The Boston Bruins are shaking things up and have recalled forward Jeffrey Viel from the Providence Bruins. With the team in an 8 game losing streak, they hope Viel’s energy and physicality can be the spark they need.
Viel, 28, doesn’t put up points, but his contributions go beyond the box score. His recall comes at a good time, as the Bruins need to add some grit and toughness to the lineup.
What Viel Brings to the Bruins?
In 4 NHL games this season, Viel has no points but 9 PIM, 11 hits, and a -1 rating. Those numbers don’t pop, but his role is clear: be physical, protect his teammates and disrupt the other team’s flow.
Viel’s presence could be just what the doctor ordered for a team that can’t seem to find consistency. He’s the kind of player that shows up in scrums, throws his body around and plays with an edge – qualities that can change the game.
Viel’s Dominance in the AHL
In Providence, Viel has really been making a name for himself this season. In 62 games with the AHL team, he’s racked up 12 goals, 34 points—and a healthy 136 penalty minutes. That plus-15 rating he’s sporting is a testament to his all-around game. And it’s not just his offense that’s stood out—his physical play and leadership have been just as impressive.
Lately, Viel has caught fire, scoring four goals and chipping in with eight points over his last eight games. That kind of late-season surge shows he can take his game to the next level when it counts. Now, the Bruins are counting on him to carry that momentum into the NHL—and help turn their season around.
A Gritty Veteran with NHL Experience
Viel’s NHL experience may not be extensive, but he’s no stranger to the league. He spent four seasons between the San Jose Sharks and the Bruins. In that time, he played 53 NHL games—where he scored three goals, picked up five points, dished out 123 hits and finished with a minus-10 rating.
That hasn’t led to a lot of offense, but his willingness to mix it up physically and back up his teammates has earned him a lot of respect. For a Bruins team that’s really struggling to find energy and toughness, Viel’s experience and tenacity could be just what they need.
Can Viel Help Snap the Losing Streak?
When the Bruins were struggling, Viel’s return was a much-needed spark. His aggressive style of play can shift momentum in tight games—and give the Bruins the push they need to win the ones that slip through their fingers.
Viel thrives in high-energy roles. If he gets the chance to play meaningful minutes, he could be that difference-maker. That might come through his physicality, his leadership, or an underrated part of his game that he’s been waiting to show off. And he’s ready to prove he belongs in the NHL spotlight once again.
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