Boston Bruins 2023 Off-Season CAP, Trade Rumors and Free Agent Talk IX

[Over the volcano]

Obviously, no situation is exactly the same... But players with cap that returned non-future considerations. Nor were all of these strictly cap moves, but GMs can make moves happen

Reilly Smith got traded for a 3rd

RFA Ross Colton got a 2nd

Toffoli and Sharongovich were traded for one another.

Blackwood got a 6th

Dubois (wasn't a cap dump)

Newhook (don't think this was a cap dump that got a solid package, if so)

Hayes for a 6th

Durzi got a 2nd

Ryan Johansen for Alex Galchenyuk

Damon Severson for a 3rd

Bruins got 2 prospects in a position they had the least available NHL spots, while weakening the forward roster.

I mean MAYBE that's the literal best Sweeney could do.

But asset management has not been a strong suit of this management. And between selling players for scraps, paying to get rid of players, and not finishing the job when we buy rentals, long term I think the Bruins have sent out far more out than the quantity or quality they received.

Aside from 2015, Sweeney hasn't really sold a player or gotten a big return on sending players out.

Now that the team failed, I think recouping assets should be a goal, but our team is already a bit weaker. And I do think trading Hall without recouping any picks (as well as Foligno's rights) is overall a bad use of our assets.

Could they have gotten more? Maybe, maybe not.

The moves you mentioned all have players with significantly more production, lower cost, lower return or some combination.

1. Smith was making 1 mil less per season and had 26g 56pts to Halls 16g 36pts - and Smith only returned a 3rd round pick

2. Ross Colton had the same production and will likely make half as much on his new deal

3. Toffoli had 2x the production and costs 2 mil less

4. Blackwood got a 6th - is that really a return?

5. Dubois is seen as a franchise center and 25 years old

6. Newhook had the same production at 10 years younger and half the price

7. Philly had to eat 1/2 of Hayes' deal just to get rid of it

8. Durzi had the same production from the blue line and is making 1/3 the $

9. Nashville had to retain 1/2 of Johansen's contract to get rid of him

10. Severson was a sign and trade deal for a defenseman in his prime who had the same production as Hall last year- and that only got a 3rd in return

Think the Blackhawks are counting on Hall's numbers last year being injury related and his playoff performance made the deal happen. Otherwise Sweeney would be looking at giving up more or retaining $

 

[wintersej]

Obviously, no situation is exactly the same... But players with cap that returned non-future considerations. Nor were all of these strictly cap moves, but GMs can make moves happen

Reilly Smith got traded for a 3rd

RFA Ross Colton got a 2nd

Toffoli and Sharongovich were traded for one another.

Blackwood got a 6th

Dubois (wasn't a cap dump)

Newhook (don't think this was a cap dump that got a solid package, if so)

Hayes for a 6th

Durzi got a 2nd

Ryan Johansen for Alex Galchenyuk

Damon Severson for a 3rd

Bruins got 2 prospects in a position they had the least available NHL spots, while weakening the forward roster.

I mean MAYBE that's the literal best Sweeney could do.

But asset management has not been a strong suit of this management. And between selling players for scraps, paying to get rid of players, and not finishing the job when we buy rentals, long term I think the Bruins have sent out far more out than the quantity or quality they received.

Aside from 2015, Sweeney hasn't really sold a player or gotten a big return on sending players out.

Now that the team failed, I think recouping assets should be a goal, but our team is already a bit weaker. And I do think trading Hall without recouping any picks (as well as Foligno's rights) is overall a bad use of our assets.

Could they have gotten more? Maybe, maybe not.

The RFAs are a totally different story as those guys are making a quarter of what Hall is. The problem is the cap space.

Reilly Smith was over a PPG last season and went for a third. Only Pasta scored more than him on the Bruins. edit: he was not over a PPG, it was early and I was looking at the wrong columns.

Toffoli went for a guy that was about to be non-tendered. This is a similar trade to Haula for Zacha. Toffoli sure is a f*** load better than Haula but got back less. Toffoli was also way better than Hall with 35 goals and 70 points.

Johansen went for a waiver wire guys in Gally and Nashville retained 50%.

Hayes got a 6th with 50% retained.

Hall got a couple of low level D prospects with no retention despite being the most expensive guy on this list and having the least production and having an injury concern.

 

[TCB]

I read somewhere and it may have been here, where Hall was upset with training staff regarding his injury. This may have played a part? Then again I am getting old and may have misread it. Sweeney may have had his hand forced a bit.. Also Sweeney has always built his team from the goal out. I don't think you will see him getting rid of a defenseman unless a better one comes back.

I sure hope he addresses it. I know their up against the cap an all, but this team with the lost of Clifton are now actually softer with less grit than a year ago and the One thing this team badly needed coming into the off-season was adding grit, meanness and a whole lot of nastiness in the back-end.

 

[Gordoff]

You know what they say about donkeys - you can have one on the team, no problem, but if you have more than one, they'll breed you a locker room full of them.

Weren't they also trying to re-acquire Tony DeAngelo from Philly?!? They added free agent Michael F****ing Bunting, I mean, they're really trying to fill out their roster with dirtbags!

I sure hope he addresses it. I know their up against the cap an all, but this team with the lost of Clifton are now actually softer with less grit than a year ago and the One thing this team badly needed coming into the off-season was adding grit, meanness and a whole lot of nastiness in the back-end.

It seems that DS really isn't enamored with grit or toughness or whatever we want to call it. Lucic is too little, too late IMO. The only bright spot are some of the draftee's and invitees. I just hope that they don't neuter that out of them by the time they hit AHL/NHL ice.

 

[BlackFrancis]

Weren't they also trying to re-acquire Tony DeAngelo from Philly?!? I mean, they're really trying to fill out their roster with dirtbags!

They've got smart guys running the show down there, too.

Must be even more traumatized from losing to the Panthers than the Bruins are.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

The moves you mentioned all have players with significantly more production, lower cost, lower return or some combination.

1. Smith was making 1 mil less per season and had 26g 56pts to Halls 16g 36pts - and Smith only returned a 3rd round pick

2. Ross Colton had the same production and will likely make half as much on his new deal

3. Toffoli had 2x the production and costs 2 mil less

4. Blackwood got a 6th - is that really a return?

5. Dubois is seen as a franchise center and 25 years old

6. Newhook had the same production at 10 years younger and half the price

7. Philly had to eat 1/2 of Hayes' deal just to get rid of it

8. Durzi had the same production from the blue line and is making 1/3 the $

9. Nashville had to retain 1/2 of Johansen's contract to get rid of him

10. Severson was a sign and trade deal for a defenseman in his prime who had the same production as Hall last year- and that only got a 3rd in return

Think the Blackhawks are counting on Hall's numbers last year being injury related and his playoff performance made the deal happen. Otherwise Sweeney would be looking at giving up more or retaining $

Reilly Smith played a top 6 role while Hall played 3rd line with Coyle. That explains part of this years gap. Since Hall came to Boston, he has 10G in 25GP in the PO while Smith has 7 G in 41G. He has a better PPG than Smith also.

 

[Hookslide]

Sweeney was getting calls on Gryz as far back as talks with St Louis about Schenn. Gryz was in a few packages thrown back and fourth between the 2 GMs. Sweeney was ready to pull the trigger but Armstrong kept upping the ante and finally walked away.

It's not that he doesn't want to move him. He wants what he thinks is full value for him.

Good information but did full value for Hall , and I understand that these other GMs might feel they have Sweeney over a barrel because of the cap situation . I also wonder if Sweeney pulling out of his deal with Columbus at the TDL left a bad taste with other GMs and that is why Armstrong felt at ease playing games like up upping the ante ................

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Good information but did full value for Hall , and I understand that these other GMs might feel they have Sweeney over a barrel because of the cap situation . I also wonder if Sweeney pulling out of his deal with Columbus at the TDL left a bad taste with other GMs and that is why Armstrong felt at ease playing games like up upping the ante ................

Armstrong preceded Jarmogate by a few years.

 

[Oates2Neely]

The problem is that they aren't getting a top YOUNG center in free agency, since young players don't get to UFA.

They COULD in theory get one via trade, but they don't really have the pieces to do that without sacrificing something else that would make them not have their "current" roster.

I think they only way they get a top young center is to draft one. Maybe they already have, but if not then it's going to be awhile without having a 1st rd pick.

I should’ve said “under 30” young center. Regardless I don’t see Aho etc getting to free agency.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

The RFAs are a totally different story as those guys are making a quarter of what Hall is. The problem is the cap space.

Reilly Smith was over a PPG last season and went for a third. Only Pasta scored more than him on the Bruins.

Toffoli went for a guy that was about to be non-tendered. This is a similar trade to Haula for Zacha. Toffoli sure is a f*** load better than Haula but got back less. Toffoli was also way better than Hall with 35 goals and 70 points.

Johansen went for a waiver wire guys in Gally and Nashville retained 50%.

Hayes got a 6th with 50% retained.

Hall got a couple of low level D prospects with no retention despite being the most expensive guy on this list and having the least production and having an injury concern.

Reilly Smith was no where near a PPG last year.

I think Hall's injury concern based on how he came back is way overblown.

 

[RHR37]

What other trade this off-season would you compare to the Hall trade to say we got hosed?

Comparing trades is tough as there are so many factors to consider. Salary, age, movement clauses.

If you are good to trade a top 6 winger for peanuts then that's fine.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Comparing trades is tough as there are so many factors to consider. Salary, age, movement clauses.

If you are good to trade a top 6 winger for peanuts then that's fine.

You can't compare returns of similar players?

Look at the Pacioretty trade last year (pre-injury) or the Hayes/Johansen trades this year in terms of high cap players with term. And Reilly Smith.

 

[wintersej]

Reilly Smith was no where near a PPG last year.

I think Hall's injury concern based on how he came back is way overblown.

You are right I was looking at the wrong columns.

 

[DominicT]

Good information but did full value for Hall , and I understand that these other GMs might feel they have Sweeney over a barrel because of the cap situation . I also wonder if Sweeney pulling out of his deal with Columbus at the TDL left a bad taste with other GMs and that is why Armstrong felt at ease playing games like up upping the ante ................

Armstrong was a few years ago. Nothing to to with CLB which was only months ago.

I'm fine with the Hall return because that's the best he could get. That deal won't be decided until the end of the season if it was worth it, not 55 minutes after it was consummated. We look at things too much in a vaccum these days.

Armstrong preceded Jarmogate by a few years.

Jarmogate sounds like it could be a jam.

 

[TCB]

Amazes me many of you have Dk retired. Not me.

I think you might be able to include Sweeney in your "Many of You"

MSN

www.msn.com

Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney is more than confident that Bruins superstar winger David Pastrnak is ready to take the leadership torch from captain Patrice Bergeron, center David Krejci and winger Brad Marchand.

“The core guys here have taken to heart that they feel like we had a historic regular season, but we had a failure in the playoffs. We have to learn and grow. And that next core, as we would call them, they have to take that, take umbrage with the disappointment and drive. They have to drive from this team going forward. That’s just a fact, and they are excited about that challenge.”

Pretty sure he really doesn't have the cap space. He needs to sign Sway and Frederic and Im sure he doesn't want to go over the cap with bonuses pushed into next year again. I could see either one or both of them possibly coming back before the trade deadline. If either of the two do come back before the start of the season, id say there's a better chance its Bergy at a 1 mil or so on a very friendly team deal.

 

[RHR37]

Sweeney said they would have had to move another significant piece to sign Bert. Personaly, I think they wanted to move Ullmark but couldn't. Maybe that will change now that teams see they're not going to get goalies like Hellebucyk and Ullmark for free... I think we're in a Mexican stand-off right now, with GM's waiting to see who will flinch.

None of us really know the trade market. We can all speculate all we want. I personally think Sweeney should have held out longer and got a better return.

We traded a top 6 forward for scraps. That's bad GMing any way you look at it.

There were options IMO.

What disappointing to me is this team lacks a clear direction. Are we rebuilding or are we going to do this song and dance with Bergeron and Krejci hoping they come back save the day.

What about Debrusk. Could you imagine we lose him for nothing next year. Does he even want to be here still?

Sweeney said they would have had to move another significant piece to sign Bert. Personaly, I think they wanted to move Ullmark but couldn't. Maybe that will change now that teams see they're not going to get goalies like Hellebucyk and Ullmark for free... I think we're in a Mexican stand-off right now, with GM's waiting to see who will flinch.

I understand that and none of us truly know the trade market but I do know top 6 wingers should fetch you something.

We are literally paying Forbert and Gryz 7 million to be bottom pair defensemen.

I know some here will say Gryz is a top D man, he plays well with Mac. The organization has shown they don't believe he is a top pairing D. He was our #7 going into playoffs last year.

My other question is, how confident are you that Debrusk resigns here? He's in his final year and did request a trade a year ago.

 

[Patdud]

The moves you mentioned all have players with significantly more production, lower cost, lower return or some combination.

1. Smith was making 1 mil less per season and had 26g 56pts to Halls 16g 36pts - and Smith only returned a 3rd round pick

2. Ross Colton had the same production and will likely make half as much on his new deal

3. Toffoli had 2x the production and costs 2 mil less

4. Blackwood got a 6th - is that really a return?

5. Dubois is seen as a franchise center and 25 years old

6. Newhook had the same production at 10 years younger and half the price

7. Philly had to eat 1/2 of Hayes' deal just to get rid of it

8. Durzi had the same production from the blue line and is making 1/3 the $

9. Nashville had to retain 1/2 of Johansen's contract to get rid of him

10. Severson was a sign and trade deal for a defenseman in his prime who had the same production as Hall last year- and that only got a 3rd in return

Think the Blackhawks are counting on Hall's numbers last year being injury related and his playoff performance made the deal happen. Otherwise Sweeney would be looking at giving up more or retaining $

I really think the hockey universe is overrating PLD a tad, Hes a great young 1b/2a, a franchice center? cmon, no.

 

[Over the volcano]

I really think the hockey universe is overrating PLD a tad, Hes a great young 1b/2a, a franchice center? cmon, no.

Maybe not a good franchise

 

[Sheppy]

I really think the hockey universe is overrating PLD a tad, Hes a great young 1b/2a, a franchice center? cmon, no.

Right now the Bruins have neither of those.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

None of us really know the trade market. We can all speculate all we want. I personally think Sweeney should have held out longer and got a better return.

We traded a top 6 forward for scraps. That's bad GMing any way you look at it.

There were options IMO.

What disappointing to me is this team lacks a clear direction. Are we rebuilding or are we going to do this song and dance with Bergeron and Krejci hoping they come back save the day.

What about Debrusk. Could you imagine we lose him for nothing next year. Does he even want to be here still?

I understand that and none of us truly know the trade market but I do know top 6 wingers should fetch you something.

We are literally paying Forbert and Gryz 7 million to be bottom pair defensemen.

I know some here will say Gryz is a top D man, he plays well with Mac. The organization has shown they don't believe he is a top pairing D. He was our #7 going into playoffs last year.

My other question is, how confident are you that Debrusk resigns here? He's in his final year and did request a trade a year ago.

Like he did with Reilly and Forbort last season?

 

[DKH]

This is exactly what I'm pencilling in for the top nine forwards and the top four defenseman.

I think your 4th line is going to be Lucic - Brown - Lauko with opportunities for McLaughlin, Beecher and Merkulov to beat out Brown. I hope one of them does...

Forbort and Shattenkirk is more than likely the bottom pair but I'm not ruling out Forbort being waived and given the "Mike Reilly" treatment if he isn't claimed. I guess that all depends if Zboril impresses.

I'm keeping my eye on Winnipeg, I think they need to move a defenseman they have Capobianco, Stanley and Chisholm as their 7-9. Logan Stanley requested a trade and so I think he could be on the move soon unless they feel like they can slip him through waivers...he'd provide some much needed physicality and toughness

Great post

 

[DKH]

Anyone know if @EverettMike is a larg

This is so good I am disappointed I didn’t come up with

 

[GoBs]

If Bergeron and Krecji return I want them there from the beginning and not replacing guys who got them into the playoff.
Not a Gryz fan but he played all year and gets subbed in the playoffs same with Greer. Greer played 60 games never sees a playoff game.

 

[NDiesel]

Right now the Bruins have neither of those.

I would argue with the right 1st line C that Zacha COULD be a good 2B...but I agree, at this moment we do not know that he can be that over 82 games.

 

[HustleB]

If Bergeron and Krecji return I want them there from the beginning and not replacing guys who got them into the playoff.
Not a Gryz fan but he played all year and gets subbed in the playoffs same with Greer. Greer played 60 games never sees a playoff game.

I would have blown this board up if Greer played in the playoffs. He was great in the preseason, and started well. If he dipped and swung back, okay. His trajectory was downward. I don't think he had a handful of positive impacts in the last 30 games. That's from memory, but that is my recollection.