 assists, plus-9, 46 penalty minutes, 107 shots on goal
Once regarded as injury prone and unreliable, Ference has turned out to be not only the Bruins’ most interesting player (he was their player rep and rides a bike to the Garden) but also a solid performer. His Twitter feed is a must-follow for Bruins fans. 

Aaron Johnson
2011-12 (in Columbus): 3 goals, 13 assists, minus-12, 26 penalty minutes, 63 shots on goal
The mystery man on Boston’s roster, who was signed right before the lockout. It’s tough to judge him on his numbers with the Blue Jackets since they are the worst team in the NHL. 

Adam McQuaid
2011-12: 2 goals, 8 assists, plus-16, 99 penalty minutes, 63 shots on goal
The wild card in terms of insanity on Boston’s blue line, McQuaid has suffered some nasty injuries (concussions) the last few seasons but when he plays, he brings an intimidation factor to the B’s. He is their best fighter, even more so than Chara since he drops the gloves more often. 

Dennis Seidenberg
2011-12: 5 goals, 18 assists, plus-15, 39 penalty minutes, 174 shots on goal
Another Bruins defensemen that is really tough and fundamentally sound. When he gets put with Chara, mostly in the postseason, they lock down opposing team’s top lines. Plus he’s German … every team needs a hulking German.