In this edition of Boston Bruins’ News & Rumors, we look at the new leaks for the Bruins potential reverse retro jersey, the team’s ECHL Affiliate plans for the 2020-21 season as well as a look at their uneventful offseason as a whole thus far.
Bruins’ Reverse Retro Jersey Leak
While there isn’t any confirmation yet, the Bruins could find themselves sporting yellow jerseys for their reverse retro uniforms this upcoming season.
Pete Blackburn of CBS Sports would post the following pictures of the jersey which received mixed reactions from fans who were already on the fence about the “Pooh Bear” and “Meth Bear” dilemma.
If this is indeed the jersey the team opts to use, then the jersey concept itself is reminiscent of the Bruins uniforms from the late 1950s to late 1960s with the “Meth Bear” embroidered on the shoulders.
It’ll be interesting to see the Bruins wear yellow jerseys again as the last time they did so came following the 2010 Winter Classic. Prior to that, the Bruins last alternate to be predominantly yellow was the “Pooh Bear” jersey that the team used from 1995 until 2006. This could be a legitimate throwback to the past which would be fun, if nothing else.
These are unconfirmed for now, but it’s still something for fans to be intrigued by in what’s been a quiet offseason otherwise.
Bruins ECHL Affiliate
While NHL teams prepare for the upcoming 2020-21 NHL season, whenever it may actually take place, another factor that teams have to keep an eye on include start dates for the ECHL and the AHL. For the Bruins, their previous ECHL affiliate, the Atlanta Gladiators, have opted out of the 2020-21 season.
As Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic would report, “the Bruins are working on an arrangement to place players with the Jacksonville Icemen.” (from ‘Jakub Zboril’s chance? Might former first-rounder stick on Bruins defense?’, The AthleticNHL – 11/10/20).
This would be a good solution for the Bruins but time will tell if this comes to fruition. The Icemen are currently affiliated with the Winnipeg Jets. Getting a few extra quality players wouldn’t hurt them, however, and it would give the Bruins an opportunity to ensure some of their prospects still get the playing time they need to develop.
Bruins Remain Quiet This Offseason
As mentioned, it’s been a fairly quiet offseason for the Bruins. Though the team would make some internal signings while also bringing in veteran forward Craig Smith to bolster their forward group, they still have yet to sign Jake DeBrusk and Zdeno Chara to contracts and are still potentially in the market to make moves elsewhere.
As it stands, fans and media members in Boston alike remain in the dark about what’s coming in the near future for the team. The Bruins were good enough to win the President’s Trophy last season but failed to capitalize on it with a significant playoff run. The circumstances weren’t ideal, but the team still needs to find a way to improve or build upon last season while their current window is still open.
In that regard, the Bruins did take a step back as Torey Krug signed a long-term contract to join the St. Louis Blues during the offseason. Smith helps up front and the Bruins could have the internal pieces to operate on defense next season, but something will have to give and a deal with Chara will certainly help them transition to the next generation of defenders.
It’s unclear where the team and Chara stand on their discussions, but it would still be fairly surprising to see Chara sign anywhere other than Boston at this point.