Boston Bruins 2023-24 Roster and Salary Cap Discussion VII

[goldnblack]

As a general strategy, you guys think Sweeney stands pat this year and gets out of cap jail?

Next year:

26M for Swayman, Debrusk, JVR, and maybe Shatty one more time. Heinen and one more D?

5.5, 5.5, 2.5, 1.5, 1.5 = 16.5 (and then a few mininum guys)

He's going to have money for ONE serious impact player. If the draft is finally where Ullmark moves on, then more cap space than that.

 

[GordonHowe]

Don Sweeney’s bargain-bin offseason is paying dividends for the Bruins this year

The Bruins' offseason strategy of signing low-cost, short-term deals is paying dividends so far during the 2023-24 campaign.

www.boston.com

Matt Poitras expected to rejoin Bruins after Canada’s exit from World Juniors

After Team Canada fell in the WJC quarterfinals, Matt Poitras is expected to return to the Bruins in the coming days.

www.boston.com

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

As a general strategy, you guys think Sweeney stands pat this year and gets out of cap jail?

Next year:

26M for Swayman, Debrusk, JVR, and maybe Shatty one more time. Heinen and one more D?

5.5, 5.5, 2.5, 1.5, 1.5 = 16.5 (and then a few mininum guys)

He's going to have money for ONE serious impact player. If the draft is finally where Ullmark moves on, then more cap space than that.

I’d change Swayman to $7.5M. Maybe $7M.

 

[KnightofBoston]

One thing I will say about Matty P is that a concern coming in was the ability to score goals, seems like he’s really worked to make that a bigger part of his game

 

[GordonHowe]

https://thehockeynews.com/news/bruins-and-maple-leafs-buy-into-piss-and-vinegar-play-hows-it-working

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

As a general strategy, you guys think Sweeney stands pat this year and gets out of cap jail?

Next year:

26M for Swayman, Debrusk, JVR, and maybe Shatty one more time. Heinen and one more D?

5.5, 5.5, 2.5, 1.5, 1.5 = 16.5 (and then a few mininum guys)

He's going to have money for ONE serious impact player. If the draft is finally where Ullmark moves on, then more cap space than that.

I had to take another look at your numbers. I was hoping the cap situation was a little better.

It isn’t.

Honestly, I have no idea what to do.

 

[goldnblack]

I’d change Swayman to $7.5M. Maybe $7M.

I don't see him getting Shesterkin money. But if he does, then we can be 100% sure that Linus is being traded. In which case we're in the scenario where the cap space is probably a bit better than I said.

I had to take another look at your numbers. I was hoping the cap situation was a little better.

It isn’t.

Honestly, I have no idea what to do.

You mean this year?

Because next it's obviously a very enviable situation. This year we're playing so far above expectations that they hardly need to do anything but enjoy the spot they're in. I don't think many of their peers can do all that much either. The Rangers and Panthers aren't really able to bring on a ton of deadline assets.

 

[Hookslide]

So you stated something false. Then changed the numbers to something slightly more honest - which made your original statement wrong.

Wow, you really showed me.

The numbers are the numbers, I was not trying to deceive you or anyone else, but if you need to call me dishonest to make you feel better, that's ok, I can live with myself, can you say the same.

 

[dugg133]

Same lines as last night except for Lohrei not practicing, I'm assuming he's just at the dentist though. Not sure what Monty was seeing with Beecher that warrants two games off for him, but hopefully the message is sent and received cause I really think not having him in the lineup makes us worse.

Also I personally don't see whatever Monty is seeing with that top line for it to get 5 straight games together, but maybe Monty doesn't want to mess with anything too much while we're on a win streak.

 

[Lord Ahriman]

I had to take another look at your numbers. I was hoping the cap situation was a little better.

It isn’t.

Honestly, I have no idea what to do.

That's why I think this transition year is going well: Poitras, Beecher and Lohrei not going anywhere so they could potentially focus on getting at very least a #1b center.

I know people get excited talking about Hanifin, but Lohrei is getting better and better, so I really doubt they are going to spend on any top 4 dman next season.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

I don't see him getting Shesterkin money. But if he does, then we can be 100% sure that Linus is being traded. In which case we're in the scenario where the cap space is probably a bit better than I said.



You mean this year?

Because next it's obviously a very enviable situation. This year we're playing so far above expectations that they hardly need to do anything but enjoy the spot they're in. I don't think many of their peers can do all that much either. The Rangers and Panthers aren't really able to bring on a ton of deadline assets.

Shesterkin signed for $5.66M two years ago (structure has him earning $7M this year but AAV across the deal was $5.66M). He’ll get a lot more than $7.5M when he reups.

 

[GordonHowe]

I had to take another look at your numbers. I was hoping the cap situation was a little better.

It isn’t.

Honestly, I have no idea what to do.

Again, leave the signing of a legitimate 1C for the off season, when they can afford to be judicious in their choice.

For now, even with the cap issue, if Sweeney could somehow add a sizeable banger on D and wing, that's my play. Others here have discussed valuable, affordable additions that are available.

They can't dramatically alter the construction of this lineup, but they can enhance its truculence.

Since the break, the Bruins have played much better, largely because the team has committed to a relentless forecheck. The defense has improved markedly. It's also no coincidence that Boston has been more assertive physically.

It's working.

Swayman, who can channel Tim Thomas in aggressively clearing his crease, has referred to playing with "piss and vinegar." If they continue to commit to a consistently ferocious forecheck and ornery style of play, if there is consistent buy in, the Bruins may be on to something.

That is my prescription for success going forward in 2024 and beyond.

I really, really hope it's Montgomery's, too.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Again, leave the signing of a legitimate 1C for the off season, when they can afford to be judicious in their choice.

For now, even with the cap issue, if Sweeney could somehow add a sizeable banger on D and wing, that's my play. Others here have discussed valuable, affordable additions that are available.

They can't dramatically alter the construction of this lineup, but they can enhance its truculence.

Since the break, the Bruins have played much better, largely because the team has committed to a relentless forecheck. The defense has improved markedly. It's also no coincidence that Boston has been more assertive physically.

It's working.

Swayman, who can channel Tim Thomas in aggressively clearing his crease, has referred to playing with "piss and vinegar." If they continue to commit to a consistently ferocious forecheck and ornery style of play, if there is consistent buy in, the Bruins may be on to something.

That is my prescription for success going forward in 2024 and beyond.

I really, really hope it's Montgomery's, too.

Leaving aside another screed about truculence, what 1C do you think will be available in free agency? History tells us none. There’s the rare exception of a Tavares but these players either reup with their team or force a trade and resign with that team, a la Bo Horvat last year.

 

[Dr Hook]

Shesterkin signed for $5.66M two years ago (structure has him earning $7M this year but AAV across the deal was $5.66M). He’ll get a lot more than $7.5M when he reups.

Demko got $7M. Binnington and Hellebucyk got $7.5M. Markstrom is at $8M. All before the cap jump.

I have to think you are right in the ballpark there- Swayman at 7-7.5. The only thing that may keep the cost down is that he's not done a full NHL workload. I don't know what they do with Linus when his deal is up, as he will get a good deal more as well.

 

[GordonHowe]

Same lines as last night except for Lohrei not practicing, I'm assuming he's just at the dentist though. Not sure what Monty was seeing with Beecher that warrants two games off for him, but hopefully the message is sent and received cause I really think not having him in the lineup makes us worse.

Also I personally don't see whatever Monty is seeing with that top line for it to get 5 straight games together, but maybe Monty doesn't want to mess with anything too much while we're on a win streak.

I hope it's the case that Montgomery doesn't want to mess with lines two and three as listed above.

Those are the lines to watch. Both provide a heavy forecheck, which, to me, is the primary source of their improved play.

Going full throttle in this department has improved their game in other respects, too. Team defense and successfully protecting third period leads have been noticeably better.

 

[Hookslide]

Same lines as last night except for Lohrei not practicing, I'm assuming he's just at the dentist though. Not sure what Monty was seeing with Beecher that warrants two games off for him, but hopefully the message is sent and received cause I really think not having him in the lineup makes us worse.

Also I personally don't see whatever Monty is seeing with that top line for it to get 5 straight games together, but maybe Monty doesn't want to mess with anything too much while we're on a win streak.

Winning has never stopped Monty, before from changing lines.

 

[Sheppy]

I’d change Swayman to $7.5M. Maybe $7M.

Swayman getting $7M+ would be a bit sketchy to me. Especially when you consider he's never been "THE GUY" here. If he was a 60+ game goaltender, sure, which he most likely will have to be getting that kind of coin.

Not saying he can't be that heavy load goalie, though, we just haven't seen it yet. I'd be comfortable around the $6M-$6.5M range.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Swayman getting $7M+ would be a bit sketchy to me. Especially when you consider he's never been "THE GUY" here. If he was a 60+ game goaltender, sure, which he most likely will have to be getting that kind of coin.

Not saying he can't be that heavy load goalie, though, we just haven't seen it yet. I'd be comfortable around the $6M-$6.5M range.

Dom had him pegged at $7-$8M in a recent post. If they trade Ullmark, his usage goes up.

 

[Sheppy]

Dom had him pegged at $7-$8M in a recent post. If they trade Ullmark, his usage goes up.

100% - He will be used more, but that kind of money for a goalie who hasn't proven he can take on a heavy load and has left a lot to be desired in the post season (this is a team wide thing) kind of worries me a bit.

Swayman has great numbers in half season work loads, no doubt, and if I saw those same numbers after 60 games I'd be completely fine with it.

 

[dugg133]

Swayman getting $7M+ would be a bit sketchy to me. Especially when you consider he's never been "THE GUY" here. If he was a 60+ game goaltender, sure, which he most likely will have to be getting that kind of coin.

Not saying he can't be that heavy load goalie, though, we just haven't seen it yet. I'd be comfortable around the $6M-$6.5M range.

Agreed on this. There's only two active goalies that have cap hits over 6.5mil right now, with two more that have extensions over that number that kick in next season. Those guys are Vasi, Bobrovsky, Hellebuyck, and Sorokin. 3 of those guys had vezinas at the time they signed their contract and all of them have started 60+ games before.

Personally really don't see Swayman getting more then 6.5mil right now, he just hasn't handled the workload that is required for that kinda of payday. I think if he wants like 7.5+ mil on a long term deal he needs to take a short term deal first and prove he can still put up elite numbers with no Ullmark and a heavier workload.

 

[ON3M4N]

I don't see him getting Shesterkin money. But if he does, then we can be 100% sure that Linus is being traded. In which case we're in the scenario where the cap space is probably a bit better than I said.

Since Swayman broke into the NHL he ranks among goalies with at least 80gp:

SV%: T-2nd
GAA: 1st
SO: 9th

His numbers are right there with Shesterkin, however Igor has played about 63 more games. Hellebuyck just signed a 7yr/$8.5 million deal and Swayman has better numbers, but again he doesn't have nearly the same amount of games played and Helle was a pending UFA.

Interestingly enough Rask go his big contract with the Bruins when he was 25yrs old (same as Swayman is now). From their 22yr to 25yr old seasons:

Swayman - 106GP / 2.24 GAA / .921 SV% / 11 SO
Rask - 133GP / 2.14 GAA / .927 SV% / 15 SO

At the time of his deal, Rask was a 10.89 Cap Hit%. Based on the upcoming projected cap, that would put Swayman around 8yrs / $9.5 million if they followed a similar plan to Rask. This would put Swayman as tied for the 3rd highest paid goalie (based on cap hit). Is he one of the top 3 goalies in the league? that's a good discussion. I'd have him in my top 5 and currently the 5th highest CH% among goalies is John Gibson at 8.1% (signed back in 2018). An 8.1% CH% would put Swayman around an 8yr/$7 million deal.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I hope it's the case that Montgomery doesn't want to mess with lines two and three as listed above.

Those are the lines to watch. Both provide a heavy forecheck, which, to me, is the primary source of their improved play.

Going full throttle in this department has improved their game in other respects, too. Team defense and successfully protecting third period leads have been noticeably better.

Correct.

In the 4 games since the break, Zacha-Geekie-Pasta have accounted for one even strength goal.

 

[GordonHowe]

I have to think you are right in the ballpark there- Swayman at 7-7.5. The only thing that may keep the cost down is that he's not done a full NHL workload. I don't know what they do with Linus when his deal is up, as he will get a good deal more as well.

Linus will be traded in the off season, as he likely would have been last summer if the market was there.

For now, it's the tandem for the rest of the year.

Neither goaltender has had playoff success, particularly Ullmark.

It will be interesting to see how they handle starts in the playoffs. The outcome remains an open question.

 

[dugg133]

Correct.

In the 4 games since the break, Zacha-Geekie-Pasta have accounted for one even strength goal.

Yeah that line has been outscored at 5v5, which is just not an acceptable result for any line with Pasta on it. Have to think that Monty just doesn't want to touch the middle 6 right now with everyone else going so well.

 

[bruinshoper]

Same lines as last night except for Lohrei not practicing, I'm assuming he's just at the dentist though. Not sure what Monty was seeing with Beecher that warrants two games off for him, but hopefully the message is sent and received cause I really think not having him in the lineup makes us worse.

Also I personally don't see whatever Monty is seeing with that top line for it to get 5 straight games together, but maybe Monty doesn't want to mess with anything too much while we're on a win streak.

Maybe Beecher is only sitting so they can give Merc another game as a reward for good play in providence…he also looked a bit better overall last game (Merc)