Boston Bruins 22-‘23 Bruins roster and trade proposals discussions. VII

[Gee Wally]

The Bruins are in a great position, and they could score some help ahead of the NHL trade deadline - The Boston Globe

His team leads the league at the All-Star break and general manager Don Sweeney could make it an even better one with the right moves.

www.bostonglobe.com

When next we see the Bruins, facing off against the Capitals Feb. 11 at TD Garden, the March 3 NHL trade deadline will be only a touch under three weeks away.

If general manager Don Sweeney is in a shopping mood — likely so, given his history, including last year’s acquisition of defenseman Hampus Lindholm — then the No. 1 target could be adding some toughness to the backline.

Amid the bountiful success this season, including their league-best mark of 39-7-5, it has been easy to forget that the Bruins still haven’t found a replacement for Kevan Miller’s snake-in-the-boot blend of snarl and grit behind the blue line.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a concern,” team president Cam Neely said on Wednesday while watching his club’s morning workout in Toronto. “It’s more, like, what do we feel we need to help us advance … four [playoff] rounds, potentially seven games a round, you want to plan for anything that can happen,

Had Miller’s equal been in the lineup last May, the Hurricanes might have expected a rough ride around the rink after Andrei Svechnikov delivered the hit that sent Lindholm to Palookaville in Game 2. Which isn’t to say that the Bruins would have been guaranteed safe passage into Round 2, but some of that patented Miller-like pushback might at least have provided a spark that was woefully absent for the Bruins in all four games they played (and lost) at Carolina.

“It would be a nice element to have,” noted Neely, “but we’re not saying we absolutely have to have it.”

That said, every club can use more scoring, and Sweeney might consider adding some pop off the wing. The hottest rumor headed into the break had Sweeney kicking tires on speedy Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who is on target to be an unrestricted free agent in July (similar to David Pastrnak).

With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci still in residence as centers 1 and 1A, Larkin, if brought aboard, would slot in as a left-shooting wing. His presence would knock Craig Smith permanently out of the top six.

Larkin will turn 27 in July. Like Bo Horvat, the center recently dished from Vancouver to the Islanders, he’d be an ideal long-term signing, positioned to move into vacancies created one day soon by Bergeron and Krejci. The return for Detroit? A package that most likely would include Jake DeBrusk, due back in the lineup from injury when the Bruins return against the Capitals.

There is also a sleeper to consider: Ohio State defenseman Mason Lohrei. He soon will wrap up his sophomore season. Neely noted this week, when asked if he felt Lohrei’s game was NHL-ready, said he felt the prospect first would need some time with AHL Providence.
Lohrei, who turned 22 in January, is big (6 feet 4 inches, 210 pounds) and likes to jump into the play — he’s the No. 3 scorer for the Buckeyes this season with a line of 1-19–20. He wouldn’t fill that Miller void for grit and swagger, but Lohrei could add even more of an offensive dynamic than we’ve seen back there of late.

Maybe another Miller isn’t the answer. Maybe this is the year when more scoring puts an end to the questions.

 

[Blowfish]

The Bruins are in a great position, and they could score some help ahead of the NHL trade deadline - The Boston Globe

His team leads the league at the All-Star break and general manager Don Sweeney could make it an even better one with the right moves.

www.bostonglobe.com

When next we see the Bruins, facing off against the Capitals Feb. 11 at TD Garden, the March 3 NHL trade deadline will be only a touch under three weeks away.

If general manager Don Sweeney is in a shopping mood — likely so, given his history, including last year’s acquisition of defenseman Hampus Lindholm — then the No. 1 target could be adding some toughness to the backline.

Amid the bountiful success this season, including their league-best mark of 39-7-5, it has been easy to forget that the Bruins still haven’t found a replacement for Kevan Miller’s snake-in-the-boot blend of snarl and grit behind the blue line.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a concern,” team president Cam Neely said on Wednesday while watching his club’s morning workout in Toronto. “It’s more, like, what do we feel we need to help us advance … four [playoff] rounds, potentially seven games a round, you want to plan for anything that can happen,

Had Miller’s equal been in the lineup last May, the Hurricanes might have expected a rough ride around the rink after Andrei Svechnikov delivered the hit that sent Lindholm to Palookaville in Game 2. Which isn’t to say that the Bruins would have been guaranteed safe passage into Round 2, but some of that patented Miller-like pushback might at least have provided a spark that was woefully absent for the Bruins in all four games they played (and lost) at Carolina.

“It would be a nice element to have,” noted Neely, “but we’re not saying we absolutely have to have it.”

That said, every club can use more scoring, and Sweeney might consider adding some pop off the wing. The hottest rumor headed into the break had Sweeney kicking tires on speedy Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who is on target to be an unrestricted free agent in July (similar to David Pastrnak).

With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci still in residence as centers 1 and 1A, Larkin, if brought aboard, would slot in as a left-shooting wing. His presence would knock Craig Smith permanently out of the top six.

Larkin will turn 27 in July. Like Bo Horvat, the center recently dished from Vancouver to the Islanders, he’d be an ideal long-term signing, positioned to move into vacancies created one day soon by Bergeron and Krejci. The return for Detroit? A package that most likely would include Jake DeBrusk, due back in the lineup from injury when the Bruins return against the Capitals.

There is also a sleeper to consider: Ohio State defenseman Mason Lohrei. He soon will wrap up his sophomore season. Neely noted this week, when asked if he felt Lohrei’s game was NHL-ready, said he felt the prospect first would need some time with AHL Providence.
Lohrei, who turned 22 in January, is big (6 feet 4 inches, 210 pounds) and likes to jump into the play — he’s the No. 3 scorer for the Buckeyes this season with a line of 1-19–20. He wouldn’t fill that Miller void for grit and swagger, but Lohrei could add even more of an offensive dynamic than we’ve seen back there of late.

Maybe another Miller isn’t the answer. Maybe this is the year when more scoring puts an end to the questions.

Good article....

Larkin would be a dream ... anything is possible I guess. Interesting to hear Lohrei joining the bruins. I guess it's possible.

 

[dugg133]

I'm liking the idea of Domi...​

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Bruins Rumors: 3 Players Linked to Boston Trade​

The Boston Bruins were in the Bo Horvat sweepstakes but unfortunately fell short to the New York Islanders. That's not going to slow down Bruins GM Don Sweeney as the team looks for another rental they could add who has potential of sticking around long term. Boston has shown in the past they will acquire pending free agents and most of the time, can get a contract extension done before free agency begins. Here's a few players the team was recently linked to acquiring via Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic:
AD

Max Domi, Chicago Blackhawks​

Domi would give the Bruins another option down the middle and someone who is versatile enough to fill in on the wings if needed. He's having a solid season with the Blackhawks and if it was up to Domi, he'd likely be staying put. He leads the Blackhawks with 35 points and he's a player who has been on the team's radar for quite some time.

Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes​

The towering forward who give the Bruins some more size up front. He's a pending free agent who has recorded 21 points in 50 games and could slide onto the Bruins third line. At only $900,000 against the cap, there's going to be a big market for Bjugstad's services.

Ryan O'Reilly, St Louis Blues​

Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly would prefer to sign another contract with St Louis and has even admitted he'll take a discount to stick around. The Blues are going to scan their options leading up to the March 3 trade deadline, even with ROR currently injured and not expected back from a broken foot until a week or so before the deadline. The Factor can do it all and especially in the playoffs so if the Bruins landed him, look out.

Domi has the same amount of points at 5v5 as Frederic despite playing like 4 more minutes a game at even strength, with 20% more O-Zone starts. And he’d be significantly worse defensively. Not sure he’s an upgrade tbh. I love the idea of Bjugstad as a 4th line upgrade though. Big body, good defensively, has some scoring touch.

 

[HustleB]

Right now he has negative value, but like basketball, his expiring contract should have a little value to someone come the deadline.

In hockey, it simply has less negative value. There is no value created in an expiring hockey contract per se. In Basketball, with the advent of the Larry Bird rule, I believe teams can go over the cap for their own players, and they can retain that overage by cycling through expiring contracts to create extra space. Anyhow, no positive value for any player on an NHL contract that does not positively impact WAR. Though I don't know if there is a perfect WAR assessment that will always have some perspective/analysis bias.

 

[Blowfish]

So far discussed likes / dislikes ranking of rumoured trade targets...

Larkin
Horvat
Domi
Henrique
Boeser
JVR
Bjugstad
Chychrun
Barbashev
Toews
Tarasenko
O'Reilly
Araceli
Schenn
Kane
Looch

 

[162bruins]

Lucic is insurance for players like Patrice to play the full series and not worried about any cheap shots. Worked wonders for gretzky with semenko on his side in his cup runs.

exactly, i don't care if he rides the bench but if he needs to go for a skate then send him. There's nobody better than him to do that. Too bad the red line is gone, the naysayers would be singing a different tune.

 

[trenton1]

Lucic is insurance for players like Patrice to play the full series and not worried about any cheap shots. Worked wonders for gretzky with semenko on his side in his cup runs.

If Lucic was at the price tag of about 800k, I would be in full agreement that he would be a good guy to have in stable for some net-front dirty work, etc. I actually think Lucic would have some dead cat bounce here where his hockey heart is. But you can't take any chances at his price tag. Ship long sailed with that deal he had to take.

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

Lucic is insurance for players like Patrice to play the full series and not worried about any cheap shots. Worked wonders for gretzky with semenko on his side in his cup runs.

He wouldn't be playing on a line with Bergeron so he's not going to be "on his side" for this cup run.

He would be sent out as a reaction after the cheap shot already happened. He's too slow to make any impact during the run of play so he would then be chasing someone around trying to get them to fight after the whistle.

Which means he's taking an instigator or a roughing call and putting the Bs shorthanded because he shoved a guy after the whistle. That's not a deterrent. Nobody is scared of that.

And if he did anything major he'd get tossed out of the game/suspended and the Bruins are shorthanded for 5 minutes.


And again, Lucic was on the Bruins in the past when they suffered from cheap shots. So your theory has already proven to be incorrect.

 

[Oates2Neely]

Dylan Larkin is someone I’d give up 1st +++ for, and sign for 8m+. Unfortunately the cap space just isn’t there next season without some serious cap gymnastics. Would have to trade out a current core player (DeBrusk, Hall, Carlo, Ullmark, etc) and even that isn’t enough. Sigh..

 

[dugg133]

In hockey, it simply has less negative value. There is no value created in an expiring hockey contract per se. In Basketball, with the advent of the Larry Bird rule, I believe teams can go over the cap for their own players, and they can retain that overage by cycling through expiring contracts to create extra space. Anyhow, no positive value for any player on an NHL contract that does not positively impact WAR. Though I don't know if there is a perfect WAR assessment that will always have some perspective/analysis bias.

To add on to this, the NBA has salary matching rules in trades, you need to send back I believe at least 75% of whatever salary you’re trading for. That makes expiring mid level contracts inherently more valuable then they are in the NHL, even if the player is underperforming.

 

[Blowfish]

exactly, i don't care if he rides the bench but if he needs to go for a skate then send him. There's nobody better than him to do that. Too bad the red line is gone, the naysayers would be singing a different tune.

It's been said before...losing assets and cap space to make this happen doesn't make any sense. You get Looch you lose out on a serious upgrade on your D or Forward positions. Add to the fact Looch simply isn't the same player. Would hate to be judging him every game.

Dylan Larkin is someone I’d give up 1st +++ for, and sign for 8m+. Unfortunately the cap space just isn’t there next season without some serious cap gymnastics. Would have to trade out a current core player (DeBrusk, Hall, Carlo, Ullmark, etc) and even that isn’t enough. Sigh..

Would a signed Larkin ... Swayman 1st and xx prospect work? Swayman up for new contract which is a little worrisome. Love Swayman but you gotta give to get a guy like Larkin.

Let me know if I need to increase my meds...lol

After seeing Looch Krejci Bergeron and Pasta hanging this summer... part of me wonders if Looch will be back. There is a possibility. Do I like it? not really.

 

[JRull86]

There are multiple players from STL I think make sense for this lineup, and are at least semi-realistic options. Acciari, Barbashev, ROR.

Not sure how they'd make ROR work, even though hed be such a natural fit here.

Side note, please stop with the Lucic talk. He'd MAYBE make sense as a 13F/locker room guy if he was playing for the vet minimum this year, CGY retained on that small deal, and you were essentially getting him for free.

At his currently salary? Massive pass.

It's been said before...losing assets and cap space to make this happen doesn't make any sense. You get Looch you lose out on a serious upgrade on your D or Forward positions. Add to the fact Looch simply isn't the same player. Would hate to be judging him every game.


Would a signed Larkin ... Swayman 1st and xx prospect work? Swayman up for new contract which is a little worrisome. Love Swayman but you gotta give to get a guy like Larkin.

Let me know if I need to increase my meds...lol

If you can get a player like Larkin with an unproven goalie as the main piece going back, you do it a million times over.

Totally unrealistic though.

My guess is something like 1st, roster piece (Debrusk) and a quality prospect is the framework.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

There are multiple players from STL I think make sense for this lineup, and are at least semi-realistic options. Acciari, Barbashev, ROR.

Not sure how they'd make ROR work, even though hed be such a natural fit here.

Side note, please stop with the Lucic talk. He'd MAYBE make sense as a 13F/locker room guy if he was playing for the vet minimum this year, CGY retained on that small deal, and you were essentially getting him for free.

At his currently salary? Massive pass.

And please stop with the Acciari and ROR talk, No thanks to either. Acciari? been there done that. ROR is cooked.

 

[quietbruinfan]

In hockey, it simply has less negative value. There is no value created in an expiring hockey contract per se. In Basketball, with the advent of the Larry Bird rule, I believe teams can go over the cap for their own players, and they can retain that overage by cycling through expiring contracts to create extra space. Anyhow, no positive value for any player on an NHL contract that does not positively impact WAR. Though I don't know if there is a perfect WAR assessment that will always have some perspective/analysis bias.

I know about Bird rights, and you are right to cite them, but I still think his contract has a little value to say a team that is selling off and needs to be at the salary floor. Though there are Ltiretired players for that. It is almost always Arizona only, but I do not think so this year. All roads may again lead to Anaheim, depending on how many players they trade.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Lucic is insurance for players like Patrice to play the full series and not worried about any cheap shots. Worked wonders for gretzky with semenko on his side in his cup runs.

Lucic. Doesn’t stop. Cheap shots.

 

[Therick67]

Lucic. Doesn’t stop. Cheap shots.

Nope, but maybe he can throw some or neutralize a guy like Maroon. Tampa has some fake tough guys who might not be quiet as brave with Looch around.

He's not coming here anyway...

 

[Blowfish]

If you can get a player like Larkin with an unproven goalie as the main piece going back, you do it a million times over.

Totally unrealistic though.

My guess is something like 1st, roster piece (Debrusk) and a quality prospect is the framework.

Swayman unproven "debatable"? but I agree a roster piece would be going back. Debrusk would hurt.

 

[JRull86]

And please stop with the Acciari and ROR talk, No thanks to either. Acciari? been there done that. ROR is cooked.

ROR is not "cooked".

He's having a poor season playing on a very poorly constructed Blues team. That roster is a mess, and pretty much every single one of their top players is having a bad year outside of Kyrou.

Swayman unproven "debatable"? but I agree a roster piece would be going back. Debrusk would hurt.

72 career games over 3+ seasons as a goalie is unproven in my book.

I think he's good, and has a solid future ahead, but using that piece to acquire a top 6 C would be an absolute no brainer to me.

Won't happen.

 

[Bruin4]

Tarasenko could be the next of the big names to get moved

 

[Fenian24]

Love the idea of Larkin, I give Detroit a first, Lysell and whatever they want not in the top 9/top 4 to get him if signed, I still go for Larking if he won't sign until a UFA but the cost would be lower.

Schenn would be my first choice on D for a 5-7 that will hit and be a physical force, I do not care how slow he is.

Still want more grit in the forward group, Jeannott, Dakota Johnson, Sam Carrick, Austin Watson would all be nice additions as a 12th forward.

 

[sarge88]

He wouldn't be playing on a line with Bergeron so he's not going to be "on his side" for this cup run.

He would be sent out as a reaction after the cheap shot already happened. He's too slow to make any impact during the run of play so he would then be chasing someone around trying to get them to fight after the whistle.

Which means he's taking an instigator or a roughing call and putting the Bs shorthanded because he shoved a guy after the whistle. That's not a deterrent. Nobody is scared of that.

And if he did anything major he'd get tossed out of the game/suspended and the Bruins are shorthanded for 5 minutes.


And again, Lucic was on the Bruins in the past when they suffered from cheap shots. So your theory has already proven to be incorrect.

How do you prove that more cheap shots didn't happen because they didn't want to answer to Lucic?

There are scum bags out there who will throw cheap shots regardless of who is lined up against them, granted.

There are also players out there who are spot picking weasels, who will throw a dirty hit when they know they won't have to answer for it.

There is absolutely no way in the world to say with any measure of certainty that having tough players doesn't prevent cheap shots vs. teammates.

In fact, almost to a man, the players themselves say that toughness is a deterrent to cheap shots.

 

[DominicT]

@DominicT I think there's enough Lucic talk as there's people who think he can still serve a use, there's people who think he stinks, and there's people who think the Bruins can spend smarter to help fill bigger holes. I dont think any of that needs to be debated anymore. Just a question on the double retention though. Since Edmonton retained 12.5% in the deal with Calgary, he can only be retained on by Calgary alone or a secondary team if traded full salary by Calgary in another deal. Is the highest he can be retained at by one team 50%?

For example: Toewes Chicago retains 50% and Anh retains 50% bringing him down to 2.625 million
If Calgary traded Looch to Anh straight up and then Anh traded him to Vegas with 70.0% retention at 1.575 million. Is that legal or is the most the secondary team could retain is 50%?

Lucic already has a retention by Edmonton therefore only Cagary can retain. Only 2 salary retention allowed per contract

 

[Blowfish]

Love the idea of Larkin, I give Detroit a first, Lysell and whatever they want not in the top 9/top 4 to get him if signed, I still get go for Larking if he won't sign until a UFA but the cost would be lower.

Schenn would be my first choice on D for a 5-7 that will hit and be a physical force, I do not care how slow how slow he is.

Still want more grit in the forward group, Jeannott, Dakota Johnson, Sam Carrick, Austin Watson would all be nice additions as a 12th forward.

Hey we're on the same page? My concern is they most likely will want Debrusk? Would you do it?

 

[ODAAT]

I'm liking the idea of Domi...​

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Bruins Rumors: 3 Players Linked to Boston Trade​

The Boston Bruins were in the Bo Horvat sweepstakes but unfortunately fell short to the New York Islanders. That's not going to slow down Bruins GM Don Sweeney as the team looks for another rental they could add who has potential of sticking around long term. Boston has shown in the past they will acquire pending free agents and most of the time, can get a contract extension done before free agency begins. Here's a few players the team was recently linked to acquiring via Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic:
AD

Max Domi, Chicago Blackhawks​

Domi would give the Bruins another option down the middle and someone who is versatile enough to fill in on the wings if needed. He's having a solid season with the Blackhawks and if it was up to Domi, he'd likely be staying put. He leads the Blackhawks with 35 points and he's a player who has been on the team's radar for quite some time.

Nick Bjugstad, Arizona Coyotes​

The towering forward who give the Bruins some more size up front. He's a pending free agent who has recorded 21 points in 50 games and could slide onto the Bruins third line. At only $900,000 against the cap, there's going to be a big market for Bjugstad's services.

Ryan O'Reilly, St Louis Blues​

Blues captain Ryan O'Reilly would prefer to sign another contract with St Louis and has even admitted he'll take a discount to stick around. The Blues are going to scan their options leading up to the March 3 trade deadline, even with ROR currently injured and not expected back from a broken foot until a week or so before the deadline. The Factor can do it all and especially in the playoffs so if the Bruins landed him, look out.

I look at a guy like Gavrikov, Soucy or Schenn on the back end
Like to snag a JT Compher from the Avs but that ain`t happenin

Derek Grant from the Duckies or some Cup experience in Bonino

 

[Gordon Lightfoot]

Tarasenko was quite a player for a while. I see his stats but I’m curious to hear how he has looked. Still have his speed and shot? He seems like a pipe dream but I am basing that on his play a few years ago.