Marc McLaughlin fighting for a spot on the Bruins roster, ‘I’m just trying to compete as hard as I can’
Marc McLaughlin has had a good camp for the Bruins. The 23-year-old is fighting to make the roster and has done the right things to make his case. He scored two goals on Saturday against the Flyers from the T.D. Garden.
He had a game-high four shots while playing mostly with Johnny Beecher and Trent Frederic. Beecher also scored two goals in the win on Saturday.
McLaughlin worked hard on his skating this offseason. The Billerica native worked with former skills coach Kim Brandvold.
“I feel confident. I feel like my skating’s gotten a little bit better. I think I can manage the puck a little bit better. But I think I was in the right areas in front of the net today. That really plays to my game, getting to the front of the net, getting shots off and being a big body. I was happy with that.”
The first-year pro is battling for a spot on the fourth line with Nick Foligno. Chris Wagner and Vinni Lettieri, also in the fourth-line mix at right wing. The issue with these players is that if Boston selects McLaughlin, they’d have to clear waivers to land in Providence.
McLaughlin is still on his entry level contract and doesn’t need waivers to be sent down to the AHL.
Head coach Jim Montgomery had positive things to say about the Boston College product.
“He’s a very conscientious young man,” Montgomery said. “He tries to do things the right way all the time whether it’s practice or games. He pays attention to detail. There’s a young man whose growth will grow as he grows and understands how we want to play.”
Last season, the young forward played in 11 games, scoring three goals. He looked like he belonged on the ice with the team.
“Everything needs to be earned for me,” McLaughlin said. “I’ve been keeping that mindset, that I need to earn everything. I’m still a young guy. I need to show up every day and earn this spot. It’s not going to be handed to me.”
It’s likely the battle will come down to McLaughlin and Wagner. Both are making the case to stick around. Wagner has shown a more physical side on the ice this preseason. Wagner had a game high eight hits against the Flyers.
"I’m just trying to put my best foot forward. Obviously I’m fighting for a spot on this team and I’m just trying to compete as hard as I can every day and show up at the rink,” said McLaughlin.
One other name to watch out for over the battle for the fourth line is Oskar Steen. He may have an advantage over all the players mentioned because the Bruins prefer to not expose him to waivers.
There’s a lot of moving parts to finalize the Bruins roster. The competition in camp has been healthy for a team closing the chapter on last season. McLaughlin has made a case to stick around, but things outside his control may prevent that.
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