Pre-Game Talk: 2019 UFA "Silly Season" to officially open on July 1st

[nonoffensiveusername]

Link:

https://thehockeynews.com/news/article/the-top-30-unrestricted-free-agents-of-2019

"Even if he hasn’t proven the best fit for Boston as a stretch-run acquisition, he can play all three forward positions in a middle-six role. Young enough to deliver some more prime-year production if healthy."

Written by a guy who didn't watch a single Bruins playoff game.

 

[PlayMakers]

First things first, they have to clear Backes and Miller off the books. If they can do that, they’ll have enough money to keep Johansson AND bring in a RW’er.

I think we’d all prefer a younger power forward than Ferland, but after watching CLB defeat Tampa and STL beat Boston I wouldn’t be surprised if GM’s are valuing their power forwards more now than a few months ago. Sweeney may have no choice but to look at free agency for his new RW and Ferland is intriguing. He only just turned 27 and he only has 4 years in the league so not a lot of miles. He’s played 70+ games in all 4 seasons and in his last two seasons he either hit or was on pace for 20 goals.

 

[PlayMakers]

I mentioned this in another thread but I would absolutely kick the tires on Matt Duchene.

Marchand, Bergeron and Krejci are all over 30. Marchand and Bergeron both battled injuries in the playoffs and Krejci has had his share of issues in the past. When 3 of your 4 most important players are over 30, you’re bound to have injury problems.

It’s rare for a point per game center to hit free agency, especially one in his prime. It’s an opportunity I wouldn’t let go by without seeing if there is mutual interest.

 

[Colt.45Orr]

First things first, they have to clear Backes and Miller off the books. If they can do that, they’ll have enough money to keep Johansson AND bring in a RW’er.

I think we’d all prefer a younger power forward than Ferland, but after watching CLB defeat Tampa and STL beat Boston I wouldn’t be surprised if GM’s are valuing their power forwards more now than a few months ago. Sweeney may have no choice but to look at free agency for his new RW and Ferland is intriguing. He only just turned 27 and he only has 4 years in the league so not a lot of miles. He’s played 70+ games in all 4 seasons and in his last two seasons he either hit or was on pace for 20 goals.

 

[Colt.45Orr]

Micheal Ferland vs Vancouver - 2015 Playoffs
Get to Know: Micheal Ferland

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

Maybe I'm getting too cranky in my old age but I'm having a hard time jumping between the different threads of random speculation, draft talk and potential roster moves related to free agency so I thought I would try and get things sorted out a bit more here.

There is, of course, lots of chatter around what the Bruins may or may not do. To me, Ferland is a perfect UFA addition as he has enough skill to play with top-line players but also brings big, nasty power forward game. $ and term will be the question with Ferland. Sweeney has understandably gone power forward gun-shy after B&B and the result is a forward group without enough size or grit compared to a big, nasty team like St. Louis/ Washington.

I've heard some interesting chatter that I may run by some mods later --but for now, let's start listing the players and rumors out there in one happy thread. I'll start with a slightly outdated list: https://thehockeynews.com/ne

Colt, any concerns about Ferland being too much of a risk to get a big money contract & then essentially end up a 4th line/healthy scratch type ala Beleskey? They have a lot in common when you look at their resumes approaching their UFA windows. You wanted Wagner last Summer & that turned out to be a great add so I'm inclined to trust your judgement to a degree. I agree that they could use a guy like Ferland, but I'm not convinced yet that he's the right guy. His playoff run this year was pretty abysmal too (I realize he was injured for part of it)

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

Habs have been linked to MOJO --seems like he is destined to become a Bruins killer. Also, Ferland isnt broken down yet, but he holds nothing back (like a McQuaid) and that leads to injuries.

gross. I hate when likable players go there.

 

[Alberta_OReilly_Fan]

Expect dissapointment if you think we are adding in ufa

Top priorities will be sign mcavoy and carlo

We might decide between heinen and mojo but yo me its a no brainer

Accairi likely becomes a victem to numbers game

Im operating under belief backes will stick around... if he goes we might keep accairi

I dont see any way we can keep miller on defense... but we dont need a replacement

My one left field thought... might sign a new goalie if we decide to sell high on halak

 

[bbfan419]

I would re-sign Mojo, and make other signing as well, but first need to shed salary, Miller and Backes need to go, then I would look to deal Krejci and Krug, sign Ferland but no way at $5M he is not worth that much, $3.5 is most I would offer, if not then let him go elsewhere. Sign Cernak a good D away from Tampa, then sign Duchene, I like what he brings more than Krejci right now I think $8 to $8.5 per year would do it.

 

[PlayMakers]

I would be surprised if Sweeney doesn’t sign a free agent. He has every year as GM. I think he likes the idea of adding an asset without giving one up, likes the depth that creates. I know money is tight but it’s up to him to create some space.

If it were up to me I would do whatever it takes to move Backes. If that’s a first round pick then it’s a first round pick. This team is too good not to take another step forward and we need that money. The clock is ticking.

 

[bbfan419]

I would be surprised if Sweeney doesn’t sign a free agent. He has every year as GM. I think he likes the idea of adding an asset without giving one up, likes the depth that creates. I know money is tight but it’s up to him to create some space.

If it were up to me I would do whatever it takes to move Backes. If that’s a first round pick then it’s a first round pick. This team is too good not to take another step forward and we need that money. The clock is ticking.

I would try to deal a couple prospects like Zboril and JFK or Frederic instead of a pick if we can move Backes that way, what a horrible signing that was.

 

[finchster]

I think the best way to get a power forward is to try and draft and develop. GM's overvalue this skill set and pay for it. If a team allows a power forward to hit free agency or trade, there are probably some problems with that player and won't be worth the contract. The only exception would be something like Mark Stone, but that wasn't happening.

I an weary of any power forward in their late 20's/30's that a team let's walk or wants to trade.

Belsekey
Backes
Lucic
Simmonds

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Ferland is a good 3rd line option and would be a good fit. However, he already dealt with injuries last season... will they continue or will it impact his play?

Ferland and Johansson would be nice but with both comes injury concern and long term doubt and likely they both receive long contracts.

 

[BruinDust]

I think the best way to get a power forward is to try and draft and develop. GM's overvalue this skill set and pay for it. If a team allows a power forward to hit free agency or trade, there are probably some problems with that player and won't be worth the contract. The only exception would be something like Mark Stone, but that wasn't happening.

I an weary of any power forward in their late 20's/30's that a team let's walk or wants to trade.

Belsekey
Backes
Lucic
Simmonds

Andrew Ladd, James Neal, Corey Perry, etc.

Are there any examples of signing a power forward type into their late 20s/early 30s in the past decade or so where it has actually turned out to be a smart move by the team making the commitment?

Bottom line for me, if they are going to sign UFAs, particularly if they are handing out term, that player needs to be a strong skater. Big, small, whatever, the skating ability is the key. If they can skate well, you can at least somewhat anticipate success moving forward.

If they are average-to-below-average skaters, as most of these guys are, you just never know when they are going to fall off a cliff performance-wise.

 

[LouJersey]

WE NEED GRIT

 

[Mainehockey33]

Can Duchene play RW?

 

[BruinDust]

Can Duchene play RW?

If the Bruins tried to court Matt Duchence to come to Boston to play RW you can be darn sure Matt Duchene isn't coming to Boston.

 

[chizzler]

What’s the difference between Ferland and Wagner? Why pay Ferland that money when Wagner does the same thing and can score. By the way, where was Ferland during the Hurricanes series?

 

[Alicat]

The thread title says it all..

Silly season has begun both in the league and on this board.

 

[Jaguar God]

Please don't sign Ferland. Let another team overpay for the next David Clarkson.

 

[PB37]

Brett Connelly Part 2, anyone? Low budget guy for the top line or a right winger for Coyle and Heinen.

 

[ranold26]

Karlsson just robbed the bank in San Jose. Oof.

 

[Alicat]

Karlsson just robbed the bank in San Jose. Oof.

Backes' contract looks like a dream compared to that. Just ugly all around

 

[Fenian24]

What’s the difference between Ferland and Wagner? Why pay Ferland that money when Wagner does the same thing and can score. By the way, where was Ferland during the Hurricanes series?

Injured. He was just coming off concussion protocol. If you can't see the difference between these two player you must lump all physical players into the same boat.

Ferland has played on Calgary's top line at times and can play both wings, has a great shot, can skate, hits like a truck and will fight. If you want to say they may not be worth the difference in cap hit that is one thing to say there is no difference in the players is silly.

 

[Fenian24]

Karlsson just robbed the bank in San Jose. Oof.

Krug is happy. That is an awful contract. How much do they have tied up in their top 3 D now?