The Boston Bruins arrived in the Toronto bubble on Sunday afternoon in advance of Phase 4 of the NHL’s ‘Return to Play’ plan. On Thursday night, they’ll play an exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets prior to their August 2nd opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. Although they are just three days out from live games, questions still remain for the Bruins.

David Pastrnak, Ondrej Kase and Nick Ritchie were all on the team’s Phase 4 roster on Sunday. Pastrnak, according to coach Bruce Cassidy, flew with the team on Sunday and will practice today. Kase, however, did not and will join the team at a later date. Ritchie did fly to Toronto, but is still dealing with injury and won’t take the ice Monday.

PASTRNAK, KASE IN FLUX

It’s no secret that David Pastrnak is the most dynamic offensive weapon the Bruins have. He won a share of the Rocket Richard Trophy this past season, and was among the NHL’s top point producers. Pastrnak only got into one practice in Boston, however, and will be playing catch up in Toronto.

Yes, it’s great news he practiced with the team on Monday, but Pastrnak is not in an ideal spot. He’s only skated once with his teammates since March, and will be entering the bubble two weeks behind everyone else. Kase, meanwhile, still is in Boston and his status is totally up in the air.

You don’t need to be a General Manager to know that without Pastrnak, the Bruins are much less dynamic and less likely to do damage in the postseason. Although Kase’s impact is lesser than Pastrnak’s, he was expected to come to Boston and fill a top-nine role. In a tournament like this, that depth could be the difference between moving on and going home.

The effects of Pastrnak and Kase’s poor decision-making could be felt by the Bruins early on. Even if both players are in the lineup, it is doubtful that they will be completely up to speed at any point during round-robin play. In fact, it might be a stretch to suggest they’ll be 100% for the First Round of the playoffs on August 11th.

If both of these players are struggling in the early going, it could greatly impact both the seeding and chances of the Boston Bruins. It’s a situation worth monitoring.

Without them, the Bruins are far less dynamic and dangerous offensively.

YOUNG GUNS

Jack Studnicka, Karson Kuhlman, Trent Frederic and Zach Senyshyn are all on the Phase 4 roster that was released Sunday. All four of these young players will have a chance to make their mark during the next few weeks. Studnicka had 49 points (23 g, 26 a) in the AHL with the Providence Bruins this past season, and added a single assist in two NHL games.

Kuhlman, who played in eight playoff games last spring, seems most likely to draw into the lineup early. Kuhlman appeared in 25 NHL games this past season, scoring six points (1 g, 5 a) while also dealing with injury issues.

Senyshyn, meanwhile, had just 16 points (7 g, 9 a) in 42 AHL games in Providence. He also appeared in four NHL contests, scoring two assists. Senyshyn, a first-round pick in 2015, has played in six total NHL games with three points (1 g, 2 a) over the last two seasons.

Studnicka is known by fans and media alike as arguably the team’s top offensive prospect. Kuhlman has been in and out of the NHL lineup, while Senyshyn has been a largely forgotten man due to three relatively disappointing AHL seasons. None of that matters now.

Should Kase’s absence extend into games, and Pastrnak not be ready, these three men could be given the chance of a lifetime. All three have skill and have various amounts of professional experience.

Frederic, meanwhile, could provide the Boston Bruins with a strong two-way presence and physical edge in the bottom-six. Should Par Lindholm start slow, Frederic could cement his spot in the lineup for good.

Kuhlman, in particular, is worth watching. He impressed during the Bruins’ run last spring in a similiar role, and appeared to have the trust of Bruce Cassidy when healthy during the regular season.

In practice, Studnicka has recently seen time with David Krejci. Kuhlman has rotated in on the third line and Frederic as the fourth center.

THIRD LINE MAGIC

Much is made about who will suit up next to David Krejci on the second line. What about who will play with Charlie Coyle on the Bruins’ third line? With the right wingers, the Boston Bruins could have the ability to dress three real scoring lines come playoff time. Very few teams can match that firepower and depth.

Nick Ritchie, a trade deadline acquisition from the Anaheim Ducks, could be an X-factor.

Assuming Jake DeBrusk does skate on the team’s second line, Coyle will be in need of a pair of wingers. Enter Ritchie and Sean Kuraly.

Both Ritchie (6′ 2″, 230 pounds) and Kuraly (6′ 2″, 213 pounds) bring similiar skill-sets to the table. They are big, physical wingers who aren’t afraid to throw their weight around. Both also have ability around the net, while Ritchie has settled in nicely as a roughly 10-12 goal per year guy.

Sure, this group won’t shoot the lights out. All three are big bodies, however, and are willing to play tough, physical hockey. All three are known for their two-way abilities and all three have the capability of providing offense when needed. Against smaller, more skilled teams, this line could thrive as a possession trio that sets the tone.

Players like this, and their physical style, are always more important come playoff time. Having a responsible line built in this mold with a little offense? It could be a difference-maker should Ritchie get healthy.