Bruins Off Season III

[northeastern]

Yeah I don't get the whole player debate between Backes and Loui. In terms of their attributes, I'd have a hard time arguing convincingly for one over another. And for that reason, $6M value for each guy seems right to me.

To me the only relevant debate is their future value, durability, reliability, etc. On those measures, I'd much rather have Loui for 6 more years than Backes for 5. I think that's the debate that matters.

Loui has a larger injury risk in my opinion with concussions while backes has remained fairly healthy although his type of game could take it's toll on him eventually.

Personally i like backes simply because of his style. Loui floated a little too much in my opinion and his best season being his fa showoff period worries me.

 

[World of Wardlow]

I feel like this whole Backes-Eriksson is going to be looked at (or at least the reactions) like the Sequin-Eriksson fiasco on this board ....

 

[bruinmann77]

I understand everyone calling for D Help but who would you all realistically add.
and remember the other team has to be found to make it work.

 

[DKH]

I feel like this whole Backes-Eriksson is going to be looked at (or at least the reactions) like the Sequin-Eriksson fiasco on this board ....

I don't think Eriksson will start off as bad in Vancouver. Backes is a constant like the sun rising in the East. He will get 25 +/- 3 goals and bring world class D to the lineup

Loui who's contract was picked worst deal by SI should be good but there are whispers he played for a contract (I don't agree but Haggs had it and it sure didn't come from Boston he can't them to say hello from the sounds of it)

 

[bp13]

Loui has a larger injury risk in my opinion with concussions while backes has remained fairly healthy although his type of game could take it's toll on him eventually.

Personally i like backes simply because of his style. Loui floated a little too much in my opinion and his best season being his fa showoff period worries me.

You don't think Backes has had concussions? You don't remember "Wakey wakey Backes"?

I'm reasonably confident that Loui will be a more effective player in 3-5 years than Backes. Obviously I could be wrong. It's just my bet. Conversely, I'm fairly confident the Bruins probably could use a guy like Backes more in the next few years than Loui. The problem is the defense sucks so it doesn't matter much.

 

[BB88]

I don't think Eriksson will start off as bad in Vancouver. Backes is a constant like the sun rising in the East. He will get 25 +/- 3 goals and bring world class D to the lineup

Loui who's contract was picked worst deal by SI should be good but there are whispers he played for a contract (I don't agree but Haggs had it and it sure didn't come from Boston he can't them to say hello from the sounds of it)

If Backes is the 3rd line C mainly that's a bit too much, haven't seen anything offensively from him at the World Cup.
He looks like a defensive physical C instead of 2way threat.

Eriksson is better both offensively and defensively today than Backes, he was elite 2way player last year and looks fantastic for Sweden at the World Cup again.

 

[BruinDust]

If Backes is the 3rd line C mainly that's a bit too much, haven't seen anything offensively from him at the World Cup.
He looks like a defensive physical C instead of 2way threat.

Eriksson is better both offensively and defensively today than Backes, he was elite 2way player last year and looks fantastic for Sweden at the World Cup again.

Well he had 14 points in 20 playoff games just a few months ago. Seems like a two-way threat to me.

I'm not really worried about his offense (or lack-there-of) at a short tournament like the WC where he played a 4th line role.

Especially considering even the offensive guys on his WC team failed to generate much if anything.

 

[bp13]

They are looking to contend.

You don't need to have the 1977 Canadiens on paper in September.

The Sharks were NOT even a playoff seed in March.
No, but they had pillars. Plenty of offensive talent, Burns and Vlasic on D. The Bruins can match the forward group, but they aren't close on D. Need D to win.

The 2013 Red Sox, 2001 Patriots.
2013 Red Sox had a high-end starter, a handful of all-stars, strength up the middle. Key pillars in baseball. 2001 Patriots had a great quarterback and coach. Julien might be excellent, might, but it's a team sport. There is no position, not even goalie, that rivals QB. So that analogy falls apart.

I would never ever blow this up.

My take - decent team lot of young players who time will give answers

Remind me a lot of 2008 Bruins- Claude's first year
Which were what, 3 years from really contending?
You mention 'if we aren't looking to contend'

They are though

They should
Disagree. They don't have a defense that is remotely close. And not only has the GM proved totally incapable, thus far, of improving the D, but even if he was Ken Holland his job is tough. The D needs one major piece, maybe two. That's a very tall task.

I think a % of fans aren't or don't want them to contend but they are

They also are smartly letting things evolve

What did Billy Bean tell Peter Gammons

1. First third of year see what you have, surprises, needs

2. Work on getting what area you need either 'internally or externally'
And Sweeney has shown he's capable of such improvement? No, he hasn't. Now he might be (I like him personally), but there's little evidence to defend him. All evidence points to a guy looking to contend in 2-3 years, maybe more. Problem is, it doesn't jive with Backes. And worse yet, it may not jive with other key guys like Bergeron, Krejci, obviously Chara, Rask, etc. Time will tell.
3. Go with team puts you in position to compete

This is what the Sharks & Penguins did with Mike Sullivan being a big addition

Bruins fans seem to want to have a fixed roster in August
No. We want to have a roster that doesn't have a major fatal flaw. I am fine with a roster that isn't "fixed". No rosters are perfect. But you can't have a fatal flaw.
Let it evolve I say the answer could be a non top 100 NHL prospect like Brad Marchand was in September 2010 coming off a scintillating 1 assist in 15 game March/April audition

Responses in bold.

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

Backes has done nothing impressive in the World Cup, but I'm giving him a free pass because that whole team has been awful and I think Tortarella is the biggest reason.

 

[DoubleAAAA]

Both Loui and Backes are pretty darn good players at this point, with comparable risks.

Same cap hit, under contract to the same age. They both got too much term considering they're on the back 9. Both are consistent producers, both excel defensively as well. One gives you depth and flexibility at the most important F position plus a little bit of meanness, the other a little more finesse.

For me it's a wash - don't think I personally would have signed either to those terms, but for next year I'd take either on my team pretty happily.

 

[bp13]

Backes has done nothing impressive in the World Cup, but I'm giving him a free pass because that whole team has been awful and I think Tortarella is the biggest reason.

He's also not a great skater so that tournament doesn't exactly put him in the best light right? I mean it stunned me they took him on that team to be honest, just because I didn't think he could hang with that tempo. But in the NHL he's a very effective player. I think he's getting an undue bad wrap around here (not from you). He's an excellent addition to any team. It's just too bad he had to get a 5 year deal to come here.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

He's also not a great skater so that tournament doesn't exactly put him in the best light right? I mean it stunned me they took him on that team to be honest, just because I didn't think he could hang with that tempo. But in the NHL he's a very effective player. I think he's getting an undue bad wrap around here (not from you). He's an excellent addition to any team. It's just too bad he had to get a 5 year deal to come here.

I think the 5th year was a necessity for just about everywhere except STL, and he probably would have only taken 4 from them if nobody offers 5?

I think he's going to be very good hear. I just hope he's one of those guys that ages well

 

[BB88]

Well he had 14 points in 20 playoff games just a few months ago. Seems like a two-way threat to me.

I'm not really worried about his offense (or lack-there-of) at a short tournament like the WC where he played a 4th line role.

Especially considering even the offensive guys on his WC team failed to generate much if anything.

I'm not talking about points but how he has looked there, how little offensive plays he has made.
If his main linemates is some combination of Beleskey/Vatrano/Hayes can we really expect points from him, who would drive that line offensively?

 

[rudos1]

Sign Kris Russell before Chia does, any D help is good help right now...

 

[BruinsFanMike82]

 

[Absurdity]

I'm not talking about points but how he has looked there, how little offensive plays he has made.
If his main linemates is some combination of Beleskey/Vatrano/Hayes can we really expect points from him, who would drive that line offensively?

Yup. Blues fans said the same thing about Backes when he plays C and that his effectiveness in the playoffs was based on him playing on the wing. I think we'll mostly see him on the wing and maybe take some defensive draws here and there in certain situations.

 

[Absurdity]

He also said Spooner will start at C, let the lines unfold at camp, and I'm guessing he means quicker shorter passes when he talks about playing fast.

 

[Greek_physique]

Encouraged by the comments about C.Miller and I agree he needs to limit his reckless plays...but at the same time, Julien needs to loosen the leash and allow him to play more even after he makes a mistake.

 

[bp13]

I mean all these quotes sound nice but they always do in the weeks leading up to the start of the season. These are the very same guys they had last year and last year the D was a problem. I don't care how many weeks of summer camp their parents paid for, we should be reasonable about any individual improvements. And similarly reasonable about any deterioration we might see from our oldest, yet somehow still best, defenseman.

I'd bet anything that Julien is stunned that this is his defensive roster. I can't imagine he's remotely enthused about having to say "We plan to upgrade our D with our play on the ice." Effectively what he's saying there is "Thanks Donny. Thanks for putting this 100% on me. Great job this summer."

 

[GloryDaze4877]

I mean all these quotes sound nice but they always do in the weeks leading up to the start of the season. These are the very same guys they had last year and last year the D was a problem. I don't care how many weeks of summer camp their parents paid for, we should be reasonable about any individual improvements. And similarly reasonable about any deterioration we might see from our oldest, yet somehow still best, defenseman.

I'd bet anything that Julien is stunned that this is his defensive roster. I can't imagine he's remotely enthused about having to say "We plan to upgrade our D with our play on the ice." Effectively what he's saying there is "Thanks Donny. Thanks for putting this 100% on me. Great job this summer."

Totally disagree.

Sweeney hitched his horse to the Clode Wagon by not firing him this year. I would bet money they are on the same page.

 

[DoubleAAAA]

What else is Claude supposed to say? I'm sure he's ready to go to war with what he's got and I'm sure he likes most of those guys, but I have a hard time imagining he or any coach wouldn't be hoping for an upgrade, just like I'm sure Sweeney was hopeful he could get something done.

Just a case of dealing with the cards you're dealt, putting on a good face, and showing a bit of faith in the guys in the room because that's all you've got.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Totally disagree.

Sweeney hitched his horse to the Clode Wagon by not firing him this year. I would bet money they are on the same page.

I would go so far as to say that they both realize the Bruins require that defenceman. Same page, yes. Content? No.

 

[pierre gagnon*]

Totally disagree.

Sweeney hitched his horse to the Clode Wagon by not firing him this year. I would bet money they are on the same page.

I agree, The kids and the future will happen one way or another but for now its same old, same old. Or out with the old guys in with the old guys. Just have to wait a few years to see real change, reminds me of this

Rush... Something For Nothing Lyrics, (Neal Peart)

Waiting for the winds of change
To sweep the clouds away
Waiting for the rainbow's end
To cast its gold your way
Countless ways
You pass the days

Waiting for someone to call
And turn your world around
Looking for an answer to
The questions you have found
Looking for
An open door

Oh you don't get something for nothing
You don't get freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dreams might be

No you don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free
You won't get wise
With the sleep still in your eyes
No matter what your dream might be

What you own is your own kingdom
What you do is your own glory
What you love is your own power
What you live is your own story

In your head is the answer
Let it guide you along
Let your heart be the anchor
And the beat of your song

Oh you don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free, no

Whoa you don't get something for nothing
You can't have freedom for free

 

[BruinDust]

I'm not talking about points but how he has looked there, how little offensive plays he has made.
If his main linemates is some combination of Beleskey/Vatrano/Hayes can we really expect points from him, who would drive that line offensively?

His team as a whole didn't make a whole lot of offensive plays. Even Kane struggled to create a lot of chances.

But I agree, Backes isn't the type of player to create. And if his line-mates are a combination of Belesky/Hayes/etc. it will impact his production and numbers.

Julien is going to start Spooner at C, but I can't see him staying there once Bergeron is back from the WC. Julien has a pile of wingers fighting for spots so it makes sense for him to use wingers as winger and see what he has. After Pastrnak and Marchand, he has a big pile of question marks as to who plays and who plays where. Even guys like Belesky and Nash will play but where they play is up in the air.

At the end of the day I think Spooner ends up on a line with Backes and they can come up with some type of system where Backes is down low in the defensive zone and takes most draws, but Spooner is still allowed the offensive freedom he's warranted at C. Not sure if it will work (Spooner might have to become a pure winger), but I think that's the forward pairing we'll see.

 

[bp13]

Totally disagree.

Sweeney hitched his horse to the Clode Wagon by not firing him this year. I would bet money they are on the same page.

On the same page? I'm not arguing they aren't.

I'm just saying that I bet at year's end Donny said "I'll work to improve this defense", and I bet Claude isn't overly excited that he didn't get anything done.