DeBrusk to Shift Up to B's Top Line as Marchand Returns

SEATTLE - Bruce Cassidy knows it might be a bit intimidating to play with two future Hall of Famers. But after a chat with Jake DeBrusk ahead of Wednesday's practice at Climate Pledge Arena, Boston's bench boss is confident that the winger can fit right in alongside Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron on the Bruins' top line.
"Sometimes it's tough when you go in with two guys that are, arguably, Hall of Famers. You get a little nervous," said Cassidy. "I think that's what's happened over the years with some younger guys. Jake's a little older now. We had a good discussion about that - is that something that would take him away from his game or help build his game.
"He should have a say in this. We had that conversation. He'd like to give it a go and see where it leads. Sometimes chemistry happens, sometimes it doesn't but that's how we're gonna try it for now."

With Marchand returning to the lineup from a six-game suspension on Thursday against the Kraken, Cassidy had some decisions to make given how well the chemistry has developed between Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak, as well as the trio of Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle, and Craig Smith. As such, Cassidy opted to promote DeBrusk, despite the winger - who has goals in back-to-back games - having to shift to his off side.
"He has to bring some of the attributes that he brings best…speed, create some turnovers on the forecheck. They're a line that will play both off the rush and puck pursuit," said Cassidy. "We'd ask of anybody on that line, make sure that you hang on to pucks. They're a good cycle line, second effort on pucks. Then play your game. He's a smart player, he's a good offensive player, read off those guys."
Cassidy is confident that DeBrusk will be able to take on all of the defensive responsibilities that come with playing on that line after a strong showing from the 25-year-old in recent games alongside Tomas Nosek and Curtis Lazar.
"We used him against good lines, and he was really good with that line. That part of it we're not worried about. When he's on, he's a good all-around player. That will be the ask," said Cassidy. "Defensively, Jake's habits have been more consistent in terms of stick position in D-zone, just remind him about those and correct when we need too, like everybody."
Marchand did not practice as he tended to a personal family matter but was slated to fly to Seattle on Wednesday and be on the ice for Thursday's morning skate ahead of his return to the lineup. Despite missing the last six games, the 33-year-old remains tied with Pastrnak for the B's scoring lead with 49 points.
"I don't worry about that part," Cassidy said when asked about Marchand's conditioning. "He's one of the best conditioned athletes in the National Hockey League. For him it's just timing. He missed some time. Practice doesn't change that, you've got to get live bodies around you, live contact. That part hopefully he picks up quick."

Cassidy did acknowledge, however, that Marchand will have to deal with the potential consequences that may follow his second suspension of the season and eighth of his career.
"Well, we'll see when he's back on the ice. I'm sure he's gonna have his name circled as initiate against Brad, see if he'll retaliate," said Cassidy. "He's one of our best players so that probably has never changed but he might even be more of a target for certain teams that do that. That's something he'll have to battle through.
"When you put yourself in this position, there's consequences and one of the consequences was the punishment from the league and the next consequence will be will he open himself up to other players too bait him into that. That's where he's gonna have to have some discipline."

First Krack

The Bruins are set for their inaugural game at Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night, but not all of the Black & Gold are strangers to Seattle. Brandon Carlo spent some time in the Emerald City during his junior days with the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey Legaue, which features four teams based in the state of Washington, including the Seattle Thunderbirds.
"My first year in the league, one of my biggest goals was to play in every rink that I could. This is another one to knock off the list," said Carlo. "It's awesome. I always thought it would be a great city for it when I was playing in junior for the Tri-City Americans.
"Whenever we would come to this city and experience a little bit of the culture and Pike Place Market and all of that, it was a lot of fun and you could definitely tell the city has a lot to offer, so I think it's a great place for a team."

Wait, There's More

• Linus Ullmark will make the start against the Kraken on Thursday night. Jeremy Swayman is expected to get the call on Saturday in San Jose.
• Urho Vaakanainen remains in Boston after being a late scratch on Monday afternoon against Colorado. "Not a lot of change there. He has to get back on the ice and skating before we think about bringing him on board," said Cassidy.
• Winger Jesper Froden and defenseman Jack Ahcan were recalled from Providence on Wednesday, while Jack Studnicka was assigned to the P-Bruins. "Right now [Froden's] an extra player," said Cassidy. "Jack [Studnicka] played decent hockey for us. With Haula moving back into the middle, Jack would have been out of the middle of the ice. We brough a winger instead. We have Blidh here as well. Froden can play both left and right, can certainly play right…if a center were to get injured, we'd look at Jack. But a little bit was who might be a fit up in the lineup. That was a bit of the reasoning. Froden's played well. If Jack's gonna be out here not playing, that's not gonna make him better. So let's get him playing again if he's not gonna be in the lineup."
• Cassidy added that while Studnicka played well at times during his most recent call up, a five-game stint in which he notched an assist, there is still plenty of room for the 23-year-old to grow. "What I saw was a guy that is conscientious, he's trying to play the 200-foot game," said Cassidy. "I think he's competing harder, stronger on pucks. He's always a competitive guy. Just able to compete harder because he's stronger and more mature. He made some plays. Some games, the puck didn't follow him around as much. He had some good looks in the slot, put himself in good spots…for him it's a matter of finding his identity. If he's gonna be an offensive guy, then you have to be expected to make those plays. We trusted him. We put him out for D-zone draws. I like that part of his game. He's a guy that will work to keep the puck out of his net. Right now, the simplest answer is we have four other guys ahead of him in the middle."

Wednesday's Practice Lineup

FORWARDS
Jesper Froden - Patrice Bergeron - Jake DeBrusk
Taylor Hall - Erik Haula - David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic - Charlie Coyle - Craig Smith
Nick Foligno - Tomas Nosek - Curtis Lazar
Anton Blidh
DEFENSEMEN
Mike Reilly - Charlie McAvoy
Matt Grzelcyk - Brandon Carlo
Derek Forbort - Connor Clifton
Jack Ahcan
GOALIES
Linus Ullmark
Jeremy Swayman