( Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images )

By: Joey Partridge | Follow Me On Twitter @joey_partridge

At around the time the Boston Bruins would be taking the ice for the 2020-2021 season, the injury bug has hit. The only problem is that they aren’t playing. The Bruins released a statement on Tuesday saying that Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, and Charlie McAvoy all underwent offseason surgeries.

Brad Marchand had a sports hernia removed and his recovery is an estimated four months. He had his operation on September 14th. David Pastrnak underwent a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair and is expected to be recovering for five months. He had his operation on September 16th. Charlie McAvoy underwent a right knee arthroscopy and he is expected to resume training.

Wow, this is huge blow to the Bruins core especially with the fans already upset about free agency. First off, hats off to these three for playing in the NHL playoffs with these injuries. We all remember Patrice Bergeron’s double overtime goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 right? Well, remember when Pastrnak landed awkwardly and looked hurt? Turns out, it was worse than we thought.

First, let’s take a look at the negatives. Obviously, your two leading scorers are likely out for the start of the season. As mentioned, many times before, the Bruins lack secondary scoring and the Bergeron line carries the offense. The second line and third line will have to produce for the Bruins to be successful, so that is one way to look at it.

I won’t call it a positive as there is no replacing these two elite players, but the opportunities for some players are endless. Look at a guy like Jack Studnicka. He has immense talent and is arguably the Bruins best prospect. He will now have a great opportunity with a lot of playing time to prove he belongs in the NHL.

( Photo Credit: Michael Dwyer / Associated Press )

Zach Senyshyn is also an interesting name. As I have mentioned before, if he doesn’t make the NHL, he will require waivers. I fully expect, knowing this information, that he will get an opportunity to play and show what he has. He again has skill but has yet to find his way to the NHL. Craig Smith will also get a huge opportunity to show that he was a great signing. The opportunities are endless for the young guys and new signings.

What does this mean for the current offseason? Does this give Don Sweeney a motive to go out and get one of the top free agents left? The Bruins have been connected to Mike Hoffman so it will be interesting to see if he can pull something off.

As I said before, there is no replacing David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. If the Bruins can weather the early season storm, they will have two of the league’s best talents returning to their lineup. I have said before that I think Studnicka will be an X-factor for the team this year and Bruins fans should be excited to watch him and this opportunity.

Hang on Bruins fans. The start to the next season is already rocky and they haven’t even started yet. Let’s hope the injury bug hit and won’t return.