By Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.” Some argue that playing in the American Hockey League is not about winning but developing the National Hockey League club’s future. Living in Connecticut, I can confirm both sides of the argument. The Hartford Wolfpack, renowned for their strategic decisions, always do whatever they can to win. For instance, in the past two seasons, they started NHL vet Louis Domingue the same amount as young goalie prospect Dylan Garand, even though the Rangers opted to call up Garand during the playoffs last season.
Conversely, the Bridgeport Islanders are constantly bottomfeeding in the Atlantic Division because they push prospects to play top minutes instead of their most talented players. A great example is when Michael Dal Colle played over Carter Verhaeghe and Josh Ho-Sang or when they consistently started Eamon McAdam over Jaroslav Halak.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the Providence Bruins. The Baby B’s have historically done a fantastic job of balancing a winning team destined to make deep playoff runs while also developing the organization’s future. League-wide, the Boston Bruins have been pegged as having one of the most depleted prospect pools, yet they are still a team to beat in the AHL this coming season, showing great potential to win the Calder Cup.
Leadership is the secret sauce that makes the Providence Bruins stand out among the other teams in the AHL. A team can have all the talent in the world, but if it does not have leaders to bring the team together and instill a winning culture and work ethic, the ship will sink by the end of the season. With their strong leadership, the Baby Bs will return captains Marc McLaughlin and Michael Callahan from last season, inspiring their team to greater heights.
With the likely return of forward Patrick Brown, whose teammates praised him for his leadership in and around the locker room last season, and the addition of Vinni Letteri, another veteran who is no stranger to the Bruins Organization, Providence is overflowing with guidance for its up-and-coming players. This strong leadership and guidance should reassure fans of the team’s potential for success.
Another legendary football coach, Bear Bryant, said, “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.” With the Boston D corps sewn up, fans can see who will hold down the fort in Providence. The Baby Bruins will retain over half of their defensemen from a year ago. Alec Regula, Ian Mitchell, Frederic Brunet, and Captian Michael Callahan look to lead the back end, with newcomers Billy Sweezey and Jordan Oesterle. At the same time, Drew Bavaro and Ryan Mast look to compete for a spot on this already-loaded defensive unit.
It’s difficult to speak on the goaltending as the Jeremy Swayman contract saga is still in limbo, but I assure fans that the tandem will be solid regardless. The Providence Bruins are working on their goaltending situation to ensure stability for the upcoming season. As of this second, Michael DiPietro and Professional Tryout Agreement signee Kasimir Kaskisuo will take the reins to start the season in Providence. Both goalies have a ton of experience under their belts.
Michael DiPietro was Providence’s statistically best goalie last season, so it makes sense for him to get dibs on the starting role. Kaskisuo is in his ninth professional season. Last year, Kasimir had a winning record with the Laval Rocket. I also want to remind everyone that a PTO lasts a maximum of 25 games in the NHL or AHL. The Bruins management will likely use as many games as needed under this PTO to sign Swayman. If Swayman signs, Kaskisuo will most likely be released. Until then, this combo works out great for the Baby B’s.
Prospecting the forwards for this team is even more challenging because Boston has much more wiggle room for the offense in its opening night lineup than the defense. Yet again, there is nothing to worry about, as Providence has many skilled players returning. Expect guys like Marc McLaughlin, Brett Harrison, John Farinacci, Trevor Kuntar, and Riley Duran to play prominent roles in Providence this season. In addition, the Bruins added some size during free agency by signing Riley Tufte and Jeffery Viel. Top contributors from last year, Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov, are ready to return to Providence following their preseason stint. Again, much of this is speculation; nobody will know until the opening night, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someone like Tufte gets a spot on the fourth line to begin the season in Boston.
Even though analysts around the league downplay the Boston Bruins’ prospect pool, the team still has players with immense talent. I am confident this roster will be able to win a Calder Cup Championship. The mix of players they have makes the perfect recipe for success. The AHL season is highly unpredictable, but it is reasonable to believe that this core will be able to weather any challenges this season throws its way. If you plan to follow the Providence Bruins on their journey through the AHL season, be prepared because this team is ready to etch themselves in hockey history.
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