Speculation: Franchise Defenseman

[TinyRivers]

Hes a UFA at seasons end so he'd be a rental. Depending on the deal I'd sign him in a heartbeat, but I don't think id break the bank for him. Definitely wouldn't trade for him unless he was signed.

I'd be fine if he signed as a UFA next season as well (less loss for us). I just don't tend to see any "rumors" this season, as opposed to last year.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Haven't heard much "Shattenkirk wants to be a Bruin" talk this season...Has that gone out the window, considering the Vesey fiasco here?

Most of the discussion for the past 9 months has been he is locked in on being a ranger when the season ends.

Of course there was a thought for a long time that it was a given that Yandle woud end up in Boston, so these things change.

Seems like the general consensus is STL will just go to war with what they have in an attempt to win the cup this year, rather than significantly weaken their team by trading Shattenkirk for futures.

Oh, and given the subject. Shattenkirk is in no way shape or form a franchise defenseman

 

[whatsbruin]

True, the best teams usually have a bonefide #1 guy.

But, you can have a 2A and 2B -- and get away with it. It looks like a good stable of young blueliners in this system right now, and it may work out that way.

But we'll have to wait.

They don't usually stabilize until they're 25.

Speaking of horses, I still think Ray Bourque (present day) would be the Bruins best Defensman.

And I'm being serious.

Ray has gained a lot of weight. Don't think he'd be the best B's
D'man.

 

[Beantown1616]

A franchise defenseman is a HUGE part of being successful. It must be the exception and not the rule that a team does well without one.

That said, I am with the poster who said you just can't plan for it. Draft and develop well and hope for the best. I have no idea where the next great Bruins D will come from (obviously hoping its McAvoy because that makes things easy).

In that regard, the Bruins are in great shape. Out of McAvoy, Zboril, Lauzon, Lindgren, Gryz, O'Gara, Sherman there will likely be a couple of useful talents and we only need 6 per game. Plus guys like Krug, Morrow, Miller have some legs left in their careers.

EDIT: Plus Brandon Carlo is already top pair material.

 

[chizzler]

I hope they don't trade the best out of the bunch. Wouldn't move mcavoy, Lindgren or Carlo. All the rest are on the table.