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Bruins Face New Challenge With Shortened Training Camp
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- Bruins Face New Challenge With Shortened Training Camp
Amelia Bashy / Boston Hockey Now
The Boston Bruins have less than two weeks until they take the ice for the start of 2026 training camp.
It will be a little different than in years past: the regular season opens on September 29 instead of in October. The Bruins are set for four preseason games, two fewer than previous years, and they are not expected to take to the ice until September 17, which gives them less than two weeks before their season opener.
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For the veterans and established NHL players, these may be welcome changes. On the other hand, they present a challenge for the younger players and those still battling for a spot on the NHL roster; that's two fewer games and less time to make a lasting impression.
"The players want it that way. The players wanted less [preseason] games. They want to have a shorter training camp. That means they also have to know it's less opportunity for these guys to shine in training camp, right?" Marco Sturm said on Bruins Beat . "It's going to be hard. I know there's players who need a game or two just to get going. You don't have that anymore because maybe you only get a game or two."
"So, right from the start, they have to be ready. They have to show me right away so they can make that decision right away."
Frederic Brunet is one of those younger players. The 23-year-old defenseman spent the entire 2025-26 season with the Providence Bruins , but will be in the running for a spot on the Boston roster when camp opens. Don Sweeney mentioned Brunet's opportunity a few times this summer , and Trent Whitfield called him the best defenseman on the P-Bruins last year.
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Brunet is one of 10 defensemen , though, and the shortened camp does him no favors.
"I mean, it is what it is. I can't really change anything, so I'm not really thinking about that," Brunet said on NESN's The Hockey Hub . "Obviously, I would love to have more time because this year is like a huge year for me, but I mean, I can't do [anything] about it. It is what it is, and I'm ready for what's coming. If it's a week or two weeks, it doesn't really matter for me. I have to come in every day and just show what I am capable of, and I think that's going to be my mindset for camp."
Also Read: Frederic Brunet Feels 'More Ready Than Ever' for Bruins Roster Spot
The shorter window may make the final cuts more difficult, but Sturm welcomes the competition. He's also grateful that this isn't his first year in Boston, and some of the younger players who have been with the Bruins ought to feel the same way.
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"I think it's a good, healthy competition to have. Somebody will be pissed, somebody will be mad; whoever is not going to make it to the roster for game one against New York," Sturm said. "But I think the good thing is I was around already last year. I think it would be even harder if I was the new coach right now and didn't know anybody. That would be really hard."
The changes bleed down further than training camp and preseason. The prospects showcase has been shortened in the last few years. In September 2024, the Bruins played three games in Buffalo, all against different opponents, and that number was brought down to two for the 2025 event. In 2026, the Bruins prospects are heading to Buffalo for two games against the Sabres, who will be coming to Boston for a pair in 2027.
"For those young kids coming in now in this league, people forget, or even the league forgets, it's getting harder and harder. Kids don't have the time now to shine and show the organization, the coach, that I'm ready," Sturm said. "So that's going to be the challenge, I think, moving forward for those young kids."
Brunet is not the only young player facing this uphill challenge. Cam Neely is hopeful all of the young players are "licking their chops" to earn a spot in Boston, and Sturm expects them to be ready out of the gate.
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Sturm mentioned all 32 NHL teams are going through the same situation for the first time. He also expects changes to continue after camp and into the regular season, even if it isn't perfect.
"Throughout the season, throughout the start, training camp, there will be changes. I'm trying to, probably try a few things out," Sturm said. "It's not going to be perfect, but I also think the good thing is everyone else is in the same boat. The whole league will have that challenge, maybe not with 10 D, but it's not going to be easy."
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