Ok...time to come clean.
I do think all five of those predictions are possible, but not all are probable. I would say that in order, from most probable to least probable, they would be:
Coyle Extension
Grizz - Mac Pairing
Heinen hits 60 pts
Steen Career Goals
Rask Vezina
I think the Boston FO loves Coyle’s puck possession game, and he fits what I think the B’s are trying to do up front (speedy, skilled scoring wings with big 2-way centers who can skate). I think he can be one of those “transition players” that gets the B’s from Bergeron and Krejci to Beecher and Studnicka. Would like to see a 5-6 year deal for $5.25m per.
Grizz and Mac looked good at BU and in cameos for the Bruins. They fit the way the league is going with puck transition and zone entry. Grizz is not big, but he’s solid defensively and he can cover for McAvoy when he goes riverboat gambler. If Grizz leaves via the expansion draft this spot will eventually be filled by Vaak.
Everyone knows how I feel about Heinen. If he was with 63 and 37, he definitely hits 60. With Coyle on the 3rd line, I think he can get close, but probably won’t see enough PP play time to make it happen. I would be happy with 45-50.
I am really high on Steen and believe he is going to be a fine player in the NHL. Not sure if he will outscore Studnicka, Beecher or maybe Lauko, but he’s got a shot.
I believe Rask is perfectly capable of winning the Vezina, and I also think he will be very good this year. The problem is there are so many good goalies in the NHL, one of them is likely to have a career season and beat him out.
Keep the opinions coming.