Morgan Geekie may be your typical polite Canadian hockey player, but he’s no pushover.

Judging from his previous three seasons in the NHL, the 26-year-old Geekie enjoyed what looked like a career season last year when he posted personal bests in goals (17) and assists (22) while playing all over the lineup.

But as much as he values what he was able to do in something of a utility role last season, he thinks he can be an even greater contributor, possibly in a top six role. Coach Jim Montgomery seems to be of that same mindset, as evidence by Geekie being placed on a line with Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle in Wednesday’’s practice.

And if people outside the B’s dressing room don’t believe he can play there, then all the better.

“Last year, I took a step. I played up in the lineup. I know some people weren’t happy with that but I felt that I was someone who could fit in anywhere and I think I can still do that,” said Geekie. “I’m just trying to come in every day and earn my spot. I know I can play this season with Marchy and, despite what some reports say, I think I’m a skilled player.. I’m just trying to go out there and grow my game and play well at both ends of the rink.”

Many athletes will say they block out all the outside noise from the media, whtether its mainstream or social. Geekie isn’t one of them.

“I read everything, so it’s probably unlike most people, but I know what’s said and I use it as a little motivation,” said Geekie. “It’s good. It’s fun to look at when you’re lacking confidence to prove people wrong, for sure.”

Last season, he saw some spot duty playing higher in the lineup and, as the B’s moved into the playoffs, he saw his ice time increase by over a minute a game. He popped in four goals in 13 games. That sent him into the offseason with a boost of confidence.

“It was huge,” said Geekie. “The coaching staff – I can’t thank them enough – helped me along in learning a new system and get accustomed to everything. It’s fun to take that into the summer and know where you can play. I think I’ve got a lot more to offer than what I showed even, so it’s fun to keep growing as a player.”

Geekie did show off that he’s got a pretty good shot last season.

“What surprised us I guess is how good he is offensively at supporting pucks and how willing he is to get better defensively,’ said Montgomery. “I think because of that offensive touch that he has to score goals and to support pucks is why he could be in position to play in an elevated role.”

There are some givens in the B’s lineup, as long as there’s good health. The defense corps looks set, as does the top line of Pavel Zacha-Elias Lindholm (expected back next week)-David Pastrnak and two thirds of the second line with Marchand and Coyle.

Geekie believes he can complement Coyle and Marchand.

“They played together all year last year and you see how much chemistry they have, so you’re just trying to learn their tendencies, how they fit well together,” he said. “You try to get them the puck in the right spots, try to get get open, try to use my shot to my advantage. They can both make plays. Just trying to be responsible at both ends of the rink and help out where I can.”

They have enough bodies to adequately fill the rest of the spots but just where they all fit is still to be determined. Two of the biggest losses in the forward corps are Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen, both of whom are now in Vancouver.

“Guys are going to have to step up,” said Geekie. “There are roles to be replaced. We had a good cast of guys that went elsewhere. But that’s the business of hockey and how it’s going to go some years. We’ve got guys in this room that are ready to step up and fills some roles. The best thing about this group is nobody really cares about who’s doing what, as long as there’s wins on the board.”

Geekie was set to center rookies Brett Harrison and Riley Duran on Thursday’s preseason game against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Geekie said he focused in the offseason on improving his faceoffs, which he believes can be a valuable tool even if he’s playing on the wing.

And as much as he’d like to play up in the lineup, Geekie does understand the value in his versatility.

“I’m a pretty chill guy and I think that’s a big part of it, being able to fit up and down the lineup,” said Geekie. “You see guys who’ve spent a long time in this league being able to do different jobs.. Obviously, when you get really good at one thing, it’s nice but to be able to complement other guys and help them do their job better, that helps as well. Just being able to bounce around being able to complement, whether it’s the first line or the fourth line.”

No matter where Geekie ends up, he’s will to compete for his spot.

“I’m not taking it for granted, that’s for sure,” said Geekie. “I think it’s fun. It’s good competition and everyone’s vying for a spot but I’m just trying to come in every day, work and get a little better Wherever that’s goin to be with, that’s not my decision.. I’m just here ot play and do the best I can.….

With Geekie skating with the group that was traveling to New York on Thursday, Fabian Lysell skated with the non-game group on the Marchand-Coyle line. Whether or not we see the combo in a game group, skating with the captain — even for a practice — has some benefit for a young player.

“You see how hard he goes when you’re with him, you see the offense that’s created and the puck possession game. It’s better to play with the puck than having to backcheck,” said Montgomery. “And then going against him, you realize how hard you have to compete. His web, the spokes that go in all kinds of direction, of what it means to be a Bruin, how hard you come to practice, how hard you go in the weight room and obviously how hard you go in the games and how you comport yourself around the rink, his web goes everywhere. It’s endless how much it matters.”…

Montgomery said that he expects to make some cuts in the next few days.