Jordan Caron

2012-13 wasn't a banner season for Caron, who notched three points in 17 games with the Bruins and 18 in 47 contests with AHL Providence. That said, the 2009 first-rounder is just 22 and the budding power forward figures to have a chance to stick with the big club this coming fall with a strong training camp where he will compete with a handful of others for a third-line wing slot.

Caron, the Bruins’ 2009 first-round draft pick, played 48 games last season while scoring seven goals, recording eight assists and averaging 11:32 of ice time. Despite the modest totals, one gets the sense that Caron, who has displayed flashes of upside the past couple of seasons, has a chance to emerge as a solid NHL power forward. He’s the favorite to land a spot on the Bruins’ third line this season, along with Chris Kelly and Rich Peverley. That’s an assignment that would no doubt lead to increased production, which could turn Caron into a decent late-round draft bargain.

The B's may not have a lot of turnover personnel-wise this coming season, but there will be some holes to fill up front following the departures of Mark Recchi and Michael Ryder. Caron, who scored seven points in 23 games with the big club spent a majority of the 2010-11 season with AL Providence, recording 28 points in 47 games. First on his to-do list, will be simply making the team, but we think he's probably the best equipped of the B's young forwards to step in for the departed vets. To start, he figures to be a modest fantasy producer, but in time, has the upside to develop into a solid power forward at the NHL level.

Caron, who was the 25th overall pick in 2009 NHL draft, could contend for a roster spot with the B's this season, but more than likely, the team's depth up from will force him to spend 2010-11 with AHL Providence. He has power forward upside as a pro, as long as he can stay healthy, which is something that has hardly been a given for him.

The Bruins aren't counting on Caron (their first-rounder) this season, but down the road he is viewed as a potential power forward, as long as he can shake the injury-prone label.