To begin our 2023 fantasy hockey breakout candidates series, we will focus on the Boston Bruins. After an offseason that saw them lose several notable players, the Bruins have far lower expectations in 2023-24. Yet, at the same time, this opens the door for players to have bigger roles and potentially break out. Thus, let’s discuss three Bruins breakout candidates for this upcoming season who are worth consideration for your fantasy draft.
Boston Bruins Fantasy Hockey Breakouts for 2023-24
Morgan Geekie
Morgan Geekie is a player to watch very closely this season. With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring, there are center spots to fight for in their top six. At this juncture, Geekie is likely to be the club’s third-line center. Yet, with a strong camp, he would get considered for a top-six spot. Therefore, he surely has the potential to break out for the Bruins in 2023-24.
Geekie, 25, spent last season with the Seattle Kraken. While playing limited minutes, the Manitoba native had the best season of his career, posting new career highs in goals (9), assists (19), and points (28). When noting that he will have a bigger role with the Bruins, these numbers should go up. Due to this, he is the kind of breakout candidate whom players should consider snagging in their deeper drafts.
Pavel Zacha
Speaking of centers, Pavel Zacha is also in a position to succeed with the Bruins in 2023-24. He is likely to slot on the Bruins’ first line this season, centering superstar winger David Pastrnak and veteran James van Riemsdyk. Zacha also just had a career season, posting 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points, and a plus-26 rating – all new career highs. Although it was a big year for the skilled forward, head coach Jim Montgomery believes that he has not reached his ceiling and will improve further.
Zacha primarily spent last season at left wing on the second line. Although he proved to be a great fit for the role, he now has the chance to be the club’s 1C. This promotion in the lineup should allow him to take that next step in his offensive game, and it is why he warrants real consideration from fantasy hockey managers.
Jakub Lauko
The last Bruins breakout candidate who deserves some spotlight is Jakub Lauko. The 23-year-old forward showed promise last season, posting four goals and three assists in 23 games with the club. Although these are not jaw-dropping totals, he was an effective bottom-six forward and showed real progress in his development. With that, he made an impact physically, recording 44 hits.
With the Bruins losing several players this summer, Lauko should have a full-time role in their lineup this year. This, in turn, should allow Lauko to take that next step in his game, both offensively and physically. Due to this, if you are having a deep draft and want to take a chance on a very deep sleeper, Lauko is worth some consideration.
Alas, these three Bruins breakout candidates are certainly worth taking a shot at in your fantasy hockey drafts. Zacha is the most likely to succeed, but don’t sleep on Geekie and Lauko. They also could be in for successful seasons.