Player Discussion Justin Brazeau

[Dennis Bonvie]

We need to get him and Koepke locked up.


Shades of Mario Lemieux and Adam Oates last night by JB.

That's why he's #55.

66 and 99 were already taken.

 

[NDiesel]

I'm glad people are on the Braz train. A lot of things he does well every game, and while his hands and vision are a nice surprise, I still just love how you always see the big man making his way to the front of the night any chance he gets. Others on the team could learn a lot from him.

I still say put him on PP1 and park him in front.

 

[PlayMakers]

He's on pace for ~40 points, about what Geekie did last season. What is that worth in a new deal assuming he maintains it? $3? He will get paid on sample size too. That said, he could be even better when all is said and done, and that would change things.

I've been penciling him in as 3 years, $9m.

 

[Dr Hook]

I've been penciling him in as 3 years, $9m.

I'm down with that. I hope Don makes it happen. I'd rather give that to Braz than to Freddy at this point.

 

[quietbruinfan]

I am penciling him in to leave. With the exception of last night's pass he is useless anywhere except a foot from the crease.

 

[hrdpuk]

His game is growing as he gets more confidence. Nice to see

 

[Blowfish]

His skating has improved. I see a big difference from last year. Good on bruins picking him up.

 

[goldenblack]

I am penciling him in to leave. With the exception of last night's pass he is useless anywhere except a foot from the crease.

Now that is a spicy take

I'm being generous with the word spicy

 

[Guelph Bruin]

I am penciling him in to leave. With the exception of last night's pass he is useless anywhere except a foot from the crease.

Somewhat true but I do like what he brings down low......he's got impressive hands...I'm on board with the $2m per year crowd. If he fought or hit I'd give him $3m.

 

[BigGoalBrad]

I am penciling him in to leave. With the exception of last night's pass he is useless anywhere except a foot from the crease.

I think he should be glued to 4th line RW. Decent size and lack of speed won't kill you there.

Koepke has potential to fill the scoring void higher up the lineup but hasn't been given a fair show skating with Lindy.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

Brazeau isn’t an overly physical player in terms of doling out hits, yet he’s really coordinated and fluid for a guy of his stature. Certainly no speed demon, but definitely not slow. That combined with a really decent vision and hockey IQ makes him a pretty desirable player.

Even when he’s not having the best game, he’s never taking games or shifts off. A smart, straight ahead, big bodied, limited mistake forward that produces. I think the Bruins would be crazy to not make him a priority for a new contract.

Perhaps I’m pushing it a little in terms of perception, but his body language on the ice and after goals also just says “winner” to me. He’s doing what needs to be done and going where he has to on the ice to make things happen. Just a great player to hone in on and watch.

 

[CellyHard]

Whats also the best attribute of Brazeau's game is he has a scoring touch...he's been confident ever since he entered the league. He never tries to do more than his game and he's just simply super effective at parking out front and burying pucks.

He's a keeper and an ideal bottom six player

 

[dredeye]

We need to get him and Koepke locked up.


Shades of Mario Lemieux and Adam Oates last night by JB.

Agreed. I think if they move sooner than later we can get him a little longer at a cheaper rate. Like a 3 or 4 year deal. If we wait it out we are going to have to pay up.

 

[BadBruins]

His hands for a big man are unique. If he maintains a willingness to go to the front of the net, he'll continue to get his. Someone compared him to JVR in a GDT a couple weeks ago. I thought that was pretty accurate in terms of playing style.

Should be on the 1st PP unit IMO.

Don't want to lose sight of the fact that he's played 45 NHL games though. Turning 27 soon. This is likely the peak of his athletic career.

 

[Kegs]

I am penciling him in to leave. With the exception of last night's pass he is useless anywhere except a foot from the crease.

He is pretty good with the puck on his stick against the board too.

 

[Boston Bandit]

Don’t see him as a bottom 6 player. He belongs on the 2nd line and PP1

And I think he gets even better with more NHL experience

Late bloomer power forward with hands of silk

 

[Colt.45Orr]

Bra-slow



* takes a bow

 

[PlayMakers]

He hasn't been as effective lately, hasn't scored in awhile, but he looked good against CGY on the line with Kastelic and Frederic.

 

[weaponomega]

Brazeau would be my choice to sit with Wahlstrom coming in.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

He hasn't been as effective lately, hasn't scored in awhile, but he looked good against CGY on the line with Kastelic and Frederic.

This is why I (happily) pencil him in in net bottom 6 even if he has spurts of high production now and in the future. Top 6 players are under higher expectations to produce consistently. On the other hand, mistakes are more acceptable in the name of getting those points for a top 6 player. Brazeau is of the “score sometimes, limit mistakes all the time” variety. Ie a solid bottom 6 player.

It’s tempting to want to slot him up but it’s a mistake IMO. Keep solidifying bis game as a third/fourth liner as he should be.

And yes, I carry a negative bias stemming from Trent Frederic’s career arc.

 

[Hookslide]

He hasn't been as effective lately, hasn't scored in awhile, but he looked good against CGY on the line with Kastelic and Frederic.

He has had his chance, now give McLaughlin, his run.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

He hasn't been as effective lately, hasn't scored in awhile, but he looked good against CGY on the line with Kastelic and Frederic.

I said before the season started that I wanted him on the bottom six. I think it gives him a chance to go out, empty his tank every shift, keep everything simple and come back to do it all again the next shift.

He’s playing 2.5 more minutes per game this season than he did last year. I think it’s too much. He’s actually hitting substantially less than he was on his initial call-up.

I’m not down on Brazeau. I want him in the lineup. I just want to streamline his responsibilities.

 

[Colt.45Orr]

I said before the season started that I wanted him on the bottom six. I think it gives him a chance to go out, empty his tank every shift, keep everything simple and come back to do it all again the next shift.

He’s playing 2.5 more minutes per game this season than he did last year. I think it’s too much. He’s actually hitting substantially less than he was on his initial call-up.

I’m not down on Brazeau. I want him in the lineup. I just want to streamline his responsibilities.

Exactly. Effortless skaters can add more mins much easier than someone like Brazeau.

 

[bme44]

Brazeau would be my choice to sit with Wahlstrom coming in.

Frederic would be my first choice . To call his play this season disappointing is a major understatement .
Mc Laughin would be my second choice. he is simply a NHL caliber player.

Brazeau third . He has his limitations for sure , but areas of his game are very good

 

[dredeye]

Letting this guy reach free agency is going to be a huge mistake! They need to get him extended asap. He's not a superstar but he's a piece every team is desperate to find.