Proposal: Bruins Off-Season Talk

[KrejciMVP]

Can't believe Markov wants 6 million a year. Who in the right mind will give him this?

He thinks he is still 25 and 6 mill is Nada

 

[Dizzay]

an entertaining few minutes over here at HF fo sho. i'm off to run a few errands. hoping for some more since we don't get any of it in the NHL anymore.

I think its great! I think someone hit it on the head when they said people are frustrated because they want the team to win and be better and the past two off seasons have not indicated that at all. It's like the team is teetering on going for it and rebuilding and are still not sure which route to go. The bashing of other people's thoughts is just what it is, I don't think posters need to get upset over it. DKH states a post is the worst he's seen in 20 years.......he's allowed his opinion, and in his eyes, maybe it is the worst post......proposing to trade Krug and Rask? On the other hand, who gives a f$%# what DKH thinks? We're all adults, discussing our team here, I laugh it off if someone says something negative about a post of mine.

Back to business........
Lets sign Jagr, Doan, Iginla and have the oldest 3rd line in the NHL.......can Iggy play centre? just kidding...........

 

[C77]

I am convincing myself that the inactivity is due to high stakes negotiations between the Islanders and Bruins regarding Tavares.

 

[Bmessy]

Spooner and Beleskey for
Ouelett and Sheahan

 

[BruinDust]

I think its great! I think someone hit it on the head when they said people are frustrated because they want the team to win and be better and the past two off seasons have not indicated that at all. It's like the team is teetering on going for it and rebuilding and are still not sure which route to go. The bashing of other people's thoughts is just what it is, I don't think posters need to get upset over it. DKH states a post is the worst he's seen in 20 years.......he's allowed his opinion, and in his eyes, maybe it is the worst post......proposing to trade Krug and Rask? On the other hand, who gives a f$%# what DKH thinks? We're all adults, discussing our team here, I laugh it off if someone says something negative about a post of mine.

Back to business........
Lets sign Jagr, Doan, Iginla and have the oldest 3rd line in the NHL.......can Iggy play centre? just kidding...........

Did actually making the playoffs for the 1st time in 3 seasons give any indication this team is getting better?

I can't speak for all, but I think some are just a little bit tired of the constant negativity.

Tim Schaller signs a one-year deal for under 800k, and folks are upset at Sweeney because they don't see where he fits into their little roster puzzle.

Most here would like to see more help brought in, Sweeney would too.

But he doesn't NEED to bring help in, he has WANTS like every GM.

And because he doesn't NEED to bring in help, he doesn't NEED to over-pay the likes of Joe Sakic for help either.

 

[Dizzay]

Did actually making the playoffs for the 1st time in 3 seasons give any indication this team is getting better?

I can't speak for all, but I think some are just a little bit tired of the constant negativity.

Tim Schaller signs a one-year deal for under 800k, and folks are upset at Sweeney because they don't see where he fits into their little roster puzzle.

Most here would like to see more help brought in, Sweeney would too.

But he doesn't NEED to bring help in, he has WANTS like every GM.

And because he doesn't NEED to bring in help, he doesn't NEED to over-pay the likes of Joe Sakic for help either.

I wouldn't say it was a sign of them getting better to be honest, they missed the playoffs the two seasons prior by what? a point? and both came down to the last day/second last day? That to me is consistently teetering on the fence of playoffs/non playoffs. I agree that we don't pay kings ransoms for guys like Duchene or Lando, just because he wants to appease the fan base. If it's not there and doesn't fit into the plan, don't do it.

 

[LouJersey]

This is a perfectly fair question and it's a double-edged sword, but ultimately they will have to hit on one trade if this team is to take the next step, and I'd rather they not wait until Chara is retired and Bergeron, Krejci and Backes have lost their effectiveness.

Draft, develop and pray isn't a viable strategy in my book. They need a talent in his mid-20's for this forward group in order for the team to take the next step. They will also need a GM capable of adding the right pieces when needed, and Sweeney hasn't shown he can do that.

I think first off we look at the "core" differently. Chara hasn't been the same guy since 2011. He's been in decline and every season is a bonus now that he stays healthy and plays like he did last year. Krejci and Backes to me are replaceable. They are hardly "build around guys" at this point. Rask and Bergeron are the ones that concern me.

As for the pro scouting, I'm not a huge McVie fan. I'm also not sure what kind of "expertise" ex players like Dennis Bonvie and Matt Linblad can bring. I do know Beleskey had a pretty solid year heading into UFA...Backes was also highly regarded...I think MB really played up to his deal year one. Was a good signing..Backes had the new city, the new position, obviously wasn't a Claude guy and seemed to do better later. He needs to give us more as well no question...

Hayes was terrible. Stempniak was very good in NJ and I could see why you'd want to deal for him, but like every acquisition during Claude's reign at the deadline is was a dud for twenty games (even our 2011 guys had terrible regular seasons here after coming over)...

I think the pro scouting is a weakness no question, but I also think some of the failures are on the players. Beleskey and Hayes should be embarrassed for their efforts many nights and they didn't even respond to demotions or benchings.

 

[BruinDust]

I wouldn't say it was a sign of them getting better to be honest, they missed the playoffs the two seasons prior by what? a point? and both came down to the last day/second last day? That to me is consistently teetering on the fence of playoffs/non playoffs. I agree that we don't pay kings ransoms for guys like Duchene or Lando, just because he wants to appease the fan base. If it's not there and doesn't fit into the plan, don't do it.

Just making the playoffs alone, your probably right, the margins were pretty thin each year.

I guess the sign of positive improvement was the way they finished. The two years prior, they had a playoff spot in their sights, only to choke and collapse their way to early tee times.

This team looked dead in the water before they fired Claude, and Cassidy came in, finally found a way to get more out of the guys he had by moving guys around, and changing the atmosphere/staleness of the room and voice. What we saw under Cassidy was a much better indicator of what this team truly was.

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

But he doesn't NEED to bring help in, he has WANTS like every GM.

And because he doesn't NEED to bring in help, he doesn't NEED to over-pay the likes of Joe Sakic for help either.

I'm not sure I agree with categorizing a team that hasn't won a playoff series in 3 years as a team lacking needs.

Particularly if the development of Carlo and McAvoy isn't linear, or the same injury luck the Bruins had last year doesn't carry over to this one.

The Bruins could still wind up needing a top 4 D and a top 6 before all is said and done.

So I'd change your statement. The Bruins need a top 6 F. Sweeney wants to fill it internally.

 

[LouJersey]

Did actually making the playoffs for the 1st time in 3 seasons give any indication this team is getting better?

I can't speak for all, but I think some are just a little bit tired of the constant negativity.

Tim Schaller signs a one-year deal for under 800k, and folks are upset at Sweeney because they don't see where he fits into their little roster puzzle.

Most here would like to see more help brought in, Sweeney would too.

But he doesn't NEED to bring help in, he has WANTS like every GM.

And because he doesn't NEED to bring in help, he doesn't NEED to over-pay the likes of Joe Sakic for help either.

Doesn't help when your president says they need a minutes eating LHD every chance he gets.

 

[BruinDust]

I'm not sure I agree with categorizing a team that hasn't won a playoff series in 3 years as a team lacking needs.

Particularly if the development of Carlo and McAvoy isn't linear, or the same injury luck the Bruins had last year doesn't carry over to this one.

The Bruins could still wind up needing a top 4 D and a top 6 before all is said and done.

So I'd change your statement. The Bruins need a top 6 F. Sweeney wants to fill it internally.

By need I meant something they need from outside the organization.

 

[Estlin]

Is anyone else scared that 8 of the 16 you listed are these guys and Bjork who might not even make the team?

Not scared, but frustrated. I mentioned elsewhere that the Bruins will have two fourth lines again next season. Combine that with having McQuaid and Kevan Miller in the top six (either playing as a pair or one of them in the top four) and how is that a recipe for success?

I am convincing myself that the inactivity is due to high stakes negotiations between the Islanders and Bruins regarding Tavares.

But what about the offersheet to Jack Eichel?

 

[BruinDust]

Doesn't help when your president says they need a minutes eating LHD every chance he gets.

Agree.

Neely and Sweeney did it last year too. Sit in front of a microphone and blab to the world what they are looking to add. Last year it was a RD, this year a LD or a winger.

No wonder fans expectations are a bit out of whack.

 

[EverettMike]

Agree.

Neely and Sweeney did it last year too. Sit in front of a microphone and blab to the world what they are looking to add. Last year it was a RD, this year a LD or a winger.

No wonder fans expectations are a bit out of whack.

Might be best if senor Jacobs doesn't talk about expecting a deep playoff run either.

 

[LouJersey]

Might be best if senor Jacobs doesn't talk about expecting a deep playoff run either.

Unless deep means 3 home playoff games.

 

[EverettMike]

I'll say this, I'm not really upset the roster hasn't been improved yet. You don't have to set your team by July 6th. You have until February really.

Obviously there's reason to worry about that approach, but still.

 

[EverettMike]

Unless deep means 3 home playoff games.

Buy a hot dog: It's called Bruins.

 

[HallOfFamer]

So I'd change your statement. The Bruins need a top 6 F. Sweeney wants to fill it internally.

I think part of the frustration is that Sweeny / Neely were on the record saying that they wanted to add a wing and left-side D at the start of the off-season. So they recognized the needs that the team has. Now it appears as though they are ignoring those needs because of not being able to address them and just go with the players that they have.

It's easy to rationalize it by saying that the Bruins can still make moves before camp, or even during the season. However, last year, when the team needed moves to be made, everyone kept saying that big moves are much easier to make in the off-season. Thus, it appears as though the Bruins are unable to close deals to help make the team better (Chiarelli seemed to have the same problem after the Seguin trade too).

I definitely lean towards the group of posters that are willing to defend Sweeny, but the pro-Sweeny side has taken a bit of a condescending stance, belittling anything that could be perceived as criticism. The facts are there though - there are holes on this team, the GM and President have acknowledged it. Thus far they have failed to act. This, to me, is a legitimate topic and something to watch going forward.

 

[Seidenbergy]

Buy a hot dog: It's called Bruins.

I want my jumbo home-cooked meatball.

 

[Greek_physique]

I'll say this, I'm not really upset the roster hasn't been improved yet. You don't have to set your team by July 6th. You have until February really.

Obviously there's reason to worry about that approach, but still.

I think even with no major roster moves, just the additions and subtractions from last years playoff team will help this club more.

Pasta and McAvoy gained valuable experience that should only help them in the regular season.

Carlo and Krug will be back and take on a greater role, along with K.Miller.

We will have healthy competition between Bjork, Vatrano, Heinen, DeBrusk that should be fun to watch.

Having a fresh start from the start of the NHL season for Cassidy should be the big difference.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

I think part of the frustration is that Sweeny / Neely were on the record saying that they wanted to add a wing and left-side D at the start of the off-season. So they recognized the needs that the team has. Now it appears as though they are ignoring those needs because of not being able to address them and just go with the players that they have.

It's easy to rationalize it by saying that the Bruins can still make moves before camp, or even during the season. However, last year, when the team needed moves to be made, everyone kept saying that big moves are much easier to make in the off-season. Thus, it appears as though the Bruins are unable to close deals to help make the team better (Chiarelli seemed to have the same problem after the Seguin trade too).

I definitely lean towards the group of posters that are willing to defend Sweeny, but the pro-Sweeny side has taken a bit of a condescending stance, belittling anything that could be perceived as criticism. The facts are there though - there are holes on this team, the GM and President have acknowledged it. Thus far they have failed to act. This, to me, is a legitimate topic and something to watch going forward.

As one of the Pro-Sweeney group, I can tell you that for me, it's not condescension, it's frustation. He has said all along that their primary goal was to draft and develop, while trying to remain competitive now (without giving away their top prospects). For the most part Sweeney has stuck to that tenant, but people keep calling saying, "there is no plan". The frustration comes in because there obviously (to me anyway) is a plan, and people just disagree with the approach.

Not liking a plan, and there being no plan are two different things.

 

[JAD]

Well, Sweeney and company may be waiting to see what development camp brings before finalizing any action plans concerning trades. Or even less urgent waiting to see what training camp has to offer to see if anyone stands out. But I know we all would want an established player or two to plug into the lineup before than.
The waiting is the hardest part.

 

[Seidenbergy]

I think even with no major roster moves, just the additions and subtractions from last years playoff team will help this club more.

Pasta and McAvoy gained valuable experience that should only help them in the regular season.

Carlo and Krug will be back and take on a greater role, along with K.Miller.

We will have healthy competition between Bjork, Vatrano, Heinen, DeBrusk that should be fun to watch.

Having a fresh start from the start of the NHL season for Cassidy should be the big difference.

On the flip side, can Marchand keep up the torrid scoring pace he had going last year? Can he behave himself all season long knowing that if he so much as looks at someone the wrong way, he's looking at a multi-game suspension?

What if Chara hits the wall? What if Tuukka goes down?

What if Cassidy gets figured out by the league now that the league has the entire summer to go over the film on his system.....and he can't adjust?

For every player that COULD grow and improve, there are just as many on the other side of the coin that may regress.

 

[KrejciMVP]

Might be best if senor Jacobs doesn't talk about expecting a deep playoff run either.

my expectation is to win and compete every year or at least try to. If they want to tell us we're not focusing on winning and rather developing, thats ok, we can answer by keeping the money in our wallets instead of Jacobs gouging prices at the box office, concession and parking. fair is fair. Charging ridiculous prices and not putting a winner on the ice isn't right.

 

[DKH]

I want my jumbo home-cooked meatball.

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/blog/2017/04/12/fenway-park-meatball-cone/

The Bruins are all in