The NHL recently confirmed that it will be allowing it’s players to go to the 2022 winter Olympics. For the first time since 2014, the world’s best hockey players will be playing for gold. Most importantly (to me and the rest of New England) Boston’s finest will get to show their skill on an international stage. But just who will be the Bruins players in the Olympics?
The Shoo-ins
Probably the easiest predictions one could make about the Bruins players in the Olympics would be that all of the “Perfection Line” members will be making the trip. Boston has been lucky these past few years to have such great players. Now they will also get a chance to dominate for their own countries.
Patrice Bergeron is the anchor of the Perfection Line and he has been a staple of Team Canada for over a decade. His two-way prowess is just way too much to ignore. His face-off skills are immaculate too, but as a testament to just how good Team Canada is, they do not even put Bergeron at center. Bergeron has already won two gold medals with Canada and now he is looking for another.
Brad Marchand has had quite a half-decade. Going from a pest to arguably the best-left winger in the NHL. Marchand has already proven himself in international play as well. In 2016, he played alongside Sidney Crosby and Bergeron in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey where they dominated. Also, just a quick fun fact, if Marchand wins gold with Canada, he will join the “Triple Gold Club.” Which will inevitably make a lot of people angry, and it will be hilarious.
David Pastrnak is undoubtedly the best hockey player in the Czech Republic. This is not even an opinion, it’s basically a fact. Pastrnak just won the Czech “Golden Hockey Stick” award for the 5th year in a row. Pastrnak will be the backbone of the Czech Olympic team. With his shot and hands, he probably could carry his country to a medal. Another fun fact here is that Pastrnak will most likely play on a line with former Bruin, David Krejci, which is actually more of a sad fact for me.
The Probables
These are the Bruins players that will most likely make their country’s Olympic roster. But, there is always a chance that the management could go in a different direction.
Charlie McAvoy has been Boston’s number one defender for several years now. The Long Island native has been an absolute stud, or more accurately, a bonafide stallion. Possessing great skill on both sides of the ice, McAvoy is easily one of the best young defensemen in the NHL. McAvoy will most likely be Boston’s representative on Team USA. He absolutely has earned the right to play for his country.
Tuukka Rask is technically not Bruin right now, but he probably will be later this season (I think). Rask is in my opinion still one of the best goalies in the NHL and probably the best goalie from Finland. That may be a very bias statement, but just looking at what Tuukka can do when healthy frankly proves my point. The only issue is that Rask is currently recovering from surgery, but is expected to return around the time of the Olympics. I do think Tuukka won’t pass up an opportunity to represent Finland again, but won’t be surprised if does not go due to his recovery.
The Bubble Players
These are the guys who still have a chance to represent the Bruins at the Olympics. However, they will probably be the first ones to miss out.
Taylor Hall is a great hockey player. But unfortunately being a great player does not guarantee a spot on Team Canada. Team Canada most likely just does not have the room for Hall. Having missed out last time in Sochi, Hall probably does not want to miss out this time too. It’s kinda funny to think, but Hall’s best chance at making Team Canada is by being a backup watching from the press box. With how good of a player Hall is, it’s just ridiculous the Team Canada does not really need him.
Matt Grzelcyk is a solid offensive-minded defenseman. In my opinion, he has been one of the most important parts of the Bruins for the past few years. But he really has not been a standout player compared to the rest of the NHL. Still, though, I believe there is a chance he can make Team USA. If he does, he most likely will also be in a backup role as I mentioned that Hall would be with Canada. It might be a longshot for Grzelcyk, but I would not be surprised if his name gets called for 2022.
Only Time Will Tell Who Makes It
The Bejing Winter Games are still months away. For now, this is all just speculation. Perhaps a player could really impress during the season. Or another player could go down with an injury, requiring someone else to step up. Whatever happens, do not expect which Bruins players will be in the Olympics until it is set in stone.
