The Boston Bruins’ Olympic contingent has officially landed, and over the last 48 hours, their players have settled into their roles with their respective national teams ahead of Wednesday's Olympic puck drop. From top-line assignments to leadership roles and depth chart surprises, Bruins fans have plenty to track across the international stage.
Let’s start with the headlines: Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak have been named alternate captains for Team USA and Czechia, respectively. That’s not just a nod to their on-ice talent-it’s a reflection of the leadership and respect they've earned in locker rooms filled with elite talent.
For McAvoy, who’s long been a cornerstone of Boston’s blue line, it’s another step in his evolution into one of the game’s premier two-way defensemen. Pastrnak, meanwhile, continues to be Czechia’s offensive engine, and he’s being counted on to lead from the front.
Speaking of leading from the front, Pastrnak is slotted on Czechia’s top line alongside Tomas Hertl and Martin Necas. That trio has the potential to be one of the most dynamic in the tournament-speed, creativity, and finishing ability in abundance.
Former Bruin Ondrej Kase is expected to bring secondary scoring from the second line. Unfortunately, Czechia took a major hit with Pavel Zacha being ruled out due to injury.
That’s a tough loss-not just for the team’s center depth, but also for Zacha, who was poised for a big role on the Olympic stage.
Over in Finland’s camp, things are shaping up largely as expected for Boston’s representatives. Henri Jokiharju is holding down a second-pairing role on the blue line next to Olli Määttä.
It’s a steady, reliable pairing-exactly what Finland tends to build its defensive identity around. Between the pipes, Joonas Korpisalo joined the team late following an injury to Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen and is currently serving as Finland’s third-string goalie.
With Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen ahead of him on the depth chart, Korpisalo likely won’t see game action unless injuries strike again-but his experience adds important depth.
Team Latvia has been keeping their cards close to the vest, running closed practices and keeping line combinations under wraps. But one name Bruins fans should keep an eye on is Dans Locmelis.
The promising Bruins prospect is expected to play a meaningful role, likely somewhere in the top nine. Latvia often thrives on cohesion and grit, and Locmelis’ two-way game fits that mold perfectly.
And then there’s the heavyweight: Team USA. McAvoy is anchoring the top defensive pairing alongside Quinn Hughes, forming what might be the most skilled and well-rounded top pair in the entire tournament. It’s a blend of poise, puck movement, and physicality that gives the Americans a serious edge on the back end.
In goal, Jeremy Swayman is part of a three-headed monster with Jake Oettinger and Connor Hellebuyck. Early signs point to Hellebuyck getting the starter’s net-he had his own crease during practice while Swayman and Oettinger split time in the backup net.
It’s a logical move given Hellebuyck’s Olympic experience and steady presence, but don’t count out Swayman. If the U.S. needs a spark or faces a back-to-back, he’s more than capable of stepping in and stealing a game.
With the puck set to drop in just a few days, the Olympic spotlight is about to shine brightly on these Bruins. Whether it’s McAvoy leading Team USA’s blue line, Pastrnak lighting the lamp for Czechia, or young guns like Locmelis making their mark, Boston’s fingerprints are all over this tournament.