Bitz

A former Boston Bruins fourth-round pick who registered just 27 points in his first pro season in 2007-08, Byron Bitz might’ve been a bit of a forgotten man last season. But after getting recalled in January, the forward was a vital part of the Bruins’ success.

Now comes the hard part for the former Cornell star, as Bitz will try to take the next step — establishing himself as an NHL regular. There are no more forgivable rookie mistakes to be made, and with prospects one year older and better, and the Bruins adding to their mix via free agency, the competition for Bitz to maintain his NHL role will be heated. Bitz got a head start on his pursuit of an NHL job by taking part in informal captains’ practices last week in Wilmington, Mass.

Offseason tidbit: After a summer that featured his July wedding to his longtime girlfriend, Bitz drove more than 2,000 miles from his home in Saskatoon to the Boston area to get ready for training camp.

Position battle: There are three spots on the Bruins’ fourth line and all are open and no players are guaranteed a job. Oh sure, Steve Begin and Shawn Thornton have the inside track as NHL veterans and Bitz and Vladimir Sobotka are a couple younger guys with NHL experience. But those four will also be looking to hold off the likes of up-and-comers Brad Marchand and Mikko Lehtonen and journeymen Trent Whitfield and Drew Larman.

Projection: Bitz’s combination of grit, guts and skill impressed the Bruins’ coaching staff during last fall’s training camp and finally earned him an NHL berth at mid-winter. Considering his work ethic, he’s not likely rest on his laurels. I expect him to see time on the wing and at center and be a fourth-line fixture this season.