The most hated player in the NHL linked to the Boston Bruins ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season

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Daniel Lucente
August 23, 2024 (2:42 PM)

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The Boston Bruins' roster appears to be nearly ready for the upcoming season, however, reports have revealed that they might offer Nick Cousins a PTO.

As the Boston Bruins look to build upon their recent successes and address some of the gaps exposed in their roster, offering a professional tryout (PTO) to a pesty player like Nick Cousins could be a solid move.

Nick Cousins can play both center and wing, which makes him a valuable asset for a team looking to shape up its forward depth. The Bruins have a solid core of forwards, but injuries and inconsistencies are likely going to happen over a long season. Cousins' ability to slot into various roles provides insurance against these potential injuries. He can likely fill in on the third or fourth line, and possibly even higher on an emergency basis.

Boston has long been known for its physical and gritty style of play, and Cousins fits that role perfectly. He's not the biggest player on the ice, but he plays with an edge that has made him effective in a checking role and many fans refer to him as a huge pest. His willingness to engage physically and his ability to get under the skin of opponents are qualities that align with how the Bruins play. Cousins can bring energy to the lineup, especially in games where the Bruins need to set a physical tone, whether they might be trailing behind and need a jolt, or perhaps up by one and need to ensure their opponents are worn down.

Bringing Nick Cousins into camp on a PTO would increase competition among the other players, pushing everyone to elevate their game. Healthy competition can lead to better performances and ensures that only the most deserving players make the cut. Cousins' presence would add an extra layer of intensity to training camp, which could benefit the team as a whole. It doesn't hurt that Cousins is fresh off a Stanley Cup win, so that experience can only be a good thing for a Bruins team looking to return to glory.

Training camp is only weeks away, and Nick Cousins is likely to receive a phone call or two from certain teams, and the Bruins are heavily involved in that possibility. Cousins had 15 points and seven goals in 69 games for Florida last season.

Source: Boston Hockey Now
3 PTOs Who Could Fit with Bruins This Season

Source: Hockey-Reference
Nick Cousins Stats