Boston Bruins 24-25 Roster/Cap thread XIV

[PatriceBergeronFan]

Come on man, no one is taking McAvoy over Quinn Hughes and every guy I listed has been better than McAvoy this year and most of them last year as well. Forgot Heiskanen also.

I did say almost all. Of course no one takes McAvoy over Hughes.

The point is you slam McAvoy for not leading a PP when other examples of elite defensemen also have deficiencies.

 

[TCB]

They will need more then him to knock out Edm this time


He don't have 5 weeks if he is thinking about making the playoffs.Selling though he has lots of time.

well that’s the point I was trying to make. No assets to make a deal of significance a minor move makes no sense they could still miss the playoffs. So what’s the hurry unless someone gives u a can’t turn down offer.

I think he’s leaning on selling but maybe that’s just me being wishful thinking and I think these two game against the NYR will be huge on which path he decides to go down

 

[twominute]

Bruins that should be traded.

1. Frederic for 2nd and 4th round pick. (likely a late 2nd and 4th round pick as a contending team would love to add what he brings in terms of nastiness, when he is right.

2. Coyle (Bruins retain 1.25) for a 2nd and 3rd round pick. Coyle is the ideal 3C on a contending team. Whoever trades for him also gets him for another run next year.

3. Korpisalo for a 3rd round pick (hopefully more) to a team looking to add a quality goaltender. He has been solid this year.

4. Brazzeau for a 4th or 5th round pick

5. Koepke for a 4th or 5th round pick

6. Last but not least and most importantly ask Marchand where he is at. If he wants to stay, extend him, if not let the bidding war begin.

These moves would open up a ton of cap space to add at Free agency if they choose to while not completely crippling the team moving forward. It will also force this clown management group to call up and play Lysell and Merkulov.

Why not keep Brazzeau and Koepke? They're both making league minimum. I agree with the rest but would add Geekie. Geekie is at his highest value right now and will be asking for like 4 mil to resign. Marchand can decide his own fate at this point.

 

[DKH]

My consultant suggestions

Retool

COYLE has one more year at 5.25 and hits FA his NMC is modified and moveable

FREDERIC ~ with cap going up significantly in 2 years I offer him 4/18 or 2/8

I’m Freddy I might bet on self and grab 2/8 and hit FA at age 28

If he’s not taking he’s going obviously

MARCHAND ~ he’s a UFA and they are sellers I have to either have an extension or I’m moving him to Colorado for a vacation to play with his buddy McKinnon

Brad could use a get away

Risky but he screams pressure getting to him

I’m selling so he’s got to be addressed now

I’m having the talk and if I could get a good return it would be best ~ but I would have an agreed verbal deal to return after if he wants

CARLO ~ rough year I would put it out there but he’s got to return a young RD or high multiple picks combo

KORPI - I’d move for anything because I actually like how DePietro has developed. Korpi has got 3 years at 3 M per so should be able to be moved

I’m not looking to deal any of McAvoy, Pastrnak, or Swayman

The rest I’m good with

As for a 4th or 5th or whatever stuff for Brazeau etc I’m not even concerned with - I’d rather have Brazeau

I’m retooling not playing Fantasy hockey looking for JT Miller or Kreider etc

I’d like to keep and expand Frederic role but no contract he’s gone

So there are the 5 guys who I’m addressing

 

[Gee Wally]

I am still not convinced he will not sell off more assets trying to make playoffs .Be glad when this deadline is past .

One of my biggest fears.
I’m ok with trades to bolster the future. But trades to get into the playoffs is a fools errand for this year.

 

[GordonHowe]

Aired before Jets game.

Evan goes off, especially on Zadorov,

 

[22Brad Park]

One of my biggest fears.
I’m ok with trades to bolster the future. But trades to get into the playoffs is a fools errand for this year.

Yea,I am right with you.Making moves to salvage this season would be a huge mistake .I saw it b4 not trading Loui Eriksson & after he scored 30 to boot.Missed playoffs on last day losing to Ottawa and Loui walked away if my memory is right.

 

[Forester65]

I just saw this on NHL.com:

"The NHL and the NHL Players' Association announced on Friday an agreement that will provide increased predictability on core NHL Salary Cap economics for a minimum of the next three years (through 2027-28)."

"The agreement sets the following annual increases to the Upper Limit, subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement being in effect beyond the 2025-26 season: $7.5 million in 2025-26; $8.5 million in the 2026-27 season and $9.5 million in the 2027-28 season."

Do these figures pertain to maximum player salaries? Can't be, right? That means some players are already making close to double the 7.5M limit for next season.

 

[TCB]

I just saw this on NHL.com:

"The NHL and the NHL Players' Association announced on Friday an agreement that will provide increased predictability on core NHL Salary Cap economics for a minimum of the next three years (through 2027-28)."

"The agreement sets the following annual increases to the Upper Limit, subject to the Collective Bargaining Agreement being in effect beyond the 2025-26 season: $7.5 million in 2025-26; $8.5 million in the 2026-27 season and $9.5 million in the 2027-28 season."

Do these figures pertain to maximum player salaries? Can't be, right? That means some players are already making close to double the 7.5M limit for next season.

That’s the total increase of a teams salary cap each year

 

[neelynugs]

One of my biggest fears.
I’m ok with trades to bolster the future. But trades to get into the playoffs is a fools errand for this year.

probably similar to how sabres fans are feeling: do you want this management group making major decisions in the next few weeks?
yikes. wake me up on march 8.

 

[Forester65]

That’s the total increase of a teams salary cap each year

Got it. I thought the cap was in the low 80M range this year. Just checked and its 88M. Makes sense now. Thanks.

 

[Carl Hungus]

Florida has to be salivating at the cap rise with that core locked up on what were already reasonable deals

 

[quietbruinfan]

Aired before Jets game.

Evan goes off, especially on Zadorov,

As a serious Zad hater, I am glad to hear him go off on Zad who has more than a bit of fake tough guy or maybe misaplied tough guy, in him.

 

[BlackFrancis]

I'm going to need to make a sign to tap on from now until June. Do not accept 2025 draft picks in exchange for anyone you trade off this season. This is looking to be an awful, awful draft - so bad Eric isn't even updating the draft thread.

 

[Carl Hungus]

As a serious Zad hater, I am glad to hear him go off on Zad who has more than a bit of fake tough guy or maybe misaplied tough guy, in him.

genuinely curious how Zadorov is a fake tough guy

 

[Hookslide]

My consultant suggestions

Retool

COYLE has one more year at 5.25 and hits FA his NMC is modified and moveable

FREDERIC ~ with cap going up significantly in 2 years I offer him 4/18 or 2/8

I’m Freddy I might bet on self and grab 2/8 and hit FA at age 28

If he’s not taking he’s going obviously

MARCHAND ~ he’s a UFA and they are sellers I have to either have an extension or I’m moving him to Colorado for a vacation to play with his buddy McKinnon

Brad could use a get away

Risky but he screams pressure getting to him

I’m selling so he’s got to be addressed now

I’m having the talk and if I could get a good return it would be best ~ but I would have an agreed verbal deal to return after if he wants

CARLO ~ rough year I would put it out there but he’s got to return a young RD or high multiple picks combo

KORPI - I’d move for anything because I actually like how DePietro has developed. Korpi has got 3 years at 3 M per so should be able to be moved

I’m not looking to deal any of McAvoy, Pastrnak, or Swayman

The rest I’m good with

As for a 4th or 5th or whatever stuff for Brazeau etc I’m not even concerned with - I’d rather have Brazeau

I’m retooling not playing Fantasy hockey looking for JT Miller or Kreider etc

I’d like to keep and expand Frederic role but no contract he’s gone

So there are the 5 guys who I’m addressing

I am agreeing on Pasta and McAvoy, Swayman, is a must move for me, need the cap space and money can be well spent elsewhere. My next move off season, do not take no for an answer, from Rantanen, a must, that is why you need Swayman money, and does not have a NTC, for another year.

 

[DKH]

I am agreeing on Pasta and McAvoy, Swayman, is a must move for me, need the cap space and money can be well spent elsewhere. My next move off season, do not take no for an answer, from Rantanen, a must, that is why you need Swayman money, and does not have a NTC, for another year.

Who we get for Swayman ?

Chicago I’d want a G & Oliver Moore

I don’t see it happening but I would be if the G I’m getting has to have a lot of ability

This place is rough - it swallowed Jim Carey, Blaine Lachter, Jon Casey etc

I remember when they heckled Eddie Johnston

9 months ago Swayman was the savior now he’s showing up everywhere as a guy to move

 

[TCB]

I am agreeing on Pasta and McAvoy, Swayman, is a must move for me, need the cap space and money can be well spent elsewhere. My next move off season, do not take no for an answer, from Rantanen, a must, that is why you need Swayman money, and does not have a NTC, for another year.

I like it sense Swayman has no trade protection, but I’d move Swayman though I do it for a much more cost control Center in Mason McTavish.

Swayman and Coyle for McTavish and Gibson. Re-sign McTavish 8x8 that way salaries become pretty much a wash and you have your young cost control Center for the next decade.

Gives you room to sign other FA and move forward towards a 2027 Stanley Cup Banner

Although Rantanen or Marner would be sweet, but boy are they ever going to get paid.

 

[22Brad Park]

Who we get for Swayman ?

Chicago I’d want a G & Oliver Moore

I don’t see it happening but I would be if the G I’m getting has to have a lot of ability

This place is rough - it swallowed Jim Carey, Blaine Lachter, Jon Casey etc

I remember when they heckled Eddie Johnston

9 months ago Swayman was the savior now he’s showing up everywhere as a guy to move

I don't want to move him .I want to fix team in front of him .I feel like not many goalies would have good stats behind this group

 

[quietbruinfan]

Would you buy unfocused tough guy? instead of focusing on playing smart, tough, well positioned defense. He decides to do meaningless stuff when the horse is out of the barn. It is a pattern.

genuinely curious how Zadorov is a fake tough gu

 

[DKH]

genuinely curious how Zadorov is a fake tough guy

It’s QBF he’s entertaining

If the Bruins are sellers I’m assuming Brad Marchand has an extension

However, the best scenario is he agrees to be dealt with the understanding he’s resigning with the Bergy year to year

Marchand gets this team I’d think multiple pieces even if teams think he’s likely coming back

Vegas and Colorado make so much sense

If Marchy gets traded to Vegas I am very very very very excited to watch those games

To sell & hold on to him if moronic

They can get a haul and if he wants to return I’m sure that can be worked out before

Donny “do not listen to Chara who likely says don’t deal all his buddies”

 

[Hookslide]

Who we get for Swayman ?

Chicago I’d want a G & Oliver Moore

I don’t see it happening but I would be if the G I’m getting has to have a lot of ability

This place is rough - it swallowed Jim Carey, Blaine Lachter, Jon Casey etc

I remember when they heckled Eddie Johnston

9 months ago Swayman was the savior now he’s showing up everywhere as a guy to move

Swayman was never my choice for "Savior" at the money he wanted, I say and have said it his contract has hurt this team. I have no inside info, but if rumors are true the Bruins, offered 6-6.5 million, they should have held and at that, and show some stones. Just maybe Neely was against this contract and was overruled. Sway at 6 mil was livable and a fair offer.

 

[Hookslide]

I like it sense Swayman has no trade protection, but I’d move Swayman though I do it for a much more cost control Center in Mason McTavish.

Swayman and Coyle for McTavish and Gibson. Re-sign McTavish 8x8 that way salaries become pretty much a wash and you have your young cost control Center for the next decade.

Gives you room to sign other FA and move forward towards a 2027 Stanley Cup Banner

Although Rantanen or Marner would be sweet, but boy are they ever going to get paid.

Concentrate on Rantanen, not Marner. Yes, I have stated my interest in McTavish. Crazy idea, but if the Bruins offered a team Poitras, and maybe Loheri, or another piece but they must take Elias, would you, do it?

 

[Gee Wally]

Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov cost the Bruins a lot in free agency, and so far they’re not paying off - The Boston Globe

The Bruins doled out an annual cap hit of $12.75 million for the pair, and a combined price tag of $82.25 million.

www.bostonglobe.com

Elias Lindholm had a productive night Thursday at TD Garden.

For just the fifth time in 53 games this season, the Bruins center registered at least 2 points — orchestrating Brad Marchand’s power-play tally before snapping a shorthanded strike past Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

The Bruins, however, left the ice with 0 points for the standings.
It’s been that type of season for Lindholm and his new team, with Boston’s offseason spending spree doing little to move the needle.

Several factors have contributed to the rudderless Bruins — be it regression from key cogs, injuries, and a knack for letting go of the rope in critical situations.

But the offseason efforts to build upon an overachieving bunch in 2023-24 has compounded the Bruins’ woes — hampering the organization’s efforts to retool on the fly, and saddling a depth chart with players that are shrinking this team’s ceiling.

Entering last summer with $25 million in cap space after dealing Linus Ullmark to Ottawa, the Bruins allocated most of their fiscal flexibility toward Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov — doling out an annual cap hit of $12.75 million and a combined price tag of $82.25 million.

That steep commitment — coupled with Jeremy Swayman’s eventual $66 million deal — hindered Boston’s ability to retain fleet-footed Jake DeBrusk, or at the very least replace him with other middle-six scorers.

But in Lindholm and Zadorov, Don Sweeney, Cam Neely, and the top brass believed they found and 200-foot centerman and the bruising blue liner required for the playoffs after being knocked out by the Panthers in back-to-back years.

“Elias, I mean, his 200-foot game is remarkable,” Neely said in late September. “I don’t want to put him in the Patrice [Bergeron] category, but he’s Patrice-like. And Zadorov, I mean, a big back end like that, it just solidifies our back end. Our back end is big, and they’ve got some beef to them, which I think bodes well in the playoffs. You’ve got to get to the playoffs, but I think we’re built a little bit stronger for the playoffs.”

Those playoff hopes are dwindling, with MoneyPuck now tabbing the Bruins with just a 19.1 percent chance.

The inability of Lindholm and Zadorov to elevate Boston’s lineup also has been reinforced. Lindholm has been solid on faceoffs (54.7 percent) and defensive assignments, while ranking fourth among Bruins forwards in shorthanded ice time per game (1:41).

That’s suitable for a defensive-minded, third-line center — which has been Lindholm’s primary role for the last few weeks. But the Bruins aren’t paying him close to $8 million a year to be a defensive stopgap.

Lindholm may not be a net negative, but he’s far from a play-driver, especially at his price tag.

Zadorov has been as advertised when it comes to his sandpaper style of play. But his propensity for landing in the penalty box (league-leading 115 minutes) and occasional D-zone lapses have put his team behind the eight-ball — with the Bruins’ own scoring woes giving them little margin for error when those breakdowns end with pucks sailing past Swayman.

Embracing a retool this season could see the Bruins net future assets by moving pending UFAs such as Trent Frederic or even Marchand. Players with term such as Brandon Carlo or Charlie Coyle might also be coveted by teams.

But moving players such as Lindholm and Zadorov — fresh off of inking those hefty contracts — feels futile.

With long-term deals involving franchise fixtures Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy primed to age well, the Bruins should have the means to aggressively add talent in the coming years.

But orchestrating a successful retool via a free agent spending spree is risky. The Bruins don’t have to look back very far to heed those hard truths.

 

[DKH]

Concentrate on Rantanen, not Marner. Yes, I have stated my interest in McTavish. Crazy idea, but if the Bruins offered a team Poitras, and maybe Loheri, or another piece but they must take Elias, would you, do it?

Better chance the Rock really is the tooth fairy

0.0 they are getting Rantinen

He’s probably going to resign with Carolina and play with Aho his buddy

Lets get to trade deadline