Marco Sturm still doesn't know who's going to center David Pastrnak's line, and that uncertainty is the biggest question in Boston's camp.
This week, Sturm made it clear he's not locking anything in before training camp, calling it a real trial and error process at centre.
The problem is simple. Boston has centres, but not an obvious number one, and somebody has to run the line with Pastrnak and new winger John-Jason Peterka.
Elias Lindholm is one option. Sturm has said Lindholm has proven he can play with Pastrnak, though the fit last season didn't always look that clean.
Lindholm managed just 48 points over 69 games last year, dealing with back issues in his first two seasons in Boston.
He's reportedly feeling good this summer after treatment and a proper break before starting to skate again in August, which matters given his injury history.
Why Pavel Zacha might actually be the better fit
Pavel Zacha is the other real name in the mix, coming off a career year with 30 goals, 35 assists and 65 points across 78 games.
Sturm has also used Fraser Minten in shorter stretches at centre, and the real question now is whether that role expands into something bigger this season.
Peterka is expected to help push tempo wherever he lines up, and Sturm has suggested the centre matters less if both wingers can keep pace with each other.
Handing this job to Zacha off last season's numbers makes more sense than banking on Lindholm's health holding up again. Boston can't afford another back setback.
Boston finished last season 45-27-10 with 100 points, good for eighth overall, the kind of team that actually needs this decision to go right early.
Whether Sturm settles on Lindholm, Zacha or someone else entirely is a decision that could shape how Pastrnak's line looks all season long.
Should the Bruins go with Pavel Zacha over Elias Lindholm as Pastrnak's center?
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