I missed the context, as I posted the "Bruins Beat" podcast without checking previous posts.
Both McLaughlin and Evan Marinofsky noted that like Jake DeBrusk, David is better taking care of D these days, though far less so than I prefer.
Another poster (sorry, I don't remember who; come and claim your prize) noted that, on a first line with Bergeron & Brad, Pastrnak didn't need to be defensively responsible -- Patrice and Marchand would handle that.
Well, Patrice might be back next season, but regardless, and especially if sans Bergeron, David has to step up his defensive game. He remains far too careless out there, and to me at least, that is not acceptable.
Also, I DO NOT WANT RYAN NUGENT HOPKINS AS MY NO. #1 CENTER FOR THE SAME REASON. NO DEFENSE TO SPEAK OF. NO SCHEIFELE. NO DUBOIS, who appears to create drama wherever he goes
On December 31, 2020, Dubois signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Blue Jackets.[12] However, two weeks after signing the contract, he requested a trade from the team.[13] While Blue Jackets' general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen initially stated he was in no rush to trade Dubois, the situation between Dubois and Columbus became increasingly untenable. This culminated in Dubois being benched after the first period during a 3–2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on January 21, 2021, following Dubois' lackadaisical play early in the game.[14] ...
... The Winnipeg Sun remarked that he "embodies everything the Jets want in their lineup and their leadership core," and looked like a possible successor to top centre Mark Scheifele, making the end of his current contract a major issue for the team.[19] However, it was reported near the end of June that Dubois had informed the Jets that he did not intend to sign a new long-term deal, and would test free agency in 2024.[20][19] Reports began to circulate that Dubois instead had an interest in playing for the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL's storied Quebec franchise, with his agent Pat Brisson confirming to TVA Sports that Montreal was "a place, a city he’d like to play in. That’s all I can say about that." On July 15, The Athletic reported that Dubois was attempting to force a trade to the Canadiens, and had attended the 2022 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal in person because he believed a trade would be consummated on the draft floor. However, it was said that Winnipeg general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff had demanded in exchange a player that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes was unwilling to trade, and instead the Canadiens acquired Kirby Dach from the Chicago Blackhawks at the draft.[21] This report encouraged further speculation as to Dubois' future with the team, amplified further by his decision on July 22 to accept a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer from the team.[22
As noted above, Dubois wants to go to MTL anyway. I therefore reject him on general principle. NO THANKS.
McLaughlin and Marinofksy raised the possibility of pursuing Elias Lindholm instead,
en.wikipedia.org
Lindholm is 28, wears an A. RNH is 30 and is unlikely to repeat this past season's performance.
Again, I would keep Matt Gryleck if at all possible. It's absurd to consider trading Hampus. Get a legit #1/#2 D after years -- years -- seeking one. Then trade him. Genius.
Forbort, Clifton, Nosek, Zboril, Nick. I don't think anyone is going to take Mike Reilly @ 3 million; buyout candidate.
I might move on from Frederic but he is a natural center, and the Bruins don't have many in house options @ C.
I would NOT trade Jake DeBrusk.
Unfortunately, at 30 years old and 2X years of 6 million, Taylor Hall may prove a cap casualty. He has performed as well as anyone could ask, and will bring solid return.
As noted elsewhere by others, goaltending is a positional strength. Nearly $10 million tied up in an Ullmark-Swayman tandem, particularly when one or the other will likely receive the bulk of playoff duty, is, unfortunately, financially unrealistic.
There are teams out there in need of goaltending help. Snagging a soon to be Vezina winner for 5 million 2X years is a pretty good bet. A 30 year old goaltender can give you four or five solid years going forward.
This is the Bruins' best bargaining chip and will bring the highest return. Not necessarily in terms of roster players, but draft selection replenishment, and, perhaps, a significant prospect.
Finally -- hooray! -- I'm with those who are willing to take a step back next year in service of restocking draft picks, releasing good to very good NHL players to shed cap, and, most importantly, giving Boston's prospects the chance to grow their game and become NHL regulars.
That process has to begin sometime. It might as well begin next season.
The Bruins will still be "in the conversation," though not favorites.
That's okay.
Retooling a jet fighter in midair is a tricky business. I am confident that Sweeney, with an assist from PRO Gold, can begin the process forthwith.
After what I saw in round one, I am less confident that Jim Montgomery is up to the head coaching job in Boston, though nonetheless willing to give him another season to learn from his mistakes and grow as the man behind the bench.
I would be lying if I said I did not have my doubts. I wish Montgomery the very best, but as a fan, I'll be watching closely from afar. Especially when it matters most, in April & May.
I don't see how anyone wouldn't. They weren't barnburners that season but they still won the division and finished with over 100 points so they weren't pushovers either.
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