By Joe Haggerty
CSNNE.com Bruins InsiderFollow @hackswithhaggs
The Bruins will be giving fresh-faced youngsters like Jared Knight and Alex Khokhlachev a chance to don the Black and Gold in front of the home fans in tonights preseason home opener at TD Garden.
But the appearance in front of the celebratory fans comes at a price.
Bruins coach Claude Julien indicated that more camp roster cuts are likely coming following the Friday night contest against the New York Islanders, but it wasnt a reflection on the wealth of prospects within the organization.
A younger player or two skating tonight may be headed back from Boston if they cant perform at a high level against the young-and-improving Isles, but Julien made sure to credit the coaching staff thats armed him with so many talented, driven young players.
If a junior player earns it then theres no reason why it wouldnt happen, said Julien when posed the question about a younger player potentially cracking the roster for a handful of games before getting sent back to the junior leagues. But at the same time weve got a lot of prospects to look at here: Jamie Arniel, Jordan Caron, Max Sauve, Zach Hamill.
Weve got a lot of depth at the American Hockey League level that we can choose from too. But if a junior player is ready you can always find ways to make room, or give him an opportunity.
Julien also indicated that both David Krejci and Joe Corvo came through the last few days well while battling tight groin muscles, and were expected to play in their first preseason action against the Islanders. That leaves Nathan Horton as the only player that hasnt appeared in a preseason game for the Bruins after his postseason ended with a concussion against the Canucks.
Boston Bruins
The Bs are embarking on three games over the next four days and will be looking to pare down the roster prior to hitting Halifax for two games in two nights against the Montreal Canadiens. The second game will be held at the Bell Centre on Monday night, and Julien said he was inclined to keep former Habs winger Benoit Pouliot out of the game within the belly of the Habs beast.
We havent made the roster yet, but those are the things that we do take into consideration, said Julien. We know those guys that have come from those teams. If you want my honest opinion Id be more inclined to play him in Halifax rather than Montreal. I dont think he needs that right now. Just dont shoot me if thats not what happens.
Its likely that Zdeno Chara will go the same path over the next few days in order to avoid the Max Paciorettystanchion circus thats been following him around since last years late season hockey play that left Pacioretty with fractured vertebrae and a severe concussion.
It certainly wouldnt be a preseason with the Bruins if there wasnt some intrigue and drama involving the Habs at some point before the regular season bullets start flying.
Joe Haggerty can be reached at jhaggerty@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Joe on Twitter at http:twitter.comHackswithHaggs