After six frustrating years in Florida, Nathan Horton is ready to take his career to the next level in Boston. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Nathan Horton is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

NATHAN HORTON | #18 | Right Wing

HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 229 SHOOTS: Right
BORN: May 29, 1985 – Welland, Ontario
DRAFT: 2003 – 1st round (3rd overall) by the Florida Panthers
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2012-13 ($4.00 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 20 goals, 37 assists, 57 points in 62 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

In what would prove to be his sixth and final season for the Panthers, Nathan Horton finished up his career in Florida with the best points-per-game ratio of his NHL career. After missing a chunk of time due to a fractured tibia midway through the season, Horton added 11 points over his final 14 games to finish with 57 in just 65 games. Despite seeing his goal scoring decline for the third consecutive year, the 6-foot-2 winger chipped in a team-leading and career-high 37 assists in 2009-10.

The Bruins came calling for the winger’s services in June, acquiring Horton and center Gregory Campbell in exchange for defenseman Dennis Wideman, the No. 15 pick in 2010 and a third rounder in 2011. The team introduced him alongside No. 2 overall pick Tyler Seguin, with Horton electing to sport No. 18 on his Black and Gold sweater after donning the No. 16 during his days in Florida.

FIVE FACTS

1. Horton owns an impressive .148 shooting percentage for his career with 142 goals on 962 shots.
2. Despite his large frame, Horton was credited with just 34 hits in 65 games in 2009-10.
3. His 20 goals last season were the lowest since he potted 14 in 55 games as a rookie in 2003-04.
4. Horton has yet to appear in an NHL playoff game.
5. A former center, Horton won 48 of 85 draws (56.5%) he took in 2009-10.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

Horton, originally drafted third overall back in 2003, has yet to live up to the expectations many have had of him since his days as a member of the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Having never qualified for the postseason during his six years in the league, Florida has undoubtedly been a frustrating place to call home for the 25-year-old forward. Likely in line for duties alongside play-maker extraordinaire Marc Savard, many are banking on a breakout campaign for Horton in his first year in Boston.

While his skill has never been in question, the gifted winger’s motivation was doubted repeatedly during his days as a Panther. His inability to take his game to the next level was likely a large influence on the Panthers ridding themselves of his untapped potential. The right pieces are in place in the Hub of Hockey, however, for Horton to truly live up to the lofty expectations he failed to meet in the Sunshine State. The Ontario native has sparingly played with top-notch talent, and has certainly never been centered by a pivot with passing skills on par with Savard. Never one for depending on the power play for production, Horton’s numbers on the man-advantage should see a dramatic boost with No. 91 willingly feeding him the puck for quality scoring chances.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

After peaking with 31 goals and 62 points in 2006-07, Horton’s numbers have slipped in recent seasons (though missing 32 games in the last two years couldn’t have helped). But now, surrounded by far more talent than ever before on a team that came within a single goal of the conference finals in consecutive postseasons, Horton should be primed and ready for a breakout in Boston. My prediction: 36 goals, 39 assists, 75 points for No. 18 in 2010-11.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/7): Johnny Boychuk

Ready to embark on his first full pro season, expectations will be high for Joe Colborne in 2010-11. (Photo: Getty Images)

Joe Colborne is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

JOE COLBORNE | #12 | Center

HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 216 SHOOTS: Left
BORN: Jan. 30, 1990 – Calgary, Alberta
DRAFT: 2008 – 1st round (16th overall) by the Boston Bruins
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2012-13 ($1.1 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 22 goals, 19 assists, 41 points in 39 games (U. of Denver)

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

After completing his second year at the University of Denver, during which he doubled his goal-scoring output from his freshman season, Joe Colborne elected to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility. The 20-year-old center arrived just in time to squeeze in six games for Providence, picking up two assists for the B’s AHL affiliate. Listed at 6-foot-5, Colborne has readied himself for the rigors of NHL play by jumping from 190 lbs up to his current listing of 216.

After a dominant 90-point performance in just 55 games for the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, many thought the B’s were getting a soft, carefree big man, very much in the mold of Joe Thornton after Colborne went 16th overall. The second-coming of “Jumbo Joe” became far more proactive in his sophomore season, leading the Pioneers in goals with 22 tallies. Excluding Tyler Seguin, he is undoubtedly the prospect with the most expected out of him within the Bruins’ organization.

FIVE FACTS

1. Colborne is one of just 13 players picked in the first round of the 2008 draft who have yet to play an NHL game.
2. With 41 points, Colborne finished as the second leading scorer for Denver in 2009-10.
3. Colborne’s desired jersey number may be available in Boston, as the center wore No. 12 for both Camrose and Denver.
4. Colborne became the first AJHL player picked in the 1st round since Brent Sutter back in 1980.
5. During the 2006-07 season, Colborne’s 90 points put him twenty ahead of the team’s second-leading scorer.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

Although he has only suited up for six games at the pro level, the general consensus is that Colborne has leapfrogged Zach Hamill on the depth chart. While the B’s do own a glut of centers at both levels, notably Tyler Seguin who is expected to debut on the wing, Colborne has been deemed close to NHL ready and could see his first action in Boston in 2010-11. Primarily a play-maker throughout his career, last season was the first time Colborne finished with more goals (22) than assists (19) between his tenures in Camrose and Denver.

The upcoming campaign will be year one of the Calgary native’s three-year, entry level contract. As has often been discussed within these previews, the Bruins’ roster is all but set in stone, leaving few opportunities for players to challenge for spots. Few players, however, have as good of a shot as Colborne. A dazzling performance at training camp from the 20-year-old, who has expressed willingness to play any position necessary to get to the NHL, could force the B’s brass to roll with Colborne and reconfigure their expected lineup.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Previously deemed to be a borderline disinterested player, Colborne’s mentality has seemingly undergone massive changes. That, of course, is if said allegations ever even had a hint of truth to them. Cracking the lineup will be a chore for the young center, especially given Claude Julien’s affinity for going with experience over potential. However, I think when it’s time to place a call to Providence, the giant pivot should be at or near the top of Boston’s wish list. My prediction for Colborne’s first season in the NHL: 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points in 15 games to go along with a stellar first full season down in Providence.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/6): Nathan Horton

Zach Hamill, seen here celebrating his first NHL point, will have to outshine a number of talented prospects to get back to Boston in 2010-11. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/NHLI via Getty Images)

Zach Hamill is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

ZACH HAMILL | #52 | Center

HEIGHT: 5-11 WEIGHT: 180 SHOOTS: Right
BORN: Sept. 23, 1988 – Vancouver, British Columbia
DRAFT: 2007 – 1st round (8th overall) by the Boston Bruins
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2010-11 ($1.31 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point in 1 game

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

After a disappointing first season in Providence in 2008-09, during which he now regrettably played through a debilitating thumb injury, Zach Hamill hoped for a strong start last year to kick-start his path to the National Hockey League. It didn’t happen. After picking up five points in the first six games, the former WHL star registered just 12 points over the team’s next 30 tilts. Hamill picked up the pace after a rough start, scoring nine of his 14 goals and adding 18 assist over the final 27 games.

After leading the Western Hockey League with 93 points in 2006-07 for the Everett Silvertips, the 5-foot-11 pivot is about to enter the third and final year of his entry level contract. After being passed over time and time again as the Bruins called up a number of players from their AHL affiliate, Hamill finally made his NHL debut in the team’s regular season finale down in Washington. Claude Julien gave the young center 12:08 of ice time, during which he picked up his first career point with an assist on a goal by Michael Ryder. With Providence failing to qualify for the postseason, Hamill’s debut was his last taste of action in 2009-10.

FIVE FACTS

1. Hamill is the lone Bruins’ draftee from 2007 to 2009 to appear in an NHL game.
2. Hamill led all Providence forwards with 30 assists in 2009-10.
3. His 44 points trailed only Mikko Lehtonen (50) for the team lead.
4. Hamill and former Everett teammate Peter Mueller were both drafted 8th overall in consecutive years (2006, 2007).
5. In 250 WHL games, Hamill racked up 262 points during his junior career.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

The upcoming campaign is undoubtedly a make-or-break one for Hamill. With a heap of talent about to descend upon Providence, it won’t make things any easier for the 21-year-old pivot to prove himself worthy of being drafted so early in the first round back in 2007. With Joe Colborne, Jordan Caron, Maxime Sauve and Yannick Riendeau all in line to partake in their first full pro seasons, Hamill will be in an absolute dog-fight to garner attention from the Bruins’ brass. There is little-to-no room available at the NHL level for newcomers, so the Vancouver native will have to truly shine if he banks on remaining in the organization beyond this season.

Hamill’s case certainly proves how small of a window prospects get to impress those who drafted them. One injury-plagued campaign, a slow start the following year and suddenly expectations have dwindled. With fresh faces coming in that the B’s may now be higher on, Hamill’s playing time and opportunity to showcase his play-making abilities may be significantly diminished. A strong showing at camp and a quick start in Providence are an absolute must.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Claude Julien has always had a soft spot for veteran players. With the Bruins almost too deep down the middle, and recently-signed Wyatt Smith now in the fold, it almost seems impossible for Hamill to get the call barring a breathtaking breakout season. With Smith, Colborne and even Tyler Seguin standing in his way of a spot at center, it’s go big or go home for Hamill in 2010-11. Can he do it? My first non-statistical prediction: Hamill puts up his best numbers in Providence to date, but his success only helps boost his value in an eventual trade to another organization.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/5): Joe Colborne

After another clutch performance in the postseason, Milan Lucic should be poised to have a breakout campaign in 2010-11 for the Bruins. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Milan Lucic is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

MILAN LUCIC | #17 | Left Wing

HEIGHT: 6-4 WEIGHT: 220 SHOOTS: Left
BORN: June 7, 1988 – Vancouver, British Columbia
DRAFT: 2006 – 2nd round (50th overall) by the Boston Bruins
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2012-13 ($4.08 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points in 50 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

As the calendar turned to 2010, it was almost time to chock the year up as a total loss for Milan Lucic. The beloved winger had suited up for just ten games before finally returning to action on Jan. 7, a game in which B’s fans gleefully welcomed him back only to see center Marc Savard hit the deck on the opening shift with a partially torn knee ligament.

Together, Lucic and Savard were expected to forge ahead without Phil Kessel on the right flank. Unfortunately, the dynamic duo sparingly spent time together on the Bruins’ first line and their prolonged absences proved costly. After missing over a dozen games with a broken thumb early on, Lucic’s return to the Black and Gold was short-lived. The hulking left winger suffered a high-ankle sprain in late November on the road in Minnesota, keeping him from participating in the Winter Classic a month later.

Lucic finished the season strong, picking up 10 points in 22 games following the Olympic break. While his passion for pugilism had to be restrained due to his array of injuries, Lucic came through as a clutch performer for the second straight postseason. The 6-foot-4 forward scored five times in 13 playoff games, including two big tallies in an eventual crushing defeat in game seven against the Flyers.

FIVE FACTS

1. Lucic now has 20 points in 30 career playoff games.
2. After dropping the gloves 23 times in his first two seasons, Lucic was whistled for just four fighting majors in 2009-10.
3. Despite missing 32 games, the Vancouver native still finished third on the team with 141 hits.
4. Lucic is now just 11 points shy of 100 for his NHL career.
5. Lucic didn’t score a goal at the TD Garden this year until the final home game of the regular season against the Hurricanes.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

Healed and healthy after being bothered by the ankle injury throughout majority of last season, Lucic will look to resume his role as the young, bruising Bruin that the fan-base has grown attached to since his debut in 2007. The 22-year-old winger is expected to return to the top line alongside Savard, where they should be accompanied by newcomer Nathan Horton.

If everyone can perform up to snuff, the unit should prove to be extremely dangerous to opposing defenses. Lucic’s ability to intimidate defenders and knock them off the puck will create a world of space for Savard to set up Horton, much like the way the two worked together to aid Phil Kessel in his 36-goal campaign in 2008-09.

With the addition of Horton and rookie Tyler Seguin expected to make the squad, a number of wingers may prevent Lucic from getting significant time on the power play. Mark Recchi’s inclusion is basically a formality, Michael Ryder has been a mainstay on the man-advantage and Blake Wheeler saw a good chunk of ice time on the PP in 2009-10. Julien may be undervaluing No. 17’s potential impact on either unit a bit as, shy of Wheeler’s late-season attempt at setting up shop in front of opposing netminders, no one outside of Recchi and Lucic have shown any consistency when it comes to parking at the top of the crease.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

With another year of experience under his belt and a new sniper expected to join him on the top line, Lucic should be in position for a breakout season in 2010-11. Nothing astronomical nor lending support to the old theory that he’s the second coming of Cam Neely, but a major statistical jump nevertheless. My prediction: 24 goals, 33 assists, 57 points for “Looch” this year.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/4): Zach Hamill

After helping to carry the team down the stretch last season, Tuukka Rask should be ready to take on a heavier workload in 2010-11 for Boston. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tuukka Rask is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

TUUKKA RASK | #40 | Goaltender

HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 169 SHOOTS: Left
BORN: March 10, 1987 – Savonlinna, Finland
DRAFT: 2005 – 1st round (21st overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2011-12 ($1.25 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 22-12-5, 1.97 GAA, .931 Sv%, 5 SO

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

After waiting in the wings and honing his craft at the AHL level for two seasons, Tuukka Rask was finally promoted to full-time NHL duties in 2009-10. The Finnish netminder hit the ground running, starting out the campaign with a 7-2-1 record. As Rask began to inch his way closer to the top of the league in both goals against average and save percentage, and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas continued to struggle, Head Coach Claude Julien had no choice but to give the lanky goaltender the bulk of the starts.

Rask eventually took over the starting role for the B’s, carrying the team down the stretch and into the postseason. The former first-round pick of the Maple Leafs sported a remarkable 1.77 GAA and .936 Sv% over his final 16 regular season appearances. Renown for being positionally sharp and mentally tough, Rask thrived in the team’s frantic push to qualify for the postseason, just when they needed him the most.

After coming up big in the first round of the postseason against Buffalo, including 35 saves in a thrilling double-overtime victory in game four, the 6-foot-3 backstop began to look worn down midway through the second round. Rask allowed 15 goals over the final four games against the Flyers, finishing the postseason with a 2.61 GAA and .912 Sv%.

FIVE FACTS

1. Rask’s 1.97 GAA was significantly better than second-place finisher and Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller (2.22).
2. Thomas was pulled on six occasions last year, but Rask failed to kick-start any comeback victories in those opportunities.
3. Including his totals for Providence in the regular season and playoffs, as well as his lone start in Boston, Rask made 74 appearances in 2008-09. He saw action 58 times in 2009-10.
4. Rask had 22 victories last year, just one win less than Andrew Raycroft — for whom he was traded — has compiled in the past three seasons.
5. In eight appearances during day games, Rask went 4-1-2 with a 1.57 GAA and .946 Sv%.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

It’s been eons since a Bruin netminder followed up a sensational rookie season with anything but a forgettable flop in their second NHL campaign. Tuukka Rask will attempt to shy away from following in the footsteps of the Raycrofts, Blaine Lachers and Hannu Toivonens that have come and gone in the blink of an eye in the Hub of Hockey. While each member of the aforementioned trio got off to great starts in their careers, the lofty expectations the B’s have had for Rask simply blows away anything that was ever anticipated of them. For the past few years, the organization and its rabid fans have eagerly anticipated his arrival and the dawn of a new era. Surely it came quicker than expected, as Rask was supposed to be eased into the starting gig, but the fact remains that — thus far — he has lived up to the hype.

Doing so again, and even coming close to the astonishing numbers he posted in 2009-10 will be a nearly impossible feat. Rask certainly got the lion’s share of starts down the stretch, but his competition wasn’t even capable of putting up a fight, as Thomas was ailed by a hip injury and virtually serving as a decoy at the end of the B’s bench. That won’t be the case when camp opens and a hungry Thomas
looks to re-grab his old job as the go-to goaltender in Boston. Can Rask handle the role-reversal and block out all the hype that has him penciled in as a perennial Vezina Trophy candidate? Is the book out on the Finnish netminder, as opposing shooters, video experts and astute scouts have had an entire offseason to try to find chinks in his armor? That all remains to be seen but, for now, the role of starting goaltender for the Boston Bruins will be his to lose.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Barring a super-human effort, Rask likely won’t be able to top his rookie totals in year two. While in for a statistical downswing, that shouldn’t stop the young, Finnish netminder from having an even greater impact on the B’s than he did a year ago. My prediction: 30-14-6, 2.28 GAA, .926 Sv% for Rask in 2010-11.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/3): Milan Lucic

With his sophomore slump now behind him, Blake Wheeler will look to bounce back and contribute more consistently in 2010-11 for Boston. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Blake Wheeler is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

BLAKE WHEELER | #26 | Wing

HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 205 SHOOTS: Right
BORN: August 31, 1986 – Robbinsdale, Minnesota
DRAFT: 2004 – 1st round (5th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes
CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2010-11 ($2.2 million cap hit)
2009-10 STATISTICS: 18 goals, 20 assists, 38 points in 82 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

After an impressive start to his NHL career in 2008-09, Wheeler seemed to hit a wall coming down the stretch in his first season with the B’s and has struggled to consistently produce ever since. Scratched thrice and held pointless in eight postseason tilts in 2009, Wheeler was eventually reunited with David Krejci and Michael Ryder this past season, but the trio failed to click the way they had the year prior. The former University of Minnesota standout dropped from 45 points to 38 points. After finishing second behind Krejci (plus-37) with an astonishing plus-36 rating for the league lead, Wheeler plummeted all the way down to minus-4 in 2009-10.

The 6-foot-5 winger almost looked like an entirely different player in his second NHL season. Having notably bulked up during the offseason, Wheeler gave the impression that he’d be far more physical last season but that seemingly never proved to be the case. The 24-year-old winger seemed to lack the confidence he possessed at the onset of his first season in the Hub of Hockey. The dazzling stick-handling abilities he should in his first few months in Black and Gold, his quick acceleration and ability to create offense on his own all seemed to have vanished in year two.

After a stretch in March that saw him pot four goals in five games, Wheeler went ice cold. The young winger had just one goal and one assist to his credit over the B’s final 13 regular season games. Just as it was in 2009, Wheeler’s performance in the ensuing playoffs was hardly spectacular. While he did pick up five assists, the former fifth overall pick scored just one goal in 13 playoff games and finished with a minus-6 rating.

FIVE FACTS

1. To date, Wheeler has just one playoff goal in 21 tilts.
2. Wheeler’s 45 points was the sixth most among rookies in 2008-09.
3. The winger was whistled for 22 minor penalties last year, more than any other Bruins’ forward.
4. After scoring four times in seven chances in 2008-09, Wheeler went 2-for-13 in the shootout last year.
5. Wheeler equaled his total of three PP goals in 2008-09 last season, despite jumping from 0:55 to 2:04 of TOI per game on the man advantage.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

After failing to come to terms on a contract, Wheeler’s tenure as a restricted free agent came to an end when he and the Bruins agreed to an arbitration award of $2.2 million for the young winger. Wheeler will have a lot to prove in 2010-11. Far too prone to lengthy goal droughts, consistency is undoubtedly atop the Minnesota native’s checklist. For a player of his stature, Wheeler should be able to frequent the “dirty” areas of the ice at a higher rate and come away victorious in far more battles in the corner and along the boards. Often indecisive with the puck in the offensive zone, Wheeler has pledged to be a more proactive shooter in the upcoming campaign.

In all likelihood, the “WKR” line should be reunited at the start of the season. With Krejci healthy, Ryder pressing to stay in Boston and Wheeler’s dreaded sophomore slump now in the rear-view mirror, the trio should be collectively more productive than they were in the first half of 2009-10. No one would ever expect Wheeler to suddenly morph into a power forward, but if he can continue to take a page out of Mark Recchi’s book by parking his big frame in front of opposing netminders and turn his grit level up a notch or two, it would be a major boost for the Bruins as they hope to get reliable production from the top three lines.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Wheeler was oft-criticized throughout the year and the subsequent offseason for his often-times meek play and overall subpar performance in his second year in Boston. The intelligent, well-spoken winger will undoubtedly be motivated to to do whatever is necessary to take the next step in his young career. My optimistic outlook for the motivated forward: 25 goals, 31 assists, 56 points in 2010-11.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/2): Tuukka Rask

With his fearless, hard-nosed style of play, Dennis Seidenberg fit in perfectly alongside Zdeno Chara in 2009-10 for the B's. (Photo: Getty Images)

Defenseman Dennis Seidenberg is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

DENNIS SEIDENBERG | #44 | Defense

HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 210 SHOOTS: Left

BORN: July 18, 1981 – Schwenningen, West Germany

DRAFT: 2001 – 6th round (172nd overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2013-14 ($3.25 million cap hit)

2009-10 STATISTICS: 4 goals, 28 assists, 32 points in 79 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

Displeased with the makeup of his defensive corps, GM Peter Chiarelli orchestrated multiple trades on deadline day to shake things up. Derek Morris was jettisoned before even completing his first year in Boston. Chiarelli turned to the Panthers to fill the vacancy, acquiring Seidenberg in hopes of finding a better fit alongside Zdeno Chara.

The two gelled instantly. Seidenberg, renown for being a hard-hitter and shot-blocker extraordinaire, picked up nine points and sported an impressive plus-9 rating in his first 17 tilts with the B’s. The newcomer elevated his partner’s level of play as well, as Chara picked up seven points and was plus-11 during the stretch. Unfortunately the magic was short-lived. An errant skate damaged tendons in the defenseman’s forearm in a game up in Toronto on Apr. 3, sidelining Seidenberg indefinitely. The German olympian had resumed skating during the Bruins’ second round series against the Flyers, and likely would have returned to action had Boston advanced to the conference finals.

FIVE FACTS

1. Seidenberg finished 2009-10 with 215 blocked shots, more than any other player in the NHL.
2. Only Steve Begin (184) was credited with more hits than Seidenberg (166) among players who suited up for the B’s last year.
3. Seidenberg, who debuted with Philly in 2002-03, had only suited up for 70+ games in an NHL season once prior to 2009-10.
4. The German defender set career highs in assists (28) and points (32) in 2009-10. His career high for goals is five (Carolina, 2008-09).
5. Seidenberg is two assists shy of 100 for his NHL career.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

Despite his brief stint in Black and Gold last year, Chiarelli saw enough in Seidenberg to ink the 29-year-old blueliner to a four-year deal worth $3.25 million annually. Head Coach Claude Julien was undoubtedly thrilled by the success he and Chara enjoyed together, a pairing highly reminiscent of Chara’s days with Aaron Ward, but may be tempted to balance the B’s pairings out after seeing Johnny Boychuk click with the captain as well.

Seidenberg’s lone sore spot throughout his career has been health, as the rugged defender’s fearless style has cost him a number of games throughout his career. Over the course of three NHL season from 2005-06 to 2007-08, Seidenberg was absent for 84 tilts due to injury. When healthy, however, the 6-foot-1 blueliner fits the prototype for a tough-as-nails, shutdown defender to a tee.

If Julien decides Seidenberg would be best utilized away from the top pairing, slotting Johnny Boychuk in alongside Chara, one of Matt Hunwick, Mark Stuart or Andrew Ference will begin the season as his playing partner. With Hunwick, Seidenberg could prove to be a stabilizing presence and allow the offensively-gifted d-man to jump into the play more often. With both Stuart and Ference, the B’s could confidently rely on their middle pairing to shutdown opposing forwards on a consistent basis.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Having appeared in only two NHL postseasons, Seidenberg has clearly played most of his career for subpar squads. With the Bruins expected to vastly improve upon their performance last year, Seidenberg could be in line for the best statistical season of his career. My prediction: 7 goals, 29 assists, 36 points for No. 44 in 2010-11.

NEXT PREVIEW (9/1): Blake Wheeler

Despite having scored 25 or more goals in four of his first six NHL campaigns, Michael Ryder's stay in Boston may be brief in 2010-11. (Photo: Getty Images)

Right Wing Michael Ryder is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

MICHAEL RYDER | #73 | Right Wing

HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 186 SHOOTS: Right

BORN: March 31, 1980 – St. John’s, Newfoundland

DRAFT: 1998 – 8th round (216th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2010-11 ($4.0 million cap hit)

2009-10 STATISTICS: 18 goals, 15 assists, 33 points in 82 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

After potting 27 goals in his first season with the Bruins in 2008-09, quelling incessant complaints from fans about his price tag, Michael Ryder slid back into the focus of armchair GMs with his disappointing follow-up campaign. Ryder, who tied with center Marc Savard for the team lead in points during the 2009 postseason, dipped from 53 points to just 33 last season. The 20-point drop-off was understandably eye-catching, as Ryder was the highest-paid winger on the squad.

The magic he shared with David Krejci and Blake Wheeler seemed like a distant memory by season’s end, as both wingers endured serious funks to close out the campaign. Prior to tallying twice in the season finale against Washington, Ryder had scored just once in his previous 22 games. Owner of arguably the most lethal shot on the Bruins, especially in the wake of Phil Kessel’s departure, the Newfoundland native dropped from seven game-winners in 2008-09 to just one in 2009-10.

Ryder followed up the second-worst statistical season of his career with a slightly better playoff performance. The former Hab netted four goals for Boston, chipping in an assist to boot for a total of five points in 13 tilts.

FIVE FACTS
1. Ryder has never scored against his former team, the Canadiens, in 12 regular season matchups.
2. In the past two seasons combined, no one has scored more goals for Boston than Ryder (45).
3. Ryder led Leksands IF with 48 points in 32 games during the lockout in 2004-05.
4. Only six of the 231 players drafted after the first round in 1998 have more career goals than Ryder, the 216th overall selection that year. Five of them were pick by the conclusion of the third round.
5. With seven more points, Ryder will hit the 300 mark for his career.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

While Ryder will undoubtedly be looking to rebound in 2010-11, his window of opportunity to do so may be an extremely small one. Upon Marco Sturm’s return from long-term injured reserve, the Bruins will be forced to put an end to at least one player’s tenure in the Hub of Hockey.

Due to his high salary and the fact that he significantly underperformed last year, Ryder may be forced to have his mail forwarded to the Dunkin Donuts Center down in Providence. Despite his highly-respectable resume, the B’s lone solution to their looming cap dilemma may be Ryder’s demotion to the AHL.

So what exactly will a hot start or a vicious cold streak to kick off the campaign mean for No. 73? It’s hard to tell. If Ryder rediscovers the chemistry he had in 2008-09 with Wheeler and Krejci, the B’s might be able to find themselves a trade partner or determine that removing the winger from the roster isn’t the best course of action. Should Ryder embark upon an early-season slump, sending him down to the farm will make the devastating move a little bit easier to make for Peter Chiarelli.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Is it just me or do these keep getting increasingly more difficult? Odds are that Ryder will in fact score more than 18 goals and pick up more than 33 points in 2010-11. Whether that’s with Boston, another NHL squad or for Providence is anyone’s guess at this point. The pressure he must be under heading into the season, a contract year to boot, must be immeasurable. If forced to guess one way or the other: 4 goals, 6 assists, 10 points in 19 games before the Bruins find a willing taker or are regretfully forced to assign No. 73 to the minors.

After appearing in 19 games for Boston last season, defenseman Adam McQuaid will look to prove himself worthy of a spot in the top six in 2010-11. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Adam McQuaid is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

ADAM MCQUAID | #54 | Defense

HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 209 SHOOTS: Right

BORN: Oct. 12, 1986 – Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

DRAFT: 2005 – 2^nd round (55^th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2011-12 ($575,00 cap hit)

2009-10 STATISTICS: 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point in 19 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

Whenever faced with a depleted blueline, the B’s relied heavily upon prospect Adam McQuaid to fill in with the big club. The 6-foot-5 defender, who finished his AHL campaign with 10 points and 66 penalty minutes in 32 games for Providence, appeared in 19 tilts for Boston.

Proving to be no stranger to fisticuffs during his tenure with the P-Bruins, McQuaid asserted himself quickly in Boston, dropping the gloves twice in his first eight games. While his overall numbers weren’t anything spectacular, the former Sudbury Wolves’ standout held his own with the parent club, looking far more comfortable than a number of promising defenders had in their brief appearances in the past few seasons.

The Prince Edward Island native suited up for nine playoff games, joining up with veteran defender Andrew Ference to form the B’s bottom pairing. McQuaid received 10:11 of ice time per game during the postseason, as Claude Julien depended upon the likes of Zdeno Chara, Johnny Boychuk and Dennis Wideman to carry the load. McQuaid was shutdown after suffering an injury against the Flyers in game three and went on to miss the rest of the series.
FIVE FACTS

1. The Bruins sent a fifth round pick to Columbus in May of 2007 (which turned out to be Jamie Benn, who scored 22 goals as a rookie with Dallas this year) to acquire McQuaid.
2. McQuaid’s 141 PIM narrowly edged out Jeremy Reich (139) for the Providence team-lead in 2008-09.
3. Rangers’ defenseman Marc Staal was McQuaid’s teammate during all four of his seasons in the OHL.
4. McQuaid’s lone NHL goal was of the game-winning variety, as the defender opened the scoring in an eventual 3-0 win over Montreal in February.
5. McQuaid, often referred to in hockey forums as “Lone Wolf” (coinciding with an MMA fighter also named Adam McQuaid, and undoubtedly in honor of the 1983 Chuck Norris’ flick Lone Wolf Mcquade) ironically shares a birthday with Hugh Jackman, the actor famous for portraying Wolverine.*

* Author’s note: I hereby nominate No. 5 as the most amazing factoid in Bruins, NHL and possibly even world history.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

After inking a two-year deal worth an average of $575,000 annually this summer, ending his brief tenure as a restricted free agent, McQuaid will return to the Hub of Hockey as the seventh defenseman on the depth chart. In all likelihood, the 23-year-old defender will see slightly more action than he did in 2009-10.

Proving capable of filling in at any time, Head Coach Claude Julien showed confidence in the young blueliner. With injuries always forcing the lineup to be reconfigured, and fellow d-men Dennis Seidenberg, Andrew Ference and Mark Stuart all having missed a good chunk of action in the second half last season, it’ll be no surprise to see No. 54 patrolling the blueline for the B’s in 2010-11.

If McQuaid is able to build upon his experience in 2009-10 and assert himself as a shutdown defender as he has at the AHL level, it could provoke the Bruins’ brass to ship out a defenseman with a higher salary. Chiarelli could confidently free up cap space and be comfortable with the hard-hitting blueliner becoming a regular in the top six.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

McQuaid’s role will almost completely depend upon the health of his fellow teammates. If the blueline collectively gets off to a rock-solid start, the 23-year-old defenseman might wind up collecting dust up in the press box, much like Johnny Boychuk did in 2009-10. With that said, we’ll take a conservative approach: 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points in 22 games for the Lone Wolf.

NEXT PREVIEW (8/30): Michael Ryder



Defensive specialist Daniel Paille will look to cash in on a few more breakaways for the B's in 2010-11. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Daniel Paille is today’s featured Bruin in the Black and Gold Blog’s series of player previews for the 2010-11 season.

DANIEL PAILLE | #20 | Left Wing

HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 200 SHOOTS: Left

BORN: April 15, 1984 – Welland, Ontario

DRAFT: 2002 – 1st round (20th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres

CONTRACT STATUS: Signed through 2011-12 ($1.075 million cap hit)

2009-10 STATISTICS: 10 goals, 10 assists, 20 points in 76 games

LOOKING BACK ON 2009-10

Following a trade that sent Chuck Kobasew to Minnesota, the Bruins replenished their depth on the wing with the acquisition of Dan Paille from Buffalo. The former 20th overall pick picked up four points in his first five games with Boston, but proved that his best contributions came at the other end of the ice throughout the course of the season.

Mired in an absolute funk, the B’s penalty kill welcomed the speedy winger and his strong defensive game with open arms. Paille finished the campaign with 1:59 of short-handed TOI per game, tops among Bruin forwards. His large contributions helped Boston maintain the highest efficiency rating on the PK throughout the league for most of the season, before they eventually settled for third behind the Blues and Paille’s former teammates on the Sabres.

Though he did finish with ten goals, Paille’s lack of finish often negated the opportunities his blazing speed provided him. The Ontario native took off on a number of breakaways, but seemingly never cashed in on any of his chances. A former 19-goal scorer, Paille racked up 10 tallies in 74 tilts for Boston, nine of which came in his first 51 games. The former Sabre picked up an assist in each of the Bruins’ playoff series, finishing the postseason with two points and a minus-2 rating in 13 games.

FIVE FACTS
1. Paille was held without a point in 28 of the B’s final 31 games.
2. Only one of Paille’s ten tallies came while short-handed.
3. In 2003-04, Paille posted 37-43-80 totals in 59 games for the OHL’s Guelph Storm.
4. Paille was assessed just six minor penalties on the year with Boston, the lowest total among all forwards who appeared in 50+ games for the B’s last season.
5. Paille is just four points shy of the 100 mark for his career.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2010-11

After bouncing around a bit in 2009-10, even seeing time on the top line, Paille’s role should be far more clearly defined this coming season. Barring injuries or desperation on the part of Claude Julien, the 26-year-old forward is expected to join Gregory Campbell and Shawn Thornton on the fourth line.

Given his limited offensive abilities, it should prove to be a good spot for Paille. Julien typically expects high energy and solid defensive play from the unit, and Paille’s skill-set seems like a perfect fit. Often drawing comparison to longtime Bruin P.J. Axelsson, who consistently averaged over three minutes a game on the PK, the limited even-strength action should give the winger more time to concentrate on the penalty kill.

Considering those facts, however, it’s highly doubtful Paille ever nears that 19-goal campaign he enjoyed in Buffalo back in 2007-08. His soon-to-be centerman Campbell does have a 32-point season on his resume, but that came in 2008-09 when he saw nearly 17:00 of ice time. The former Panther pivot had just two goals in 60 games for Florida in 2009-10. Paille will get an abundance of breakaways once again in 2010-11 but, without a premier pivot like Patrice Bergeron or even Marc Savard centering him, his numbers are bound to dip once again.

PREDICTION FOR 2010-11

Paille knows his job and certainly fulfills it. Due to injuries, the gifted defensive forward was often placed in a scoring role on one of the top three lines in 2009-10, a spot where a little too much may have been expected of him. Given the B’s new acquisitions and the number of prospects looking to make the jump to the NHL, he shouldn’t be forced to do so again in 2010-11. My prediction: 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points for No. 20 next season.

NEXT PREVIEW (8/29): Adam McQuaid