Linus Ullmark listed as potential break out player for 2021-22

The Boston Bruins appear ready to continue to make noise in the National Hockey League's Eastern Conference, and they'll be bringing back most of the supporting cast along with a few additional faces in the fold. 

However, one veteran leader who has been a mainstay in the spoked B decided to return to his homeland, while the future of another European star remains in question. David Krejci won't be suiting up for the Bruins for the 1st time in 15 years, as he elected to go back to the Czech Republic and play in front of his family with HC Olomouc in the Czech Extraliga. However, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy appeared to leave the door open to a potential return for Krejci sometime in the future.

Meanwhile, goaltender Tuukka Rask's future in Beantown remains up in the air. To that end, the Bruins secured help in the crease in the form of former Sabres net minder Linus Ullmark, who is one of several players that ESPN's Greg Wyshynski listed could be a breakout player for the 2021-22 NHL Season.

Check out his reasoning below: 

"The offseason had so many blockbuster transactions that many overlooked the Bruins passing the torch to Ullmark, on a four-year deal with trade protection. While the door isn't closed on Tuukka Rask coming back in some capacity after hip surgery, this kind of commitment tells you they believe the 28-year-old can take the crease.

There's evidence to that end. Ullmark has put together two straight strong seasons on terrible Sabres teams, including a 9-6-3 record and a .917 save percentage last season for a team that had a .330 points percentage in the standings. He saved over 10 goals above average for the second-worst defensive team in the NHL (3.50 GAA). Ullmark is now playing for a team that was fourth in GAA (2.39) and, more importantly, second on the penalty kill (86.0%) after having Buffalo's 26th-ranked penalty kill drag down his stats.

This feels like an NFL team taking a solid quarterback from a mediocre team, sticking him in a time-tested system and watching him turn into an All-Pro.