Jeffrey Viel Set for Season Debut Against Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS –– Boston Bruins forward Jeffrey Viel will make his season debut on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. After watching the first four games of the season from the sidelines, Viel is ready to jump into action at 10 p.m. ET.

Head coach Marco Sturm praised Viel’s positive attitude and strong work ethic. “He’s been around for a bit, so he knows,” Sturm said. “I was talking to him through the whole process. He’s ready to go tonight.”

Viel is expected to join Sean Kuraly and Mark Kastelic on the fourth line as Marat Khusnutdinov draws out of the lineup. Sturm noted, “We just wanted a little bit of a heavier lineup today against a heavier team. Viel did an outstanding job in preseason.”

The 28-year-old forward signed a two-year contract with the Bruins in July after impressing during training camp as a strong physical presence for the team’s bottom six. Viel said, “It feels good to be in. I’m just going to try to play my game and help the team as much as I can.”

Viel played five NHL games last season and recorded 37 points in 68 games in the AHL with the Providence Bruins. “It’s a great opportunity for me, so I’m trying to seize it,” he added.

As the Bruins prepare for three games in the next four days, they are keen to test themselves against top-tier competition in the Golden Knights. “If you look at their lineup – I don’t have to say much about that. Overall, it’s a Stanley Cup team,” Sturm said. “We love those challenges.”

In addition to Viel’s debut, Jeremy Swayman will start in net for the Bruins. The team is looking to bounce back from a recent loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The game against the Golden Knights marks the beginning of a competitive stretch for the Bruins, who are eager to build on their early-season success.