Boston Bruins 24-25 Roster/Cap thread XIII

[TCB]

Brad Marchand Could Hit Trade Market: "All Bets Off", Says Exec

One NHL executive says

nhltradetalk.com

One NHL executive says “all bets are off” as it pertains to Brad Marchand possibly being traded by the Boston Bruins.

Marchand finds himself at a career crossroads. There is talk the Bruins are seriously considering moving him. He has an 8-team no-trade clause, which makes him moveable. And, with 966 career points, the 36-year-old captain is on pace to surpass 1,000 early in the 2025-26 season. He could offer a contender leadership and proven production. And, with the team struggling this season, questions loom about his future with the organization.

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

If Dan is right, he has a soft cast on his dominant hand and so is playing injured in a way that kills his shooting ability. I don't know, but something is going on because there is no reason he should fall so drastically off a cliff at this point.

Lindholm had 44 points last year. He's on pace for 39 this year. What cliff has he fallen off of? He is exactly the player we signed.

 

[Guelph Bruin]

Anyone honestly think Hampus will come back and reach the same level he was prior to injury? I'm not sold he's going to be Hampus we remember .... I'm not even sold he'll be back this year ...I hope he is but it might be more timid blocking shots and less mobile version of Hampus

Edited for Clarification: I meant in reference to this year, I expect (hopefully) he will be the same Hampus by training camp next year but not likely before

 

[dugg133]

I'd like to see the numbers under Sacco only.

He was truly dreadful under Monty I felt. But he was getting used to a new system with a team getting used to a new system.

Since the coaching change and systems change back to Julien-style, he's been drastically improved. He's simplified his game, picked his spots to lay big hits better, better pacing.

That being said, he has his limitations. I don't like him defending against fast highly skilled players, they can expose him a bit. But he's exactly what you want up against bigger scoring forwards like either of the Tkachuks.

I don't like him paired with McAvoy, because I feel to get the most out of McAvoy, you need to pair him with a D-man who is more mobile and has better offensive instincts than what Zadorov brings. Your not getting your 9.5 million worth from McAvoy in today's game pairing him with a big physical shutdown type defender. I want all 4 guys to be options for McAvoy when he's walking the blue-line, not just the 3 forwards.

It's one reason I'd like to move on from Carlo. Give Hampus to McAvoy as your all-around pair that you can roll out in any situation, and find the right partner for Zadorov if the plan is to have all 3 of them here the next 5 years (all 3 are UFA the same year).

Hampus - McAvoy

Zadorov - XXXX

Lohrei - XXXX

Is how I would approach re-tooling the D.

His numbers rebounded a bit for the 2 weeks after Sacco took over and then went back to being bad not long after that.

Sacco took over on Nov 19, since then Zadorov has a 46% CF%, 44% xG%, and a 45% SCF%. So basically we get outshot, outchanced, and lose the possession battle with him on the ice. The bruins have outscored their opponents 21 to 20 in that span but that's mostly a factor of Sway waking up and not being the worst goalie in the league anymore.

Genuinely not trying to be overly negative, I do value what Zadorov can bring even if I don't like his price tag. But literally nothing about his numbers say he's giving you quality top 4 minutes and saying he's been our best dman to this point is a complete fantasy.

 

[PlayMakers]

I'm a little hesitant on Miller, considering age and contract, big pass. The majority of teams will add as well, so even if the Bruins were to get Miller it doesn't guarantee a long playoff run, hell it doesn't even guarantee a playoff. Then whats the cost, and who and what are you paying to get him, its not going to be cheap, on top of that you have the cap hit till he's 37. Just dont feel this current Bruins team should head in that direction. Id rather see them focus on some one younger and with term, if not now do it during the off season

lot of miles on his body, miller plays the game the right way, big & strong takes the body, but unfortunately that also wears on your body over time.

Sweeney swung and missed on Lindholm and I don't want to see a repeat of Miller even if it comes a year or two down the road. Hopefully he's targeting someone younger and with term.

I agree that his age is a negative and not ideal for our situation. I disagree that he will cost a lot. I think he's gong to be very cheap (relative to his value as a #1c) because of his NMC. I think his cap hit is spectacular. An 80-100 point center for $8m? In 2 years that's going to be 3rd liner money.

It's a risk, but I don't see us being able to afford a young #1 center line Pettersson, if one even comes available. It's also a risk to go for a young talented center than projected (at one time) to become a #1 center. What if he never pops? This core has 2-4 years to make hay, are we going to waste it waiting to find out? I'm not against that type of deal mind you, I just don't think we should bet the franchise on it.

Lindholm is a miss, but he has utility as a Coyle replacement for the 3rd line and if that's not good enough they may drop the buyout cap penalty in the next CBA so that could be an exit strategy.

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Zadorov has been our best defenseman. He has played top3 minutes all season, over 20 minutes a game, and leads the team with a +10.

He's performed like a top4 D, as such he is paid appropriately and that deal will look like a steal as soon as July 2nd, when the ink dries on the all the new deals signed under a $95m cap.

I do agree that he's been everything the Bruins needed him to be in terms of being an intimidating, physical presence.

All true but is he actually performing that well or is the rest of the system/team simply that poor this season?

Ideally McAvoy (struggled), Lindholm (injured), Carlo (abysmal) should be ahead of Zadorov... which does leave him as the ideal #3/4 if he continues this season.

Majority of his career he averages 16-18 ATOI. 3rd pair minutes.

Time will tell. Regardless I am a fan and glad to have him albeit somewhat wondering if that salary might have been better utilized on a top 6 scoring forward. 50-50 undecided.

 

[PlayMakers]

You're right, he hasn't been winning his matchups so he's actually been worse
View attachment 966432

I get it, people want a return to old time hockey and the big bad bruins and Zadorov is your lord and savior cause of that. He's still been dogshit.

Now do the rest of the defense. Do Carlo. These charts are meaningless without context and the context for the Boston Bruins is that they have been a team in defensive disarray for most of the season.

Remember when the charts said Anaheim Lindholm stinks?

 

[dugg133]

Now do the rest of the defense. Do Carlo. These charts are meaningless without context and the context for the Boston Bruins is that they have been a team in defensive disarray for most of the season.

Remember when the charts said Anaheim Lindholm stinks?

Carlo's chart is also bad because he's been bad. Crazy how I'm able to be objective about a player that I like and have defended in the past. You should try it.

 

[Dr Hook]

Lindholm had 44 points last year. He's on pace for 39 this year. What cliff has he fallen off of? He is exactly the player we signed.

The season before that he had 64. I am pretty sure the Bruins were not thinking he was a 44 point guy, nor was I, and to be under 40, yeah I'd say that it is a off a cliff. To me anyway. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Bodit9]

I'm a little hesitant on Miller, considering age and contract, big pass. The majority of teams will add as well, so even if the Bruins were to get Miller it doesn't guarantee a long playoff run, hell it doesn't even guarantee a playoff. Then whats the cost, and who and what are you paying to get him, its not going to be cheap, on top of that you have the cap hit till he's 37. Just dont feel this current Bruins team should head in that direction. Id rather see them focus on some one younger and with term, if not now do it during the off season

lot of miles on his body, miller plays the game the right way, big & strong takes the body, but unfortunately that also wears on your body over time.

Sweeney swung and missed on Lindholm and I don't want to see a repeat of Miller even if it comes a year or two down the road. Hopefully he's targeting someone younger and with term.

Miller still has some good years left.

 

[PlayMakers]

Agreed. As we approach Cam's 'fork in the road' it is legit question of does the team 'go for it' for the next 2-3 seasons, because that would be the commitment if Miller is brought in. I get the idea, with Mac, Sway, Pasta all in their prime years. But is Miller enough of an add to really go for it? And if not, what else futures-wise does it cost to build up the team some more and does it still get you there?

I think Miller would have a big impact on the team, he'd improve our 5on5, our PP, our PK, our FO's.... That said, I don't think Miller is "enough" by himself, but he is a piece they can't really compete without. It gets you one step closer. Maybe that last piece is added in a separate deal or maybe it has to wait and get added over the summer in free agency, but I'd rather be shopping for a scoring wing than a #1 center AND a scoring wing.

 

[Bodit9]

The season before that he had 64. I am pretty sure the Bruins were not thinking he was a 44 point guy, nor was I, and to be under 40, yeah I'd say that it is a off a cliff. To me anyway. Your mileage may vary.

Lindholm has been trending down the past few years. Doubt it's gonna get better.

 

[PlayMakers]

If Dan is right, he has a soft cast on his dominant hand and so is playing injured in a way that kills his shooting ability. I don't know, but something is going on because there is no reason he should fall so drastically off a cliff at this point.

I hope thats true, but Dan (who I love) is known to play little mind games with the board. When I saw his post my first thought was (shakes head) DKH Propaganda.

 

[Dr Hook]

I hope thats true, but Dan (who I love) is known to play little mind games with the board. When I saw his post my first thought was (shakes head) DKH Propaganda.

I know I hesitated before posting that, because a significant part of me called bullshit on it, but you never know. I just want Lindholm to be better and he is less than two calendar years removed from a 64 point season, is barely turned thirty, and there is no apparent reason, given his play style, that he should be so much worse.

 

[TCB]

I agree that his age is a negative and not ideal for our situation. I disagree that he will cost a lot. I think he's gong to be very cheap (relative to his value as a #1c) because of his NMC. I think his cap hit is spectacular. An 80-100 point center for $8m? In 2 years that's going to be 3rd liner money.

It's a risk, but I don't see us being able to afford a young #1 center line Pettersson, if one even comes available. It's also a risk to go for a young talented center than projected (at one time) to become a #1 center. What if he never pops? This core has 2-4 years to make hay, are we going to waste it waiting to find out? I'm not against that type of deal mind you, I just don't think we should bet the franchise on it.

Lindholm is a miss, but he has utility as a Coyle replacement for the 3rd line and if that's not good enough they may drop the buyout cap penalty in the next CBA so that could be an exit strategy.

I'm not sure what it'll will cost, but I'm thinking its more than what Sweeney may want to give up, thats if Miller even waives to come to Boston.. The Canucks aren't out of it so more than likely their going to want Zacha/Coyle as part of the return, plus a prospect (Lysell/merk) and a top 6 defenseman (Carlo) I think in the end you have to ask does it put the Bruins in the playoffs and deep. No certainity there.

I think Sweeney is in a wait and see mode and won't do anything till its close to the deadline, He has one foot in the buy door and the other in the sell, so once he decodes in which direction he chooses JT could be long gone. We'll see, but either way I dont feel the Bruins have the assets to compete for a JT Miller and Miller may have told the Nucks its the Rangers and thats it.

 

[Beyonder]

I guess the question with JT Miller is: Can you really count on him being a player that will come into a team experiencing turmoil and provide a big positive impact and be a stabilizing presence?

He's a really good player. But it concerns me that he seems caught up in the drama in Vancouver, he seems pretty sour, and it is affecting is play. Is that the personality that will shrug off the challenges Boston is facing and lift all boats? I don't know.

If he was joining a strong team pushing for playoff success, that would be one thing. But he would be counted on to help turn this team around. I question whether that's a great fit from either side. Not that he is rumored to be heading there but I could see him mixing in better with Colorado or Carolina or Dallas, teams like that who are already good and have strong leadership. It is really hard to believe that the return to Vancouver could center around somebody like Kotkaniemi - it has to be a lot more, right?

As far as what it costs to get him, I guess it comes down to which teams he will accept a trade to (with his full NMC). If it's just 1 or 2, yeah, the Canucks lose a lot of leverage. If it's 3-5, then the competition will drive the price up. Reports about this seem mixed so I don't know what to expect.

I would be interested in some kind of expanded trade with Vancouver. Both teams are struggling and maybe there is opportunity to shake things up beyond just adding Miller.

All this said... it will surprise me if he goes to Boston.

 

[Absurdity]

Big Frank Seravalli calls the Bruins a 'dark horse' in the Miller sweepstakes.

JT Miller would be an enormous upgrade for this team. Apparently Rangers offered Chytil + prospect + 1st but wanted the Canucks to eat some salary. Canucks declined to do so.

What would be the comp to that offer for the Bruins?

Would it be something like Zacha + Merkulov or Brunet or similar prospect + protected 1st? would it be wise to move Zacha?

I have also seen Lindgren's name in place of the prospect. From the Bruins, a similar deal would be Coyle + Carlo + Prospect. Even though Chytil has more potential, his injury history is worrisome. He would still have more value than Coyle, but Carlo has more value than Lindgren so it would offset Coyle's lack of value. For the Bruins, they need to keep their first so maybe the additional is someone like Beecher or Merkulov/Lysell. Lysell makes sense for them especially if they may move Boeser prior to the trade deadline.

The 1,000,000 question is, should the Bruins even entertain such a move? I just think the Bruins are too inconsistent this season to consider a trade like this, and that's ignoring any issues that may be following Miller.

 

[Beyonder]

The Canucks aren't out of it so more than likely their going to want Zacha/Coyle as part of the return, plus a prospect (Lysell/merk) and a top 6 defenseman (Carlo) I think in the end you have to ask does it put the Bruins in the playoffs and deep. No certainity there.

That is a key question.

I don't know if that return gets it done - if it's Zacha + Carlo + Lysell, maybe? - but I do think you have a two-nickels-for-a-dime situation there. [The rumored ask from the Rangers sounds like a much stronger package to me.] Miller is the best player in your Boston deal, clearly, and therefore I'd probably do that even if it leaves the Bruins scrambling to fill some new holes. Maybe it takes into next season to really make the most of having Miller but still... they need to find some real talent unless a rebuild is coming.

This is not unlike the Horvat trade to NYI. A few years later, who is better off from that trade? Horvat is a key player for the Islanders (though still an admittedly flimsy team) while I'm not sure if Vancouver benefited much at all; so you trade several pieces but it's all good in the end. Question is, would Miller become like Horvat also in that he joins a team that is slowly sinking even if he's a good add in a vacuum? BTW, how is Vancouver going to be successful if they keep shipping out top forwards who are also leaders? Horvat, Lindholm, maybe next Miller, etc. That's tough to absorb.

Age is a question as others have said. Miller turns 32 this year. Are the Bruins going to pull off a Caps like turnaround in 12 months? Or are they facing an extended tailing off and rebuild process? If it's the former, Miller could help (if he's a good citizen in Boston). If it's the latter, he alone can't stave that off and he'll be miserable.

Since Boston and Vancouver seem to be enjoying swapping numerous players (last summer esp.), why not keep it going...

The 1,000,000 question is, should the Bruins even entertain such a move? I just think the Bruins are too inconsistent this season to consider a trade like this.

You may be right there.

Question is, even if that's the case, can the Bruins right the ship enough next season to make it worth having Miller?

With pieces like McAvoy, Pastrnak, Swayman in place, and some good players beyond them (if not enough overall depth of course), it could be premature to write off the Bruins chances to turn things around next year.

Miller does bring an intensity this team could really use.

 

[Hookslide]

Did he get dinged earlier this season? I seem to recall a game where he took a high hit that worried me (hell, he took one last night at end of game last night that looked a bit worrisome).

I ask because to me he looks like the version of Carlo that we've seen after prior concussions.

I may be wrong - absolutely. But not sure why he'd struggle so much this season. As you say, he's been under appreciated around here. He's a good dman, but this season has been rough.

Honestly you could have something there, but I am not sure, you are right though he is not himself this year.

 

[BruinDust]

View attachment 966450

Miller still has some good years left.

Are you really comparing JT Miller to a former league MVP and Hall-of-Famer?

That season last year for Miller is a complete anomaly. Much like Elias Lindholm's season in 2021-22. Will never come close to being repeated.

BTW, how is Vancouver going to be successful if they keep shipping out top forwards who are also leaders?

Is JT Miller really a leader? I mean, seems like he certainly thinks he's a leader. Wherever he ends up next, he probably needs to drop the faux Mark Messier act and just worry about his own game and not his teammates. He's never won anything, has zero credibility. If I was his teammate and he started giving me the gears, I'd ask him how it felt to watch Tampa win two cups immediately after they traded him, and tell him to shut his mouth.

From everything that's being said about him in Vancouver, I wouldn't want him anywhere near the Bruins dressing room.

 

[The don godfather]

Come on dude, it's been 50 games. He missed 2 one-timers on short soft passes yesterday. In NJ he had a breakaway from the blue line on the PP and just lost control of the puck. There are no signs that he's going to turn things around.

I'm not writing him off in 1 year of a 7 year contract. Look at pld he was thrown overboard last year and found his game in Washington.

 

[Bodit9]

Are you really comparing JT Miller to a former league MVP and Hall-of-Famer?

That season last year for Miller is a complete anomaly. Much like Elias Lindholm's season in 2021-22. Will never come close to being repeated.


Is JT Miller really a leader? I mean, seems like he certainly thinks he's a leader. Wherever he ends up next, he probably needs to drop the faux Mark Messier act and just worry about his own game and not his teammates. He's never won anything, has zero credibility. If I was his teammate and he started giving me the gears, I'd ask him how it felt to watch Tampa win two cups immediately after they traded him, and tell him to shut his mouth.

From everything that's being said about him in Vancouver, I wouldn't want him anywhere near the Bruins dressing room.

Yes, I am comparing similar players with similar PPG stats at similar ages.

 

[Hookslide]

If you want to say he's regressed this season, he has. So have many on that roster. But at his best, he's a big body who can fly, and he's very good in the dot.

I like him but he may be on his way out.

Of course, Sweeney is loathe to admit error, so perhaps he will be a Bruin for life.

I always saw something in him, size, speed, young good like you mentioned in the dot, and young, but I have to say he is a bit of a disappointment this year, maybe my expectations were to high. Who knows still young enough to get together, here or some place else.

 

[The don godfather]

Are you really comparing JT Miller to a former league MVP and Hall-of-Famer?

That season last year for Miller is a complete anomaly. Much like Elias Lindholm's season in 2021-22. Will never come close to being repeated.


Is JT Miller really a leader? I mean, seems like he certainly thinks he's a leader. Wherever he ends up next, he probably needs to drop the faux Mark Messier act and just worry about his own game and not his teammates. He's never won anything, has zero credibility. If I was his teammate and he started giving me the gears, I'd ask him how it felt to watch Tampa win two cups immediately after they traded him, and tell him to shut his mouth.

From everything that's being said about him in Vancouver, I wouldn't want him anywhere near the Bruins dressing room.

Yea but we sure could use his 100 points. The guy produces.

 

[BruinDust]

I'm not writing him off in 1 year of a 7 year contract. Look at pld he was thrown overboard last year and found his game in Washington.

On pace for less goals this year than last year with the Kings. He's certainly found his game.