Jordan Caron looking good on third line

AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Jordan Caron is making the most of his time on the third line in Boston. Working with center Chris Kelly and young right winger Reilly Smith, the left winger, Caron, has already notched his first goal of the year and if it weren’t for the quick whistle in the opener against Tampa Bay would have two goals in two games. Pretty impressive for a guy that wasn’t in line to start the season in uniform for the B’s.

The 22 year old Caron has been steadily gaining ground since being drafted in 2009. In the 2010/11 season he played in just 23 games but the following season played in over half with 48 games. He had career highs in games played, goals (7), assists (8) and points (15). This past season was lockout shortened and along with a shoulder injury and a puck to the face down in Providence Caron was held out of the Boston lineup for most of the year. He still managed to contribute four points and played in 17 games. But let’s just pretend last season didn’t happen, Caron wants to forget it.

I think I had a tough start with the lockout down in Providence, I finished the year before really strong and my confidence was really high, and I went to Providence, and a season like that, things aren’t going your way and then the injuries happen. I just want to forget about last year and I’m feeling pretty good, and I just want to build on that.

With Carl Soderberg skating again, albeit alone and not practicing with the team yet, Caron’s time could be limited on that third line but he is making a hell of a case for Coach Claude Julien to ride the hot hand leaving Soderberg to make sure he is absolutely 100% before coming back. Soderberg suffered an ankle injury in Saskatoon playing against Winnipeg in the final pre-season game on September 27th. Soderberg is to add much needed offense to the Bruins lineup, showing he could come in and score goals by putting up three this preseason. Through just two games it is tough to say that Caron has solidly taken his spot on the third line but if he continues this near goal per game pace it will be tough to sideline him even when Soderberg is ready.

Coach Claude isn’t tipping his hand until the time comes when both players are ready to play and a lineup decision must be made.

I can give you all the clichés that you want but I think at the end of the day all you want is to see what kind of decision I’ll make and I’m certainly not about to make that decision now.

Caron’s current linemate and centerman, Chris Kelly, also weighed in on the tough choice looming on the forefront for the coaching staff.

When there's opportunities to be had, you want to capitalize on them, and [Caron] is doing a great job of that. He's playing really well. I think you want to make management and coaches have to make tough decisions. As a player, I know I always like to make them make tough decisions, and I think that's what makes a good hockey team.

It is a long season and guys get hurt so having too many options for the 2-0 Bruins can't be a bad thing.