Boston Bruins Off Season Roster/ Cap Discussion

[PlayMakers]

Thinking about Zacha vs Mittelstadt... I think Zacha is the better two-way player, but I think Mittelstadt is a better offensive player. They both put up 57 and 59 point seasons, but Zacha had Pasta boosting his numbers.

What do people think about Zacha becoming the new Coyle? Big, strong, two-way guy, kills penalties, wins faceoffs, gives a good effort....

 

[Absurdity]

Thinking about Zacha vs Mittelstadt... I think Zacha is the better two-way player, but I think Mittelstadt is a better offensive player. They both put up 57 and 59 point seasons, but Zacha had Pasta boosting his numbers.

What do people think about Zacha becoming the new Coyle? Big, strong, two-way guy, kills penalties, wins faceoffs, gives a good effort....

I think Zacha is what he is at this point, two-way 50+ point player, which isn't horrible, but the Bruins need more guys that can put the puck in the net. I think the Bruins should sell-high or try to obtain either a top 4D or scoring top 6F using Zacha. If Mittelstadt isn't dealt this offseason, I see him as a placeholder for Poitras when he's ready to take the next step or for the center they draft. Maybe Mittelstadt shows he can be a core player next season, but that's how I see it.

 

[Over the volcano]

Thinking about Zacha vs Mittelstadt... I think Zacha is the better two-way player, but I think Mittelstadt is a better offensive player. They both put up 57 and 59 point seasons, but Zacha had Pasta boosting his numbers.

What do people think about Zacha becoming the new Coyle? Big, strong, two-way guy, kills penalties, wins faceoffs, gives a good effort....

I'm torn on the two of em because I don't think either are legit top 6 forwards. Both can ride on a line of play drivers but neither have shown they can push a line. I think Minten looks better in that Coyle role than either of these guys.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

I'm torn on the two of em because I don't think either are legit top 6 forwards. Both can ride on a line of play drivers but neither have shown they can push a line. I think Minten looks better in that Coyle role than either of these guys.

I think people are being way premature on Minten - he’s not ready for top PK duty like Coyle and Zacha can do, and he really doesn’t have the offensive upside even to those two players. In 3-4 years he could certainly develop that more, but he’s not close to be able to produce like those two or play in high impact situations like both of those players can. Glad we have him and there’s some upside there but I don’t think it’s there next year, especially the leveraged situations and special teams.

 

[Over the volcano]

I think people are being way premature on Minten - he’s not ready for top PK duty like Coyle and Zacha can do, and he really doesn’t have the offensive upside even to those two players. In 3-4 years he could certainly develop that more, but he’s not close to be able to produce like those two or play in high impact situations like both of those players can. Glad we have him and there’s some upside there but I don’t think it’s there next year, especially the leveraged situations and special teams.

I can see being cautious about expecting much offense from him - but holy hell was that also true for Coyle.

IMO his hockey sense, physicality and game is perfectly set up to be a third line matchup monster. Also don't think he's 3-4 years away.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

I can see being cautious about expecting much offense from him - but holy hell was that also true for Coyle.

IMO his hockey sense, physicality and game is perfectly set up to be a third line matchup monster. Also don't think he's 3-4 years away.

I think Minten is a few years away from being a 35+ point player and playing PK1, playing 80+ games a year and taking key DZone draws in key situations. Both Ciyoe and Zacha do that, and Zacha can play on a top line with a top tier scorer. Hes not a few years away from playing in the NHL, but he’s not someone who lets you trade Zacha anytime soon.

I feel like there’s some shiny new toy things here where he wasn’t our prospect so he didn’t get labeled a bust like every one we ever have (not saying you, but we’re apparently onto Poitras now).

 

[Over the volcano]

I think Minten is a few years away from being a 35+ point player and playing PK1, playing 80+ games a year and taking key DZone draws in key situations. Both Ciyoe and Zacha do that, and Zacha can play on a top line with a top tier scorer. Hes not a few years away from playing in the NHL, but he’s not someone who lets you trade Zacha anytime soon.

I feel like there’s some shiny new toy things here where he wasn’t our prospect so he didn’t get labeled a bust like every one we ever have (not saying you, but we’re apparently onto Poitras now).

I don't see him replacing Zacha - I see him replacing 3rd line Coyle. Judging by his deployment, roughly 80% d zone starts, I'd say they do too.

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

I don't see him replacing Zacha - I see him replacing 3rd line Coyle. Judging by his deployment, roughly 80% d zone starts, I'd say they do too.

Replacing the Coyle who fell down all by himself 2-3 times a game this year? Sure but that’s not hard.

Judging his DZone starts on this crud roster is a bit of a stretch, but he’s definitely more defensively oriented. He just has never had the offensive pop that even Coyle had when he wasn’t out of shape and falling all over the place.

Bad roster he can play 3C. Better roster next year and he’s playing fourth line or at most on the wing in the third line? Maybe. Or maybe he somehow jumps two levels this offseason. He’s 20 though - getting a bit ahead of ourselves here.

 

[PlayMakers]

I think Zacha is what he is at this point, two-way 50+ point player, which isn't horrible, but the Bruins need more guys that can put the puck in the net. I think the Bruins should sell-high or try to obtain either a top 4D or scoring top 6F using Zacha. If Mittelstadt isn't dealt this offseason, I see him as a placeholder for Poitras when he's ready to take the next step or for the center they draft. Maybe Mittelstadt shows he can be a core player next season, but that's how I see it.

Your description of Zacha sounds like the description of an elite 3rd line center. Especially when you add in his faceoff ability and his penalty killing.

I do get why you have him on your trade block. It feels like something in the middle has to give, in order to add.

It's also tough keeping guys like Poitras and Minten off the 3rd line. But if you do play those guys there, that changes your whole approach to the game. A Zacha-led 3rd line can play the Coyle role and take on hard assignments, freeing up the top6 to be offensive. A Poitras/Minten-led 3rd line is going to need to be sheltered. It's a development line where you give them light assignments so they can have success. That means the Pasta and Mittelstadt lines are doing the Dzone heavy lifting.

 

[PlayMakers]

I'm torn on the two of em because I don't think either are legit top 6 forwards. Both can ride on a line of play drivers but neither have shown they can push a line. I think Minten looks better in that Coyle role than either of these guys.

I don't disagree on Zacha or Mittelstadt. Neither are line drivers in the top6. Agree they can be good complimentary players in a top6 role. I think, for now, we have to make do with that. Hopefully Poitras and the 5th overall pick change our top6 C situation in a year or two but next year I think we have to accept a 45-55 point complimentary player as our 2nd line center.

That said, I don't think they should be on the same line. And while neither is a strong 2C, I think Zacha would make a very strong 3C, which you kind of need if your 2C isn't a strength.

Minten and Poitras are hard for me to place. I like them both at center. I'd like them both in the lineup, but I also don't want to build my team around two kids who may or may not be ready. Putting them on the wing keeps them in the lineup and puts them in less make-or-break roles but is that best for their development?

We have a logjam of a lot of similar types. Mittelstadt and Zacha. Lysell and Khusnutdinov, Poitras and Minten... and it's 6 guys who can't combine to make up your middle6 again or you're not going to improve.

 

[BruinsJoe]

Geekie Lindholm Pasta
??? Mittelstadt Lysell
Zacha Poitras ???
??? Minten Kastelic

That’s my mental modal to start.

And I hate how the middle six fits together unless Mittelstadt or Poitras gets shifted to wing…and at the same time I’m not sure if they can be shifted to wing effectively.

There really needs to be a hockey trade in here as part of the plan.

I think we should seriously consider Locemelis...and Frondell or Caleb!

 

[pucksindeep92]

I think Zacha is what he is at this point, two-way 50+ point player, which isn't horrible, but the Bruins need more guys that can put the puck in the net. I think the Bruins should sell-high or try to obtain either a top 4D or scoring top 6F using Zacha. If Mittelstadt isn't dealt this offseason, I see him as a placeholder for Poitras when he's ready to take the next step or for the center they draft. Maybe Mittelstadt shows he can be a core player next season, but that's how I see it.

I’d be curious to know what names people think you could get for Zacha + a 2026 1st? That’s our best starter towards a true first line addition imo.

Now, let’s say you use Zacha to get a top 6 winger that scores 70 pts a year, and is 7.25mil…you just spent 2.5mil on 10-15 pts, and someone that probably can’t also play center if needed, and probably costs a pick/prospect on top. Not worth it. Especially for just a 4RHD. Down to move him, but it’s gotta be a smart addition, and the math is more difficult to line up when a versatile 50-60 point 28year old costs 4.75mil. This return needs to have an X factor, or clears Zacha in production worth their extra salary, or be someone young and promising that becomes better than Zacha in a couple years. We already don’t have enough LW as it is. Mitts is the best move at the moment.

 

[pucksindeep92]

If you get Schaefer in lottery, do you ask Lindholm to waive? Lohrei feels like a no brainer trade chip

 

[wintersej]

If you get Schaefer in lottery, do you ask Lindholm to waive? Lohrei feels like a no brainer trade chip

I just think Lindholm would have to get back on the ice and prove it for it not to be trading him at bad value.

 

[SPV]

If Geekie, Lindholm, Pasta is the top line, I think Zacha, Mittlestadt, Boeser gives you a legit second line. Let Khus, Poitras, Minten, Lysell, whoever I’m missing, and the top pick fight to make up a third line and get another banger for the fourth line (I want Jeannot).

Hope a healthy season from the defense makes Swayman better. If not, then I guess the rebuild takes a little longer.

 

[RoccoF14]

I think people are being way premature on Minten - he’s not ready for top PK duty like Coyle and Zacha can do, and he really doesn’t have the offensive upside even to those two players. In 3-4 years he could certainly develop that more, but he’s not close to be able to produce like those two or play in high impact situations like both of those players can. Glad we have him and there’s some upside there but I don’t think it’s there next year, especially the leveraged situations and special teams.

Awesome post. Couldn't agree more.

 

[mar2kbos]

I hate to be the one to have to say this, but…..Poitras sucks. He will spend all of next year in the AHL. Eventually he will make his way to some why bother league and at some point he will have to get a real job. He’s a total disappointment.
I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it.

Hes not even close to that bad. At worst he will be an AHL point a game player which he basically is already. Whether he can make jump is the story, but man he is not that level of bad.

 

[Ozzy Osbourne]

Hes not even close to that bad. At worst he will be an AHL point a game player which he basically is already. Whether he can make jump is the story, but man he is not that level of bad.

I hope so. I’m just not seeing it. He very well may turn things around. I think he gets knocked around way too much. He’s not afraid out there which is great, but he needs to keep his head up. I would at least like to see him become a serviceable player. He’s definitely not going to be an impact player.

 

[Ozzy Osbourne]

I think people are being way premature on Minten - he’s not ready for top PK duty like Coyle and Zacha can do, and he really doesn’t have the offensive upside even to those two players. In 3-4 years he could certainly develop that more, but he’s not close to be able to produce like those two or play in high impact situations like both of those players can. Glad we have him and there’s some upside there but I don’t think it’s there next year, especially the leveraged situations and special teams.

Fraser Minten is a young JT Miller. He’s not huge, but he’s not going to get knocked around. He’s the best prospect we’ve had in a decade. I look forward to watching this kid.

 

[Dr Quincy]

Am I missing something? Why can’t they sheet Knies after July 1 and use one of our two 2026 1sts? Seems like the logical solution.

I’ve been beating the Cuylle drum for anybody that will listen. The cost to acquire him would be low, and you could do a short, overpaid bridge deal to get him out the door in New York with their tight cap situation. Already an awesome 3rd liner, could be a really solid 2nd liner if he continues to improve.

They can but it would have to be their own pick. All compensation is the offering team's own picks.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Knies is a bit of a pipe dream for an offer sheet where you really don’t want to give up your first this year (which means you can’t offer him more than 4.58ish. Unfortunately I think teams will beat that).

What about Will Cuylle?? Sorry if it’s already been mentioned. Bigger wing with some decent wheels who also isn’t afraid to use that bigger frame. Only 23 and potted 20 goals and 45pts this year. And the rags have their own cap problems

Just realized the Bs don’t even have their own 2nd this offseason so I guess both aren’t realistic unless you can pull a Brian Burke and trade for them with a qualifying offer comp rather than do an offersheet ala Dougie H.

Its the 2026 Draft picks that are compensation for RFA signings this summer.

 

[BruinDust]

If you get Schaefer in lottery, do you ask Lindholm to waive? Lohrei feels like a no brainer trade chip

Is Schaefer in the NHL next year? He's 10 days away from being a 2026 pick and missed a solid portion of this season.

I take Schaefer if he's available to the Bruins 100 times out of 100, no brainer. He's the best player in this draft.

But if the Bruins were to get so lucky, I think it's premature to base your off-season moves on him being an NHLer next October.

 

[Over the volcano]

Is Schaefer in the NHL next year? He's 10 days away from being a 2026 pick and missed a solid portion of this season.

I take Schaefer if he's available to the Bruins 100 times out of 100, no brainer. He's the best player in this draft.

But if the Bruins were to get so lucky, I think it's premature to base your off-season moves on him being an NHLer next October.

Forget who floated it but I like the idea of auctioning it off between teams picking 2-4 for their first plus whoever gives the most.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Fraser Minten is a young JT Miller. He’s not huge, but he’s not going to get knocked around. He’s the best prospect we’ve had in a decade. I look forward to watching this kid.

I love this kids game. This was a great great trade that we will be benefiting from for years.

 

[Patdud]

Trading Zacha meaning you’ve traded away three of your teams top PK forwards. Mittlestadt gets traded if they use their money or trade bait for another C otherwise keep him and upgrade Wing . Whether or not we have any worth a damn in the top six is debatable but the fact remains we have 0 top six wingers in the pipe unless lysell pans out finally. It’s pasta, perhaps geekie when playing with pasta and that’s it. They’ve drafted exclusively middle six centers for like 15 years now.