2008-09 Boston Bruins Thread

[BoSox21]

Savard did suffer some injury problems earlier in his career which could catch up with him as he gets older and the fact that he's a smaller guy doesn't help but he's still playing at a very high level and there isn't really anything suggesting that's about to stop anytime soon

[rician blast]

Savard did suffer some injury problems earlier in his career which could catch up with him as he gets older and the fact that he's a smaller guy doesn't help but he's still playing at a very high level and there isn't really anything suggesting that's about to stop anytime soon

 

Agree, he is still playing quite well...in fact in some ways better, as I think he's a more solid 2-way player now.

 

I think the B's still need to look ahead, as he'll be 33 at the time his deal ends...yet likely will still be very productive. So let's say he's looking for another 4 yrs at $5m or so...someone may be willing to pay that, but to do the B's go that route and make him their #1 center in a deal that takes him to age 37?

 

I think they've got to entertain the idea that he may be in a position to bolt for more money/years than the B's are willing to offer and plan for that possibility.

[BoSox21]

I agree with what you're saying, the Bruins can't give him a #1 center-type contract for a guy who probably won't be a #1 center for most of his next contract

[The Real Boss]

Bruins tonight baby!

 

SJ @ Detroit should be a good one as well.

[rician blast]

I don't believe the B's have much cap room...if any...but next year there are some interesting players who are eligible for FA. Included are:

 

Backstrom - G

Gaborik - RW

Bouwmeester - D

Erik Cole - RW

Garon - G

Cammalleri - LW

 

And most notably, 3 top Detroit forwards:

Franzen, Hossa and Zetterberg

 

My guess is Detroit will retain, at minimum, Franzen and Zetterberg. I think Minny will do whatever they can to keep Backstrom, but I've read Gaborik might be looking at a contract at around $7+m per year, assuming he stays healthy the remainder of the year...I think he's likely trade bait as the trade deadline nears in March.

 

The B's likely don't have the cap space to afford these top guys, although they'll have $4.3m coming off the books from Fernandez alone. To afford a top tier guy in 2009-2010, the B's would need to trade someone and free up cap space. Bergeron would be an option but he isn't worth the approx. $5m per year he's being paid, so not likely to find many takers there. Moving Sturm might be an option...I think he makes around $3.5m.

 

Complicating matters is that the cap is projected to be DECREASED for the 2010-2011 campaign:

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/12/13/salary_cap_will_likely_take_a_hit_in_2010_11/

 

Edit: I think they also have Glen Murray coming off the books, so maybe there is more room than I thought...of course Kessel is an RFA next year, so that could cost a few bucks to lock him up.

[ARod2212]

What's the best way to get tickets to a Bruins-Rangers game? I'm probably taking a road trip up to Boston for the 1/31 game.

[TheKilo]

If they can get a guy like Bouwmeester that would be tremendous.

[Dojji]

When I've seen Bouwmeester in action I haven't been that impressed. I think the emergence of Hunwick takes away the real need for another defenseman.

[TheKilo]

Disagree.

 

Tim Thomas blew last night, hope to see more of Manny in the coming weeks.

[rician blast]

Disagree.

 

Tim Thomas blew last night, hope to see more of Manny in the coming weeks.

 

He was REALLY bad. Manny was very good. I'm sure the FO is waiting to see how each performs the rest of the year...they're the same age so one will stay one will go...only time will tell who.

[The Real Boss]

B's win again

[TheKilo]

Wheeler has two goals in the first five mins

[Dojji]

That shortie by Wheeler was RIDICULOUS. Single-handedly undressed the entire Blues' PP team, including the goaltender. They couldn't do anything to him.

 

Krejci set him up on the move and the Blues couldn't get a hold of him. He single-handedly outmuscled and outmoved the St. Louis Blues.

 

Wow.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRCGvxQns6M&eurl=http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=586147&page=4&feature=player_embedded

[Cityofchampions33]

Disagree.

 

Tim Thomas blew last night, hope to see more of Manny in the coming weeks.

 

Hmmmm injuries to the blueline core mightv'e helped that.

[Cityofchampions33]

That shortie by Wheeler was RIDICULOUS. Single-handedly undressed the entire Blues' PP team, including the goaltender. They couldn't do anything to him.

 

Krejci set him up on the move and the Blues couldn't get a hold of him. He single-handedly outmuscled and outmoved the St. Louis Blues.

 

Wow.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRCGvxQns6M&eurl=http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=586147&page=4&feature=player_embedded

 

Krejci and Wheeler have been tremendous, while Wheeler has shown he's going to have growing pains, he's putting it in the net in the meantime, so it's a little easy to overlook.

[Cityofchampions33]

I don't believe the B's have much cap room...if any...but next year there are some interesting players who are eligible for FA. Included are:

 

Backstrom - G

Gaborik - RW

Bouwmeester - D

Erik Cole - RW

Garon - G

Cammalleri - LW

 

And most notably, 3 top Detroit forwards:

Franzen, Hossa and Zetterberg

 

My guess is Detroit will retain, at minimum, Franzen and Zetterberg. I think Minny will do whatever they can to keep Backstrom, but I've read Gaborik might be looking at a contract at around $7+m per year, assuming he stays healthy the remainder of the year...I think he's likely trade bait as the trade deadline nears in March.

 

The B's likely don't have the cap space to afford these top guys, although they'll have $4.3m coming off the books from Fernandez alone. To afford a top tier guy in 2009-2010, the B's would need to trade someone and free up cap space. Bergeron would be an option but he isn't worth the approx. $5m per year he's being paid, so not likely to find many takers there. Moving Sturm might be an option...I think he makes around $3.5m.

 

Complicating matters is that the cap is projected to be DECREASED for the 2010-2011 campaign:

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/12/13/salary_cap_will_likely_take_a_hit_in_2010_11/

 

Edit: I think they also have Glen Murray coming off the books, so maybe there is more room than I thought...of course Kessel is an RFA next year, so that could cost a few bucks to lock him up.

 

Everything coming off the books might have to go towards re-upping Kessel and Krejci, not to mention one of the 2 goalies we have right now to platoon with Rask next year.

[TheKilo]

Hmmmm injuries to the blueline core mightv'e helped that.

 

Thomas let in some softies the other night, but Manny did last night as well.

[BoSox21]

how Phoenix let Wheeler go for nothing is beyond me

[Cityofchampions33]

how Phoenix let Wheeler go for nothing is beyond me

 

It's not so much they agve him up for nothing, they just couldn't come to terms on a contract, and thus became a free-agent. remember we're paying him a considerable amount of money for being a rookie, ~ 3mill if I remember correctly.

[BoSox21]

It's not so much they agve him up for nothing' date=' they just couldn't come to terms on a contract, and thus became a free-agent. remember we're paying him a considerable amount of money for being a rookie, ~ 3mill if I remember correctly.[/quote']

 

He's got an entry-level deal for the max of $875,000. His 3 mil is a signing bonus I think

[rician blast]

Bergeron is out after suffering another concussion. Word is that he'll be out at least a week (which I believe is mandatory in the NHL with a concussion)...my guess is it'll be longer, even if the concussion was mild and he rebounds quickly, based on the previous (severe) injury. It's a shame.

[BoSox21]

the Bruins should do the right thing and keep him out until after the all-star break and then re-evaluate him and im not just saying this cause im a habs fan, im saying this cause I dont want to see such a young and talented player have his career de-railed cause he returned 10 games too soon or whatever

[rician blast]

I think they will do something along those lines...maybe at least keep him out a month, then have him start skating again.

[rician blast]

Great effort by the Bruins last night, they really stuck to the system and won a tight game. Good to see Timmy rebound with a solid performance. Krejci played a nice two-way game and continues to impress.

[TheKilo]

Krejci is their best all around player.

[Dojji]

Krejci is their best all around player.

 

He's definitely playing that way right now but I stiull think Savvy's gonna pass him again in the longer run

[TheKilo]

At least this team will be competitive this season.

 

[rician blast]

Savard has improved by leaps and bounds defensively. Still sometimes takes a bad hooking penalty and such, but he's a much better two way player than we've seen in the past.

 

I was not a big Chiarelli fan the past year or two, but some of his additions are paying off now...I'd give a lot of the credit to Julien too as he's assembled a system that seems to work...and I'd guess he helps identify players who'll fit that system. For instance, the Ryder signing had quite a few fans chuckling, but I really think he brings more to the table than can be measured by goals and assists.

[26 to 7]

Clearly they are a kick ass team, do you think they can win the cup.

[TheKilo]

I'm so glad we got the Montreal castoff, Michael Ryder.

 

Only 7 GWGs? Loser.