Boston Bruins 24-25 Roster/Cap thread XVII

[Dwatson783]

I’m honored you replied to me - one of best posters ever here

Love the take- yes on Lohrei, depth F, and Marchand

Definitely need another young F

Sweeney did basically hit big with Zacha & Geekie

He needs another through trade or FA

Poitras & Lohrei are solid adds to top 13 (9 F 4 D)

I’m very satisfied with 100 foot defense side the offense needs another player to supplement and take over Marchand

I’m hoping Geekie hits for 30 and is accepted into legit club here

Dan you're one of the reasons I always come and read this forum even when I'm not posting.

When Poitras was getting his NHL audition I called my dad and said this kid might save our depth. I think he plays a smart game, has a good stick, and battles. I'm extremely concerned with him for the next 2 years while he builds the frame and gets his body used to the NHL game otherwise the playoffs are going to look bad on him. I believe he could be a #2 center for them if he gets everything working and can stay healthy.

I think we have too many #2s right now though- across center and wing (and I have plenty of theories on why).

Zacha (a good get) on us as a playoff team I think would be our ideal #2 with Poitras slotting as #3 (and a tighter checking/PK 4th line vet that could step up onto the 3rd when needed). I'm not convinced EL is our guy.

Geekie I'd like to see come through but I keep getting the feeling he's JD Drew (who I loved)- great mechanics and look as though he should be producing but things don't just fully click. If he hits the grand slam for us though then I'm all for it.

With how we tied cash up this summer and with the limitations to the resource pool, I'm not seeing enough quick options to move faster without a real gift falling into our laps. If I'm Sweeney, I'd:

- Look to move some of the potential options that fall into the 2nd line category to reset our resources
- Try to clear some of the cap space up allowing us to make runs at #1 options
- Then add another player with bite to make McAvoy & Z both get more engaged normally (just like Brady sparked Mac at 4 Nations)

End of the day, they'll need more at the front that can give Pasta space in the playoffs and then add the bite to keep up with teams like FL. Give me that with a healthy D and someone who can run the PP (or at least a bumper).

 

[Coach Parker]

……. Because there are a bunch of teams out there just WAITING to trade us their established 1Cs for a couple of first round picks……so that they can maybe hit on a future 1C in the draft.

Seems logical to me….

Having a legit 1C in hockey is the equivalent of having a strong QB in football. Teams don’t trade that position, unless the player forces them too because they’re gonna walk in free agency.

Do you think the Islanders would move Barzal for 2 1sts and 2 2nds? Vancouver moving Pettersson for that?

What about Las Vegas moving Hertl for a 1st and 2 2nds?

 

[Coach Parker]

Maybe Marchand and Carlo? Says their biggest need is on defense and Cassidy knows the best of Carlo...

It'd be a haul coming back but that's a legit pair to get excited about adding for a playoff push.

Carlo and Marchand for Hertl?

 

[sarge88]

Even if the Bruins can get back everything you mentioned, I don’t see them being all that better next year. I don’t want to see them go with Swayman / Korpisalo. Not sure what the solution is but they need a goalie . The D if healthy next year has the potential to be fairly good. I thought it was going to be this year. The forward group is a colossal mess; not much legit top 6 talent.

Depends on what they turn those assets into and who they get in FA.

Look at what Washington did last year to now.

It will of course take a combination of luck, guts, and smarts, but teams improving one year to the next happens all the time.

 

[pucksindeep92]

Two 2025 Potential Rosters Under Cap with hopeful salary numbers.

Current 2025 Signed Roster Cap Space= 24.1m

Roster 1 (more Realistic)

Ehlers- Zacha- Pasta
Geekie - Poitras- Duchene
Marchand - Lindholm - Lysell/ Drouin
Kuntar - Farinacci- Kastelic

Lindholm - McAvoy
Lohrei - Carlo
Zadorov - Peeke/Jokiharju/Fabbro

Total Cal Space = 29.35 (No Coyle)

Ehlers- 8.25x5 (or Boeser- 7.7 x5)
Geekie - 4.7x 4
Duchene - 3.75x2
Marchand- 3.25x1
= 20.45-21mil before Kuntar and Farinacci
*Fabbro - 3x3 mil
*Drouin -3.1x2
= 25.8- 26.45 before Kuntar and Farinacci


Roster 2 (less Realistic)

Marner/Rantanen- Zacha- Pasta
Marchand- Poitras- Duchene
Arvidsson - Lindholm - Lysell/ Savoie
Kuntar - Farinacci- Kastelic

Lindholm - McAvoy
Lohrei - Gavrikov
Zadorov - Callahan

Total Cap Space =33.35 (no Coyle or Carlo)
Marner - 13.25 (low estimate)
Duchene - 3.75
Arvidsson- 4
Gavrikov - 7.1
Marchand 1.5
= 29.6 before 4th line and 3RW

Bonus
Trade Musings:

-They are less likely to trade Carlo in season imo due to Lindholm and McAvoy being out. Coyle is an “easier roster replacement” the rest of the year and has a higher chance of being moved because of that. Carlo can command a larger return than Coyle, will likely be needed to acquire a franchise changer. Peeke could be moved knowing he is somewhat replaceable via FA and you could gain a pick.

-Carlo, Coyle, Merk to WPG for Brad Lambert, 1st, 3rd
-Carlo, Geekie, Frederic for Kieran Walton, 1st
-Carlo, Geekie, 3rd for Savoie, Viktor Arvidsson, 2nd
-Carlo, Frederic, Merk, 3rd to Buffalo for Izak Rosen, Jokijarhu , 1st

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Wouldn't be surprised if neither of them are gone. Frederic's injured and isn't all that attract as a playoff rental and Brazeau sure ain't much of an asset to a playoff team.

Brazeau has to be gone, if no one trades for him you waive him. He's been an absolute zero for 2 months now.

I'd rather see Kuntar out there at this point. Heck is rather see lettieri or brown out there

 

[JoeIsAStud]

So if “Casper” continues to play like this during his on ice tryout, I will assume they let him walk. Kid looks lost on the wing.

Is Casper Merkulov? Just guessing. that has been the problem. He doesn't do the things NHL Centers have to do, but he plays better at C than W

 

[FinnBear]

I just watched the game against the Wild from the recording. The commercials might have been the most entertaining part about it. The shot count was ok, a few chances that could have gone either way but overall these are about the vaguest excuses I can think of. Overall, the effort in a must-win stretch of the season is really not excusable.
With trade deadline approaching, here are some of my takes on the roster. These are just my personal opinions so take it with grain of sea salt.

As the general picture, I do not think we will see as many moves as we may want to see because I don't see us as having the assets and I don't think Sweeney is going to want to strip the roster entirely. It would be too contradictory to his off-season signing and may be perceived by ownership as a lack of direction or even worse, a complete failure. No GM is going to put himself in that position.
As for the forwards -

Pastrnak and Zacha are staying as they should.

Lindholm was just signed so he is staying even though his contract is going to ahe like a tuna sandwich in a hot car. He was perceivably the best in a weak FA crop with a couple of seasons of inflated stats (similar to the Matt Beleskey signing). No GM will return the phone call here with that contract.

Coyle may garner some interest here although I cannot shake the feeling that Sweeney has a soft side for him. In addition, he is a center which is a weak point for us already. He has a 8 team no trade list which would make it harder to move him. I would not be surprised if he still wears a Bruins jersey on March 8.

Trent Frederic.is the obvious trade candidate here and I think we will see him move although now we have to eat the injury discount. We may end up with a 2nd round pick as a best case scenario here and I would chalk that up as a win.

Morgan Geekie - I would personally advise to keep him. 19 goals on this anemic offense team is no small feat. A 26 year old RFA, he would provide more value dollar for dollar than E. Lindholm. Even a late first round pick would be too much of a gamble to take here. Our last first round pick just managed 3 assists in 30 college games. Geekie is a proven NHLer. Let's stick with him.

Marchy is going to stay unless he specifically comes out and requests and I don't see that happening. He will be afforded the opportunity of controlling his destination. He has earned that right.

Brazeau and Koepke - two typical 4th liners. Most every team has a Brazeau and Koepke already so I can't see a team spending assets to acquire either one of them. Maybe an apple for an apple trade here or a late pick. Overall neither player will net anything useful here.
But never say never - remember the time when the Flyers got a 3rd round pick for Rinaldo?

For the forwards that's really the end of it here. As far as adding help to that department, I don't think we will see much of that. Other than picks which I advise against trading at this point, we don't have the assets needed. Our prospect pool is one of the shallowest in the league right now. Neither Merkulov nor Lysell strike me as NHL players so we may as well play them to confirm or deny that perception.

On defense, McAvoy is obviously not moving, Zadorov was just signed and thus is safe.
Lindholm was just shut down for the season and same as the other Lindholm, no GM is gonna touch him with his recent injuries and that contract.
Carlo is having an absolutely putrid season but he is a serviceable second pairing D still and signed at a very good contract. With the injuries to McAvoy and Lindholm, I could see him stay unless someone is really willing to overpay.
Peeke moving is a possibility but here also, whatever return he would net will not move our needle significantly.

Swayman is staying and even with his somewhat improved play as of late, It would surprise me if Korpisalo gets you any calls. If you do, scream "Sold" before the other guy can finish with the "-salo".

That's my take - if you read all of it - Thank you!

 

[UncleRico]

I just hope they figure out who is going to be here next year and who isn’t. The guys that aren’t just move them for whatever. We need pieces right now even if it’s for draft picks we end up using in the draft or for trades in the offseason.

 

[DKH]

I just watched the game against the Wild from the recording. The commercials might have been the most entertaining part about it. The shot count was ok, a few chances that could have gone either way but overall these are about the vaguest excuses I can think of. Overall, the effort in a must-win stretch of the season is really not excusable.
With trade deadline approaching, here are some of my takes on the roster. These are just my personal opinions so take it with grain of sea salt.

As the general picture, I do not think we will see as many moves as we may want to see because I don't see us as having the assets and I don't think Sweeney is going to want to strip the roster entirely. It would be too contradictory to his off-season signing and may be perceived by ownership as a lack of direction or even worse, a complete failure. No GM is going to put himself in that position.
As for the forwards -

Pastrnak and Zacha are staying as they should.

Lindholm was just signed so he is staying even though his contract is going to ahe like a tuna sandwich in a hot car. He was perceivably the best in a weak FA crop with a couple of seasons of inflated stats (similar to the Matt Beleskey signing). No GM will return the phone call here with that contract.

Coyle may garner some interest here although I cannot shake the feeling that Sweeney has a soft side for him. In addition, he is a center which is a weak point for us already. He has a 8 team no trade list which would make it harder to move him. I would not be surprised if he still wears a Bruins jersey on March 8.

Trent Frederic.is the obvious trade candidate here and I think we will see him move although now we have to eat the injury discount. We may end up with a 2nd round pick as a best case scenario here and I would chalk that up as a win.

Morgan Geekie - I would personally advise to keep him. 19 goals on this anemic offense team is no small feat. A 26 year old RFA, he would provide more value dollar for dollar than E. Lindholm. Even a late first round pick would be too much of a gamble to take here. Our last first round pick just managed 3 assists in 30 college games. Geekie is a proven NHLer. Let's stick with him.

Marchy is going to stay unless he specifically comes out and requests and I don't see that happening. He will be afforded the opportunity of controlling his destination. He has earned that right.

Brazeau and Koepke - two typical 4th liners. Most every team has a Brazeau and Koepke already so I can't see a team spending assets to acquire either one of them. Maybe an apple for an apple trade here or a late pick. Overall neither player will net anything useful here.
But never say never - remember the time when the Flyers got a 3rd round pick for Rinaldo?

For the forwards that's really the end of it here. As far as adding help to that department, I don't think we will see much of that. Other than picks which I advise against trading at this point, we don't have the assets needed. Our prospect pool is one of the shallowest in the league right now. Neither Merkulov nor Lysell strike me as NHL players so we may as well play them to confirm or deny that perception.

On defense, McAvoy is obviously not moving, Zadorov was just signed and thus is safe.
Lindholm was just shut down for the season and same as the other Lindholm, no GM is gonna touch him with his recent injuries and that contract.
Carlo is having an absolutely putrid season but he is a serviceable second pairing D still and signed at a very good contract. With the injuries to McAvoy and Lindholm, I could see him stay unless someone is really willing to overpay.
Peeke moving is a possibility but here also, whatever return he would net will not move our needle significantly.

Swayman is staying and even with his somewhat improved play as of late, It would surprise me if Korpisalo gets you any calls. If you do, scream "Sold" before the other guy can finish with the "-salo".

That's my take - if you read all of it - Thank you!

Great take - agree on almost all, not that the part I don’t makes me right

Enjoyed it and thank you for a well thought out post - definitely going to reply in depth later when I have a bit more time than a few minutes because it’s worth it

 

[Dizzay]

Players I'm not trading:
Forwards: Pasta-Zacha-Geekie-Marchand-Poitras-Kastelic
D-Men: McAvoy-Lindholm-Zadorov
Goalies: Swayman

Players I'm actively trying to trade:
Forwards: Coyle-Frederic-Brazeau-Koepke-Merkulov
D-Men: Carlo-Wortherspoon
Goalies: Korpisalo

Players I'd listen to trade:
Forwards: Lindholm (don't care about the excuses, if we can unload him and not retain, you gotta)
D-Men: Lohrei (If you can get a top end forward prospect for him (Byfield), I'd look to make that deal)
Goalies: N/A......... (Not dealing money bags, we're stuck with him now because we have no one else)


I have had to wrestle with this thought over the past few weeks, the Bruins are not making the playoffs this year. It hurts to even type that on here. But......its true. If I'm management, I want them coming back in 2025-2026 very strong. I've said this before, I like our current top line but its simply not good enough on a stanley cup contending team. Ok to have one 45-50 point player up there, not two. So Zacha/Geekie.......one gets bumped to 3rd line.

XXXX-Zacha-Pasta
Marchy-Lindholm-XXXX
Geekie-Poitras-Lysell
XXXX-Kastelic-XXXX

Lohrei-McAvoy
Lindholm-XXXX
Zadorov-Peeke
XXXX

Swayman
DiPietro

If you look at that roster, with the salary we cut by trading Carlo-Korp-Freddy-Coyle, and factor in the salary cap increase, we can make some moves to attract some big name guys here. Rantanen on line 2 with Marchy and Lindholm? Ekblad? Pionk? Provorov? Chychrun? in our top 4 D? This can turn around pretty quickly, just need to make sure we have the right folks assembling the team and a coach who has a pulse.

 

[kdog82]

Sell what you can. Don't blow it up. Bruins would be currently picking 10th OA in this draft. Not gonna lie I do not know much about the likes of Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell, and Roger McQueen (all play center) but if the Bruins could draft one of these guys I think we'd all be happy.

I've read up on all these prospects and they seem to fit the bill for the Bruins moving forward. I'm probably missing some notable prospects but finishing off the season on a downer may have some serious upside.

The dream pick would be James Hagens if the Bruins can somehow scoop him we'd all be over the moon.

 

[Hookslide]

True. Let’s keep Marchand, sign Frederic to an 8 year deal for 6m per, extend Coyle next summer 8 years.

Sounds good, then we can all go and eat cake and ice cream, nothing to see here friends.

 

[22Brad Park]

Players I'm not trading:
Forwards: Pasta-Zacha-Geekie-Marchand-Poitras-Kastelic
D-Men: McAvoy-Lindholm-Zadorov
Goalies: Swayman

Players I'm actively trying to trade:
Forwards: Coyle-Frederic-Brazeau-Koepke-Merkulov
D-Men: Carlo-Wortherspoon
Goalies: Korpisalo

Players I'd listen to trade:
Forwards: Lindholm (don't care about the excuses, if we can unload him and not retain, you gotta)
D-Men: Lohrei (If you can get a top end forward prospect for him (Byfield), I'd look to make that deal)
Goalies: N/A......... (Not dealing money bags, we're stuck with him now because we have no one else)


I have had to wrestle with this thought over the past few weeks, the Bruins are not making the playoffs this year. It hurts to even type that on here. But......its true. If I'm management, I want them coming back in 2025-2026 very strong. I've said this before, I like our current top line but its simply not good enough on a stanley cup contending team. Ok to have one 45-50 point player up there, not two. So Zacha/Geekie.......one gets bumped to 3rd line.

XXXX-Zacha-Pasta
Marchy-Lindholm-XXXX
Geekie-Poitras-Lysell
XXXX-Kastelic-XXXX

Lohrei-McAvoy
Lindholm-XXXX
Zadorov-Peeke
XXXX

Swayman
DiPietro

If you look at that roster, with the salary we cut by trading Carlo-Korp-Freddy-Coyle, and factor in the salary cap increase, we can make some moves to attract some big name guys here. Rantanen on line 2 with Marchy and Lindholm? Ekblad? Pionk? Provorov? Chychrun? in our top 4 D? This can turn around pretty quickly, just need to make sure we have the right folks assembling the team and a coach who has a pulse.

Bruins & Marchand are definitely experiencing a gap in negotiations or it would be done by now one would think.My opinion is, they cannot go into the summer saying we will still try to find common ground. Either his name is signed to a contract or he should be traded.[/QUOTE]

 

[mar2kbos]

If they don’t have a deal for Marchand by the deadline he has to be moved. There is obviously something sticking whether it’s Sweeney or Marchand. He is the most valuable asset to not waste on a chance

 

[Eddie Munson]

Two 2025 Potential Rosters Under Cap with hopeful salary numbers.

Current 2025 Signed Roster Cap Space= 24.1m

Roster 1 (more Realistic)

Ehlers- Zacha- Pasta
Geekie - Poitras- Duchene
Marchand - Lindholm - Lysell/ Drouin
Kuntar - Farinacci- Kastelic

Lindholm - McAvoy
Lohrei - Carlo
Zadorov - Peeke/Jokiharju/Fabbro

Total Cal Space = 29.35 (No Coyle)

Ehlers- 8.25x5 (or Boeser- 7.7 x5)
Geekie - 4.7x 4
Duchene - 3.75x2
Marchand- 3.25x1
= 20.45-21mil before Kuntar and Farinacci
*Fabbro - 3x3 mil
*Drouin -3.1x2
= 25.8- 26.45 before Kuntar and Farinacci


Roster 2 (less Realistic)

Marner/Rantanen- Zacha- Pasta
Marchand- Poitras- Duchene
Arvidsson - Lindholm - Lysell/ Savoie
Kuntar - Farinacci- Kastelic

Lindholm - McAvoy
Lohrei - Gavrikov
Zadorov - Callahan

Total Cap Space =33.35 (no Coyle or Carlo)
Marner - 13.25 (low estimate)
Duchene - 3.75
Arvidsson- 4
Gavrikov - 7.1
Marchand 1.5
= 29.6 before 4th line and 3RW

Bonus
Trade Musings:

-They are less likely to trade Carlo in season imo due to Lindholm and McAvoy being out. Coyle is an “easier roster replacement” the rest of the year and has a higher chance of being moved because of that. Carlo can command a larger return than Coyle, will likely be needed to acquire a franchise changer. Peeke could be moved knowing he is somewhat replaceable via FA and you could gain a pick.

-Carlo, Coyle, Merk to WPG for Brad Lambert, 1st, 3rd
-Carlo, Geekie, Frederic for Kieran Walton, 1st
-Carlo, Geekie, 3rd for Savoie, Viktor Arvidsson, 2nd
-Carlo, Frederic, Merk, 3rd to Buffalo for Izak Rosen, Jokijarhu , 1st

I think you're grossly underestimating what players will be demanding if the cap next year really is 95.5m as projected.

Marchand is still a 20g scorer. If he is signing in Boston, it's to finish his career here, not to win a cup, so I don't see us getting as much of a discount as you're estimating. Duchene is making 3m right now because Nashville is paying him his previous salary from the buy out until 2026. Ehlers is having a career year and will be signing in his prime what may be his last legit payday, you have him signing for a minor (like ~1m) increase on what his current contract would be if signed today.

I don't hate the ideas here and applaud your creativity. I just think people (not solely you) overestimate how far this newly granted cap space will go when the players agents get involved.

 

[Drift]

I really hate that I like was the capitals are doing. Both goalies locked up for years at 8.85 total. Protas at 3.375 after this year is wild.