BRIGHTON — Charlie Coyle was one player who took on a bigger role for the Bruins during the 2023-24 NHL season. After Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired last year, Coyle moved up in the lineup, occupying a top-six center position for Boston.
The position became thinner when rookie Matt Poitras underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in November, but Coyle, Morgan Geekie and Pavel Zacha stepped up to play more minutes and take on a larger role.
“It doesn’t matter where you play or how many years you play on a certain line, there’s always that learning curve,” Coyle said Sunday at the Bruins’ end-of-season availability. “You can always get better and learn, and that’s what’s special about this game. You can never be complacent. You’re learning every day. For me, personally, there was a little more responsibility and a role that I’ve wanted for a while and wanted to do well in. I’m a tough critic on myself and I always have been. I like that about myself because it pushes you to do more. I think there was some strides that were made but there’s some things that I can get better at and will get better at.
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“I’m always looking to increase my ability and what I do and to come back and be a better player for this team. That’s what you have to do. That’s what I strive to do. And we all strive to do that,” he continued. “That’s what makes guys in here and our team so good. Everyone has that mindset, so it’s no different going into the summer but it gives you confidence to have that increased role in playing time. And you just want to do better when you have that.”
The Bruins face a lot of questions going into the offseason and could benefit from adding a center to their roster. Coyle has a good idea of what kind of qualities a player should have should the front office decide to add a new center this summer.
“We pride ourselves on being two-way players. That’s what I try to strive to be. That’s what we’ve had here (with) Bergeron and Krejci. Those guys — that’s what you want. Someone who’s played both ends of the ice and produces and meshes as well,” Coyle said. “And is a good team guy. You can always add in that department. If that’s the plan then we’ll welcome a guy like that with open arms.
“… You want guys to come here who are gonna help, be good team guys and fit in. But usually when you come in here, it doesn’t matter who you are, you’re going to fit in because you just get ingrained in the culture and how it is here,” he added. “There’s no other way. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t mesh in here, and that’s just how it is.”
Several players spoke to the culture of the Bruins locker room and how they show up for one another on and off the ice.
Whether Don Sweeney signs a new center this offseason remains to be seen. It will be difficult to replace Krejci and Bergeron, but if the Bruins can sign someone who helps elevate the play of those around them, they’ll be in good shape going into the 2024-25 season.
