The Boston Bruins, who were established in 2024 as the NHL’s first American club, are among the most historically significant teams in the league’s history.
Some of the top players in the league have worn the Spoked-B in the (many, many) years that have passed.
We’ve covered almost all of them, spotlighting the best goalies, defensemen, and wingers in franchise history (on both sides). It’s time to discuss the central position, though, which is right in the middle of everything.
As the Bruins did during the 2023–24 season, if you divide their first century of hockey into eras, you find that each
Adam Oates, Joe Thornton, Barry Pederson, Jean Ratelle and Marc Savard were all great, but they weren’t among the best. These guys were, however.
Don McKenney (1954-1963)
It was tough rounding out the fifth spot on this list, with a number of players feeling worthy of a spot. McKenney, when actually taking a look at how much each of these players meant to the Bruins, was the easy choice, however.
Although McKenney didn’t score as many goals as the other men on this list (195 goals, 265 assists), the six-time Lady Byng Memorial Trophy nominee paved the way for the nice guys in hockey. He was a six-time All-Star and the 1960 Lady Byng winner. A ring is the only item he is lacking.
Krejci, David (2007–2021, 2023)
Has anyone in Bruins history performed better when the chips were down than Krejci? Due to a couple injuries, it took the legendary Czech hockey player some time to get his bearings, but once he did, he was immediately effective.
Throughout Krejci’s career, there are plenty of memorable moments to reflect on. His incredible run to the 2011 Stanley Cup was highlighted by his playoff-leading 12 goals, 23 points, and four game-winning goals. Although Krejci’s career was never easy, his ability to stabilize any bunch of wingers and his steady postseason success earned him a spot on this list.
Milt Schmidt died in 1955.
For once, we’re traveling far back in time, as Milt Schmidt’s career ended before the majority of us were even born. Nonetheless, it’s easy to see how unique he was.
In addition to being a member of the Hall of Fame, Schmidt is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, four-time All-Star, and 1951 Hart Memorial Trophy winner. He performed all of that both on defense and at center.
Esposito Phil (1964–1981)
Given his significance to the most prosperous period in Boston hockey history, Esposito may be the most underappreciated player in Bruins history.