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

[TCB]

Debrusk a Pending UFA undetermined Boston career/future contract. Save key prospects. What makes the team better moving forward? A 28 year old top tier difficult to find/get center Linholm? A 26 year old top tier winger Debrusk?

Bruins Trade Talk: Source Says Lindholm Will Cost DeBrusk

Are the Boston Bruins about to become significant players for Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm on the NHL trade market? With longtime Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron retiring on Tuesday, the Boston Bruins do not have a bonafide No. 1 center. If the season began today, the Bruins would...

bostonhockeynow.com

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Are the Boston Bruins about to become significant players for Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm on the NHL trade market?

With longtime Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron retiring on Tuesday, the Boston Bruins do not have a bonafide No. 1 center. If the season began today, the Bruins would have Pavel Zacha or Charlie Coyle as their No. 1 center. That has led to increased NHL trade speculation that the Bruins will intensify their pursuit to acquire the 28-year Flames center heading into the final season of a six-year contract with a $4.85 million salary cap hit.

Elias Lindholm had 22 goals and 42 assists in 80 games this past season but had a career season in 2021-22 with 42 goals and 40 assists in 82 games. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound pivot was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes fifth overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and has 203 goals and 310 assists in 743 games in the NHL.

Since Bergeron retired on Tuesday, Boston Hockey Now has contacted numerous NHL sources to confirm if Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney has contacted Flames GM Craig Conroy about Lindholm. Not one source could do so, but one NHL team hockey operations source, had this to say:

“If the Bruins want Lindholm, likely [Jake] DeBrusk. They don’t want any picks, and the Bruins have none. They want a scoring winger that can make up for [Tyler] Toffoli being traded. There’s probably more that would be in that trade, but DeBrusk would be the target, I think.”

Jake DeBrusk is entering the final season of a two-year, $8 million contract, and following a season in which he scored 27 goals and had 23 assists in 64 games, he could be primed for a big contract year.

On Wednesday, Boston Bruins team President Cam Neely was asked about his team’s center position.

“We know that that’s a position, organizationally, that we need to improve upon,” Neely acknowledged.

Neely was then asked if that meant exploring the NHL trade or free agent markets.

“We’ll do whatever we can to bolster that position,” he replied.

He was then pressed on whether or not the Bruins had a plan in place for when Bergeron and fellow center David Krejci finally retired.

“Just the organization, we’ve recognized that our center position was getting older the last few years and ‘Krech’ coming back so. …it’s challenging when you’re competing every year and you give up draft capital,” Neely replied. “So, it’s hard to find those players in the later rounds, but it’s something we have to and we have been focused on.”

If Calgary taking Jake their going to want insurance he's willing to sign on the dotted line with an extension. That's the only reason their moving players out because they don't want to stay in Calgary.

 

[sarge88]

I think the key point in any potential Lindholm trade is the Flames do not want a pile of lottery tickets. They want players who can help them right here and now.

The Flames are a bit of a pickle business-wise. They really need paid attendance to be strong as the building itself doesn't offer the type of revenue streams now normally found in modern pro sports arenas and they really are beholden to their fanbase.

A new arena and entertainment district is on the horizon. But in the meantime, they can't afford to do a tear-down rebuild as attendance numbers have dropped a bit the past 5-6 years (Covid years not withstanding) after an 8-year run of consecutive sell-outs. Down about 1300 fans last year from it's peak. A full rebuild could further hurt paid attendance and can they afford that?

I think their arena/attendance/revenue issues force their hand and prevents them from going into a massive rebuild. They've never done a massive teardown in any way that I can recall.

If the Bruins want Lindholm, you need cap space for him and NHL assets for him.

I think it's clearly our pending UFA star forward in Debrusk who would be the centerpiece of a deal.

The problem IMO is what else do you add after that?

Sorry but the Frederic's and Gryz's of the world ain't gonna cut it.

To me, if you want Lindholm, it's Debrusk and Carlo. Similar to Tkachuk for Huberdeau and Weegar. That's the price if your Boston. Just as well accept it.

I like JDB and Carlo, probably more than most, but I'd do that deal and then hopefully re-up Lindholm to a 6 years/9million per type of deal.

Again, I don't think they are winning a cup this year, so get Lindholm to anchor one of the top 2 lines for then next 6 years and build around him, Zacha, Pasta, McAvoy, Lindholm, & Swayman.

That's 6 top level talents to start with.

 

[goldnblack]

Who was the last 19 year old C to make the Bruins without playing in the AHL? Was probably Bergy right? Even Pasta played 25ish games in the AHL first right? So 2 Hall of Famers potentially... (1 definitely).

I gotta think Poitras is playing in the AHL for a season guys. Let's be realistic. I don't see why they rush him. If I had to bet money today, I'd say maybe 2 seasons...

 

[PlayMakers]

To me, if you want Lindholm, it's Debrusk and Carlo. Similar to Tkachuk for Huberdeau and Weegar. That's the price if your Boston. Just as well accept it.

Except Calgary doesn’t need another top4 RD. They have Anderson and Weegar.

I agree DeBrusk is one of the main pieces and it will take another Carlo sized piece to make it work, but I think Calgary has other, more pressing needs.

They need a center. They are going to lose two of them in the next 12 months. I think Frederic would be attractive for that reason, and the fact he can’t walk away for a few years. Freddy alone is not enough and I think that’s why a deal hasn’t been done. I think the Bruins had these talks months ago. They knew Bergeron wasn’t coming back on break up day.

OT: I wonder if Lindhol for Lindholm was discussed. There were rumors right after the playoffs that he was available. And with CGY losing Hanifin within a year, they’re going to need a LD… but our Lindholm can mix that deal.

 

[BruinDust]

Except Calgary doesn’t need another top4 RD. They have Anderson and Weegar.

I agree DeBrusk is one of the main pieces and it will take another Carlo sized piece to make it work, but I think Calgary has other, more pressing needs.

They need a center. They are going to lose two of them in the next 12 months. I think Frederic would be attractive for that reason, and the fact he can’t walk away for a few years. Freddy alone is not enough and I think that’s why a deal hasn’t been done. I think the Bruins had these talks months ago. They knew Bergeron wasn’t coming back on break up day.

OT: I wonder if Lindhol for Lindholm was discussed. There were rumors right after the playoffs that he was available. And with CGY losing Hanifin within a year, they’re going to need a LD… but our Lindholm can mix that deal.

I agree, which is why there isn't a great fit for these two teams to cut a deal. But if they were, then Debrusk + Carlo is the price. There would likely be other suitors who could offer a better fitting package of players than Carlo but keep in mind Weegar can play LD (may even be one of those rare right-shooting D who prefer it).

And there are other ways about it. They could move Carlo elsewhere. Or decide to keep Carlo and move Andersson. Or they could keep all 3 on RD and run em' like TB did with Hedman/Sergachev/McDonagh. If Boston were to offer Debrusk + Carlo I seriously doubt their response would be "sorry just not interested in Brandon Carlo".

All due respect we are going to disagree on Trent Frederic's trade value. He's not a thrown-in, he's not a main piece or even secondary piece. He's just a guy at this point. At 25 years old, there are lots of players his caliber around the league. Other teams can see he was healthy-scratch in the playoffs the past 3 years just like we can. He has more value to the Bruins (especially considering how much time/money/effort they've spent developing him) than in any trade at this juncture.

I think their intent is to keep both Lindholm and Hanafin, and if one or both aren't possible, trade them for legitimate difference makers. I don't see why they would look at Lohrei as anything more than a lottery ticket. No guarantees he ever makes it.

 

[Greek_physique]

To me, if you want Lindholm, it's Debrusk and Carlo. Similar to Tkachuk for Huberdeau and Weegar. That's the price if your Boston. Just as well accept it.

While I understand it looks very similar to the Tkachuk situation, IMO, it's a little different because Tkachuk was technically still a RFA at the start of the 2022-23 season, where Lindholm will be a UFA...I get both players will have a window to re-sign, but that changes things a little bit for me, even though Jake is in a similar position, but Carlo is signed to a respectable deal.

Also, CGY banked on re-signing Huberdeau, Weegar and thought they'd be able to complete a re-tool instead of a rebuild and well, that failed miserably.

If they ask for both Debrusk and Carlo, I make sure we send them additional salary (Forbort / Zboril / Gryz) and ask for Hanifin too.

And to the original posters question, I'll always value centers more, especially when we don't have anything in our pipeline....if you can get Lindholm, you still get a player that plays top mins and is one of the most effective 2-way players in the game.

Love Jake, but you have to give to get.

 

[BruinDust]

I like JDB and Carlo, probably more than most, but I'd do that deal and then hopefully re-up Lindholm to a 6 years/9million per type of deal.

Again, I don't think they are winning a cup this year, so get Lindholm to anchor one of the top 2 lines for then next 6 years and build around him, Zacha, Pasta, McAvoy, Lindholm, & Swayman.

That's 6 top level talents to start with.

I'd make that deal too (Debrusk + Carlo). For a pile of reasons.

 

[BruinDust]

While I understand it looks very similar to the Tkachuk situation, IMO, it's a little different because Tkachuk was technically still a RFA at the start of the 2022-23 season, where Lindholm will be a UFA...I get both players will have a window to re-sign, but that changes things a little bit for me, even though Jake is in a similar position, but Carlo is signed to a respectable deal.

Also, CGY banked on re-signing Huberdeau, Weegar and thought they'd be able to complete a re-tool instead of a rebuild and well, that failed miserably.

If they ask for both Debrusk and Carlo, I make sure we send them additional salary (Forbort / Zboril / Gryz) and ask for Hanifin too.

I don't think Debrusk + Carlo is anything close enough to get Lindholm + Hanafin.

Calgary is giving up the better forward (and center) and the better more well-rounded D-man. Carlo's value gets elevated a bit with his term and AAV vs. Hanafin's pending UFA status,

Unless the Flames are prepared to take back SOME future assets, the Bruins simply don't have what it takes to cut a deal for Lindholm AND Hanafin.

I wouldn't put much stock in last year for them. Clearly it wasn't working with Sutter at the helm. Weegar was fine for them. Huberdeau didn't come close to meeting expectations but it's one season under a coach who spent most of the season coming across like the NHL's crankiest old man. When he embarrassed that young player in his press conference that was awful.

And we probably shouldn't throw stones considering the Bruins got knocked out by a team with less points than Calgary had.

With Sutter gone if I'm a Flames fan, I'm thinking why can't they improve on their point total from last year and make the playoffs after just barely missing during a year when a lot didn't go right.

 

[FrankerC]

 

[Patdud]

The issue for Calgary is no one wants to stay there. Everyone assumes Debrusk would sign there because of geography but what if he wants to play for a good team? One with facilities better than a D3 club hockey program? One that didn’t just trade their two best players (including Lindholm) and lose their previous best player via FA?

This whole Jake wants to be in western Canada angle is overblown.

more so that hes the only player they can and should offer (for lindholm) who might acutally sign in CAL

 

[goldnblack]

Now that's a gap! 3.4M incoming?

 

[13Hockey]

3.5 seems about right

 

[TCB]

"Wow." Were the Bruins ever low balling him !

 

[EverettMike]

I don't think it has anything to do with fire or effort. I don't think he's physically ready for the NHL and I don't think it makes sense to have him jump a level like the AHL. I know he had 95 pts in the OHL last year, but Ty Voit, Evan Vierling, Amadeus Lombardi and Sasha Pastujov all had similar (but more) and none of them should be playing in the NHL this year either.

Signing JVR and Boqvist and Lucic tipped Sweeney's hand for the year. Veteran 1 year band-aids. Maybe a McLaughlin or Lauko, Merkulov make the team or take a spot. Maybe a Lysell or Beecher or Toporowski come up later in the year and get their feet wet.

It's the same thing every year.

"I think our prospects have a chance to make a real impact!"

:Sweeney signs a bunch of bottom of the roster players who block spots for prospects:

"Ah, well. Nevertheless,"

 

[mar2kbos]

Who was the last 19 year old C to make the Bruins without playing in the AHL? Was probably Bergy right? Even Pasta played 25ish games in the AHL first right? So 2 Hall of Famers potentially... (1 definitely).

I gotta think Poitras is playing in the AHL for a season guys. Let's be realistic. I don't see why they rush him. If I had to bet money today, I'd say maybe 2 seasons...

Bergeron if I remember also started on wing. It didnt take long for him to move to center, but even he didnt start out immediately at center. He was a wing on the 3rd line. I could be really wrong, it was a long time ago.

 

[Dr Quincy]

It's the same thing every year.

"I think our prospects have a chance to make a real impact!"

:Sweeney signs a bunch of bottom of the roster players who block spots for prospects:

"Ah, well. Nevertheless,"

"WHY IS COACH X NOT PLAYING THE KIDS????"

 

[Fenian24]

Never stop being cheap Bruins management, that's the real 100 years of tradition.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

I agree, which is why there isn't a great fit for these two teams to cut a deal. But if they were, then Debrusk + Carlo is the price. There would likely be other suitors who could offer a better fitting package of players than Carlo but keep in mind Weegar can play LD (may even be one of those rare right-shooting D who prefer it).

And there are other ways about it. They could move Carlo elsewhere. Or decide to keep Carlo and move Andersson. Or they could keep all 3 on RD and run em' like TB did with Hedman/Sergachev/McDonagh. If Boston were to offer Debrusk + Carlo I seriously doubt their response would be "sorry just not interested in Brandon Carlo".

All due respect we are going to disagree on Trent Frederic's trade value. He's not a thrown-in, he's not a main piece or even secondary piece. He's just a guy at this point. At 25 years old, there are lots of players his caliber around the league. Other teams can see he was healthy-scratch in the playoffs the past 3 years just like we can. He has more value to the Bruins (especially considering how much time/money/effort they've spent developing him) than in any trade at this juncture.

I think their intent is to keep both Lindholm and Hanafin, and if one or both aren't possible, trade them for legitimate difference makers. I don't see why they would look at Lohrei as anything more than a lottery ticket. No guarantees he ever makes it.

Ok, where do I sign? Im good moving DeBrusk and Carlo for Lindholm.

PPG, Selke level centers under 30 dont grow on trees. Much easier to find a Carlo

 

[BruinDust]

Bergeron if I remember also started on wing. It didnt take long for him to move to center, but even he didnt start out immediately at center. He was a wing on the 3rd line. I could be really wrong, it was a long time ago.

His first goal he was centering Samsonov and Lapointe. Only reason I know that is I watch his first goal on Youtube a couple days ago.

He played a fair bit of C in his first year from what I recall. Got pushed to the wing more once they brought in Nylander.

 

[Blowfish]

If Calgary taking Jake their going to want insurance he's willing to sign on the dotted line with an extension. That's the only reason their moving players out because they don't want to stay in Calgary.

Oh totally agree...same for Boston RE Lindholm.

 

[BruinDust]

Ok, where do I sign? Im good moving DeBrusk and Carlo for Lindholm.

PPG, Selke level centers under 30 dont grow on trees. Much easier to find a Carlo

That was my thought as well.

Debrusk + Carlo probably still doesn't get it done but it's the foundation of a deal. And really if Calgary wanted say 3 pieces this caliber (solid established NHL players in their prime) instead of just 2, I think they are asking too much.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Never stop being cheap Bruins management, that's the real 100 years of tradition.

Doesn’t the arbiter split the difference most of the time?

 

[Blowfish]

The issue for Calgary is no one wants to stay there. Everyone assumes Debrusk would sign there because of geography but what if he wants to play for a good team? One with facilities better than a D3 club hockey program? One that didn’t just trade their two best players (including Lindholm) and lose their previous best player via FA?

This whole Jake wants to be in western Canada angle is overblown.

It might be...who the heck knows.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

That was my thought as well.

Debrusk + Carlo probably still doesn't get it done but it's the foundation of a deal. And really if Calgary wanted say 3 pieces this caliber (solid established NHL players in their prime) instead of just 2, I think they are asking too much.

They need a goalie, lets go for broke and add Ullmark and Hanifin to the deal

 

[Blowfish]

I wouldn't be so sure about that. The state of this team with not having a number one or for that matter a number two center and a young Talent comes in who looks like he maybe just that down the road and shows he belongs. I think the bruins make room for him. It would be a travesty if he played his way onto the team but he was blocked because the Bruins had a healthy Zacha, Coyle and Tfred on the team.

Besides, I'm guessing Merkulov has the inside track over a young undeveloped pro in Poitras.