Discussing the comments that Frederic Brunet made this week about feeling ready to make the Bruins, his defensive growth and his friend Matt Poitras. Plus, we go through the Athletic's five-tier player rankings of NHL players and what Bruins might be missing from the list.

Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.com

We react to comments from Marco Sturm about making young players earn their ice time. Will James Hagens be held back early on this season? Plus, an update on Elias Lindholm, Cale Makar becomes the NHL's first $20 million man, and Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy crack the NHL's top 50 players list.

Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com

Jump to:
2:20 - Cale Makar's record-breaking contract
7:00 - Expectations for Elias Lindholm
15:05 - Sturm's comments on making young players earn ice time
40:20 - Sturm wants a captain... eventually
49:40 - Milestones Pastrnak could hit this season
56:00 - Swayman, McAvoy crack NHL's top 50 players

Bruins release their national TV schedule. Which defensemen will be waived before the season? How optimistic are you that the Bruins keep Poitras?

Mailbag: Would it be okay to start Poitras on 9th floor? Is DiPietro low-key the most important player next season?

Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com