Boston Bruins 2023-24 Roster and Salary Cap Discussion V

[Dennis Bonvie]

I’m not convinced by Zacha or Coyle as 1c, looking beyond this year they need a higher end 1c. Zacha is a fine 2c, Coyle 2.5c but that’s about it imo.

Along with a scoring winger I think those are higher priority than adding another defender to a pretty good unit.

Pasta and Marchand lead the team in scoring.

Coyle and Zacha are 3rd & 4th. Pretty much same as it ever was with Krejci & Bergeron.

Of course, Bergeron's defense is irreplacable.

 

[Guelph Bruin]

Do you really think the Flames would let Hanifin walk?

Hell no, but they might have to trade for a team looking for a short term rental (less trade return) and Hanifin signs with the Bruins in the offseason ..... I'm sure Calgary would prefer a sign and trade and get much better returns but that's up to Hanifin ..if he's hell bent on Boston next year then Calgary is handcuffed to a sign and trade with Bruins for less return (no other teams competing..Hanifin runs the show here like Tayor hall did when he got traded from Buff to Bos) or short term rental trade to a contender for less return.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Hanifin has an 8 team NTC, but in effect he has a full one to some degree. Calgary can't let him walk for nothing after the Gaudreau debacle. PR suicide.

Teams will pay a lot more if they can trade for him and sign him - he has full control over where he'd do that (and for what money too). While he could say "I'm only signing in Boston", the Flames could sell him as a rental instead if they don't like Boston's offer. More likely is he has a short list of teams he'd be willing to sign with, and that broadens the pool.

I'm surprised more players of his caliber don't just say "Look, I'm going to UFA. It's my one chance for a big payday so I'm going to do it" like Boras has his players do in baseball. But that's not really in the fabric of the NHL for whatever reason.

 

[The National]

You can't just add a 1C though. It's pretty impossible (and this includes labeling Lindholm a 1C when he's only hit 70 points twice in his career and he's past prime now).

We also have a 19 year old kid who has some runway to a top 6 player...

Yeah I see that point of view, when a high end defender like Hanifin comes available jump on it even if there’s bigger holes cus they’re rarely available.

I don’t love him as a 1c but I’d still prefer putting those resources towards a Lindholm than Hanifin, I think his shortcomings the last few years have come from lack of talent on the wings and prehistoric coaching. Just think it evens out the roster a little better than stacking the defense.

Agree on Poitras.

Pasta and Marchand lead the team in scoring.

Coyle and Zacha are 3rd & 4th. Pretty much same as it ever was with Krejci & Bergeron.

Of course, Bergeron's defense is irreplacable.

Yeah they’re playing great no doubt, I just don’t think either of them are true 1c’s even if they’re currently producing like one.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Yeah I see that point of view, when a high end defender like Hanifin comes available jump on it even if there’s bigger holes cus they’re rarely available.

I don’t love him as a 1c but I’d still prefer putting those resources towards a Lindholm than Hanifin, I think his shortcomings the last few years have come from lack of talent on the wings and prehistoric coaching. Just think it evens out the roster a little better than stacking the defense.

Agree on Poitras.

Lindholm just turned 29. He had one great season when the Flames popped off everywhere. But is he really that much better than Pavel Zacha? Worth locking up for $8M+ a year until his late 30s better? I really don't think so. I think he's a solid 2C but the money and term he'll get puts me out on him.

 

[The National]

Lindholm just turned 29. He had one great season when the Flames popped off everywhere. But is he really that much better than Pavel Zacha? Worth locking up for $8M+ a year until his late 30s better? I really don't think so. I think he's a solid 2C but the money and term he'll get puts me out on him.

Yeah at that number I’m probably out as well

 

[dugg133]

I guess it depends on how long it's going to take Lorhei to actually be top 4 ready. We have moved from the Chara to the Bergeron to the Marchand window. Is Lorhei going to be a Cup contending top 4 guy before the wheels fall off Marchand?

Its obvious what there is to like about Lorhei, but if we are honest... he wasn't really particularly close to top 4 caliber on a Cup team, yet.

More like a "young Sergachev on the bottom pair when Tampa had Hedman and McDonough" quality.

disagree on this, we're on the Pasta/McAvoy/Swayman window now. Any moves we make should be about building around those three cornerstones now, not pushing all in to try and get Marchand one more cup.

 

[wintersej]

disagree on this, we're on the Pasta/McAvoy/Swayman window now. Any moves we make should be about building around those three cornerstones now, not pushing all in to try and get Marchand one more cup.

Sure, but the Pasta/McAvoy/Swayman is going to have another window later, you hope.

Right now you have Marchand and Lindholm operating at top of the lineup abilities with a timer on them.

 

[sarge88]

I'd take the risk and wait until the offseason when he's a UFA and can be had without giving up prospects/players ....although there is logic to a sign and trade this year if management feels like we can make a run. I'd try not to include Lysell.

Or, wait until 10 minutes before the deadline to offer a 5th and low prospect, hoping that everyone else is scared off based on the expectation that he’s only going to sign here next summer.

 

[dugg133]

Or, wait until 10 minutes before the deadline to offer a 5th and low prospect, hoping that everyone else is scared off based on the expectation that he’s only going to sign here next summer.

Orlov got a 1st as a rental at the deadline last year with no extension in place. Hanifin will get at least the same by someone that wants a difference maker for a cup run, even if he does end up forcing his way here.

 

[LavioletteScores]

Hanifin is in his 9th NHL season. He won't be 27 until January. He's a horse, he doesn't miss games.

Lohrei has played 10 NHL games. He'll be 23 in January. There is no comparison right now.

I see this point, it just means in my mind that you're trading away Lohrei. I think the Bruins project him to be better than a third pair D. This is an intriguing conversation because I personally am not married to either outcome. I just think the Top 6 will need more retooling than the D, ultimately. Maybe Lohrei gets you some of that.

 

[Kegs]

Couple of lower priced names from Chris Johnston of the Athletics trade board that I would like to see here:

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Finally someone actually comes up some physical options. Most of us are just repeating, “we need to add toughness.”

I like the idea of adding any of these players. I’d also love to add a centre that wins face offs.

 

[Ozzy Osbourne]

Like Hathaway last year at the deadline?

Hathaway was anything but physical while he was a Bruin. He threw about two meaningless hits total. He was a different player when he became a Bruin. Now with Philly he is back to normal.

 

[TobanWest]

I see this point, it just means in my mind that you're trading away Lohrei. I think the Bruins project him to be better than a third pair D. This is an intriguing conversation because I personally am not married to either outcome. I just think the Top 6 will need more retooling than the D, ultimately. Maybe Lohrei gets you some of that.

If they are bringing in Hanifin I doubt Lohrei goes anywhere. Lindholm more than likely would be the better option to ship out after this season if that happened

 

[PB37]

Hathaway was anything but physical while he was a Bruin. He threw about two meaningless hits total. He was a different player when he became a Bruin. Now with Philly he is back to normal.

Hathaway has played the same amount of games for both teams ( 25 ) and has a few more hits with the Bruins than he does with Philly.

I just think acquiring a physical player like Hathaway smashes away your idea that Sweeney doesn't place value in that skill set. Even Orlov last year can be seen as a physical upgrade to the team, as he was suppose to be a bigger, thicker upgrade over Gryz. He's also traded for Josh Brown, picked off Tinordi off waivers, signed guys like Rinaldo, Lucic, Backes, Greer, Accari, Wagner, Foligno.

 

[dugg133]

If they are bringing in Hanifin I doubt Lohrei goes anywhere. Lindholm more than likely would be the better option to ship out after this season if that happened

Lindholm is better then Hanifin and Lohrei will likely never be as good as either of them, this would make no sense.

 

[Kazcram]

Read a article today that suggested Hannifan would take pay cut to play for Bruins .The article suggested Grezlyck or Debrusk with Lysell and a later pick could do it.Bruins are definitely talking to Flames

can you share a link please ?

 

[sarge88]

Orlov got a 1st as a rental at the deadline last year with no extension in place. Hanifin will get at least the same by someone that wants a difference maker for a cup run, even if he does end up forcing his way here.

Maybe….but you’d think the fact that it seems like he’s only willing to playe here next year, might scare people off.

I get your point, but I think every team that brings someone aboard, at least considers the fact that they may stay.

 

[RoccoF14]

Finally someone actually comes up some physical options. Most of us are just repeating, “we need to add toughness.”

I like the idea of adding any of these players. I’d also love to add a centre that wins face offs.

The problem I have with this thread is that we are really good at identifying players that we'd like to see added, however when it comes to assets that we'd be willing to give up to add them, the conversation starts to break down. I get some of us want to add physicality. Fair enough. But considering what you have to give up, does that make the team better?

To add, you have to subtract. We're really good at the adding part. The subtracting part.....not so much.

Boston Available Draft Picks:
2024: 4th, 5th & 6th rounder.
2025: 1st, 3rd, 5-7th rounder.
2026: All picks still available

 

[Dr Hook]

The problem I have with this thread is that we are really good at identifying players that we'd like to see added, however when it comes to assets that we'd be willing to give up to add them, the conversation starts to break down......

To add, you have to subtract. We're really good at the adding part. The subtracting part.....not so much.

Boston Available Draft Picks:
2024: 4th, 5th & 6th rounder.
2025: 1st, 3rd, 5-7th rounder.
2026: All picks still available

Next year's draft is going to be fun for Bruin fans.

 

[TobanWest]

Lindholm is better then Hanifin and Lohrei will likely never be as good as either of them, this would make no sense.

Just going based off of the rumour that is being discussed as a rumour. If the rumour mention is Hanifin coming to Boston I'm not so sure they will be able to pay:
McAvoy 9.5
Lindholm 6.5
Hanifin 6 (guessing)
Carlo 4.1
Gryz 4 (if retained)
Lohrei (900)
29 million is a bit steep if you resign swayman, Debrusk, Gryz and add a top line player.

Sleeping on Lohrei is silly in my opinion. Legit future top 4 and ceiling of Lindholm. In my opinion.

 

[Dr Hook]

Just going based off of the rumour that is being discussed as a rumour. If the rumour mention is Hanifin coming to Boston I'm not so sure they will be able to pay:
McAvoy 9.5
Lindholm 6.5
Hanifin 6 (guessing)
Carlo 4.1
Gryz 4 (if retained)
Lohrei (900)
29 million is a bit steep if you resign swayman, Debrusk, Gryz and add a top line player.

I think it's almost certain that neither Gryz or Forbort are retained if Hanifin is brought in. Those two equal about what Hanifin gets you would think as it's close to $7m in salary. That absolutely works if Lohrei is your 3rd pair LD.

 

[Hookslide]

Hanifin is in his 9th NHL season. He won't be 27 until January. He's a horse, he doesn't miss games.

Lohrei has played 10 NHL games. He'll be 23 in January. There is no comparison right now.

I am not advocating for a Hanifan trade, but he is young, skilled D-man, if you can get him signed at good price that give a solid top 4 D and young, and talented, now I would use Loheri, who I like dont get me wrong but he should then be used as a trade chip towards a forward.

 

[TobanWest]

Just because I'm asking for as much shade as possible. Any thoughts on trying to buy low (would still cost a decent amount) on Xhekaj?
Disclaimer: I'd say there is a 1% chance of this being able to be done. Can't remember the last Bruins Habs trade but I love this kid and would love to see him as a 6th.
Bring your pitchforks!

 

[Hookslide]

Just going based off of the rumour that is being discussed as a rumour. If the rumour mention is Hanifin coming to Boston I'm not so sure they will be able to pay:
McAvoy 9.5
Lindholm 6.5
Hanifin 6 (guessing)
Carlo 4.1
Gryz 4 (if retained)
Lohrei (900)
29 million is a bit steep if you resign swayman, Debrusk, Gryz and add a top line player.

Sleeping on Lohrei is silly in my opinion. Legit future top 4 and ceiling of Lindholm. In my opinion.

Gryz should not be getting 4 mil, Loheri should be packaged to getting a forward. Debrusk should addressed as soon as possible and if he is affordable signed, if not move on from him.