The difference in ability between Boston, Toronto and Tampa is very small, so I’d say their points are just evening out over the course of the season. Their methodology and compositions are different but the end result is pretty similar – Boston has top-5 defense but only bottom-10 offense, Toronto is the exact opposite, and Tampa is more balanced in being at least top-10 in both areas. Probably their offense is a little stronger than their D, but their excellent goalie combination makes up for that. Obviously the Bruins need to address their lack of scoring and bring in a couple of good forwards, whereas Tampa have a little cap space to work with and will probably look to make a couple of general upgrades if they can. The Leafs are in cap hell but surely they’re going to want to try to snaffle a cheap-ish, experienced defender.
Sweeney knows his team as it stands won’t go far, he’s not stupid. It’s a question of what he can get, and how much he’s willing to give up for it. My take on Boston’s recruiting and team management strategies in recent years is that their number 1 priority is to remain a consistent, top-10 team in the league. They don’t want to be a Blackhawks or Kings that win the Cup but then fall off a cliff and spend the next 5-10 years in purgatory. So they’re willing to trade to try and improve the team and give it a chance at a deep playoff run, but not to mortgage or give away too much of the team’s future in doing so. I’m not sure whether this policy ultimately comes from Jacobs or Neely or somewhere else, but that seems to be how it is.
It's a sensible strategy, to a point, but I feel like this season they need to push harder in trading and risk a little extra. The current core is just about done, and I’d say deep down we all know they only have one last shot at another Cup. The squad is also tired and a bit jaded after going so deep last season. They need a freshen up to reinvigorate the group for another run. But they do have a realistic shot that’s worth investing in. So the FO needs to be bold. Last season they gave up one so-so young forward and a couple of picks for two solid players. Sharp work and it was nearly enough.
This time they may need to give up more to get more. There are limits – last year Columbus probably went too far in going for immediate success – but there is definitely room for Sweeney to make bigger plays on the market without compromising the team’s long-term future too much. The extra defensive depth this year thanks to the rise of Clifton, the confirmation of Gryz as a genuine, solid NHL-er, and Lauzon and Vaak being ready to step up, plus Bjork proving his talent adding just a little up forward, gives Don the pieces to work with. There are going to be compromises – we’ll likely need to give away some of that back-end depth, a prospect or two and maybe a current forward as well – but I think most would agree it would be worth it if it takes us to another SCF, and the evidence is well and truly there to justify taking a punt and going for it now. There is a tomorrow, but if the Bruins want a Cup anytime in the next 5 years at least, the time to get it is today.
Sweeney knows his team as it stands won’t go far, he’s not stupid. It’s a question of what he can get, and how much he’s willing to give up for it. My take on Boston’s recruiting and team management strategies in recent years is that their number 1 priority is to remain a consistent, top-10 team in the league. They don’t want to be a Blackhawks or Kings that win the Cup but then fall off a cliff and spend the next 5-10 years in purgatory. So they’re willing to trade to try and improve the team and give it a chance at a deep playoff run, but not to mortgage or give away too much of the team’s future in doing so. I’m not sure whether this policy ultimately comes from Jacobs or Neely or somewhere else, but that seems to be how it is.
It's a sensible strategy, to a point, but I feel like this season they need to push harder in trading and risk a little extra. The current core is just about done, and I’d say deep down we all know they only have one last shot at another Cup. The squad is also tired and a bit jaded after going so deep last season. They need a freshen up to reinvigorate the group for another run. But they do have a realistic shot that’s worth investing in. So the FO needs to be bold. Last season they gave up one so-so young forward and a couple of picks for two solid players. Sharp work and it was nearly enough.
This time they may need to give up more to get more. There are limits – last year Columbus probably went too far in going for immediate success – but there is definitely room for Sweeney to make bigger plays on the market without compromising the team’s long-term future too much. The extra defensive depth this year thanks to the rise of Clifton, the confirmation of Gryz as a genuine, solid NHL-er, and Lauzon and Vaak being ready to step up, plus Bjork proving his talent adding just a little up forward, gives Don the pieces to work with. There are going to be compromises – we’ll likely need to give away some of that back-end depth, a prospect or two and maybe a current forward as well – but I think most would agree it would be worth it if it takes us to another SCF, and the evidence is well and truly there to justify taking a punt and going for it now. There is a tomorrow, but if the Bruins want a Cup anytime in the next 5 years at least, the time to get it is today.