Next person up remains one of the more common cliches in sports circles. Yet, it’s often an accurate description whenever a team needs to replace one of their core members.
The Bruins aren’t strangers to the next man up philosophy, be it through injuries or off-season departures. Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Torey Krug and even David Backes all left leadership voids over the past few seasons.
This has left some of the younger core Bruins, like Charlie McAvoy, Matt Grzelcyk, Brandon Carlo and David Pastrnak to fill those gaping voids. Another tier of vets, like Charlie Coyle and newcomer Nick Foligno, aren’t strangers to leadership roles.