Charlie Coyle has settled into his role as one of the veteran leaders on the Boston the Bruins. He was originally acquired by trade deadline and was instrumental in leading Boston to the 2019 Stanley Cup final.
The squad was only one hour away from winning the title. The product of Weymouth, Massachusetts, is currently one of just five players remaining from that Cup finalist team. The only players now wearing black and gold longer than the 32-year-old Coyle are Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy, and Trent Frederic.
Charlie Coyle Says That Boston Bruins Ready to Demonstrate True Potential
The three-day journey through New England wrapped up on Sunday at Memorial Hall in Plymouth. Enthusiastic fans of all ages turned out in droves to show their unwavering support for the Bruins. This is a team that has consistently earned their loyalty over the past ten years by reaching the playoffs year after year. However, Charlie Coyle, who grew up in the region, knows better than most that just reaching the playoffs isn’t enough. This is a city where winning championships is not just a hope, but a standard expectation.
After being traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Bruins in 2019, Coyle, who grew up in Weymouth, is currently starting his sixth full season with the organisation. The Bruins have made a name for themselves as one of the best and most dependable teams in the NHL during this time. On the other hand, following the Celtics’ June NBA Finals triumph, they currently own the record for the longest championship drought in Boston history. They haven’t won the Stanley Cup since their last victory in 2011.
Coyle’s Evolution
Since establishing himself with his hometown team, Coyle has seen a major shift in his role during his NHL career. Prior to the 2023–24 season, Coyle was regarded as a talented third-line centre who was good at managing the game and dominating against lower-level opponents. However, the departures of David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron elevated Coyle to a prominent top-line role with the Boston Bruins.
Coyle had an outstanding season, scoring a career-high 25 goals and amassing 60 points over 82 games to further establish his abilities farther up the depth chart. Coyle led all Bruins forwards in shorthanded minutes (2:28) and power play time (1:50) per game as a dynamic player in Jim Montgomery’s forward unit. Coyle proved to be a valuable member of Boston’s squad over the previous winter, but the seasoned centerman is ready to continue improving and take on whatever responsibilities that Montgomery and the coaching staff decide to give him.
Coyle Looks to the Future
Although Charlie Coyle established himself as a reliable top-six player for Boston the previous season, the Bruins’ offensive output in the postseason was limited by the absence of a real top-line centre. Only two goals were scored by Coyle and Pavel Zacha in Boston’s 13 postseason games versus Toronto and Florida.
Lindholm’s addition ought to ease Coyle’s scoring burden. This would enable Zacha to go to the wing on the top line and enable him to take over at the second centre position next to Marchand. Zadorov’s arrival, along with the toughness that checking-line guys like Mark Kastelic and Max Jones offer, make Coyle think the Bruins are ready to take on challenging games against physically strong teams like the Panthers.
Boston would still have a talented and exciting forward lineup with Coyle and Marchand on the second line, especially if Pastrnak, Lindholm, and Zacha were added as a possible top line. Although the identity of the player who will partner with Marchand and Coyle is still unknown, Montgomery has interesting options to consider as he pieces together the offensive scheme, including Frederic, Morgan Geekie, and even bright prospect Fabian Lysell.
Main photo: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
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