Could the Boston Bruins pursue Cody Franson or Dustin Byfuglien? What’s the latest on Chicago Blackhawks’ RFA Marcus Kruger? Read on for the latest.
Bruins chasing Franson or Byfuglien? Not so fast!
Should the Bruins pursue Dustin Byfuglien?
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty responded to a rumor from one of his readers UFA Cody Franson was close to signing with the Boston Bruins for two years, $4.7 million. While acknowledging the Bruins have the cap space to ink Franson to a $4.7 million per season deal, he claims they don’t want to enter next season pressed against the cap ceiling. Haggerty also doubts the Bruins can get him that cheaply and found it odd Franson, in a recent interview, named the Bruins among several teams he claimed were interested in signing him but not the others.
Haggerty also addressed rumors linking the Bruins to Winnipeg Jets blueliner Dustin Byfuglien, noting they would have to free up cap space to absorb his $5.2 million cap hit for next season. He also rejected one reader’s suggestion that a 2016 first-round pick and prospects “will get it done,” believing the Jets asking price will be higher than that.
To sign a UFA like Franson or acquire a blueliner like Byfuglien, Haggerty believes the Bruins will have to shed salary, perhaps by dealing a defenseman like Dennis Seidenberg. However, Seidenberg has a no-trade clause. If the Bruins make a move to add a defenseman, it’ll have closer to the start of the season. He also doesn’t rule out trading forward Chris Kelly, but feels such a move would be a salary dump.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Bruins may have interest in Franson, but I suspect only at a reduced, short-term rate. As for Byfuglien, the only way that works is if the Jets offer up something worthwhile in return. The Jets are a playoff contender now. They’ll want something in return to help their roster for 2015-16 and beyond. And no, they won’t want Chris Kelly. For now, it appears the Jets aren’t shopping Byfuglien.
In February, Haggerty reported Seidenberg would be willing to waive his NTC if asked to by management if it was a deal that made sense for both sides. Problem is, Seidenberg was slowed last season from the aftereffects of knee surgery from the previous season. I doubt there’s much of a market for his services right now.
Update on Marcus Kruger.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE: Chris Kuc reports “barring an unlikely development,” restricted free agent center Marcus Kruger will return with the Blackhawks next season. Kruger’s agent, J.P. Barry, said his client is waiting for Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman to clear cap space before agreeing to terms on a new contract. Kruger didn’t file for salary arbitration. Barry wrote his camp will remain patient as Bowman looks for ways to free up cap space, acknowledging his client will have to accept a shorter-term deal later in August if sufficient cap space isn’t freed up by then. Kruger didn’t receive an offer sheet and thus has limited options.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s believed the Blackhawks will trade either Bryan Bickell ($4 million per season) or Kris Versteeg ($2.2 million) to clear sufficient room to re-sign Kruger. How long his new contract will be depends upon which one gets moves. Kruger opted not to file for arbitration as he hopes to re-sign a long-term extension with the ‘Hawks. He earned an annual cap hit of $1.325 million on his previous contract.
The Blackhawks currently have around $231K in cap space. Kruger, a fourth-line center, will likely around $2.2 million annually. While he could receive an offer sheet, that’s a remote possibility at this stage in the offseason. Most teams have limited cap space at this stage in the season, while those with $10 million or more are under self-imposed cap ceilings. Those with space available are focused on re-signing their own players, not pitching offer sheets to fourth liners. Kruger seems more interested in staying with the ‘Hawks than signing with another club.
if they could move both Seidenberg & Kelly anywhere for picks I would for after Dustin Byfuglien for the one year with a 5.2 cap hit & no to Franson unless it’s a one year at reduced price
That’s a big “if”. Moving not one, but two aging veterans with cap hits of $3 million or more at this time of year.
Not sure what all the hype is about with Kruger. He’s a fourth line player that put up a whopping 17 points in 81 games. Any GM that would consider sending offer sheet his way should schedule a lobotomy first. I can see him wanting to stay with the Hawks, they are a great team, but he shouldn’t expect to get more than 1.5 MPY for 3 years and that might be a generous offer.
Agreed. All this talk about a $3.5 million dollar offer sheet is INSANITY!
Maybe that’s his value in a fantasy league. In the real world, it’s a different story.
A few years back Bryan Bickell was the 3rd liner who everyone wanted. Now he is a salary cap liability. I can see Krueger becoming the same.
53.3% at the dot both H/A. He makes tmates better. Q confident to match with any teams 1 or 2 lines speaks volumes
Wow have any of you ever seen and considered what Kruger does for the Blackhawks. Yes he’s a fourth line center worth about 2.2 a season. He does what many players won’t and that’s play a high energy game devoted to defense.
His job isn’t too put the puck in the net rather keep it out. A role he excels at, and does quite well. There is never any whining about TOI or who his line mates are. He simply goes out gives 100% every shift doing the job he is paid to do.
Any team would love to have this guy as a fourth line center. Lets not forget the Columbus and Ryan Johansen last season no offer sheets there either.
I would love to have big Buff in a bruins jersey; however unless it was a trade and sign extension I would wait until next season when he becomes a ufa. Also don’t know what Boston has that the jets would want. Bruins r not Stanley cup contenders and Buff for one year with a cost of prospects and picks doesn’t do anything for the bruins future. Seriously what does Boston have that Winnipeg would want? Bergeron, krecji, Marchand or Rask? Not getting one of them for a one year player. Outside of them there isn’t anything the Jets would want.
I assume the return for Big Buff would be a young roster player, top prospect, and the 2016 #1.
Agree Bruins just rebuilt not very many guys left to move for Buff
Unless can get him for some high prospects.
Krejci would be interesting not sure if he will live up to the contract Chiarelli gave him.
Jets should try to have Byfuglien signed to an extension ahead of the trade deadline next season and if not trade him 100%. Losing a player of that stature is a killer for franchises when they get nothing in return, other than cap space. and contracts are getting so big now that i wouldn’t be surprised at all if he asks for 6 years $8.0M per but ends up “settling” for 6 years $7.25M per. I wouldn’t want the Jets to pay any more than $7M per and even thats a stretch. maybe they could get a good young dman to replace him in the deal. call Boston, Dallas, Detroit, Edmonton, Columbus and any other team that needs defense.
Buff to the Red Wings for Tomas Tatar+
Buff to the Bruins for Krejci
Buff+ to the Stars for Julius Honka/Valeri Nichushkin
No, no and no.Your not getting these guys for Buff, he’s not worth it. Esp the Dallas deal.
I couldn’t agree more with you. Buff has one year left until he hits UFA status, no way he lands any of those packages.
Bees should sit still with Seidenberg, will probably have a bounce back year after coming back last year from the previous seasons injury.
Bees missed the boat on Johnny Oduya he would have been a good fit.
CFranson??? Maybe at the right price but don’t overpay
Stop the misery.
Jim Benning has lost his mind. Bonino, Clendening & a 2nd for B. Sutter & a 3rd. Benning paid G. Forsling last years WJC Dman of tghe tournament to get Clendening. He’s now moved his 4th 2nd round pick since coming to the Canucks. The Canucks 2014, 15 &16 as well as TB’s 2015 from the Garrison trade & he just added a lesser player than Boni o who carried a cap hit of 1.9 mil for 2 more years for a 3rd line C making 3.3 & will be a UFA after next season.
What a mess. As a Canucks season ticket holder I’m not impressed nor do I imagine most other Canucks fans will be. Numerious paid tickets went unused last season & it’s going to get significantly worse.
You can read my take on the Sutter for Bonino & Clendening swap here:
https://spectorshockey.net/canucks-ship-bonino-clendening-to-penguins-for-sutter/
Aside from the deal, Pens also get Fehr inked – surprised he lasted this long on the UFA market.
2 million per is pretty nice as well.
Fehr excellent bottom 6 player
It would be a shame to miss on a player like Franson to stabilize your defense because of the reluctance to release Kelly.
This must be a first! An entire rumor posting by Lyle and not ONE comment saying how this would effect TO. Amazing