Boston Bruins, one of the oldest original-six teams in the National Hockey League, has a rich history when it comes to star centers. Over the years, they have boasted some of the most talented and dynamic players in the league who have contributed immensely to the success of the team. In this article, we will explore the top 10 greatest Boston Bruins Centers of all time.
1. Phil Esposito: Phil Esposito, also known as “Espo,” is considered one of the greatest centers of all time with his incredible scoring records. He won two Stanley Cups and took home four Art Ross and Hart Trophies during his eight-year tenure from 1967-1975 with the Bruins. Esposito holds records for the most points and goals in a single season in the team’s history.
2. Patrice Bergeron: Patrice Bergeron has been a cornerstone of the Bruins since he was drafted by the team in 2003. The two-way center is a four-time Selke Trophy winner for his defensive skills and has been an integral part of two Bruins Stanley Cup wins in 2011 and 2019.
3. Milt Schmidt: Milt Schmidt was a Bruins center during the 1940s, and has two Stanley Cup wins under his belt. He also won the Hart Trophy in 1951, and was later inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a player in 1961.
4. Jean Ratelle: Ratelle played for the Bruins during the latter stages of his career in the mid-1970s. He made a mark on the team’s record books by contributing to the league’s leading point scoring line at the time, with himself, Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge.
5. Rick Middleton: Middleton played for Boston from 1976-1988 and was a consistent scorer for the team throughout his career. Though he never won a Stanley Cup, he still ranks fifth all-time in team points with 898, and is in the team’s Hall of Fame.
6. Derek Sanderson: Derek Sanderson was a notable faceoff man for the Bruins during the late 60s and 70s. He won two Stanley Cups and was known for his penalty-killing abilities, which helped solidify the Bruins’ penalty kill unit.
7. Adam Oates: Oates only spent two and a half seasons with the Bruins, from 1992-1994, but his contributions were significant. He was the team’s leading scorer over those years, and is sixth on the team’s all-time points list.
8. Ken Hodge: Ken Hodge played for the Bruins from 1967-1976 and was a force alongside Phil Esposito. He won two Stanley Cups and was a top scorer in the league during his tenure with the Bruins.
9. Bobby Carpenter: Bobby Carpenter played for the Bruins from 1981-1986, and was a consistent scorer during his tenure in Boston; he ranks 20th on the franchise’s all-time points list.
10. David Krejci: David Krejci has been a key centerman for the Bruins since 2007, and played a crucial role in their 2011 Stanley Cup win. He is one of the team’s most proficient playmakers, and has tallied over 600 points for the team.
In conclusion, the Bruins have had a rich history with great centers that have been integral to the team’s success. Players like Phil Esposito and Patrice Bergeron have become icons for the team and the league overall, while players like David Krejci and Bobby Carpenter have been valuable contributors during their tenure. It is clear that the Boston Bruins have consistently boasted some of the most talented and dynamic centers to ever take to the ice.
