Boston Bruins: How Big of a Role Will Jordan Caron Play This Season?

Boston Bruins winger Jordan Caron is going to see a much increased role this season, and he could possibly take a spot on the team's second or third line.

Caron, 20, was a first-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft and played in 23 games for the Bruins last season, scoring three goals with four assists.

Caron had a solid training camp last season for the Bruins, which helped him see action in the regular season.

Next month's training camp is equally as important for Caron, and a good showing would go a long way in impressing the coaching staff.

Caron is the type of player the Bruins covet: someone with good size, good speed and impressive defensive skills.

Forwards have to be good in the defensive zone to get ice time under head coach Claude Julien, and Caron has shown he can be a solid two-way forward. He is also a responsible player who can be trusted not to make bad mistakes in his own zone.

At 6'2", 202 pounds, Caron's combination of size and speed is enough to give opposing defensemen trouble.

A possible spot for Caron in the Bruins 2011-12 lineup is the third line.

With the retirement of veteran and alternate captain Mark Recchi, his spot on the second line is vacant, but will likely be filled by winger Rich Peverley, who had a great postseason last year.

Caron will probably take Peverley's spot on the third line.

Caron has all the tools to be a big contributor for the Bruins next season, and may even be able to boost the penalty kill as well.

Caron's spot on the Bruins next season is his to lose. He is a hard worker and his dedication to becoming a better all-around player has impressed Julien.

There are multiple lines Caron could see time on, and the expectation that he will be a solid player next season is not asking too much of him.

Caron didn't play in the playoffs last year, but was called up to the team and practiced with them. Although he didn't get valuable postseason experience, he got a firsthand look at the intensity of playoff hockey and was able to learn from the veterans.

With a strong camp and a continued improvement, Jordan Caron will be a big contributor for the Bruins next season, and will be playing in the playoffs, not watching.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35