With the regular season over and the playoffs upcoming, here’s the latest on the Bruins, Senators, Oilers and Flames.
Changes coming for the Bruins?
Big changes could be coming for the Bruins this summer.
BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy believes the Bruins face some tough choices after missing the playoffs for the second straight season. They could be forced to pay big to re-sign RFA defenseman Torey Krug. Failing that, perhaps re-signing pending UFA John-Michael Liles could be an affordable short-term alternative. UFA Kevan Miller could be cut loose. Conroy expects they’ll try to move aging blueliner Dennis Seidenberg but could be forced to eat part of his remaining contract. He wonders if management might try to convince captain Zdeno Chara to waive his no-movement clause, something he’s had no previous interest in do so far. They’re likely to lose Loui Eriksson to free agency, but Conroy suspects they could re-sign Lee Stempniak if his asking price is reasonable. Max Talbot won’t be re-signed, and Conroy speculates winger Jimmy Hayes might benefit from a change of scenery.
CSNNE.COM: Joe Haggerty believes it’s time the Bruins made some big, sweeping changes, starting with head coach Claude Julien. He believes “anybody not named Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand or David Pastrnak should be considered in play for trades.” While Chara, goalie Tuukka Rask and center David Krejci have no-movement clauses, maybe they might be willing to waive them given the team’s current direction. “Perhaps Chara will be willing to be a difference-maker as a No. 3 or No. 4 D-man on a Cup-level team, and agree to team up with one of his Slovakian buddies in Los Angeles (Marian Gaborik) or Chicago (Marian Hossa), or head to one of the Florida teams where he already makes a home in the offseason anyway.” Haggerty also suggests buying out the remainder of Seidenberg’s contract to free up cap space to re-sign Torey Krug and Brad Marchand.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Krug’s an RFA with arbitration rights who made $3.4 million this season. The Bruins should be prepared to pony up over $5 million annually on a long-term extension if they wish to avoid an arbiter-awarded contract. Buying out Seidenberg could be easier than trying to trade him. Even by picking up part of his $4 million annual cap hit for the next two seasons, I don’t see many takers for a 34-year-old blueliner who hasn’t been the same since his knee surgery.
Chara’s got two more seasons left on his contract. Even though his cap hit drops in 2017-18 to $4 million, I don’t see the cap-strapped Kings or Blackhawks taking him on, and I don’t believe he fits into the Lightning’s plans. The Panthers might listen. They could lose Brian Campbell to free agency this summer and they have a recent trade history with the Bruins.
Given the limited replacement options via this summer’s trade and free-agent markets, trading Rask would be a dumb move. Shipping out Krejci leaves only Patrice Bergeron and a handful of untested kids at center, so I doubt they’ll entertain that notion.
Updates on the Oilers, Flames and Senators.
EDMONTON SUN: Jim Matheson speculates if Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli trades winger Nail Yakupov “it’ll likely be for a bigger body at forward who plays a different style. Maybe somebody like Marcus Foligno in Buffalo, along with a draft pick.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: After putting up 20 points in 57 games last season, the 24-year-old Foligno regressed this season with only 23 in 75 games. Perhaps this could be a swap of two players in need of a change of scenery.
CALGARY SUN: In their season-ending assessment of the Flames, pundits Kristen Odland, Wes Gilbertson and Eric Francis agree the club’s top offseason priority is improving the goaltending. Odland wonders if they pursue a free agent (Cam Ward, Frederik Andersen, Ben Scrivens, Michael Hutchinson) in the interim or pursue a trade. Francis wonders if they “pry Ben Bishop, Mike Smith, Frederik Andersen, Jimmy Howard, Antti Raanta or Ryan Miller from their squads or do they go the UFA route with James Reimer, Cam Ward, Karri Ramo or Anders Lindback? Or do they take a chance on someone they find in Europe?”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless Bishop is willing to waive his NMC to go to Calgary , the Flames aren’t prying him away from the Lightning. Indeed, I suspect the Bolts will retain him for another season. Ditto Mike Smith and his NTC, though the Coyotes would probably love to shed his hefty contract. Howard seemed a certainty to be dealt, but his recent improvement combined with Petr Mrazek’s struggles down the stretch makes that possibility seem less likely. I don’t think the Canucks want to move Miller. Besides, at 35, he’s not the answer for the Flames. Raanta is at best a backup, not a starter. Ward is well past his prime. Like Raanta, Lindback is a backup. They’ve already done the Ramo experiment. The best options could be Andersen (if he and the Ducks cannot work out a suitable new deal) or Reimer via free agency.
OTTAWA SUN: With Bryan Murray handing over the GM duties to Pierre Dorion, Bruce Garrioch speculates Senators head coach Dave Cameron faces long odds to keep his job. It could take some time to determine his fate.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe Cameron has coached his final game with the Senators. It’s only a matter of time until he’s replaced in the offseason. The Senators were this season’s worst defensive team. That’s what killed their playoff hopes. Since 2012, they rode a hot goalie (Craig Anderson in 2012 and 2013, Andrew Hammond in 2015) into the postseason. The overworked tandem couldn’t help the Sens this season.
Flames land via free agency Reimer for almost whatever it takes and not give up any assets unless it is a minor deal to get a head start on July 1.
It will be tough for the flames to sign an UFA goalie with their cap situation. Unless they can buy out a couple of players. Smid would be the one they would like to buy out, but he is on IR and can’t be bought out until he is health again. Then there is also Widemen, but I don’t know if they would like to do that.
Even with Gaudreau & Monahan potentially eating up 12 to 14 mil. Calgary would still have 10 to 12 mil to flush out their roster with out moving any salary out. It shouldn’t be hard to sign or trade for a goalie & stll have cash to ice a 23 man roster.
Smid & Raymond will both be bought out freeing up even more cap space.
If I am reading capfreindly.com right, the flames have about 5 mil in bonuses that will take up part of next years cap as well. After the main 2 RFA’s they still have Colborne, Ortio, and Wotherspoon.
Right now Smid can’t be bought out because he is on IR. So he has to get healthy before the buy out period before he is eligible to be bought out.
We don’t know what bonus’s are being paid out yet. Regardless lets say they were all earned. Calgary finished the year with 3.1 in unused cap space.
There are 2 buyout windows. 1 just after the Stanley Cup & another late in the summer. Even if Smid can’t be bought out as still on IR more than enough salary to address all.
Haven’t we had this same discussion previously?
Reimer for whatever it takes? Why?
Chad Johnson should get some looks this off season. He had a good season in Buffalo and unfortunately won’t be back. He is looking to be a full time starter.
Bruins need at least one top defenseman. Chara is and should be playing 3-4 line minutes. The forward group is pretty good. Rask isn’t the problem although he isn’t great he is good. Time to move some of the assets we built up for some defensive help. Connolly and Hayes only forwards I would move and let Eriksson go. Try to find a affordable veteran forward or two.
Marchand,Bergeron,Krejci,Pastrnak and Belesky are capable top two line guys. Need a top two right wing.
My favorite UFA goalie is Enroth. He’s been a career back up but at 27 with 147 NHL appearances solid career #’s he’s ready to at least be given an opportunity & it wouldn’t break the bank to sign him.
Reimer will push 4.5 to 5 to sign for at least 3 or 4 years & having not played more than 40 games in an season in his 6 year career is a concern for me at that price point.
Andersen is my favorite RFA goalie. He will be moved that’s just Murray’s MO. The cost though will be at decent 2nd line 2 way winger with size & a pick or prospect. Although the obvious teams that need goalies with the exception of Toronto don’t fit well. Komorov & 1 of the B grade prospects; Leivo, Leipsic; other?
Howard is my favorite goalie that could be had in trade & would allow a team to ship out a player with salary they may not want. Example Wideman for Howard; other assets involved as Wideman only has 1 season left Howard 3, Detroit needs serious help at D & Wideman would be a 1 year stop gap to help get Howard’s contract off the books. The Datsyuk situation seriously clouds the picture in Detroit going into the summer.
I like Enroth, except for his size. Truly I think in all reality he is too small in today’s NHL. Especially if they do plan on changing equipment sizes.
Always liked Enroth – he has deserved a better fate overall. But I too am concerned how he will do with the proposed changes in equipment size.
Howard does not make any sense in Calgary, I realize the Howard for Wideman idea is based strictly on cap numbers but there are much better options for the flames. Its not like Calgary has to turn it around and get back to the playoffs next season.
3 more years of Howards cap hit or ride out Wideman and get assets at the deadline and look to get a good young goalie a head of the expansion draft …. hmmmmmmmm
The 1st priority should be re signing Marchand to an extension. Then I’d like to see Boston resign Eriksson. 5 years at 5.5. If it can’t be done then bye bye; which appears to be the case, & the money saved there offered to Yandle, 7 years at 6.5 to 7 million per.
I think Vesey; LW, is signing with the Bruins as a UFA he’ll get the rookie max with performance bonus’s. Pastrnak plays RW, with Connolly & Hayes at the 2, 3 spots. Belesky moves to #3 LW & these players are rotated around based on injuries on hot & cold streaks.
Boston continues the rebuild & promotes from with in. Vatrano, Ferraro, Griffith, Acciari, etc to fill out a 4th line. Krug is resigned, Yandle is added to the mix & the kids at D continue to get more opportunities. Morrow, Trotman & C. Miller. All have waver rights next season.
Marchand, Bergeron, Connolly.
Vesey, Krejci, Pastrnak.
Belesky, Spooner, Hayes.
Vatrano, Acciari, Ferraro.
Chara, Yandle.
Krug, Sedenberg.
McQuad, Morrow.
Trotman, Miller.
Rask
Boston allows the prospects to continue to develop, & basically repeats they cycle. In the playoff mix & perhaps Yandle is enough to make them a playoff team but not a serous cup contender by any means.
Marchand will resign; however Vesey dad advised his son against signing in Boston due to the local pressure, he also probably point out Hayes as an example. He might end up in Toronto with his dad and brother. By bringing in Yandle and keeping all things the same, there would be a slight improvement, certainly more production for the d. I think the bruins will trade for a dman. The package will include KoKO because unless he switches to wing, there is no room in Boston. Boston also need some more grit up front, another Belesky with more upside. Last year it was a mistake to keep Rask, if they had of keep Jones, they would’ve got more for Rask and have that $7m off the books. Not saying Boston would’ve made the playoff with Jones and whatever the Rask return brought (a top 4 dman) but certainly would’ve been in better position. The defense is one area that CJ mismanaged his players, too often a C.Miller or Morrow would make a mistake and they would sit for long periods of time. I think he slowed Morrow growth and set him back a year. If K.Miller made a mistake, well get back out there Kevin and do it again. It was Claude doing what he always has, gets a liking for a guy and cant see thru his faults. Still can’t believe we had more wins then Detroit and tie for points but they’re in and the Bruins not.
Caper,
“The defense is one area that CJ mismanaged his players, too often a C.Miller or Morrow would make a mistake and they would sit for long periods of time”
… and that’s one of the main reasons Claude Julien is going to be fired from the Bruins. His lack of acceptance in regards to mistakes made by younger players is pitiful, is stunts the progression of these players. I understand the job of sending a message to the young players but he sat out players an entire period this season because of turnover… being a hockey player myself there comes a point where it does more harm than good. How many of us have seen Chara or Seidenberg make mistakes, cost us a lot of goals this year those 2… never did I see Julien ripping into them, sitting a shift… they may have earned that aspect because of being a veteran and with the team many years but I think that’s part of the problem in Boston. Accountability, culture, I think a lot of these long term veterans skated (figuratively) throughout the season… they’re far too comfortable on Causeway street.
I don’t understand the negative thoughts on Julian. I feel he has squeezed more out of that team than anyone else could. IMO he stands with Babcock, Queenville… If he gets canned he will be immediately scooped up.
I think eichel is gonna get vessey to sign in buffalo it seems like the perfect situation for vessey and buffalo
You’ve mentioned that a couple times and every time it’s been pointed out to you that the consensus is that he is going to either Toronto or Boston – those are teams.
Buffalo has never been a destination team and never will be. Every player who has gone there immediately recognizes why even if you aren’t capable of the same.
Joffrey Lupul once posted a picture of a brick wall in Buffalo and titled it ‘best view in the city’.
Every one of these young millionaires to be will see the same thing. Although some care more about the money, like ROR, for Vesey that’s irrelevant (you were wrong when you suggested a couple weeks ago) it would be a factor in him staying in NSH.
Here are some of the recent significant college UFA signings:
-Casey Bailey to Toronto
-Kenney Morrison to Calgary
-Matt O’Connor to Senators
-Kyle Baun to Chicago
-Austin Czarnik to Boston
No Buffalo. Back to your cave, Bigbear.
lol maybe quit reading just the Toronto media dan its getting a little old! go check out what the buffalo media is saying about vessey than come back.
and if had of signed in nsh he would have made more money its a fact dan you cant use you uneducated talk to deny it
Dan39, a little bit of a Buffalo hater? I guess whatever Joffery Lupul says must be gospel.
bigbear,
Although I’m not as passionate about this as Dan39 is, I’m not sure Jack Eichel is enough of a reason to sway Vesey into signing with Buffalo. He made the decision to forego signing in Nashville because he wants to choose the location and organization he’s going to play in… as you mentioned and many have, there’s no financial reason behind his decision it’s purely about hockey, location, and team. This would point to a more personal driven decision, which is why so many think it’s either Boston or Toronto. The personal ties between both teams is blatantly obvious. It’ll come down to Toronto or Boston. There’s arguments for and against both teams, as a fan and supporter of the Bruins I’m inclined to feel it’s Boston but there are a lot of factors to support that as well. Recently signed Grzelcyk is just one, Havard alumni in the organization, a close source that worked for Havard hockey stated Vesey would be signing in Boston… it’s going to come down to the Leafs and Bruins.
chad your kinda of being closed minded to the fact that vesseys dad even said it wasn’t a good idea to go to boston because of the pressure. also numerous not homer reporters have said the rangers,buffalo and Anaheim have a good shot at him! the only people saying boston and Toronto are reporters of that team or fans he has 29 teams to choose from go look at any of the reporters from those teams and they will give you reasons why he will sign with them too. buffalo is just my opinion because of the young core and eichel! if vessey lives up to expectations just think of eichel centering vessey and reinhart!
I am a huge Leafs fan but could see Vessey in Buff. I hope Tor but think it’s more than a 2 horse race. Hard to say how good he will be. College players are tough to predict.
Bigbear, did you just call someone uneducated? Coming from someone that has bad grammar.
I agree randy he could end up anywhere tough to predict! buffalo is just my opinion. and Jason Its a hockey comment page nice hockey post lol
The Bruins are not in a rebuild. Retool perhaps but no rebuild. This is the same thing that the flames did for years. Keep 4 or 5 guys and fill in the holes with so-so guys. If the Bruins are truly in a rebuild then they need to move Chara, Seidenberg, Krejci, Bergeron, and a few others.If you want to rebuild you don’t bring in guys like Yandle. And no, Vesey will not sign with the Bruins.
Connelly 23 to start the season; 139 games of NHL experience going into this season. Hayes 25, 168 games. Pastrnak 19, 46 games. Spooner 23, 56 games. Krug 24, 160 games, C. Miller 22, 0 games. Trotman 25, 29 games. Morrow 22, 15 games. Vatrano 21, 0 games. Ferraro 24, 7 games. Accairi 23, 0 games.
That’s 1/2 a roster of kids & although McQuaid & K. Miller were 28 & 27 when the season started both arrived in the NHL late McQuiad having 283 & Miller 88 games of NHL experience entering this season.
That’s a ton of youth & all have plaed significant games & roles for the Bruin’s this year. Not all teams take the Edm, Buf, Arz rebuild model. Chara, Seidenberg, Krejci Bergeron are they to lead, teach & help lay the foundation for these young players & the future players coming that were stock piled last season & will be acquired with this seasons 2 1st rounders.
This team is much closer to a ‘rebuild’ than what’s considered a ‘retool’ IMO. I could see the Bruins moving a core roster player or two this off season. Chara, Seidenberg, Krejci, Rask, ect. are all likely on the list that Sweeney and Neely will field offers on. If they don’t come to terms with Krug, they’ll absolutely field offers on him as he’s an RFA and holds some great value. Eriksson’s rights will be traded before the deadline for a mid round pick similar to Soderberg a few seasons ago.
I also don’t see how people can definitely say Vesey isn’t signing in Boston… obviously the off season will reveal where he ends up but don’t be so sure of yourself. Boston is equally as attractive of an option as Toronto is.
Chad.
Just seeing Eriksson move on & adding a top 1 to 4 Dman is significant change. Eriksson logged quality minutes in all situations which will need to be redistributed to the youth. I assume Pastrnak will get most of the quality offensive minutes & Connolly the defensive.
I agree with you on Vesey. The fact Boston got his best friend, teammate in Boston University for the last 4 years, a Bruins pick & another home town boy in Grzelcky signed bodes well & gives Boston as good a shot as any team. If he chooses another team I would be shocked but even so who cares. Move Vatrano to #2 LW, Khokhlachev needs to clear wavers next season so Boston makes room or he will be lost. Continue the rebuild.
I expect Boston to bid hard on Yandle. Will they win? I belive the lure to finish his career playing for the team he loved growing up gives us as good a chance as anyone. 7 years at or near 6.5 maybe even 7 works for me as long as Marchand is extended.
Striker,
I think there will be more significant changes than just Eriksson walking out the door, a top 4 defenseman signed or traded for, and Jimmy Vesey signing in Boston. The obvious is Coach Claude Julien being let go and bringing in a coach that’s more the direction Neely and Sweeney want to go in (rebuild, youth, faster, more offense, or whatever)… Julien was not Neely or Sweeney’s guy and a lot of people have reported over the years that Neely and Julien never got along but it was Chiarelli that stood up and kept Claude here, could be true or just smoke thrown around. I think we’re going to see a big named player on this team moved in the off season as well, that would be the big significant change I’m expecting or feel will happen. Not confident in who that is at the moment but you have Tuukka Rask speaking to media today among other major members of the team (Bergeron, Chara, Krejci) and they’re publicly stating they’d like to remain with the team long term even if that means a rebuild. The players, coaching staff, and management know best on what goes on behind doors… I think the players know that management is going to cut some ties, make some moves and the players coming out today to say that says a lot.
I don’t see any significant assets leaving that we haven’t already touched on. That really only Begeron, Marchand, Krejci, Chara & Rask. I don’t see any of those being moved.
I know you pine for Chara being moved but I’d be shocked if the Bruin’s asked him to waive his NMC. Not a #1 any longer & skills are continuing to decline but still a decent #2 to mentor those kids at D & his cap hit drops significantly in his final year providing decent value.
Now if the NHL & NHLPA were to agree that players with NMC’s could be exposed to expansion then it’s very possible Boston could expose him. Although I would be surprised if players with NMC’s aren’t required to be protected.
Honestly until this morning I could have seen Krejci being asked and then traded, however, it came out midday that he needs hip surgery so that will likely hurt his value. I agree, Bergeron, Marchand, and to a lesser extent Rask are not going to be a moved. Chara I would still look to move but it’ll be difficult, have to retain money and add a prospect or pick… even then may not happen. Seidenberg I see gone. Connelly and Hayes are very much up in the air. Kelly won’t be resigned. I bet though they’ll listen to offers on Krejci and Rask, not sure either will be moved but they’ll listen… they’re assets and they need to make a big move for a defenseman.
Striker
Really Hayes and Connolly that ship has sailed
They both will be gone or fourth line if nobody will take them.
I see bigger changes to that lineup you have listed.
Eriksson a goner and don’t want him back.
Team needs to bring back the big bad Bruins.
Not the afraid of contact team.
Both are young by age & NHL experience, both are RFA’s & will be qualified. Neither will see a significant raise other than the 10% their entitled to as they make under the league average.
Boston didn’t give up 2 ends to give up on Connolly this soon.
If other assets can be acquired or younger prospects pass them they will be moved down & out of the line up. Until then they are safe.
Striker,
I’m leaning towards Dave on this one. I think we’re going to see more significant changes than mentioned. I wouldn’t doubt that they cut ties with Connelly, he was Chiarelli’s trade target before he got the boot out the door… two 2nd round picks was such an overpayment. This team received two 2nd round picks for Boychuck to put things in perspective. As for Boston giving up assets for Connelly and not giving up on him too soon, I think we’ve seen many examples of this organization disregarding their assets or what they obtain for them in terms of giving up too soon and value… case and point this team is losing Eriksson for nothing and he was the main piece around Seguin. We lost Fraser for nothing. Move Smith for a lesser player (talent wise). This team doesn’t think that way… Sweeney and Neely aren’t in a room saying we have to resign Connelly because we lost two 2nd’s for him.
We’ll see. Team’s don’t just cut assets for nothing unless they determine they are virtually useless. See Weircioch & Chaisson in Ottawa. I’d be surprised if either are qualified but I expect Hayes & Connolly to both be qualified as they are to young & have to little experience to be given up on yet nor do the Bruin’s have anything to replace them with as yet. It’s not the 2 draft picks specifically but the fact Connolly is still to young to have shown who he will be. The clock is ticking & he won’t be given much more time. Another season maybe 2. He was rushed to the NHL & like most young players was a mistake.
Now to address some of your other points but not all is it would take to long. Smith & Savard we’re moved to get Hayes. The down grade to Hayes was the cost to move Savard’s cap hit.
Seguin, Peverly; had 3 years remaining at 3.5 per, & Button moved for Erikssson, Smith, Morrow, & Fraser. That was July 4 2013, 2 full seasons ago. I don’t like this trade either but I accept the reasons it was done nor do I see it as lopsided as most of you do. Boston had serious cap issues & Neely didn’t like Seguin’s lifestyle choices. I really liked Smith, still do, but again accept that Savard’s contract having to be accounted for upon roster submission as part of Boston’s 23 man opening night roster was problematic due to wavers issues & had to be moved. The cost was a the down grade to Hayes from Smith.
as for DEFENCEman norris goes to doughty or burns you can,t have someone getting norris with like getting minus every game it’s a joke
The nhl needs to add another trophy for best defensive d-man. As you say how can the Norris winner be a minus player more often than not, doesn’t make much sense.
Wouldn’t that meam minus 82. I assume your refering to Karlsson who finished minus 2. Plus minus has a ton of flaws & like most stats provides a reference.
For me it’s not a scoring race specifcly but to win the Norris for me you need to make the top 5 in both goals & points for D or be very close. Your team needs to make the playoffs & you need to be a significant contributer to them doing so.
There are a ton of great choices but Burn’s scoring 7 less points than Karlsson to finish 2nd in points, scoring 27 goals & posting solid minutes in all situations, with decent hits, blocks, give aways & take aways is my winner. Although playing in the west makes winning any award more difficult.
I be a Sens fan disagrees.
Most a Good majority of Doughty’s points are on the PP. Karlsson excels 5v5. he has 1/2 a dozen goals against happening in Empty nets and is on the ice for 1/2 the game on a team that is poor defensively yet he is the motor that runs everything on that team.
If you can convincingly tell me that Karlsson’s +/- would not be sufficiently greater playing on LA and Doughty’s, significantly lower playing on Ottawa, if the two players were swapped then I might agree. But I don’t think you can convince me of that.
That being said. It is neither Karlsson’s nor Doughty’s fault for being players on solid defensive teams or not. So it does play a factor in the decision. Yet it should not be the deciding factor. What Karlsson has done this year is unreal. Absolutely impressive. It is just a matter of whether you believe that Karlsson’s offensive game is so far ahead of Doughty’s that it can compensate for Doughty’s better Defesive game. I believe the Norris should go to the best player at the position. Driving the offense is part of playing defensive. Ask Philly how much they enjoy Gostibehere helping to drive their offense. They would probably tell you they only made the playoffs due to his joining the club.
So is Karlsson’s over all game where he is by far the engine that runs that team better than Doughty’s solid Defensive/offensive game where he has lots and lots of help from the forwards to his own defensive partners to the guy in the net.
I completely understand anyone who votes for Doughty. I think Doughty is finally going to win the Norris. If I had to vote I would vote for Karlsson. No other Dman does what he does night in and night out.
Hahaha, give it up already!
Did you ever stop to think that maybe the Sens are a terrible defensive team cause they guys like Karlsson, and that LA’s defensive game is so good because of Doughty???
Doughty’s overall game is so much better than Eks and its not even close. Everyone makes a big deal about his points but seem to leave out the fact that they have basically the same amount of goals, so much love for assists? and NO you can’t just ignore his -2 while getting over 80 pts.
Doughty deserves the Norris, just like he did last year as well, and oddly enough got more first place votes. Hmmm
I never said doughty didn’t deserve it.
I don’t disagree with anything you say except the fact you think what I say is comical.
The difference between you and I is one of us shows respect towards another thoughts.
Both Doughty and Karlsson and Burns and Gostisbehere and Letang deserve the Norris.
My vote is for Karlsson. I am not the only one with this opinion either.
Please Sabres, don’t take Nail under any circumstances.
Is Krug with $5M/year long term?
No, Krug isn’t worth $5m per, for me he’s worth no more then he made this year $3.75? if it’s $5 sign Yandle trade Krug.
Agree he’s not a 5 million a year player especially as restricted. Need to trade him and Siedenberg and get Shattenkirk and Yandle.
4th Hanson brother,
I think Torey Krug has been one of the most underrated, under appreciated defenseman in this league the past couple of seasons. A lot of people leave him out of the conversation when referring to offensive defenseman and quickly jump to Sami Vatanen… look at Krug’s last 3 seasons on the team:
2013-2014: 79 gp – 14g – 26a – 40p +18
2014-2015: 78 gp – 12g – 27a – 39p +13
2015-2016: 81 gp – 4g – 40a – 44p +9
Krug had a down year in terms of goals but talk about consistency. Games played his first 3 full seasons with the team, 79, 78, 81… and the point totals, all while keeping a positive +/- and that I think is the biggest point to be made about him, he’s a responsible offensive defenseman IMO. A lot of great offensive defenseman in the league put up those types of numbers and have horrible +/- ratings, look at who the Bruins shipped out in the off season.
Chad – thanks for your input. Hard to really gauge the Bruins’ backline with Siedenberg and Chara both untradeable at this point. Krug did have a down your offensively, but he seems to play a sound overall game.
The Bruins do not have alotta options here, so I think they will be forced to pay Krug in the $5M range. Worth he is worth it will be proven or disproven moving forward.
Teams like the Bruins are learning the cost of overpaying, over terming or giving no trade clauses to older players.
Agreed, push comes to shove if the Bruins are forced to make a decision with Eriksson 5 years at $6m per with a clause in there… he’s walking but Krug 4 years at $5m per… I believe they’re signing him over Eriksson if it came down to those two scenarios.
The team that trades for Yakupov will have its hands full.Being from Edmonton I see quite a few games each year and that kid just doesn’t seem to be grasping what he is suppose to be doing out there.He is always out of position and can’t defend worth a crap. Guess the guys pulling the strings should have listened to their scouting staff.
Sounds like a young Petr Klima.
Maybe his light will come on someday, just like it did with Klima
I could say the same thing about almost all of Edmonton’s forwards. I got to 27 Edmonton games live this season.
Eberle, RNH constantly chase the puck or player out of position. Hall is only nominally better. The entire tream seems lost defensively.
Yes he is. Still just a kid, 2 more years from being fully developed. 5 mil for what Krug has accomplished in his 1st 3 NHL seasons is great value.
Had brutal luck scoring this season but not from lack of trying. His 244 shots were good for 4th overall for Dman 4 behind Karlsson at 248. His 44 pts good for 20th overall. Boston’s PP finished 7th & Krug was an integral part of it’s success. 55 to 60 pts next season, logging more minutes taking on even more defensive responsibilty.
Karlsson was 2nd overall
Striker,you don,t have a clue about what the h your talking about so stop trying to be a scout.
I agree Hanson…don’t think Murray is to fond of Russian players…shipped Zadorov and Grigorenko out last summer. I’m hoping GMTM holds onto Foligno…big body and he came on the second half of the season
SPECTOR’S NOTE: “Shipping out Krejci leaves only Patrice Bergeron and a handful of untested kids at center, so I doubt they’ll entertain that notion”
I disagree that in shipping out David Krejci leaves only a handful of untested kids at center… they’ve had Ryan Spooner playing center and wing since last season. He put up 49 points this year, played very well as the top 6 center when Krejci went down… would likely have put up the same amount of points as Krejci did with regular top 6 minutes. I wholeheartedly disagree with you Spector. Krejci is also a risk/reward type of player, when he’s on his game he’s a reward to have on any team but this player goes missing for long stretches of the season and fails to make an impact when the team needs their top 6 highly talented and top paid players to perform. He is definitely an injury risk as well, and typically when he gets injured regardless of the injury he always comes back a shell of himself. If you’re going to make a move to bring in a game changing defenseman via trade, you look to move Krejci. Centers hold a lot of value in the trade market.
Don’t necessarily disagree with you Chad,however; Krejci is pure money in the playoffs. Can’t get any playoff points if your not in the playoffs though.
Need that player to lead you into the playoffs not steadily watch on the sideline as your team misses the playoffs again… I agree with you he’s made a huge impact in the playoffs but during the regular season it almost appears he takes stretches of games off.
Last 10 games of the season for Krejci : 2 goals – 7 assists and a -7
News Krejci needs hip surgery after suffering for the last two years.
Now we know why he hasn’t been the same.
Likely will never be the same either, this is also his 2nd surgery for the hip… same as before.
Krug,Connolly & Kemppainen will be traded to Columbus for Atkinson.
Seidenberg,Trotman,Hayes,Rinaldo,Subban will be traded to Carolina for Hanifin & Victor Rask
Line up:
Marchand, Bergeron, Atkinson.
Vatrano, Krejci, Pastrnak.
Belesky, Spooner, Stempniak.
Rask, Acciari, Ferraro.
Chara, Hanifin.
Carlo, C Miller
McQuad, Morrow.
Extra Randell,Senyshyn Tommy Cross
Rask & Smith
Don Maloney out as GM, according to TSN. Lost power struggle, can you say Austin Mattews
If Toronto gets the 1st they will not trade the pick, Edmonton will not either no matter what the rumours are about moving it unless OEL is involved and we all know that’s not going to happen. As a matter of fact I dont’ foresee any team moving Matthews to Arizona.
Drew what makes you think Toronto won’t trade the pick if they get it. They almost took Strome last year. I can see them doing it
I don’t see Toronto giving up Mathews for Strome unless Arz’s first is involved and its a top 5/6 pick. Th only other way I see it is if OEL is involved but that would be a bad move by Arizona.
Others teams in the race like Columbus, Montreal, Ottawa etc are also not trading him.
The only team I see trading their first is Edmonton – at least they should.
Taz, Toronto could trade the 1st if they win the lottery. Strome and Ari 1st if Arizona moves up in the draft. Where Arizona sits now it would take more. Scouts have said if Strome was going in this years draft, it would be flip a coin between them. Toronto liked Strome last year, but took Marner. Either of the 2 fins could turn out to be better than Matthews. The gap between the top 3 closed considerably over the coarse of the year. Lou said they would consider all possibilities and the owners in Arizona are going to be the ones with the final say in that deal.
Undeserved & unfortunate but surprised he survived the ownership change. Maloney has laid a fabulous foundation for future success in Arizona. Managed the team thru a brutal stretch of ownership & financial hardship & iced a competitive squad building for the future.
Jacobs needs to fire Neely & Sweeney as well as Claude.
Hire Lou Lamierrelo from Toronto.
Not paying attention to defensive responsibilities, the PK and PP are all coaching-related and since the Sens were so bad in all 3 categories I cannot see any way Cameron retains his job (or his assistant except maybe Walmsley). His hiring in the first place was because he had a history with Melnyk in Major Junior and I doubt very much that either Murray or Dorion had much to say in the final decision. After Melnyk in effect called him an idiot with 10 games to go in the regular season seems to indicate the mutual-admiration society is dead. I said in here several days ago that the Sens would end Boston’s season on the final day and would eventually hire Julien who is sure to get canned in Boston.
Every team that made the Eastern Conference playoffs had a better home record by far than the Bruins did… but the Bruins finish the season with a better away record than 7 of the 8 teams that made it. Tell me that’s not some tough data to swallow and then explain why that happened?
The majority of that I’d say is directly related to the players and coaching staff… not prepared for home games, not supporting the game plan, abandoning the game plan by the coaching staff, who knows I guess and likely none of us will. For those thinking the majority of blame is on Neely and Sweeney for setting up Julien and this team to fail… look at the facts. The team was in a playoff position for nearly 90% of the season, was solidified 1st in division at one juncture of the season, collapsed two years in a row in similar fashion at the end of the season, had a better away record than home (if they had a 500 record at home they would be in the playoffs), I’m no expert but I’d say a lot of those points are centered around the players and coaching staff. This team was never going deep into the playoffs because of gaping holes on defense and lack of finish when its needed by the offense, those are depth and player personnel issues that Neely and Sweeney would be held accountable but the fact the team didn’t make the playoffs two years in a row is solely on Julien and the players as a whole. The inevitable 1st round exit by the B’s would’ve leaned towards a Neely/ Sweeney blame game. Just my rant. I’m heated today with the Bruins.
Boston defense sucked, but according to what I read nobody should go! The only two I care if they come back is C.Miller and Morrow. Krug isn’t a $5m dman also doesn’t have the elite speed for someone of his stature, there is another option in the minors same size but blazing speed. Only way to see Chara r Seidenburg out the door is to sweeten the pot with KoKo or someone. If none of the d came back the bruins wouldn’t be any worst off and the young guys could develop. Maybe start the season with Russell, Yandle and Demers or combination of.
Hahahhahaha
Good luck
Thanks Striker. Really good luck would be to win the draft lottery.
Wouldn’t that be awesome.
Any chance Zboril will be ready next season or Carlo
Would rather see these young guys than Chara and Siedenberg again.
Zboril and Carlo aren’t likely this next season, but maybe the year after. A lot of people who write for prospect reports and follow Bruins younger players have said similar things… great players and will eventually make the team and make an impact but still a couple of seasons away. You never know though! One of them could impress at camp if they get invited and if so who knows then, there will be some openings on the blue line. After this atrocious season defensively I think you’ll see Sweeney, Neely, and the new coach trying out anything and everything. Nothing should be held off the table IMO
Seidenberg can and will most likely be playing for another team come next season. The Bruins have options here, buyout or absorb money and move him. If they take on some money there will be takers. Chara will be the tougher one and even sweetening the pot may not get it done, you may need to absorb money also… I just don’t see him leaving. Seidenberg is the likely candidate.
If you move Sedenberg won’t he need to be replaced? Do you think C. Miller, Trotman or Morrow are ready to take the minutes he played? Almost exclusively used to kill penalties & take defensive zone assignments.
Out of those 3 defenseman you listed, no I don’t think they would slot into those minutes but we were referring about to Boston signing a defenseman, and they may even trade for one. I could see them bringing in 2 new defenseman via free agency and/or trade. In that case I absolutely see Seidenberg out the door.
I still don’t believe TO will win the lottery but if they do I still think moving the pick to Arizona for Strome, OEL and their 1st or Domi even if they have to send a prospect like Percy or Harrington back makes sense. Strome may not be Matthews but you are getting three pieces verses one.
Oilers will win it and send RNH and someone else to get a young Dman.
But what do I know?
Tug, I agree with the general idea, but that’s a gross overpayment for Matthews.
Matthews for Strome + ARZ 1st/Domi would still be a huge win for the Leafs.
omg lol you don’t quit being a leaf homer troll do you dan39 its getting old
Depending where Arizona is picking, Toronto might get Strome, Ari 1st and a grade A prospect. Can’t see OEL or even Domi being a part of a deal. If Arizonas picking 8th or 9th then maybe a bit more
As a Leafs fan it would be amazing to get OEL + a bit for Mathews. I don’t think Arizona trades OEL though, the guy is just awesome and still young.
I think Strome + Ariona 1st (top 6) is a decent deal for the Leafs and the financial pay off to the coyotes makes this a win win. I would be surprised if zona turns down that deal.
Taz I agree with you on that one
Given a choice of Strome or Matthew’s I take Strome.
First off.. No way, no how does Matthews get traded. He is the future franchise centre man that any team wants and needs. If toronto gets him then they have no need to chase Stamkos ( who they would need to pay 2-3 million more per year than any american team just because of the exchange) If Edmonton gets him then you have mcdavid/matthews down the middle. Bam, done for the next 8 years at centre.
Arizona doesnt get rid of OEM and a 1st and a prospect for Matthews because although he would be a perfect fit for their hockey market, they arent having problems drawing right now and are in no worry of having the team moved ( can anyone say Carolina to Quebec City??)…
Arizona doesnt need to mortgage the future for Austin because they have such a fantastic pipeline of young guys coming in and arent that far removed (as a hockey team) from competing with the big boys in the West..
As far as Calgary and their goaltending goes… things will DRASTICALLY change in june when they announce that Vegas is getting a team. The goalie market will blow wide open with teams only able to protect one guy.. The flames will go sign a guy for a year because a boatload of veteran goalies will be available after the expansion draft in 2017..
ex. marc andre fleury, Tukka Rask, Ryan miller (who is available right now), ben bishop, howard, anyone in winnipeg ahead of hellebyuck/comrie, bernier (but who would want him?),anyone on anaheim not named gibson..etc…etc..
The point is.. Calgary will have their pick of the litter after June as teams will be praying to get rid of some of their vet goalies prior to the expansion draft..
Your over rating Matthews, he has the same upside as Strome. Mathews is no Eichel or McDavid. Arizona`s losing upwards of 30 mill a year, do the math. Arizona doesn`t get a downtown arena they have said they could move and you can protect more than 1 goalie. Teams have 3 options, one of which is 8 players any position
Tukka Rask to Calgary and ship out Krug. Keep Jillian unless you can trade picks and/or prospects to Nashville for Peter Laviollet. Any other coach and Bruins will be a bottom 5 team for the next 3 years
Well this is the point.. Arizona doesnt need Mathews. If Strome is same upside then why would they trade for him. Also, name one team that would protect two goalies?
Its fair to see Arizona moving, but now that they have a solid ownership group and are “planning” a downtown arena in conjunction with the Suns.. they could be there to stay. They wont be moved ahead of Carolina because of the number of teams in the east vs the west. No team in the East could be swapped back West if Arizona were to head east.. no good fit.
WOuld be nice to see T.O. get Mathews as it would be the new face of the franchise over.. uhhh… reilly? i guess?