Boston Bruins 2024-2025 Roster & Salary Cap Discussion III

[wintersej]

Carlo had 59 Offensive Zone starts ALL YEAR. Mason Lohrei had 100, for perspective.

He was dead last in the league for OZ starts among defensemen with 500 mins TOI at 22.7%. He was 5 points behind second to last.

And yet, the Bruins scored 59% of the goals while he was on the ice - 17th in the whole league.

Yes for sure. You can apply the same logic to Lindholm's season, too, whom people have been ragging on all year.

I LIKE Carlo and I think with a better forward group his non-sustainable Forbort-esque 42% shot share would improve. He is good at what he does. He is also not good at other things that eats away at some of his value. In an ideal world if you are going to bury someone as much as Carlo gets buried you are doing it to have some offensive dynamo get a lot of o-zone time. Think back to Chara and Krug.

Instead the Bruins are essentially muting Lindholm's effectiveness as a two way guy, and giving McAvoy primo offensive minutes when the offensive side of his game is the weaker of his two way game. Lindholm and McAvoy both beg for two way deployment, and the make up of the teams D doesn't allow for that.

Perhaps next season you can give the Lorhei/McAvoy/Lindholm/Carlo four some more evenly spaced usage. But, then you are actually removing value from Carlo when you give him more balanced deployments.

To put Carlo in his most effective position you are not putting Lindholm and McAvoy in their most effective positions. Is it worth it? When you add in his immense PK value, maybe it is. But, I also don't hold him as an untouchable core guy, either. Especially given that right now his trade value is at its absolute peak it will ever be with 3 years of good cap hit remaining before you run into what will be a difficult contract to get a good deal out of.

 

[Patdud]

This is all true. But, both Lorhei and Chychrun will need raises after next season. Where is that money coming from if you have done anything to improve the forward group?

there will be several players that need deals in 2025/2026, marchand, frederic and lohrei are the biggest ones yes. Coyles NTC becomes three team no is something else to keep in mind.

If the bruins spend to the cap this coming year they would be on track to have another 20/21 the following.


the point of the quoted post was just that the offensive skillset would fit in well with the existing group, would push wotherspoon to 7th and allow for the teams desire to add more offense (even if on the backend).

Ottawa could be on ullmark's NTC, who knows that will come of it.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Yes for sure. You can apply the same logic to Lindholm's season, too, whom people have been ragging on all year.

I LIKE Carlo and I think with a better forward group his non-sustainable Forbort-esque 42% shot share would improve. He is good at what he does. He is also not good at other things that eats away at some of his value. In an ideal world if you are going to bury someone as much as Carlo gets buried you are doing it to have some offensive dynamo get a lot of o-zone time. Think back to Chara and Krug.

Instead the Bruins are essentially muting Lindholm's effectiveness as a two way guy, and giving McAvoy primo offensive minutes when the offensive side of his game is the weaker of his two way game. Lindholm and McAvoy both beg for two way deployment, and the make up of the teams D doesn't allow for that.

Perhaps next season you can give the Lorhei/McAvoy/Lindholm/Carlo four some more evenly spaced usage. But, then you are actually removing value from Carlo when you give him more balanced deployments.

To put Carlo in his most effective position you are not putting Lindholm and McAvoy in their most effective positions. Is it worth it? When you add in his immense PK value, maybe it is. But, I also don't hold him as an untouchable core guy, either. Especially given that right now his trade value is at its absolute peak it will ever be with 3 years of good cap hit remaining before you run into what will be a difficult contract to get a good deal out of.

I don't know man...you have a RHD PK1 making $4M a year who can get absolutely buried and yet you still score almost 60% of the goals 5v5 when he's on the ice, and you want to consider trading him? Why? RHD is the hardest position to fill save netminder, and we have an excellent one. I just don't get it.

 

[yazmybaby]

I don't think there is any chance Ullmark waives his trade protection to go to Ottawa, but Ullmark for Chychrun straight up is fair value for both clubs.

Agree with your post.
Wanted to add that DS cannot do anything until Ullmark decides who he wants to be traded too.
I think Detroit and Edmonton are two landing spots.

 

[yazmybaby]

Carlo had 59 Offensive Zone starts ALL YEAR. Mason Lohrei had 100, for perspective.

He was dead last in the league for OZ starts among defensemen with 500 mins TOI at 22.7%. He was 5 points behind second to last.

And yet, the Bruins scored 59% of the goals while he was on the ice - 17th in the whole league.

6'5 220 pound dee that can skate and defend the way Carlo does are rare.
I prefer we hang onto him.
The one dee I would like to see us trade is Lindholm, his PPG was half of his first season with the B's and he does not provide much mojo IMO.

 

[GordonHowe]

Which type of player will the Bruins target this offseason?

The Bruins have over $20 million in spending power this offseason, but which type of player should Boston target?

www.boston.com

Everyone and his brother says:

1. Center

Next:

2. A serviceably skilled big body on the blueline who will do the dirty work and throw his weight around. If so, you have McAvoy, Lindholm, Carlo, Lohrei and Player X. That's a big, skilled and potentially more physical back end. D like this should be available and fairly inexpensive.

3. The Bruins will not pay DeBrusk what he wants, probably $6.1 plus with comfortable term. As noted elsewhere, however inconsistent, Jake can likely give you 20 plus goals;, has developed into a two-way player who can help at even strength, the pp, and the pk; and can legitimately claim to be a player that steps up in the playoffs.

He's also the devil you know, an advantage not to be sniffed at. When he goes, the Bruins have to replace him with a relatively unknown commodity, and acquire additional secondary (primary) scoring. No easy trick.

4. Finally, if the Bruins can trade Linus Ullmark for NHL talent and draft selections (possibly a first-round pick?) while moving out his $5 million contract, that's the way to go. This would replenish organizational depth and create space to pay Swayman ($7 million X five, a slight hometown discount).

That's my modest list, anyway.

Moreso than in years past, this off-season is make or break for Sweeney.

We're going to find out what he's learned from past big fish free agent whiffs, how he manages the cap surplus (which, to my knowledge, every other club will enjoy, too), and most importantly, what Don Sweeney values.

Guys who create and go after pucks aggressively, or a passive group that prefers to "let the play come to them"?

A defensively sound team that can, you know, break out of their own end effectively.

Giving up playoff tested and found wanting "quality rather quantity" shot selection, which not only led to absurdly low shot totals in the second season, but a group of players schooled in this approach who, unsurprisingly, were unwilling to shoot the puck.

OCD line juggling from game to game, shift to shift. (The Bruins did not have a set fourth line until mid-March, which isn't the half of it.)

Confused, chaotic, comically unprofessional line changes -- themselves likely a product of constant line juggling -- producing repeated, embarrassing TMMOTI penalties.

Team toughness -- clearing bodies out of the crease, relentless work in the corners, standing up for one another, dishing it out rather than meekly taking it. Standing up for one another or continued wimpery?

Regular season success or built for the playoffs?

We shall see.

 

[BruinDust]

Agree with your post.
Wanted to add that DS cannot do anything until Ullmark decides who he wants to be traded too.
I think Detroit and Edmonton are two landing spots.

Detroit is a possibility. I don't see a fit with Edmonton for the team or player.

 

[wintersej]

I don't know man...you have a RHD PK1 making $4M a year who can get absolutely buried and yet you still score almost 60% of the goals 5v5 when he's on the ice, and you want to consider trading him? Why? RHD is the hardest position to fill save netminder, and we have an excellent one. I just don't get it.

Only because the options on the UFA market at C suck and the options on the UFA market for RD are palatable. In an ideal world, you have it all. I’m not looking to find a deal for Carlo, but I think you have to be open to it if his name comes up. I, personally, think Necas has another level in him if you can get him away from Jack Drury and KK as his primary linemates. I can hear folks that don’t think it’s worth it and don’t believe he has another level to give. But blindly saying that Carlo can’t be traded I’m not on board with.

 

[goldenblack]

Operation Drai elimination still in play

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

e Only because the options on the UFA market at C suck and the options on the UFA market for RD are palatable. In an ideal world, you have it all. I’m not looking to find a deal for Carlo, but I think you have to be open to it if his name comes up. I, personally, think Necas has another level in him if you can get him away from Jack Drury and KK as his primary linemates. I can hear folks that don’t think it’s worth it and don’t believe he has another level to give. But blindly saying that Carlo can’t be traded I’m not on board with.

I want Necas more than just about anyone on here, but he's not a center and I'm not trading Brandon Carlo for him.

 

[BruinDust]

Only because the options on the UFA market at C suck and the options on the UFA market for RD are palatable. I

I see two options in free agency to replace Carlo. Montour and Pesce. And if the Bruins strike out there, now what?

Honestly if they are willing to move Carlo, forget Martin Necas and call TO about Mitch Marner. Could be Larsson for Hall version 2.0.

 

[Hookslide]

I disagree entirely. Carlo is a 3rd pairing defenseman. He’s 50/50 good and bad. Carlo gets beaten on the boards like a rag doll. He does do his best I’ll give him that but to call him elite or better than Chychrun is a step I won’t take.

Chychrun will bring more speed and offensive skill. He reminds me of Adam Fox. A sound positional player who can run the power play and become a scoring forward down low, consistently.

Comedy statement........

 

[Bruinfanatic]

Agree with your post.
Wanted to add that DS cannot do anything until Ullmark decides who he wants to be traded too.
I think Detroit and Edmonton are two landing spots.

He has a list of teams he is willing to go to and the Bruins have the list so isn’t it really kind of out of his hands ,unless you mean whether he might approve of a team not on his list.

 

[Eddie Munson]

I believe you’re misinterpreting my representation. The overall big picture view from 20,000 feet is with over 30 million in cap space, after said trades, there’s plenty of money to sign 3 high end player, collect some draft picks and sign Swayman. Move the pieces and picks around the league as you will but to say the Bruins can’t accomplish at least what I proposed misses the point.

Again, it's not 30m in cap, it's 25m because you keep forgetting Chychrun's CURRENT contract that you're taking on. You need to sign Swayman which is likely going to run you 6-7m so now conservatively you're down to 19m. You need to bring in a backup goalie and minimally 2 other players to fill out your 23 man roster which will cost you 2.25m if all three are on league minimum contracts (doubtful). Now you're down to 16m'ish. That's enough for maybe one high-end player and a one or two complimentary pieces.

While I disagree with the entirety of your take, you're certainly entitled to it. But where I'm trying to tell you your wrong is your math, and you're not entitled to have an opinion on math. If you feel I'm wrong, then post your roster with the salaries and show me where I'm wrong.

 

[RiverbottomChuck]

You don’t get rid of Carlo the first year he has dad strength.

 

[BradMarchandismydad]

They really don't like him and doesn't like them.
That is precisely why the Bruins won't trade for Chychurn, he is baby soft and certainly not better than Carlo.
A big pass on that loser!.

He’s definitely not a loser. His big knock is that he is injury prone.

Put him next to McAvoy and we will no joke have the most productive blue line in the NHL goal wise

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I LIKE Carlo and I think with a better forward group his non-sustainable Forbort-esque 42% shot share would improve. He is good at what he does. He is also not good at other things that eats away at some of his value. In an ideal world if you are going to bury someone as much as Carlo gets buried you are doing it to have some offensive dynamo get a lot of o-zone time. Think back to Chara and Krug.instead the Bruins are essentially muting Lindholm's effectiveness as a two way guy, and giving McAvoy primo offensive minutes when the offensive side of his game is the weaker of his two way game. Lindholm and McAvoy both beg for two way deployment, and the make up of the teams D doesn't allow for that.

Perhaps next season you can give the Lorhei/McAvoy/Lindholm/Carlo four some more evenly spaced usage. But, then you are actually removing value from Carlo when you give him more balanced deployments.

To put Carlo in his most effective position you are not putting Lindholm and McAvoy in their most effective positions. Is it worth it? When you add in his immense PK value, maybe it is. But, I also don't hold him as an untouchable core guy, either. Especially given that right now his trade value is at its absolute peak it will ever be with 3 years of good cap hit remaining before you run into what will be a difficult contract to get a good deal out of.

I'm going to have to disagree with this.

He’s definitely not a loser. His big knock is that he is injury prone.

Put him next to McAvoy and we will no joke have the most productive blue line in the NHL goal wise

I'm going to have to disagree with this.

 

[wintersej]

I see two options in free agency to replace Carlo. Montour and Pesce. And if the Bruins strike out there, now what?

Honestly if they are willing to move Carlo, forget Martin Necas and call TO about Mitch Marner. Could be Larsson for Hall version 2.0.

Roy, Tanev and Demelo also solid if not spectacular options.

All signs are the Bruins being kind of trapped into hanging out a long term big contract for a 30 year old 2C. Just think that looking at options outside of that is worth while and Carlo’s value is at his absolute peak right now.

 

[BradMarchandismydad]

Carlo had 59 Offensive Zone starts ALL YEAR. Mason Lohrei had 100, for perspective.

He was dead last in the league for OZ starts among defensemen with 500 mins TOI at 22.7%. He was 5 points behind second to last.

And yet, the Bruins scored 59% of the goals while he was on the ice - 17th in the whole league.

I feel like people are still stuck on the Carlo of 3 years ago.

He’s had a major uptick in offense under Monty, while remaining just as good defensively

I'm going to have to disagree with this.



I'm going to have to disagree with this.

That’s fine, it’s certainly a hot take, but he’s a top 3 dman in terms of shooting and that’s not really up for debate

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I feel like people are still stuck on the Carlo of 3 years ago.

He’s had a major uptick in offense under Monty, while remaining just as good defensively



That’s fine, it’s certainly a hot take, but he’s a top 3 dman in terms of shooting and that’s not really up for debate

Probably would be the top 1.

 

[Bong Whisperer]

Again, it's not 30m in cap, it's 25m because you keep forgetting Chychrun's CURRENT contract that you're taking on. You need to sign Swayman which is likely going to run you 6-7m so now conservatively you're down to 19m. You need to bring in a backup goalie and minimally 2 other players to fill out your 23 man roster which will cost you 2.25m if all three are on league minimum contracts (doubtful). Now you're down to 16m'ish. That's enough for maybe one high-end player and a one or two complimentary pieces.

While I disagree with the entirety of your take, you're certainly entitled to it. But where I'm trying to tell you your wrong is your math, and you're not entitled to have an opinion on math. If you feel I'm wrong, then post your roster with the salaries and show me where I'm wrong.

As I said; mix and match all you want, but trading Ullmark and Carlo puts the Bruins with 30+ mil and probably a hand full of draft picks.
BTW, it’s not my math you’re having a problem with but in your lack of creativity; But, of course, you’re certainly entitled that too.

I haven’t seen any specific picks or configurations from you that maximize trade prospects and cap space? Everybody can talk the talk but can you walk the walk? Let’s see your math…

 

[SPV]

I always try to undervalue my trade thoughts. With that said, I think something like Haula, Bahl, and Stillman for Ullmark would be pretty decent for us. Then let’s say Lindholm, Coyle, Haula, and Beecher down the middle. Should be a very nice upgrade on our faceoff percentages.

Another target Id consider to replace Jake is Anthony Mantha. He should be less expensive and gives the top 6 some much needed size. He doesn’t always play physical, but can bring it. It’s not sexy, but it’s an upgrade, with lots of space for more moves, and definitely harder to play agaInst.

 

[GordonHowe]

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-must-target-stars-veteran-center

 

[Oates2Neely]

I think Utah could use Ullmark. I read somewhere they’re looking to make some noise in their 1st season. Ullmark can take command of their crease. I’d like to see Lawson Crouse in a Bruins uniform.

3rd line of Crouse - Coyle - Poitras

 

[Bruinfanatic]

What’s with all the Carlo trade talk ,personally I thought he was maybe the least of the issues in the playoffs,well that and Swayman obviously.Personally I think he has been their best D the last two playoffs.He even chipped in 3 goals in these playoffs.