By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on X @cookejournalism
It isn’t Matt Poitras or Fabian Lysell, but the Boston Bruins made a move on Monday morning, announcing the call-up of veteran forward Vinni Lettieri from Providence. Black N’ Gold Productions’ Tom Calautti was first on the news per the AHL transaction wire as Lettieri was seen first on the ice at Warrior Ice Arena ahead of Boston’s scheduled practice.
While Lettieri wasn’t necessarily considered to be one of the first assets the B’s elevated to the big club, he’s actually Providence’s most productive scorer. In 35 games this season, he’s recorded 14-21-35 to lead all skaters. So a promotion is certainly well-earned, and Lettieri has paid his dues. He’s skated in 312 AHL games since the 2016-17 season and has spent some time in the NHL ranks with the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, and most recently the Minnesota Wild where he totaled nine points in 46 games last season. Lettieri was in the Jakub Lauko trade last July.
The first thing that stands out in this addition to the Boston roster is his speed. According to NHL Edge, his top skating speed of 22.92 miles per hour slots in the 85th percentile league-wide. He can move, and it will be interesting to see where interim head coach Joe Sacco utilizes the two-way stalwart in the Bruins’ lineup. But with Marc McLaughlin recently placed on waivers and with Mark Kasetlic battling an injury, there appears to be a spot for Lettieri in the lineup.
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