Bruins News & Rumors: Greer, Brown, Beecher & Heinen

As for Brown, he was gunning for the Bruins’ fourth-line center spot. However, after a quiet preseason, the 31-year-old is on the waiver wire. The Bruins signed Brown to a two-year, $1.6 million contract in the offseason, and he was expected to be a bottom-six forward for them for the start of the year. However, assuming he clears waivers, he will begin the campaign with the Providence Bruins. In 61 games last season split between the Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators, he had five goals, 12 points, and 167 hits.

Yesterday’s waiver placements, Jakub Zboril, Jesper Boqvist, and Oskar Steen, have all cleared and are set to start the season with Providence.

Beecher Wins 4C Spot

Based on the Brown and Greer waiver placements, it appears that Beecher will be the Bruins’ fourth-line center for the start of the season. It is well-deserved, as the 2019 first-round pick was one of the Bruins’ most noticeable players during the preseason.

Beecher, 22, spent all of last season in the American Hockey League (AHL), posting nine goals, 23 points, and a plus-9 rating in 61 games. Although it was not the strongest of offensive seasons for him, he showed solid defensive play and made an impact with his physicality. The Bruins also saw these elements from Beecher during the preseason, and now they will be hoping that they carry over to the regular season.

With Greer also being waived, the Bruins’ fourth line on opening night could very well consist of Beecher, Milan Lucic, and Jakub Lauko. If this is the trio they roll with, they have the potential to provide the Bruins with plenty of energy and physicality.

Contract Incoming for Heinen?

At the time of this writing, the Bruins have yet to make a decision with Heinen. However, with both Greer and Brown hitting waivers, one has to wonder if this is setting up Heinen for one. There is now a potential spot available for the 13th forward role, and Heinen would be a good option for it.

Overall, Heinen performed well during the preseason on his PTO, so it certainly would make sense if the Bruins gave him a league-minimum deal. He would also give the Bruins another experienced option for their bottom six if they struggle a bit out of the gate.

Heinen, 28, appeared in 65 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting eight goals and 22 points. Overall, he would be a decent depth forward to have around due to his versatility, but let’s see if the Bruins give him a contract from here.