Left wing or Left D?

[s3antana5757]

Big OEL fan but Charlie Mac is here and and he fills a big void and if they can add a Brodin at only 23 are defense is set for yrs without giving up the farm for OEL, but I'd love him as a Bruin.

Could you imagine McAvoy and OEL on a top pairing for the next 5-10 years?

 

[JAD]

Even if we could make such a trade as suggested here, we would be giving up cost control; we really need to consider cap implications for the next 5 years ( 3 at a minimum).

 

[wintersej]

I hadn't thought along these lines yet. It's an interesting idea. If you give them an expansion exempt guy(Carlo) plus some other pieces, maybe it gets it done. In this scenario though, you'd have to give them enough value to exceed Scandella/Brodin. I think maybe they could have interest in Carlo and some other big time pieces(Spooner, picks, prospects). Think they'd probably just lose C. Miller in a trade.

Edit: Boston would just end up losing one of Brodin/Scandella(or Krug) anyways. So I'm not sure there's a deal to be made here. Boston can't go the 8 skater route with all the NMCs.

Chara could waive his NMC for the expansion, but the Bruins would have to work something out with Vegas

 

[Brewins]

I wonder if Karlsson will sign in Ott. There have been some stories of the owner screwing him around with contract, olympic stuff etc.

I would love if the bruins threw a big contract at him either as a trade on last year of his contract in a few years. Or as a FA if that happens.

I think the reputation he has will force the owner to give him whatever he wants. But I would love another #1 d coming from ottawa

 

[ORR2Sanderson2ORR]

Jonathan Drouins named has been banned about as possibly being traded by the lightning,who are looking for a righthanded d-man. If some how the Bruins could add one of scandelli or Brodin and then send Carlo+ in a package to the lightning for Drouin. I'd be a very Happy Camper!

 

[BadBruins]

Brodin would be a huge addition. I like deHann a lot too.

I think you need to start looking past Chara. Take it year to year. Finding a long-term partner for Carlo/McAvoy is important. Easy to just say Lauzon or Zboril, but I would prefer someone established. In their prime.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Brodin would be a huge addition. I like deHann a lot too.

I think you need to start looking past Chara. Take it year to year. Finding a long-term partner for Carlo/McAvoy is important. Easy to just say Lauzon or Zboril, but I would prefer someone established. In their prime.

So what do we do with the young defenseman in the system then, do we trade them all away, because if they pick up another defenseman, then you are likely burning guys like Zboril, and Lauzon's entire rookie contract at the AHL level. Not to mention O'Gara who belongs in the NHL next year

Especially with Chara talking about wanting to play a couple more years

 

[BadBruins]

So what do we do with the young defenseman in the system then, do we trade them all away, because if they pick up another defenseman, then you are likely burning guys like Zboril, and Lauzon's entire rookie contract at the AHL level. Not to mention O'Gara who belongs in the NHL next year

Especially with Chara talking about wanting to play a couple more years

I honestly think it's a little crazy to think you can bring along so many young defenseman at the same time. You have Carlo and McAvoy at 19/20. Thinking Lauzon, Lindgren, and Zboril will also factor in at the same age is a little lofty IMO. Personally I would rather use those assets to acquire young proven talent at the same position. More in line with Krug's age and experience. Lauzon is probably the guy I would like to keep, but also quite possibly the most highly sought after by other organizations.

 

[ORR2Sanderson2ORR]

I honestly think it's a little crazy to think you can bring along so many young defenseman at the same time. You have Carlo and McAvoy at 19/20. Thinking Lauzon, Lindgren, and Zboril will also factor in at the same age is a little lofty IMO. Personally I would rather use those assets to acquire young proven talent at the same position. More in line with Krug's age and experience. Lauzon is probably the guy I would like to keep, but also quite possibly the most highly sought after by other organizations.

Yes and theirs no better time for the picking to do it. With the expansion draft. With teams being more willing to make deals than lose someone for nothing and if you can grab a proven young d-man like Brodin for a Zboril or a Lauzon you do it.

 

[bob27]

Scandella/Brodin seem like good and realistic targets for Sweeney.

 

[Tampbear]

I honestly think it's a little crazy to think you can bring along so many young defenseman at the same time. You have Carlo and McAvoy at 19/20. Thinking Lauzon, Lindgren, and Zboril will also factor in at the same age is a little lofty IMO. Personally I would rather use those assets to acquire young proven talent at the same position. More in line with Krug's age and experience. Lauzon is probably the guy I would like to keep, but also quite possibly the most highly sought after by other organizations.

I am so much more worried about the offense right now. Krug is only 25 and has established himself, Chara has a couple of years left and is still a #1 defenseman even if he isn't elite. McAvoy and Carlo are the only really young guys I see on the D next year and both have proven they can play at a very high level. If Ogara is on the team as a bottom pairing D, it would be somewhat limited minutes for an older more experienced player even if he is only second year pro, and beyond that one of the guys we had playing 20 min a night in McQuaid or Killer could carry the pairing for him. I think people have it strong enough in their minds that Krug and Chara are not capable D men and as long as they are on the team our D can't be good.

 

[Tampbear]

I really just don't see the concern for the D that others do. I could maybe see the logic in Nugs' proposal around Killer and Brodin, but outside of that I just don't see how using our assets to fix our D is really going to help the team. The offense is a mess at this point and none of the kids outside of Pasta have even proven themselves to be NHL players yet. We need to add another top 6 caliber player. I don't even care what position they play, it would allow us to move Backes to the 3rd line permanently, keep Pasta with Bergeron and Marchand to form a dominant line, and give Krejci a good winger to play with so we could be more than a 1 line team.

 

[Ratty]

The overwhelming majority in this poll believes a left wing is a priority this off season. My feeling is that, with Cehlarik, DeBrusk, Heinen and Vatrano, possibly Bjork, the competition will be intense for what amounts to two, possible three LW slots.

Cehlarik played well with Krejci before being sent to the AHL for more training. DeBrusk had an excellent development season in Providence and is poised to grab a spot on the third line. Likewise Heinen, who can also play RW. I still have confidence in Vatrano and hope he can reclaim his reputation after a summer of workouts.

So, I'm not too concerned about the left wing void.

LD has Zboril and Lauzon as rookies with O'Gara and Grzelcyk with a year experience in a pro system. I'd still like to add an experienced, young NHLer to the mix, like Brodin.

 

[BadBruins]

I am so much more worried about the offense right now. Krug is only 25 and has established himself, Chara has a couple of years left and is still a #1 defenseman even if he isn't elite. McAvoy and Carlo are the only really young guys I see on the D next year and both have proven they can play at a very high level. If Ogara is on the team as a bottom pairing D, it would be somewhat limited minutes for an older more experienced player even if he is only second year pro, and beyond that one of the guys we had playing 20 min a night in McQuaid or Killer could carry the pairing for him. I think people have it strong enough in their minds that Krug and Chara are not capable D men and as long as they are on the team our D can't be good.

I happen to think Krug and Chara are the only two proven top-4 defenseman signed through next year.

My concern comes from the fact that Chara is 40. McAvoy and Carlo are 19 and 20. Three of the projected top-4 are at unpredictable stages. It's great that they had promising starts to their careers, but I think people are a little quick to assume everything is going to be rosy from here on out. Truth is, it's probably going to be more like a roller coaster. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Development isn't always linear, especially when you're talking about young blueliners. Really young for that position in this league. Then you have Chara who's at an age where so few defenseman have played at a high level. It's going to happen at some point. Maybe not this season, maybe not next.....but maybe? Really would it surprise anyone if the age/body and speed of the game caught up to him? If you can start preparing for life without him, you should IMO. Treat him like a luxury. Don't wait until it's too late.

 

[finchster]

I happen to think Krug and Chara are the only two proven top-4 defenseman signed through next year.

My concern comes from the fact that Chara is 40. McAvoy and Carlo are 19 and 20. Three of the projected top-4 are at unpredictable stages. It's great that they had promising starts to their careers, but I think people are a little quick to assume everything is going to be rosy from here on out. Truth is, it's probably going to be more like a roller coaster. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Development isn't always linear, especially when you're talking about young blueliners. Really young for that position in this league. Then you have Chara who's at an age where so few defenseman have played at a high level. It's going to happen at some point. Maybe not this season, maybe not next.....but maybe? Really would it surprise anyone if the age/body and speed of the game caught up to him? If you can start preparing for life without him, you should IMO. Treat him like a luxury. Don't wait until it's too late.

What about Krug?
Other than that, I agree, bruins need a defencemen between the ages of 26-30 to be a bridge for when Chara retires and McAvoy and Carlo hit their stride as defencemen (ages 24/25ish)

 

[Greek_physique]

Haven't read the entire thread.....however is the ask the team to acquire another dman and not protect Miller or McQuaid?

 

[wintersej]

The overwhelming majority in this poll believes a left wing is a priority this off season. My feeling is that, with Cehlarik, DeBrusk, Heinen and Vatrano, possibly Bjork, the competition will be intense for what amounts to two, possible three LW slots.

Cehlarik played well with Krejci before being sent to the AHL for more training. DeBrusk had an excellent development season in Providence and is poised to grab a spot on the third line. Likewise Heinen, who can also play RW. I still have confidence in Vatrano and hope he can reclaim his reputation after a summer of workouts.

So, I'm not too concerned about the left wing void.

LD has Zboril and Lauzon as rookies with O'Gara and Grzelcyk with a year experience in a pro system. I'd still like to add an experienced, young NHLer to the mix, like Brodin.

I honestly wish I made the poll a little broader to "upgrade the middle six" instead of specifically LW. Seeing Krejci's LWs all season made me jump the gun there. Really, the correct answer is "both!", but don't see how you do that unless Beleksey, Hayes, and one of Kevan/McQuaid are shown the door.

Having pairs of Marchand/Bergeron, NEW RW/Krejci, Backes/Pasta would be really tough to beat. As would the D group if you could add a Brodin.

 

[BadBruins]

What about Krug?
Other than that, I agree, bruins need a defencemen between the ages of 26-30 to be a bridge for when Chara retires and McAvoy and Carlo hit their stride as defencemen (ages 24/25ish)

Krug is a sure thing #3/4 defeseman in his prime IMO. He's done it for three or four seasons and has gotten better every single year. Next 3-4 years will probably be his peak. The only defenseman I don't have any concerns or questions about. Signed for the perfect term at the perfect money.

Getting another top-4 will allow you to have more control over McAvoy and Carlo. Dial them back and let them loose when need be. If they both hit their stride and Chara is still Chara. Great. Has anybody ever complained about having too many good defenseman?

 

[finchster]

Krug is a sure thing #3/4 defeseman in his prime IMO. He's done it for three or four seasons and has gotten better every single year. Next 3-4 years will probably be his peak. The only defenseman I don't have any concerns or questions about. Signed for the perfect term at the perfect money.

Getting another top-4 will allow you to have more control over McAvoy and Carlo. Dial them back and let them loose when need be. If they both hit their stride and Chara is still Chara. Great. Has anybody ever complained about having too many good defenseman?

Sorry mate, it was early in Russia and I read your post wrong haha. I don't know how I missed Krug in your post

 

[s3antana5757]

Chara could waive his NMC for the expansion, but the Bruins would have to work something out with Vegas

What information do you have that would support this claim?

 

[Tampbear]

I happen to think Krug and Chara are the only two proven top-4 defenseman signed through next year.

My concern comes from the fact that Chara is 40. McAvoy and Carlo are 19 and 20. Three of the projected top-4 are at unpredictable stages. It's great that they had promising starts to their careers, but I think people are a little quick to assume everything is going to be rosy from here on out. Truth is, it's probably going to be more like a roller coaster. Sometimes things get worse before they get better. Development isn't always linear, especially when you're talking about young blueliners. Really young for that position in this league. Then you have Chara who's at an age where so few defenseman have played at a high level. It's going to happen at some point. Maybe not this season, maybe not next.....but maybe? Really would it surprise anyone if the age/body and speed of the game caught up to him? If you can start preparing for life without him, you should IMO. Treat him like a luxury. Don't wait until it's too late.

I would much rather deal with a current problem on the team than upgrade the position now on the off chance that Chara falls off a cliff and the kids don't develop now that they have made it to the NHL. Beyond that, in a couple of years when Chara is no longer on the team, if we need a new top pair D at that point we will have an excess of middle pairing D and middle six forwards from our prospects to use as for trades when they are more valuable.

Our D was not a weakness for us last year, and we have no reason to expect a drop off this year with Krug, Chiller, and Carlo each a year more experienced and Macavoy looking like he will make a positive contribution. Ogara is also looking like he can play solid bottom pair minutes, while McQuaid and Killer have each shown they can play 20 minutes a night and provide solid defensive play and anchor a pair. I just don't see it as a weakness that needs attention right now.

The kids looking to fill rolls on offense are less proven in the NHL and there are more holes that need to be filled in the top 9. I can really only pencil in Marchand, Bergeron, Pastarnak, Krejci, Backes, and Vatrano in the top 9 next year, and Vatrano has shown he deserves to be there about as much as Spooner. I can see filling in a couple of those top 9 spots with rookies, but I would really like to see another top 6 forward to allow Backes to solidify the 3rd line.

 

[s3antana5757]

I would much rather deal with a current problem on the team than upgrade the position now on the off chance that Chara falls off a cliff and the kids don't develop now that they have made it to the NHL. Beyond that, in a couple of years when Chara is no longer on the team, if we need a new top pair D at that point we will have an excess of middle pairing D and middle six forwards from our prospects to use as for trades when they are more valuable.

Our D was not a weakness for us last year, and we have no reason to expect a drop off this year with Krug, Chiller, and Carlo each a year more experienced and Macavoy looking like he will make a positive contribution. Ogara is also looking like he can play solid bottom pair minutes, while McQuaid and Killer have each shown they can play 20 minutes a night and provide solid defensive play and anchor a pair. I just don't see it as a weakness that needs attention right now.

The kids looking to fill rolls on offense are less proven in the NHL and there are more holes that need to be filled in the top 9. I can really only pencil in Marchand, Bergeron, Pastarnak, Krejci, Backes, and Vatrano in the top 9 next year, and Vatrano has shown he deserves to be there about as much as Spooner. I can see filling in a couple of those top 9 spots with rookies, but I would really like to see another top 6 forward to allow Backes to solidify the 3rd line.

I can see the reasoning behind this, and I agree the D was the not the weakness, but do you really think that Chara-Carlo, Krug-McAvoy, and Millers-McQ-OGara-Morrow etc. is a championship defense. Now if you add a guy like OEL, Hanifan, Brodin etc. and can roll out OEL-McAvoy, Chara-Carlo, Krug-1Miller/McQ. That's a championship level defense. Now if you hit on some of those rookies you talked about, we're in the ECF or even better.

 

[BadBruins]

I would much rather deal with a current problem on the team than upgrade the position now on the off chance that Chara falls off a cliff and the kids don't develop now that they have made it to the NHL. Beyond that, in a couple of years when Chara is no longer on the team, if we need a new top pair D at that point we will have an excess of middle pairing D and middle six forwards from our prospects to use as for trades when they are more valuable.

Our D was not a weakness for us last year, and we have no reason to expect a drop off this year with Krug, Chiller, and Carlo each a year more experienced and Macavoy looking like he will make a positive contribution. Ogara is also looking like he can play solid bottom pair minutes, while McQuaid and Killer have each shown they can play 20 minutes a night and provide solid defensive play and anchor a pair. I just don't see it as a weakness that needs attention right now.

The kids looking to fill rolls on offense are less proven in the NHL and there are more holes that need to be filled in the top 9. I can really only pencil in Marchand, Bergeron, Pastarnak, Krejci, Backes, and Vatrano in the top 9 next year, and Vatrano has shown he deserves to be there about as much as Spooner. I can see filling in a couple of those top 9 spots with rookies, but I would really like to see another top 6 forward to allow Backes to solidify the 3rd line.

I disagree. I think there's an apparent need upfront as well, but I think that void can be filled more easily through creative trading, rookies, and bargain free agent signings. Surround Bergeron, Krejci, and Backes with capable wingers. The base is there. And you have two near elite offensive wingers in Marchand and Pastrnak....

The Bruins were 13th in scoring in 16/17. They were 5th in scoring in 15/16. Biggest difference was depth IMO. Not the move from Eriksson to Backes. Beleskey, Hayes, Connolly gave them on average roughly 12 goals and 31 points last year. This year Beleskey, Hayes, Schaller gave them on average 4 goals and 9 points.

A stable back end will get them further than a beefed up forward group IMO. Despite the goals against being relatively good, I don't believe the blueline was particularly good this past season.

Wouldn't even be opposed to bringing back Stafford on a one-year deal. Or even someone like Doan or Iginla, who I'm probably more welcoming than most. Both sporting abnormally low shooting percentages. Still play a hard physical game, even if it's not every night. Versteeg, Hemsky, Sharp, Kunitz, Vanek, Vrbata, Parenteau etc. Depending on health situations. Not looking for long term solution. Cheap middle-6 scoring depth. That's it. Combined with Vatrano, DeBrusk, Bjork(?), Heinen, Cehlarik, Senyshyn, and Gabrielle there should be enough to fill out a more than capable top-9. Not even factoring Hayes and Beleskey performing at/near their career norms.

 

[wintersej]

What information do you have that would support this claim?

I'm confused? Are you asking if Chara is allowed to waive his NMC clause for purposes of expansion only? He can, but the Bruins and Chara would obviously have to have assurances from Vegas they wouldn't take him. And given that Chara could easily get a 1st + good prospect at the TDL deadline for Vegas, I doubt the cost of that assurance would be cheap.

 

[Ratty]

I disagree. I think there's an apparent need upfront as well, but I think that void can be filled more easily through creative trading, rookies, and bargain free agent signings. Surround Bergeron, Krejci, and Backes with capable wingers. The base is there. And you have two near elite offensive wingers in Marchand and Pastrnak....

The Bruins were 13th in scoring in 16/17. They were 5th in scoring in 15/16. Biggest difference was depth IMO. Not the move from Eriksson to Backes. Beleskey, Hayes, Connolly gave them on average roughly 12 goals and 31 points last year. This year Beleskey, Hayes, Schaller gave them on average 4 goals and 9 points.

A stable back end will get them further than a beefed up forward group IMO. Despite the goals against being relatively good, I don't believe the blueline was particularly good this past season.

Wouldn't even be opposed to bringing back Stafford on a one-year deal. Or even someone like Doan or Iginla, who I'm probably more welcoming than most. Both sporting abnormally low shooting percentages. Still play a hard physical game, even if it's not every night. Versteeg, Hemsky, Sharp, Kunitz, Vanek, Vrbata, Parenteau etc. Depending on health situations. Not looking for long term solution. Cheap middle-6 scoring depth. That's it. Combined with Vatrano, DeBrusk, Bjork(?), Heinen, Cehlarik, Senyshyn, and Gabrielle there should be enough to fill out a more than capable top-9. Not even factoring Hayes and Beleskey performing at/near their career norms.

Don't understand your last paragraph. If you bring in some of the older players you suggest, some of whom (Iginla, Sharp) are clearly fried, where would you have the room for the younger players you listed?

It's time to give these kids a chance. Some have had a year in Providence and NHL experience. You can always find a Stafford-type dude later in the season.