Boston Bruins 24-25 Roster/Cap thread XVI

[Knight]

You guys that are anti moving Pasta - I ask this in the most sincere way - why?

If it's an emotional thing, I get it - he's one of the most positive energy guys we've ever had on this team, and is one of the best players in the world to boot. It's easy to fall in love with Pasta, we all have - or at least those with two brain cells to rub together.

But emotion can't drive business decisions 99% of the time. So where's the non-emotional logic?

If you:

a) aren't good enough to compete as constructed (they aren't)
b) if you don't have the resources in sufficient enough number to fix how you're constructed (they don't)
c) if you don't have a pipeline of talent knocking on the door of the big leagues (they don't)

Then what exactly is the point of retaining him? Seriously - I am not being a jackass when I ask this - why?

It's a waste of his career (admittedly a projection on my part - but I think a reasonable take) because teams can't win based on a single player - and hell, we don't even have a single LINE.

Moving him would sting, of course - but biting that bullet and moving guys like Pasta and Charlie would, theoretically anyway, REALLY accelerate the pace at which we get back to where we all wanna be - a perennial playoff entrant.

Explain to me, because outside of emotion I truly don't get it.

I mean, he is objectively good for business. He'll be the unique face of the franchise, and oozes charisma and personality while being one of the best players on the planet. He's more than an elite winger - you could trade him and rebuild but the overwhelming odds are that you'll never another Pasta in a reasonable timeframe. Build around him, he's only like 28 lol, and has a very reasonable long-term contact with the cap increasing substantially. See how quick Washington turned it around?

Trading Pasta is really bad idea. There's lots of "non-emotional logic" behind that stance.

 

[PB37]

Can you stop being a weenie when someone posts something you consider "fake news," simply because they thought it was a tidbit, however lame, some might appreciate?

F*ck, Junior, I guess I'll just stop posting shit altogether.

Maybe then you'll be satisfied.

I'll make it easy for you.

Put me on Ignore.

Problem solved.

Sensitive much?

Did you even read that bullshit? I unfortunately did and the article is entirely misleading. Sweeney did not confirm hes trading 6 players like the title says. Then i realized what website it's from but by then it was too late. If you don't think that article is fake or at least misleading and you're ok posting it like we're suppose to garner something useful from it, then yeah, I think that's a problem.

 

[TD Charlie]

I don't want to trade Pastrnak.

I'm not losing sleep if they do though. He is 1 of 2 players on this team that I would prefer they keep. The other being Geekie. But if they gotta go, and the return is fair, I'm ok.

 

[GatorMike]

FWIW, as of this morning...

 

[22Brad Park]

You guys that are anti moving Pasta - I ask this in the most sincere way - why?

If it's an emotional thing, I get it - he's one of the most positive energy guys we've ever had on this team, and is one of the best players in the world to boot. It's easy to fall in love with Pasta, we all have - or at least those with two brain cells to rub together.

But emotion can't drive business decisions 99% of the time. So where's the non-emotional logic?

If you:

a) aren't good enough to compete as constructed (they aren't)
b) if you don't have the resources in sufficient enough number to fix how you're constructed (they don't)
c) if you don't have a pipeline of talent knocking on the door of the big leagues (they don't)

Then what exactly is the point of retaining him? Seriously - I am not being a jackass when I ask this - why?

It's a waste of his career (admittedly a projection on my part - but I think a reasonable take) because teams can't win based on a single player - and hell, we don't even have a single LINE.

Moving him would sting, of course - but biting that bullet and moving guys like Pasta and Charlie would, theoretically anyway, REALLY accelerate the pace at which we get back to where we all wanna be - a perennial playoff entrant.

Explain to me, because outside of emotion I truly don't get it.

If they traded him the building would be empty for a while .All I can say is if they moved him it better be multiple top prospects and multiple top picks.

 

[GordonHowe]

https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-bruins/2025/02/26/boston-bruins-don-sweeney-nhl-hockey-roster-trade-deadline/?p1=hp_featurestack

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Can we stop posting these fake news articles? This shit is a waste of time.

We all can pick those guys to be moved or not resigned. I would like to see someone post something with flavor.

 

[Bruin4]

Trade Swayman before his no trade clause kicks in. So annoyed with this player.

Glove side Swayman

they are not trading Sway but mostly everyone besides 88 should be looked to move

He is their only big contract that has no trade protection, but yea your probably right, but if they could get a top Center back in a package deal, hopefully they move him

 

[PB37]

You guys that are anti moving Pasta - I ask this in the most sincere way - why?

If it's an emotional thing, I get it - he's one of the most positive energy guys we've ever had on this team, and is one of the best players in the world to boot. It's easy to fall in love with Pasta, we all have - or at least those with two brain cells to rub together.

But emotion can't drive business decisions 99% of the time. So where's the non-emotional logic?

If you:

a) aren't good enough to compete as constructed (they aren't)
b) if you don't have the resources in sufficient enough number to fix how you're constructed (they don't)
c) if you don't have a pipeline of talent knocking on the door of the big leagues (they don't)

Then what exactly is the point of retaining him? Seriously - I am not being a jackass when I ask this - why?

It's a waste of his career (admittedly a projection on my part - but I think a reasonable take) because teams can't win based on a single player - and hell, we don't even have a single LINE.

Moving him would sting, of course - but biting that bullet and moving guys like Pasta and Charlie would, theoretically anyway, REALLY accelerate the pace at which we get back to where we all wanna be - a perennial playoff entrant.

Explain to me, because outside of emotion I truly don't get it.

When was the last time the Bruins drafted or had, a truly elite level goal scorer like Pasta in his prime?

That's why you don't trade him. For a franchise that seemingly has a hard time finding top end goal scorers, we would have to wait a lifetime to find a guy who's one of the best at doing the hardest thing in the game.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Glove side Swayman

He plays small in the net. Lots of room up top.

It would be great to get rid of him, the kids a fraud and a blowhard.

Was he that back up in any of the US games in Boston?

Ride Korpo until the deadline

 

[Bruin4]

If they traded him the building would be empty for a while .All I can say is if they moved him it better be multiple top prospects and multiple top picks.

No way their moving Pasta, why trade their only great thing they got going. this talk is astronomically foolish.

 

[NDiesel]

You guys that are anti moving Pasta - I ask this in the most sincere way - why?

If it's an emotional thing, I get it - he's one of the most positive energy guys we've ever had on this team, and is one of the best players in the world to boot. It's easy to fall in love with Pasta, we all have - or at least those with two brain cells to rub together.

But emotion can't drive business decisions 99% of the time. So where's the non-emotional logic?

If you:

a) aren't good enough to compete as constructed (they aren't)
b) if you don't have the resources in sufficient enough number to fix how you're constructed (they don't)
c) if you don't have a pipeline of talent knocking on the door of the big leagues (they don't)

Then what exactly is the point of retaining him? Seriously - I am not being a jackass when I ask this - why?

It's a waste of his career (admittedly a projection on my part - but I think a reasonable take) because teams can't win based on a single player - and hell, we don't even have a single LINE.

Moving him would sting, of course - but biting that bullet and moving guys like Pasta and Charlie would, theoretically anyway, REALLY accelerate the pace at which we get back to where we all wanna be - a perennial playoff entrant.

Explain to me, because outside of emotion I truly don't get it.

Because you trade Pasta and you spend the next however long PRAYING you get a guy of this caliber, but the fact is you may never find another 60 goal, 100 point guy, even with the assets you get back for him.

We spent how long hoping to find a guy of Jumbo Joe's caliber, and then spent another 5 seasons after trading Seguin with an offense starved team, wishing we had a young guy with potential like him.

My question to you is why are you willing to do the same thing a 3rd time? Especially since he's not the only guy with value here.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

No way their moving Pasta, why trade their only great thing they got going. this talk is astronomically foolish.

It is, I was hard on him big time in the first half and still get frustrated with his turnovers but he looks healthy.

On the flip side Geekie should be a big trade chip in my view. 20 is great but a better player on his wing would have 30-35 with the chances he has had.

 

[NeelyDan]

Because you trade Pasta and you spend the next however long PRAYING you get a guy of this caliber, but the fact is you may never find another 60 goal, 100 point guy, even with the assets you get back for him.

We spent how long hoping to find a guy of Jumbo Joe's caliber, and then spent another 5 seasons after trading Seguin with an offense starved team, wishing we had a young guy with potential like him.

My question to you is why are you willing to do the same thing a 3rd time? Especially since he's not the only guy with value here.

Frankly, because the situation we're in now forces our hand to a degree. Of course you always want a guy like pasta - but pasta can't do it alone, and what I'm questioning is that in light of the bare cupboard and the lack of a sufficiently equipped supporting cast to surround him with coupled with the lack of ability to (quickly) re-establish that (worsening daily) supporting cast, it's not a matter of preference but a necessity that's derivative of the bigger picture.

 

[Bruin4]

It is, I was hard on him big time in the first half and still get frustrated with his turnovers but he looks healthy.

On the flip side Geekie should be a big trade chip in my view. 20 is great but a better player on his wing would have 30-35 with the chances he has had.

I have a hard time moving Geek. I just don't feel you'll get close to equal value for him. I feel he'll be a consistent 20-25 goal scorer, but you need those players.

Sweeney just needs to figure out how to get another top line player or 2 in here and hopefully not at the expense of his better secondary players, ya I know good luck. with that.

Thou if Geekie can be part of a package to do that you have to move him, but IMHO I think moving a player like Geekie is way down on Sweeney's pecking order on things he's trying to get done this deadline..

 

[dugg133]

You guys that are anti moving Pasta - I ask this in the most sincere way - why?

If it's an emotional thing, I get it - he's one of the most positive energy guys we've ever had on this team, and is one of the best players in the world to boot. It's easy to fall in love with Pasta, we all have - or at least those with two brain cells to rub together.

But emotion can't drive business decisions 99% of the time. So where's the non-emotional logic?

If you:

a) aren't good enough to compete as constructed (they aren't)
b) if you don't have the resources in sufficient enough number to fix how you're constructed (they don't)
c) if you don't have a pipeline of talent knocking on the door of the big leagues (they don't)

Then what exactly is the point of retaining him? Seriously - I am not being a jackass when I ask this - why?

It's a waste of his career (admittedly a projection on my part - but I think a reasonable take) because teams can't win based on a single player - and hell, we don't even have a single LINE.

Moving him would sting, of course - but biting that bullet and moving guys like Pasta and Charlie would, theoretically anyway, REALLY accelerate the pace at which we get back to where we all wanna be - a perennial playoff entrant.

Explain to me, because outside of emotion I truly don't get it.

moving Pasta signals a full tear down where you strip the team down to the studs and going for the #1 pick for a while.

I don’t think it’s a crazy take if you want to say that’s the best course of action, but regardless of that I don’t think this ownership/ front office group would ever consider doing it for a single second.

 

[AngryMilkcrates]

FWIW, as of this morning...

18%

 

[Bruin4]

Frankly, because the situation we're in now forces our hand to a degree. Of course you always want a guy like pasta - but pasta can't do it alone, and what I'm questioning is that in light of the bare cupboard and the lack of a sufficiently equipped supporting cast to surround him with coupled with the lack of ability to (quickly) re-establish that (worsening daily) supporting cast, it's not a matter of preference but a necessity that's derivative of the bigger picture.

Pasta is a game changer he's what every team dreams about having, you just dont trade those guys.

This season hasn't been good but the bruins are still in the hunt for a playoff spot and thats without lindholm most of the season and now McAvoy. If Sweeney doesn't hit the panic button and is able to make some shrewd moves this deadline, and if he can add a legit top 6 this off-season, their right back battling in the upper echelon imo.

I think their a lot closer to being in the top tier of the league than the bottom tier, and Hopefully Sweeney does too, but this season is a total loss as far as being a legit contender and hopefully Sweeney moves forward,with that in mind.

 

[GordonHowe]

If they traded him the building would be empty for a while .All I can say is if they moved him it better be multiple top prospects and multiple top picks.

As noted many times, for me, nothing would be off the table.

Realistically, it is highly unlikely Swayman, McAvoy or Pastrnak will be traded under current management.

These three can be considered the core, foundational players of the the Boston Bruins going forward.

I am not certain they should be. FWIW I explained why in a previous post.

In the event, burning it down and rebuilding from scratch is unnecessary.

They can dispense with a glut of bottom six "non needle movers" & their contracts; useful middle six players (Frederic, Peeke, Coyle) who can bring back draft selections while clearing cap space; and, if willing, part with possible keepers like Brazeau & the Geek.

While doing so in the short term would be painful, trading Marchand & Carlo would surely fetch a handsome return in draft picks, prospects, and perhaps roster players.

If it were me, and thank God it is not, I would do all of the above.

Ideally -- ideally -- a new management team & coaching staff could then bring fresh eyes to a retool this summer or whenever Sweeney & Neely wear out there welcome, whichever comes first.

You gotta give to get.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Thoughts on Barzal?

He was playing hurt this year and is out for 3 weeks… but he had 80 points last year. He’s 27 years old and signed for 6 more years at $9.1m.

Speculation is the Isles are going full rebuild so he may be available.

i'm not a fan. No doubt he is a very good playmaking center, I just have never, and don't see him as the guy you build a team around.

Now if you are telling me you can get him as a salary dump, then sure I'd take the chance, but the Isles if they put him in the market are going to be looking for a massive package to rebuild with

 

[pucksindeep92]

FWIW, as of this morning...

Seabass right now:

 

[RiverbottomChuck]

18%

Neely right now:

View attachment 983199

Damn beat me to it

 

[pucksindeep92]

View attachment 983200


Damn beat me to it

I didn’t beat you, we just won successively

 

[RiverbottomChuck]

I didn’t beat you, we just won successively

 

[pucksindeep92]

If you’re going to trade Mac, Pasta or Sway:

1. You don’t trade Pasta. This isn’t a Tkachuk scenario. That should be incredibly obvious.

2. You trade Mac only after you confirm Lindholms knee doesn’t affect his play, Lohrei levels up defensively, draft another few quality D, and maybe see what the free agent market has. In other words, not right now, he’s what helps carry you through the lack of talent in the system. I would indeed consider trading Carlo now at his highest value, and seeing about Gavrikov, Chychrun, Pionk, Ekblad this summer if they hit the market, as signings of those types help make it that much easier to move on from any D we have currently. I don’t think any of our D are untouchable... Lohrei might be there in 2 years as he grows into his body and learns the position more.

3. Similar to Charlie. If you have a goalie that comes up like Swayman did that you drafted, awesome. Let the rookie pull a Swayman, like Swayman did to Ullmark. Otherwise, you could get all your ducks in a row for the most part and be Edmonton who can’t seem to get a quality netminder and waste years of McDavid and Drai together.