TSN: What should Bruins do with Milan Lucic?

[BruinDust]

How do we trade them for value or how do we trade them at all when all of them have trade protections, the big guys and the top6 we are looking at?
Value goes down every year with that 4 group.



Ducks are full of Lucic type of players?, please don't say perry+getlaz+kesler because that kills your argument, 1 of the best scorers in the league, 1 of the best C's in the league and 1 of the best 2nd line C's in the league with more weapons than just hitting, you pay big money for guys who bring moreyhan just hits, just look at what Getlaz does for example, his points, leadership, faceoffs, playmaking, pk and so on. Maroon yes but his cap hit is under 2M.
Then their D is fast skating, young and full of good contracts/lots of potential, lots of potential, fowler-lindholm-vatanen-despres and so on.

Wild have one crazy D and only going to get better, they have 2 Hamilton potentials in Brodin+Dumba, then elite Suter and one of the strongest 2nd pairings in league with Spurgeron+Scandella just entering their prime. They also have zero Lucic's in the lineup.

Sorry I can't predict what this team will look like 5 years from now. Connolly doesn't have trade protection yet, or Pastrnak or Spooner. 5 years from now none of 63/17/46/37 are past the point where they can't be traded. Yes value will go down no question, some of them may have very little value depending on performance, that's the nature of players getting older. Also depends on what this team does. If it bottoms out this year or next year their might be wholesale changes, who the heck knows.

All I am saying is to sit here on June 19/2015 and predict who will be here an not be here is impossible. It all sounds great on paper, but 100% guaranteed it won't go down like that. I'd say if you took a look at Boston's roster 5 years ago and tried to predict what it would look like today the difference would be shocking. Penciling guys we have now to be here in 2020 is ludicrous.

They have a good base to work with right now in the Top 9 including Smith. Some good battles for spots on the 4th line in training camp.

The defense isn't terrible, growth from Krug and Hamilton and the emergence of Trotman and Morrow should help.

Changes will occur, whether it be this summer or later. This team isn't in the dire straits the media would like us to believe. Outside of dumping Chris Kelly's contract and getting a capable back-up, if they do nothing else this summer this team can still be good next year as is. Panic moves aren't required to get this team back to the playoffs.

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

Sorry I can't predict what this team will look like 5 years from now. Connolly doesn't have trade protection yet, or Pastrnak or Spooner. 5 years from now none of 63/17/46/37 are past the point where they can't be traded. Yes value will go down no question, some of them may have very little value depending on performance, that's the nature of players getting older. Also depends on what this team does. If it bottoms out this year or next year their might be wholesale changes, who the heck knows.

All I am saying is to sit here on June 19/2015 and predict who will be here an not be here is impossible. It all sounds great on paper, but 100% guaranteed it won't go down like that. I'd say if you took a look at Boston's roster 5 years ago and tried to predict what it would look like today the difference would be shocking. Penciling guys we have now to be here in 2020 is ludicrous.

They have a good base to work with right now in the Top 9 including Smith. Some good battles for spots on the 4th line in training camp.

The defense isn't terrible, growth from Krug and Hamilton and the emergence of Trotman and Morrow should help.

Changes will occur, whether it be this summer or later. This team isn't in the dire straits the media would like us to believe. Outside of dumping Chris Kelly's contract and getting a capable back-up, if they do nothing else this summer this team can still be good next year as is. Panic moves aren't required to get this team back to the playoffs.

If that's the case, Sweeney and Julien should be shown the door.

They were a fringe playoff team. No improvement means the same.

I agree, no panic moves are required, but long term planning of this team needs to be thought out, if we are continuing to hand raises to all of our players we keep. And no, moving Chris Kelly (UFA next season) doesn't help fix the long term problems we have.

 

[BruinDust]

If that's the case, Sweeney and Julien should be shown the door.

They were a fringe playoff team. No improvement means the same.

I agree, no panic moves are required, but long term planning of this team needs to be thought out, if we are continuing to hand raises to all of our players we keep. And no, moving Chris Kelly (UFA next season) doesn't help fix the long term problems we have.

I agree long-term planning needs to be thought out. I just said this team would be good as is, never said they would be great. But outside of those two minor changes, I still see this team being better next year than it was this year. A lot of things have to go right; healthy veterans, progression of young players, emergence of prospects, decent years from Smith and Connolly.

But with those two tweaks I mentioned and I like this roster better already than the cluster-muck line-up they exited camp with in October 2014. And that group still got 96 points with an over-worked Rask, zero production from the 4th line, and numerous other issues. Heck if they only had a capable back-up who Claude had some trust in this team gets another 3-6 points and makes the playoffs.

Seriously though, what can Sweeney really do other than pulling off some miracle type of trade that is going to catapult this team back into the conversation as one of the best 4 or 5 teams in the league. Pure hockey trades are incredibly difficult to make. What's available in UFA is over-rated and over-priced. Bringing in grizzled vets on the cheap late in the summer only gives more 3rd-4th line veterans for Claude to overplay at the expense of good cheap young players with upside.

I'd like to see changes made. An upgrade on Smith in the Top 9. Maybe move Seidenberg if a clear-cut upgrade can be found at RD, but that will be tough to acquire. But I'm good with a capable back-up, dumping Kelly's contract, re-sign their RFAs, and letting the rest be status quo.

 

[Ice Nine]

Sorry I can't predict what this team will look like 5 years from now. Connolly doesn't have trade protection yet, or Pastrnak or Spooner. 5 years from now none of 63/17/46/37 are past the point where they can't be traded. Yes value will go down no question, some of them may have very little value depending on performance, that's the nature of players getting older. Also depends on what this team does. If it bottoms out this year or next year their might be wholesale changes, who the heck knows.

All I am saying is to sit here on June 19/2015 and predict who will be here an not be here is impossible. It all sounds great on paper, but 100% guaranteed it won't go down like that. I'd say if you took a look at Boston's roster 5 years ago and tried to predict what it would look like today the difference would be shocking. Penciling guys we have now to be here in 2020 is ludicrous.

They have a good base to work with right now in the Top 9 including Smith. Some good battles for spots on the 4th line in training camp.

The defense isn't terrible, growth from Krug and Hamilton and the emergence of Trotman and Morrow should help.

Changes will occur, whether it be this summer or later. This team isn't in the dire straits the media would like us to believe. Outside of dumping Chris Kelly's contract and getting a capable back-up, if they do nothing else this summer this team can still be good next year as is. Panic moves aren't required to get this team back to the playoffs.

I think the cap situation makes this sort of approach-- basically no substantial changes-- impossible. We are up against the cap, it is ugly, and we need to lock in Hamilton long term. There are others that need to be re-signed.

To do that, Sweeney has to move at least one substantial contract (Lucic, Eriksson, Krejci, for example) and probably a few others (Seids, Kelly) for some breathing room.

Our defense was slow and pretty awful last year, and it's too soon to expect Hamilton/Krug to carry it. Have you looked at Seids' numbers from last season? Just plain awful. His corsi stats show, possession wise, he literally makes everyone he plays with worse; and everyone gets better when they're not on the ice with him. Seids is now the Gregory Campbell of our defensive core. It's ugly, and unfortunate, but the numbers are what they are.

And our offense was just as bad. Slow, unimaginative, listless, predictable. Only near the end did we a see a bit of glimmer from Lucic/Spooner/Pasta, but 2/3 of that line is too young to be forced to carry this team this year either. Spooner, in particular, needs to work on his possession game; corsi numbers are weak. If we trade Eriksson or Lucic, we need somebody to fill that production. And we still haven't filled the Horton/Iginla hole yet, either.

None of these are panic moves. They are entirely rational and necessary.

In short, I don't think the "we have a good core, the young guys will improve and fill the gaps from last year" approach is simply a non-starter.

I hope Sweeney sees this. His presser suggested he does. So, I expect some substantial change.

 

[Gargyn]

Sorry I can't predict what this team will look like 5 years from now. Connolly doesn't have trade protection yet, or Pastrnak or Spooner. 5 years from now none of 63/17/46/37 are past the point where they can't be traded. Yes value will go down no question, some of them may have very little value depending on performance, that's the nature of players getting older. Also depends on what this team does. If it bottoms out this year or next year their might be wholesale changes, who the heck knows.

All I am saying is to sit here on June 19/2015 and predict who will be here an not be here is impossible. It all sounds great on paper, but 100% guaranteed it won't go down like that. I'd say if you took a look at Boston's roster 5 years ago and tried to predict what it would look like today the difference would be shocking. Penciling guys we have now to be here in 2020 is ludicrous.

They have a good base to work with right now in the Top 9 including Smith. Some good battles for spots on the 4th line in training camp.

The defense isn't terrible, growth from Krug and Hamilton and the emergence of Trotman and Morrow should help.

Changes will occur, whether it be this summer or later. This team isn't in the dire straits the media would like us to believe. Outside of dumping Chris Kelly's contract and getting a capable back-up, if they do nothing else this summer this team can still be good next year as is. Panic moves aren't required to get this team back to the playoffs.

Nobody says panic moves. Smart, hockey moves are necessary. Maybe this team as is squeaks into the playoffs, but I really doubt it. But saying they do pull off a miracle and make the playoffs with this sad sack of dmen and limited creativity up front, what's the point? 2 home games for some extra revenue for jacobs? Because this team would be slaughtered in the 1st round.

 

[norwoodmustang]

FWIW, I took a look back at what was said about Lucic when he was drafted.

HFboards 2006 draft review:

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/articles/8930/bruins2006_draft_review/

Like many young players, Lucic will need to continue working on his skating, particularly his speed, which is one of the weakest areas for the 18-year-old. What’s promising is that Lucic improved tremendously in the space of a single season, a trend that, if it continues, could turn him into an effective checking line player for the Bruins.

And this great article from Kirk in 2010, flashing back to the draft in 2006 when Lucic was picked.

http://bruins2010draftwatch.blogspot.com/2010/05/bruins-draft-flashback-milan-lucic-2006.html

The Buzz: "I know Lucic very well and was excited to get him. He's a heart-and-soul player. He's a unique player. Some guys compare him to a Terry O'Reilly, Clark Gillies or Al Secord-type of guy. His numbers don't reflect it, but he's a straightforward player and the toughest guy in the draft. He'll do anything it takes to win. Every teammate talks about his presence on the ice."- Scott Bradley

NEHJ grade: B+ Some say he was a reach, but everyone agrees he's got tremendous potential. If he realizes it, he could become a poor man's Rick Tocchet for the B's

 

[BruinDust]

I think the cap situation makes this sort of approach-- basically no substantial changes-- impossible. We are up against the cap, it is ugly, and we need to lock in Hamilton long term. There are others that need to be re-signed.

To do that, Sweeney has to move at least one substantial contract (Lucic, Eriksson, Krejci, for example) and probably a few others (Seids, Kelly) for some breathing room.

Our defense was slow and pretty awful last year, and it's too soon to expect Hamilton/Krug to carry it. Have you looked at Seids' numbers from last season? Just plain awful. His corsi stats show, possession wise, he literally makes everyone he plays with worse; and everyone gets better when they're not on the ice with him. Seids is now the Gregory Campbell of our defensive core. It's ugly, and unfortunate, but the numbers are what they are.

And our offense was just as bad. Slow, unimaginative, listless, predictable. Only near the end did we a see a bit of glimmer from Lucic/Spooner/Pasta, but 2/3 of that line is too young to be forced to carry this team this year either. Spooner, in particular, needs to work on his possession game; corsi numbers are weak. If we trade Eriksson or Lucic, we need somebody to fill that production. And we still haven't filled the Horton/Iginla hole yet, either.

None of these are panic moves. They are entirely rational and necessary.

In short, I don't think the "we have a good core, the young guys will improve and fill the gaps from last year" approach is simply a non-starter.

I hope Sweeney sees this. His presser suggested he does. So, I expect some substantial change.

I think Sweeney wants to make changes, no doubt. I just don't believe that he will be able to make deals where he gets back fair value AND can help this team be better NEXT year. If he can find hockey trades for the likes of Lucic, Eriksson, Seidenberg then fine, but I don't see that being possible. Have you sat down and actually looked at Boston's cap situation. It's not ideal but it's not the cap hell the media make it out to be. Moving Kelly's contract is the only move IMO they HAVE to make. No other contract HAS to be moved to make the team cap compliant.

He can't simply add via a trade or free agency because of the cap. Free agency, especially this summer is a huge gamble, and even bigger gamble with a team who has cap problems now and likely will next summer. I don't want to see Lucic or Eriksson traded at less than fair value just to provide cap flexibility. Or trade them for picks/prospects because if they do then it's just as well start moving other guys and re-build. This half-measure re-tool approach rarely works. Teams in the middle stay in the middle.

I'm OK with moving simply moving Kelly's contract, bring in a capable back-up, and letting youth take it's course, because I have tempered expectations of what Sweeney is going to be able to do. I have zero expectation that he can make a trade or two and this team is all of a sudden back up there with the likes of Tampa on top of the conference. I just don't see the player market bearing out this way. What's available at forward are even bigger salary commitments, like a Kessel, Sharp, or Nash.

I don't see anything available in trade to help improve this D group NOW, period. Signing ANY of the UFA D-men like Sekara or Franson would be a huge mistake given the overpayment those guys will command July 1st.

I keep my expectations realistic and don't buy into the kool-aid Sweeney and Neely sell at press conferences designed to appease the fan-base and season-ticket holders. They know internally how hard making big moves will be. If they force these moves like Chiarelli did with Seguin, or make a trade that's geared to be part 1 of a 2 or 3 part move, then they will get burned.

 

[Ice Nine]

I think Sweeney wants to make changes, no doubt. I just don't believe that he will be able to make deals where he gets back fair value AND can help this team be better NEXT year. If he can find hockey trades for the likes of Lucic, Eriksson, Seidenberg then fine, but I don't see that being possible. Have you sat down and actually looked at Boston's cap situation. It's not ideal but it's not the cap hell the media make it out to be. Moving Kelly's contract is the only move IMO they HAVE to make. No other contract HAS to be moved to make the team cap compliant.

He can't simply add via a trade or free agency because of the cap. Free agency, especially this summer is a huge gamble, and even bigger gamble with a team who has cap problems now and likely will next summer. I don't want to see Lucic or Eriksson traded at less than fair value just to provide cap flexibility. Or trade them for picks/prospects because if they do then it's just as well start moving other guys and re-build. This half-measure re-tool approach rarely works. Teams in the middle stay in the middle.

I'm OK with moving simply moving Kelly's contract, bring in a capable back-up, and letting youth take it's course, because I have tempered expectations of what Sweeney is going to be able to do. I have zero expectation that he can make a trade or two and this team is all of a sudden back up there with the likes of Tampa on top of the conference. I just don't see the player market bearing out this way. What's available at forward are even bigger salary commitments, like a Kessel, Sharp, or Nash.

I don't see anything available in trade to help improve this D group NOW, period. Signing ANY of the UFA D-men like Sekara or Franson would be a huge mistake given the overpayment those guys will command July 1st.

I keep my expectations realistic and don't buy into the kool-aid Sweeney and Neely sell at press conferences designed to appease the fan-base and season-ticket holders. They know internally how hard making big moves will be. If they force these moves like Chiarelli did with Seguin, or make a trade that's geared to be part 1 of a 2 or 3 part move, then they will get burned.

I definitely agree we can't force trades. My head will literally explode if we trade Lucic for depth prospects. But we also can't pull the other form of Chiarelli special, and that is do nothing until we're flesh against the cap and then have no choice but move an asset like Boychuk for under market value because everyone knows we have no cap space.

The problem with just moving Kelly is that I just don't see anyone taking. Who wants Kelly under that contract? We'd have to retain salary, which means it really doesn't do much for us under the cap.

 

[Estlin]

The problem with just moving Kelly is that I just don't see anyone taking. Who wants Kelly under that contract? We'd have to retain salary, which means it really doesn't do much for us under the cap.

I believe that the only way that Kelly is moved is if Boston includes a mid-round pick or middling prospect. Otherwise, the team will be stuck with him for another year (which, I fear, is what is going to happen).

 

[Beesfan]

I definitely agree we can't force trades. My head will literally explode if we trade Lucic for depth prospects. But we also can't pull the other form of Chiarelli special, and that is do nothing until we're flesh against the cap and then have no choice but move an asset like Boychuk for under market value because everyone knows we have no cap space.

The problem with just moving Kelly is that I just don't see anyone taking. Who wants Kelly under that contract? We'd have to retain salary, which means it really doesn't do much for us under the cap.

If Kelly agrees to waive, plenty of teams will take him. Any team that has cap space and is looking to transition from a rebuild to contending for a playoff spot would have interest. The Oilers would be a perfect fit. They need gritty players with leadership. Teams like Dallas and Florida might have interest too. Kelly is worth his price, just not on a team hard against the cap with other priorities.

 

[Ice Nine]

If Kelly agrees to waive, plenty of teams will take him. Any team that has cap space and is looking to transition from a rebuild to contending for a playoff spot would have interest. The Oilers would be a perfect fit. They need gritty players with leadership. Teams like Dallas and Florida might have interest too. Kelly is worth his price, just not on a team hard against the cap with other priorities.

Hell if Edmonton wants him, please take him. We'll even send Eriksson along too, for Yak or LD.

 

[Mpasta]

Nobody says panic moves. Smart, hockey moves are necessary. Maybe this team as is squeaks into the playoffs, but I really doubt it. But saying they do pull off a miracle and make the playoffs with this sad sack of dmen and limited creativity up front, what's the point? 2 home games for some extra revenue for jacobs? Because this team would be slaughtered in the 1st round.

I agree. People can blame injuries but every team has them. This team didn't deserve to make the playoffs and if nothing is done this offseason, I can see them barely getting in.

The biggest problem is if the Bruins are in 7th place come the trade deadline, the fans won't want to trade Lucic at that point because then it will be giving up. So we will keep him, lose in the 1st round, and be out any compensation for him.

You either trade him during the off-season or let me walk for free at the end of the year unless you think the Bruins are going to suck enough to not be in the playoff race.

 

[Cabin Mirror]

Trade him for Kessel and call it a day!!

 

[ODAAT]

If that's the case, Sweeney and Julien should be shown the door.

They were a fringe playoff team. No improvement means the same.

I agree, no panic moves are required, but long term planning of this team needs to be thought out, if we are continuing to hand raises to all of our players we keep. And no, moving Chris Kelly (UFA next season) doesn't help fix the long term problems we have.

why would Julien be shown the door if Sweeney does nothing?

 

[BB88]

Friedman:
Two players getting asked about are Milan Lucic and Jeff Skinner.

I hope Sweeney is listening to those offers, Lucic has a demand and the return would ne nice but I'm still afraid that we'll end up trading Eriksson because for somereason he doesn't fit into our identity for much weaker value and re-sign Lucic around 7/7.
This would be horrible in my mind.

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

why would Julien be shown the door if Sweeney does nothing?

Not saying it would be his fault, but should we have the same outcome, I'm thinking Julien doesn't exactly have the same leeway he once had.

 

[Mione134]

I'd trade Loui ALL DAY and twice on Sunday over Lucic. Its not even close. You can get a good return for Loui. And we have players in the pipeline knocking on the door. He's not going to be what he was in Dallas here. He's a good player but not the player going forward we need.

 

[Estlin]

Friedman:
Two players getting asked about are Milan Lucic and Jeff Skinner.

I hope Sweeney is listening to those offers, Lucic has a demand and the return would ne nice but I'm still afraid that we'll end up trading Eriksson because for somereason he doesn't fit into our identity for much weaker value and re-sign Lucic around 7/7.
This would be horrible in my mind.

So, teams are interested in Lucic even though he's in the final year of his contract? Sweeney may want to take the best offer and run.

 

[Mione134]

Of course teams are interested. Every team in the NHL probably is. Cause they know this so called decline is bs. And they know what he brings to a team.

 

[BB88]

So, teams are interested in Lucic even though he's in the final year of his contract? Sweeney may want to take the best offer and run.

I'm afraid we trade a player who is not in demand instead of a player who is and who is not worth his contract/ won't be his new contract, another JB trade and we miss the playoffs again with less potential than we would have had with Lucic return.

Virtanen+1st/yakupov+1st type of return from lucic trade + millions more in cap space vs 2nd+okay player from Lou trade.

 

[Absurdity]

Friedman:
Two players getting asked about are Milan Lucic and Jeff Skinner.

I hope Sweeney is listening to those offers, Lucic has a demand and the return would ne nice but I'm still afraid that we'll end up trading Eriksson because for somereason he doesn't fit into our identity for much weaker value and re-sign Lucic around 7/7.
This would be horrible in my mind.

Sweeney wouldn't be doing his job if he wasn't listening to offers. With that said, if I'm Sweeney, I look at the Okposo situation carefully when it comes with what to do with Lucic. It is also rumored that Okposo wants 7x7, how credible that is I'm not so sure, and a lot of Islanders fans feel like Snow is making Okposo "available" as leverage to sign him to a lesser contract (not the 7x7 figure he is rumored to want). An Okposo signing/trade could set a relative value for Lucic.

 

[ashnathan]

What is everyone's opinion if Looch stays at $6m?

 

[Ladyfan]

What is everyone's opinion if Looch stays at $6m?

Sounds good to me

 

[JoeIsAStud]

What is everyone's opinion if Looch stays at $6m?

How many years, 4 more years, I am fine. 5 more years is a stretch, but I'd probably take it. I won't go more than 5

Not gonna happen

 

[DKH]

What is everyone's opinion if Looch stays at $6m?

I'm in. But its really very simple- I want more consistency and 20+ goals a season. I want him more vocal and more a leader- I would tell him that. Being a leader involves being more focused and engaged. I would have him wear the A either at home or on the road if Kelly does indeed go.

If Lucic is a 15 goal scorer who is inconsistent I don't want him

If Lucic is a 20+ goal scorer who brings leadership and consistency he is as Sweeney says a foundational player

Lucic needs to get his thought process together

If I am GM I don't look to deal him unless someone just hands me the Willy Wonka Gold ticket. Otherwise I have a talk with him and tell him with Campbell, Kelly, Paille gone I believe he can be more of a leader in the room, on the ice, and protect the kids.

I believe he can and will do it and therefore am not trading him.

I'll go one step further- when they move Kelly, they can keep Eriksson and Lucic and should.

Subtract Kelly and they can keep them all- I checked Generalfanager and they can do this and still sign McQuaid.