By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
During Marco Sturm’s first year as head coach of the Boston Bruins, multiple players proved they could be productive members of an NHL lineup for the first time. Going into the 2026-2027 season, here are three skaters Bruins fans should keep an eye on to see if they can be even better.
Fraser Minten
Minten came into this past campaign with 25 NHL games of experience. He proved he had no intention of leaving the lineup, as the young forward skated in all 82 games for the Bruins.
Early on in the season, Minten showed he had a high motor. He was a fixture on Boston’s penalty kill, thanks to his vision and speed, making him a valuable part of the Bruins’ shorthanded unit. Not all young skaters take on this responsibility as well as Minten did.
Not to mention, he showed some offensive aspects to his game as well. Minten potted 17 goals, including two overtime game-winners, and dished out 18 assists. He skated up and down the Bruins’ lineup, centering Boston’s third line for much of the year. But he also got some time on the ice with David Pastrnak.
While he went scoreless in six postseason games against the Buffalo Sabres, Minten showed great promise in his first full NHL season. He appears to have the makeup needed to round into a productive center at this level.
Jonathan Aspirot
After six-plus years in the American Hockey League, Aspirot was finally given a shot in the NHL in 2026. And he made the most of the opportunity.
In 61 games for the Black and Gold, the undrafted Aspirot was a key cog in Boston’s defensive unit. He often solidified the left side of the Bruins’ number one defensive pair, as Aspirot frequently found himself skating with Charlie McAvoy.
Aspirot certainly produced the most inspirational story within the Bruins organization this past season. And while his game is more suited for a middle or bottom slot in a defensive core, Aspirot proved he can be a serviceable defenseman at this level.
Marat Khusnutdinov
Khusnutdinov showed his versatility and skill set during his first full year in Boston. In 77 games, the most he had ever played in during an NHL season, he was useful in the Bruins’ offensive attack and defensive structure.
Khusnutdinov found the back of the net 15 times and finished with 18 helpers. His speed and hockey IQ made him a valuable asset on Boston’s penalty killing unit as well.
But Khusnutdinov’s most important quality was his ability to play up and down the lineup. When on the first line with Pastrnak, he could really let his offensive repertoire drive his game. When playing in a bottom-six role, his speed and forechecking ability shined through.
Like Minten, Khusnutdinov did not register a point in the postseason. But the young forward showed he can help Boston in a myriad of roles.
Next season, it will be interesting to see how these three players continue to grow and further develop their games. Each skater showed they can help the Bruins win hockey games, while continuing to sharpen their skills at the NHL level.
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