Boston Bruins All Bruins Free Agent/Trade Rumours and Proposals III

[JoeIsAStud]

Agreed he looks to need to put on 15-20 pounds of muscle. He has the talent but physically he's really going to need to beef up (as do the other prospects) but that's probably true of any NHL rookie. Of course, he didn't have a full season with the big club and he was still taking courses etc when he joined the B's. Maybe with full immersion, no school work and a steady schedule of 24/7 hockey he'll be on the fast track to manhood!

Yes, he was a college kid last year Hopefully he is working really hard this offseason to grow into a professional.

 

[pkunit]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

 

[maxl7]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

This is the thing. Bergy and Krejci had pretty great and good years last year, respectively. But they're now 32+. They can fall off a cliff at any moment, regardless of how good they looked the previous season. *Most* players don't tend to regress gradually, it's usually a sudden drop in production. The chance of that happening to either or both of Krejci and Bergeron this season are not out of the realm of possibility.

 

[nhldream]

This is the thing. Bergy and Krejci had pretty great and good years last year, respectively. But they're now 32+. They can fall off a cliff at any moment, regardless of how good they looked the previous season. *Most* players don't tend to regress gradually, it's usually a sudden drop in production. The chance of that happening to either or both of Krejci and Bergeron this season are not out of the realm of possibility.

Planning for this possibility and trying to win the cup in the next few years seem like mutually exclusive options. Got to pick one or the other

 

[Gordoff]

Very very very poor man's version of T.Hall.

As long as he plays average defense, he will find his way in a top 6 role.

This is the strangest comparison that I've seen in a while. Two very different styles. Even before he was drafted #1 overall, Hall is way more aggressively physical. He would've been the perfect Bruin.

 

[GloveSave1]

This thread is like a circle. It’s the same argument over and over and over. Not too much rumors or insight, just a lot of prospect vs. veteran arguments. The team is what it is. Sweeney got dealt a team full of NMC and NTC. All with big terms on some. He has cleared some space but needs future cap space for the younger players. Like it or not, I feel every year a team should incorporate rookies. A team full of them doesn’t work. See Edmonton. They have vets to guid them along. Is they’re time dwindling? Some are. It’s what it is. I like that he’s staying to the plan and rebuild through the draft. He’s tweaking because of readiness of some and fast pace of others. I don’t want to be a one year wonder. Hopefully he can build a good team for a long time that plays a good style of hockey. I was sick of the product they put on the ice years past.
I do subscribe to the idea of seeing is believing with the kids though. Too many here insert names in rosters that is fantasy. Not too many make the team out of camp. For me Providence is a must.

Welcome to July and August.

Every thread should just be called “what will the Bruins do?”

This is the least active time of the year around here...trying to task master the conversation is pointless...

Every thread is just going to develop into random conjecture for the most part. Just go with it.

Everything will round back into form around camp.

 

[Baddkarma]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

Its a good question and if you mean literally who will replace Bergy's all-around game which is tremendous, his toughness, leadership et all, well the short answer is no one. He is a unique player to say the least and easily one of the greatest Bruins of all time, top 3 but thats a whole other thead.

Now who can replace them in the lineup at 80%-90% of their game? Ryan O'Rielly was traded to the Blues for a song. So these players are out there and can be acquired. To address what I think is the main point of your post is the Bruins organizational depth at top six center position seems to be a bit thin outside of Studnicka who appears to have a nice offensive game but as for face-offs, dzone coverage etc I have no clue.

Let hope that we some youth in the form of a trade or draft very soon.

 

[Estlin]

This is the strangest comparison that I've seen in a while. Two very different styles. Even before he was drafted #1 overall, Hall is way more aggressively physical. He would've been the perfect Bruin.

If only the Oilers had gone with Seguin... I would love to see Taylor Hall sign with Boston as a UFA.

Its a good question and if you mean literally who will replace Bergy's all-around game which is tremendous, his toughness, leadership et all, well the short answer is no one. He is a unique player to say the least and easily one of the greatest Bruins of all time, top 3 but thats a whole other thead.

Now who can replace them in the lineup at 80%-90% of their game? Ryan O'Rielly was traded to the Blues for a song. So these players are out there and can be acquired. To address what I think is the main point of your post is the Bruins organizational depth at top six center position seems to be a bit thin outside of Studnicka who appears to have a nice offensive game but as for face-offs, dzone coverage etc I have no clue.

Let hope that we some youth in the form of a trade or draft very soon.

I think that Trent Frederic will develop into a good #2 center. He may be a better prospect than Studnicka, in fact. JFK should become a solid #3. As for the future #1, the Bruins will either have to trade for one or draft one. They had an opportunity in 2015 to do the latter...

 

[JCRO]

This is the strangest comparison that I've seen in a while. Two very different styles. Even before he was drafted #1 overall, Hall is way more aggressively physical. He would've been the perfect Bruin.

If anything I would say Debrusk is more of a t Hall lite than Donato.

I don’t really have a good comparison for Donato atm

 

[Oates2Neely]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

Montreal has been searching for a top center for years now.

Dallas traded for theirs (Seguin)

Toronto drafter one (Matthews) and just signed another via UFA (Tavares)

Nashville traded for their top-2 centers (Johansen & Turris)

Tampa drafted their 2nd line center (Point) in the 3rd round in 2014, all of 5’10”

There are multiple ways of acquiring top-6 centers. It’s a mix of having a shrewd GM & some luck. Neither Bergeron or Krejci were 1st round picks.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

Who really knows? I get people want the answers to everything right away but these questions can't be answered. Any one of the prospects we drafted could be the future Bergeron/Krejci of the team (and I'd say more #1 and #2 center, since I don't think we see another player like Bergeron for a long time), or none of them could.

 

[Fenian24]

I think the way you mitigate the "might be/could be's" is by having a lot of similar prospects vying for the same spots. Odds are, they're going to hit on one of Donato/Bjork, on one of JFK/Frederic/Studnicka, on one of Zboril/Vaak, etc...

I also think the league is driven by youth now. A team with a big group of young upstarts trying to prove themselves is going to have more energy and drive on a nightly basis than a team full of established vets. We've seen how veteran-laden teams get complacent. There's a lot to be said for the speed and enthusiasm kids bring to a lineup.

I wish they had doubled up on Gabrielle as well.

I agree with the youth and enthusiasm aspect bit I think that is character driven. Signing a UFA is always risky because he may be a player who is cashing in on a great free agency year. If that player has a history of being a leader and character player I think it is safe to fill in some key rolls with 26 to 30 year old UFA's. Backes isn't producing due to injury and age. I don't believe you can say he isn't putting in a good to great effort every night.

I don't believe a team of kids can win a Cup. You need a mix. If the Bruins are looking to really compete this year and not just hoping for the best and having a good run. The Bruins have a good veteran core. Some size, grit, toughness and skill for the third line or the second line RW spot would make me feel a lot better heading into the season.

I've gone over some of the players I would like Sweeney to pursue. One was moved to Carolina in Ferland.

The only problem being the pro scouting department and Sweeney don't fill me with confidence.

Long time until October, I would just feel better with at least one more established 20 plus goal scorer and an Anderson or Wood on the team.

 

[BB88]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

When Sweeney took over I had 2 massive concerns for the longterm Bruins and building a longterm contender.
A replacement for Chara, and for Bergeron. McAvoy is in Boston and should be the #1D who takes over Chara but the C problem is really becoming an issue.
That's why Tavares would have been perfect.

It's going to be tough to draft one with the picks Boston should have and no one wants to trade a young quality C either.

 

[Ratty]

If only the Oilers had gone with Seguin... I would love to see Taylor Hall sign with Boston as a UFA.



I think that Trent Frederic will develop into a good #2 center. He may be a better prospect than Studnicka, in fact. JFK should become a solid #3. As for the future #1, the Bruins will either have to trade for one or draft one. They had an opportunity in 2015 to do the latter...

I hope you're right about Frederic, because Studnicka was very impressive in DC. A year in Providence will do them both a lot of good.

By the time they're ready, and sooner than later, Bergeron may be declining and Krejci could be in another sweater. Good timing.

 

[Mainehockey33]

I hope you're right about Frederic, because Studnicka was very impressive in DC. A year in Providence will do them both a lot of good.

By the time they're ready, and sooner than later, Bergeron may be declining and Krejci could be in another sweater. Good timing.

It’s too bad Studnicka can’t play in the AHL this year, they need to make one exception per year.

 

[LouJersey]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

Why do people keep referring to Krejci as some sort of issue in the future? He's a replaceable second line center at this point. He's a 65 game 45-50 point scorer with prime ice time these days. It will be fine.

Bergeron I expect a high level of play for awhile, especially with his linemates.

 

[PlayMakers]

I wish they had doubled up on Gabrielle as well.

I agree. Although, I always thought of Blidh as that kind of player, someone who hits everything and gets under people's skin... but they don't seem interested in promoting him. I was shocked he signed an extension because they seem to constantly put guys on 1way contracts in front of him.

I agree with the youth and enthusiasm aspect bit I think that is character driven. Signing a UFA is always risky because he may be a player who is cashing in on a great free agency year. If that player has a history of being a leader and character player I think it is safe to fill in some key rolls with 26 to 30 year old UFA's. Backes isn't producing due to injury and age. I don't believe you can say he isn't putting in a good to great effort every night. I don't believe a team of kids can win a Cup. You need a mix. If the Bruins are looking to really compete this year and not just hoping for the best and having a good run. The Bruins have a good veteran core. Some size, grit, toughness and skill for the third line or the second line RW spot would make me feel a lot better heading into the season.

I hear you, and agree that you need a mix of young and old, and I think the Bruins have that right now.

I do think they need to be weary of UFA's, even the 26-30 year old's. Beleskey was 27 and thought to be a character guy and he fell off the map. Sweeney likes to go after UFA's too, I think he likes them because they're "free" to acquire, but he hasn't exactly hit it out of the park with his signings.

The only problem being the pro scouting department and Sweeney don't fill me with confidence. Long time until October, I would just feel better with at least one more established 20 plus goal scorer and an Anderson or Wood on the team.

Fwiw, I agree that they need some jam in the middle6. I think they recognize this too (by their UFA signings) but it's curious that they don't seem to draft for it. Tom Wilson's are hard to acquire. Maybe there are too many misses when trying to draft a Lucic/Wilson type and that's why they stay away. Either way, they either need more from Backes in that role or are going to have to get it elsewhere.

 

[PlayMakers]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

Well, they have been working on developing replacements for a few years now in Trent Frederic, Jack Studnicka and Forsbacka-Karlsson. It's hard to imagine them getting to the level of Bergeron or even Krejci when you look at all those two have done but each one of them is as good a prospect as Bergeron or Krejci were before they were NHL players. Who knows what they become...

That said, there are some high-end offensive centers that (I think) are going to come available in the next 12 months; Seguin, RNH, Duchene.

 

[cheg1349]

Well, they have been working on developing replacements for a few years now in Trent Frederic, Jack Studnicka and Forsbacka-Karlsson. It's hard to imagine them getting to the level of Bergeron or even Krejci when you look at all those two have done but each one of them is as good a prospect as Bergeron or Krejci were before they were NHL players. Who knows what they become...

That said, there are some high-end offensive centers that (I think) are going to come available in the next 12 months; Seguin, RNH, Duchene.

I remember someone saying a week or two ago that Seguin was moving towards an extension for big money ($10-11 mil) but not full length term

 

[Greek_physique]

This is the strangest comparison that I've seen in a while. Two very different styles. Even before he was drafted #1 overall, Hall is way more aggressively physical. He would've been the perfect Bruin.

I'm talking only about his offensive ability.

Both strong skaters, great shots and similar in size.

Of course Hall is 10x better, but I see a bit of Donato in him.

 

[easton117]

It’s too bad Studnicka can’t play in the AHL this year, they need to make one exception per year.

That AHL rule is one of the dumbest in pro sports.

 

[Fenian24]

That AHL rule is one of the dumbest in pro sports.

Not if you want to keep Canadian junior hockey alive. If the NHL wants to move the draft age back to 19 then fine you can assign 19 year olds to the AHL otherwise it needs to stay the way it is.

 

[KnightofBoston]

So who is the future Bergeron/Krejci on this team? It needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Bruins haven't even replaced Riley Nash yet, and with all these prospects we have I fully expect a big move for such a player. I don't see any of our prospects filling Bergeron's or even Krejci's shoes.

JFK is closest to a future bergeron but he won’t hit his ceiling, Fitzgerald is probably closest to Krejci in style but not really

Frederic could be the best of the three

Personally I don’t see them needing to replicate what bergeron and Krejci do but rather be something new

But we need to draft a high end center soon

I’m not even really sure who our center prospects are anymore, Donato was at one point but he’s at wing now. Does anyone with a lot of knowledge see him moving back to center down the road?

Who are our centersafter that, JFK, Frederic, Fitzgerald, didn’t we just draft one in the third round? Was it Lauko or the other kid? I’m way out of the loop this summer

 

[Saxon Eric]

Not if you want to keep Canadian junior hockey alive. If the NHL wants to move the draft age back to 19 then fine you can assign 19 year olds to the AHL otherwise it needs to stay the way it is.

The CHL is a puppy mill, change won't come overnight but it will come

 

[easton117]

Not if you want to keep Canadian junior hockey alive. If the NHL wants to move the draft age back to 19 then fine you can assign 19 year olds to the AHL otherwise it needs to stay the way it is.

But as it is, you end up with tweeners. Or Kramer in the dojo’s.

It’s stunting the development of players to protect the jobs of guys who should probably be looking for their second careers.

I’m all for rewarding longevity, but there comes a point where it’s silly.

As for the draft age you might be on to something. But then again what age are they signing contracts for soccer in Europe now? They’re crazy over there.