By: Chad Jones | Follow me on Twitter/X @ShutUpChadJones
The Boston Bruins coaching staff will have plenty of decisions to make between now and the start of the 2026-2027 regular season later this month. While the main defensive pairs will need to be ironed out as well, there are many different ways Marco Sturm can construct Boston’s four forward lines.
First Line
David Pastrnak will certainly be solidified on the Bruins’ top offensive line this season. His surreal playmaking and world-class offensive talent would slot him on most first lines in the NHL.
The other two top positions are up for grabs. Boston can opt for an intriguing dynamic and put the young, offensively minded center James Hagens on the top line in his first full year in the league, assuming he makes the roster out of training camp.
Other potential options include two players who have skated significant minutes with Pastrnak before, Pavel Zacha and Morgan Geekie. Newcomer J.J. Peterka could get a crack on this line as well early on.
The most potentially dynamic line would be Zacha centering Pastrnak and Hagens. The rookie forward gets a chance to contribute with proven NHL playmakers and goal scorers immediately, and the Pastrnak/Zacha duo gets a chance to rekindle their chemistry on the top line.
Second Line
If that prediction rings true, then it would make a lot of sense to have Peterka and Geekie slide into the left and right wing positions on the Bruins’ second line. Both are skilled offensive players who have impressive shots.
The question is which center takes on this role. Elias Lindholm went through long stretches without much production last season. Fraser Minten showed offensive talent in his rookie season and was very solid in his third line role.
Elevating Minten to second line center, especially if surrounded by proven NHL scorers, will help his development and the Bruins’ offensive production. This would be a terrific opportunity for Minten to show it was wise for Boston management to invest a seven-year contract in the young centerman.
Third Line
There are quite a few options for the Bruins on this line. Lindholm as the center here is the most realistic choice right now. Casey Mittelstadt and Marat Khusnutdinov would fit in well on this line.
And if this line struggles at all to put pucks in the back of the net, players like Alex Steeves and Mikey Eyssimont could easily be slotted in here as well. The Bruins have a bit of a logjam in this area of the roster. Fans should keep an eye on a potential trade or waiver claim involving these players.
Fourth Line
Of the four Boston lines, this is the most stable trio. Sean Kuraly, Mark Kastelic, and Tanner Jeannot were incredibly consistent last season as penalty killers, grinders, and physical skaters.
This will almost certainly be Boston’s steady fourth line again this season. All three players did a very solid job in this position last year.
Sturm can mix and match players throughout the first three lines. However, this forward group has some question marks. Will they be able to consistently produce enough offensive pressure and goal scoring to keep the pressure off of Boston’s defensive core? Time will tell. But this forward unit should be able to put forth a competitive effort most nights throughout the season.
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