TSN: What should Bruins do with Milan Lucic?

[Dizzay]

Yeah because Lucic totally prevents players from going after our players. Remind me who was on the ice when Savard got hit? Remind me who watched Krejci, Pasta, and Spooner get knocked around and did nothing?

Face it, Krug and Kelly stood up for their teammates more then Lucic last year.

Also Prust and Weise are your idea of tough? Yikes.

It's more about being tough to play agaisnt now versus being able to punch a guy in the face or get out of position to lay a big hit.

Seriously, Lucic didn't even know what happened to Savard. Why don't you go interview his best friends from grade 5 and ask them if they ever got beat up and Milan didn't stick up for them. It'd be as relevant. You focus on one off's as compared to the norms.

Krug and Kelly....you're questioning my idea of tough and you say these guys stood up for their teammates more. Solid argument my friend.

Prust would beat up any player not named Lucic-Chara and McQuaid......if he was back. Bergeron/Marchand/Krejci/Spooner/Pasta/Eriksson/Smith/Kelly/Talbot all would get pumped by Prust/Weise, that's what I was getting at, not calling Prust or Weise tough.

Lucic is a 7 million dollar goon. He's not a 7 million dollar banger. He's not a 7 million dollar scorer. But he's above average at all three. Again, we concentrate on a bad year, coming off wrist surgery and playing with spare parts for the majority of the year, all the while 95% of the team underachieved.

I agree with the poster in the previous page, tired of defending that Lucic is a Bruins type player when other's are suggesting we trade him and keep the likes of Kelly/Eriksson/Smith/Seids/Marchand to a degree.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

do you see the bruins as having the same talent and depth behind Lucic as those other teams did?

that would be my concern.

It SHOULD be able to. Better drafting would have helped that cause though. Not that Chiarelli was ever opposed to over-spending on the bottom two lines. A smarter allocation of funds in the depth category would seem like a necessary strategy.

I still fail to see how Lucic is being identified as the problem. Team has a history of scoring a lot of goals with him in a key position. Also, the team was light last season and slow on both the transition and the attack. I'd much rather pay Peter without worrying about robbing Paul.

 

[TheReal13Linseman]

I can't believe all the Bruin fans basically kissing Lucic good-bye, saying that he will be no big loss, etc, this is just sad. This is the kind of player that teams would just kill to have, a power forward who can play, and he's near the very top of the list. We have so many better options in how to save cap space, get rid of Kelly via trade/buyout, Reilly Smith, Erikkson, etc. Lucic had a down year last year much like the rest of the team, I'm betting he comes back better then ever and all of the nay sayers will suddenly be silent, hopefully Sweeney keeps him in a B's uniform, this guy can define Bruins hockey when on top of his game.

Not sure too many are saying that losing him would not be a big loss. It would definitely be a big loss. If we weren't in such a poor cap position thanks to Chia, things might be different, but we're really in a bind.

Would we want to spend $6 million + on the Lucic of years past? Yes.

Would we want to spend $6 million + on the Lucic of present and future? Not so sure.

As others have pointed out, big, physical guys who play that style already have shorter playing lifespans. Jury is still out on whether Lucic has hit his zenith. But, there is a chance that he has, indeed. Cam Neely was a better hitter, fighter and scorer than Looch and even he had to tap out due to injury before his time.

I love Lucic as much as the next guy, but given his contract situation, our team cap situation and his projected future durability, I'd have to say, and I hate to say it, that you have to strongly consider making a good hockey trade here.

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

At 10:40, you were angry... but you still had some anger left over five minutes later for the follow-up to your first follow-up.

In 2013-2014, the Bruins were third in the league in scoring with Lucic as the #1 LW on the team. Last year, the Bruins didn't have a top line and had a lot of trouble scoring as a result.

That is not only NOT evidence of some kind of regression from Milan Lucic, it it's also a wild misfire in identifying the reasons behind the Bruins current scoring woes.

Looch can't make a line a scoring threat by himself. But he CAN compliment a top scoring unit and make his linemates more effective. He's not part of the problem... he's part of the solution.

He very well be part of the solution, but he needs the other pieces of the puzzle to be fully effective. And ALL players combined = the solution. Cap space is a huge part of that.
Lucic - Savard - Kessel
Lucic - Krejci - Horton
Lucic - Krejci - Iginla

Those were probably his best linemates up to date. The issue here is... where are we finding right line for him? If we don't find the right line for him, why would we pay premium price if we don't have the rest of the tools to make use of him. (the same issue falls with Krejci). The problem is, with BOTH Lucic and Krejci, that they are both going to be making more money, which means we have even less money to fill in that last spot on the right. And if last season is any indication of what that line looks like without the proper RWer (remember when the line was actually fully healthy, they weren't exactly spectacular either), we are going to be in trouble.

 

[Sheppy]

If you get rid of Lucic & McQuaid walks and Randell isn't on the 4th line, this team will be punished to the ground by Carolina for **** sakes. I have no desire to watch a team that will be pushed around even worse than they were this year, in fact, I probably won't watch this team.

If you like soft hockey, and enjoy watching the Bruins scrape themselves up off the ice without anyone showing any sign of emotion, by all means, go ahead. Not my thing, though.

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

If you get rid of Lucic & McQuaid walks and Randell isn't on the 4th line, this team will be punished to the ground by Carolina for **** sakes. I have no desire to watch a team that will be pushed around even worse than they were this year, in fact, I probably won't watch this team.

If you like soft hockey, and enjoy watching the Bruins scrape themselves up off the ice without anyone showing any sign of emotion, by all means, go ahead. Not my thing, though.

To be fair, I haven't seen Lucic show any sign of emotion since the handshake of the last Montreal series.

 

[Bruwinz37]

To be fair, I haven't seen Lucic show any sign of emotion since the handshake of the last Montreal series.

Exactly. What's worse...a soft team getting pushed around or a team getting pushed around with a guy like Lucic not pushing back.

 

[Bruwinz37]

It SHOULD be able to. Better drafting would have helped that cause though. Not that Chiarelli was ever opposed to over-spending on the bottom two lines. A smarter allocation of funds in the depth category would seem like a necessary strategy.

I still fail to see how Lucic is being identified as the problem. Team has a history of scoring a lot of goals with him in a key position. Also, the team was light last season and slow on both the transition and the attack. I'd much rather pay Peter without worrying about robbing Paul.

Can't ignore the facts. His play has dipped considerably. What made him so effective wasn't even visible at all last year and you couple this with his immature antics and you have to start asking questions.

Now we get to salary...7m long term for a guy who MUST play extremely physical to warrant a deal of that magnitude....can he sustain it?

Then we look at the current cap situation. What do we sacrifice to keep him? What COULD we get in return for him....cost controlled, younger players and draft picks.

Let's all be clear....no one i see is saying "I hate Looch" or "dump him for nothing". This is about maximizing a return, looking at a bigger more complex picture and not making a mistake that could cost us for the next half decade.

I guess I want to know how Lucic signed long term at 7m is part of the solution. Just don't see it.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Can't ignore the facts. His play has dipped considerably. What made him so effective wasn't even visible at all last year and you couple this with his immature antics and you have to start asking questions.

Now we get to salary...7m long term for a guy who MUST play extremely physical to warrant a deal of that magnitude....can he sustain it?

Then we look at the current cap situation. What do we sacrifice to keep him? What COULD we get in return for him....cost controlled, younger players and draft picks.

Let's all be clear....no one i see is saying "I hate Looch" or "dump him for nothing". This is about maximizing a return, looking at a bigger more complex picture and not making a mistake that could cost us for the next half decade.

I guess I want to know how Lucic signed long term at 7m is part of the solution. Just don't see it.

I was on Lucic's ass last year too. Although more due to the immaturity than any lack of scoring. He's... he was embarrassing at times last year. The Weise debacle, the "Cup Raise Plus", the crotch shots and the backing down to people he used to slaughter? All awful.

But I don't believe he'd be any less effective than we're used to him being if the shackles were taken off and he was less afraid of the occasional bad penalty. And if we got him some help in the intimidation department. Team was soft last year and instead of looking at the team, all eyes ironically went to Lucic, who was often the only player left of a top line let go and hurt. Team didn't score enough? Blame Lucic for not scoring enough. Team isn't imposing it's physical will? Blame Lucic for not being physical enough. Personally, I don't blame the tough guy who can score for a lack of either of those things. I blame a team makeup that lacks them.

And when he was finally put on a line where he could compliment skillsets, he helped Spooner and Pastrnak lead the offensive charge down the stretch.

I'm not saying there's no way I'd deal him. For the right price of course, anyone can be dealt. I'd be totally fine if the Bruins dealt Lucic for a return of assests greater and with a strategy in mind as to team build. But he's not the problem right now and trading him shouldn't be the focus of this administration.

 

[BB88]

Can't ignore the facts. His play has dipped considerably. What made him so effective wasn't even visible at all last year and you couple this with his immature antics and you have to start asking questions.

Now we get to salary...7m long term for a guy who MUST play extremely physical to warrant a deal of that magnitude....can he sustain it?

Then we look at the current cap situation. What do we sacrifice to keep him? What COULD we get in return for him....cost controlled, younger players and draft picks.

Let's all be clear....no one i see is saying "I hate Looch" or "dump him for nothing". This is about maximizing a return, looking at a bigger more complex picture and not making a mistake that could cost us for the next half decade.

I guess I want to know how Lucic signed long term at 7m is part of the solution. Just don't see it.

Very well said!

I hate this situation we are in now and somehow we have to fix it, we can't lose 1 bigger player for basically nothing, whoever goes Sweeney has to make sure he gets top return, make a package if neeeded.

 

[Estlin]

Looch can't make a line a scoring threat by himself. But he CAN compliment a top scoring unit and make his linemates more effective. He's not part of the problem... he's part of the solution.

Is it worth it to pay a complementary (not complimentary) player $6.5-7 million per year—let's face it, Lucic and his agent won't settle for less—and for 6 or 7 years who can't generate his own offence? I don't see how it is.

If you get rid of Lucic & McQuaid walks and Randell isn't on the 4th line, this team will be punished to the ground by Carolina for **** sakes. I have no desire to watch a team that will be pushed around even worse than they were this year, in fact, I probably won't watch this team.

If you like soft hockey, and enjoy watching the Bruins scrape themselves up off the ice without anyone showing any sign of emotion, by all means, go ahead. Not my thing, though.

You're free to watch another team, then. Also, I think that you have to realize that the NHL is quickly trending away from goons and fighting (in which case, you may have to switch sports to follow ).

Can't ignore the facts. His play has dipped considerably. What made him so effective wasn't even visible at all last year and you couple this with his immature antics and you have to start asking questions.

Now we get to salary...7m long term for a guy who MUST play extremely physical to warrant a deal of that magnitude....can he sustain it?

Then we look at the current cap situation. What do we sacrifice to keep him? What COULD we get in return for him....cost controlled, younger players and draft picks.

Let's all be clear....no one i see is saying "I hate Looch" or "dump him for nothing". This is about maximizing a return, looking at a bigger more complex picture and not making a mistake that could cost us for the next half decade.

I guess I want to know how Lucic signed long term at 7m is part of the solution. Just don't see it.

Well said.

 

[Patrice Krejci*]

Seriously, Lucic didn't even know what happened to Savard. Why don't you go interview his best friends from grade 5 and ask them if they ever got beat up and Milan didn't stick up for them. It'd be as relevant. You focus on one off's as compared to the norms.

Krug and Kelly....you're questioning my idea of tough and you say these guys stood up for their teammates more. Solid argument my friend.

Prust would beat up any player not named Lucic-Chara and McQuaid......if he was back. Bergeron/Marchand/Krejci/Spooner/Pasta/Eriksson/Smith/Kelly/Talbot all would get pumped by Prust/Weise, that's what I was getting at, not calling Prust or Weise tough.

Lucic is a 7 million dollar goon. He's not a 7 million dollar banger. He's not a 7 million dollar scorer. But he's above average at all three. Again, we concentrate on a bad year, coming off wrist surgery and playing with spare parts for the majority of the year, all the while 95% of the team underachieved.

I agree with the poster in the previous page, tired of defending that Lucic is a Bruins type player when other's are suggesting we trade him and keep the likes of Kelly/Eriksson/Smith/Seids/Marchand to a degree.

Why are we going to pay a goon 7 million dollars? That's goal scoring money. Bruins fans need to drop the whole "Bruins type player ********" it's that style of thinking that made us give away a franchise player for nothing. Why would we sacrifice any of our depth for a declining power forward that doesn't show up sans 15 games? Also his most common linemates were Pasta and Krejci last year, the links are in this thread showing such. As I've stated a billion times now I get he's a fan favorite because he likes to punch stuff and has been clutch in the past but he's ridiculously over rated by a good amount of our fan base soley because he has a Bruins attitude. I'm sick of losing games and great players for that stupid ideology. I want players that want to win and show it on the ice. This will be the second contract that Lucic is undeserving of. What warrants him 7 million dollars?

 

[Ice Nine]

I was on Lucic's ass last year too. Although more due to the immaturity than any lack of scoring. He's... he was embarrassing at times last year. The Weise debacle, the "Cup Raise Plus", the crotch shots and the backing down to people he used to slaughter? All awful.

But I don't believe he'd be any less effective than we're used to him being if the shackles were taken off and he was less afraid of the occasional bad penalty. And if we got him some help in the intimidation department. Team was soft last year and instead of looking at the team, all eyes ironically went to Lucic, who was often the only player left of a top line let go and hurt. Team didn't score enough? Blame Lucic for not scoring enough. Team isn't imposing it's physical will? Blame Lucic for not being physical enough. Personally, I don't blame the tough guy who can score for a lack of either of those things. I blame a team makeup that lacks them.

And when he was finally put on a line where he could compliment skillsets, he helped Spooner and Pastrnak lead the offensive charge down the stretch.

I'm not saying there's no way I'd deal him. For the right price of course, anyone can be dealt. I'd be totally fine if the Bruins dealt Lucic for a return of assests greater and with a strategy in mind as to team build. But he's not the problem right now and trading him shouldn't be the focus of this administration.

It's like he got bad advice or overcorrected or something. I agree about the stuff in 2013/14 -- the stupid crotch shots and cup raising ****. I hate that stuff, and it's also really stupid for a player like Lucic, because he actually doesn't have to do that ****. Little weasels do crotch shots; Lucic is a power forward, maybe the purest example in the league. He can hit biggest guys square in the chest and send them flying.

All he had to do, was knock off the juvenile behavior and focus on his mean, physical, game, which includes big hits, the odd fight, and scoring goals.

 

[Dizzay]

Why are we going to pay a goon 7 million dollars? That's goal scoring money. Bruins fans need to drop the whole "Bruins type player ********" it's that style of thinking that made us give away a franchise player for nothing. Why would we sacrifice any of our depth for a declining power forward that doesn't show up sans 15 games? Also his most common linemates were Pasta and Krejci last year, the links are in this thread showing such. As I've stated a billion times now I get he's a fan favorite because he likes to punch stuff and has been clutch in the past but he's ridiculously over rated by a good amount of our fan base soley because he has a Bruins attitude. I'm sick of losing games and great players for that stupid ideology. I want players that want to win and show it on the ice. This will be the second contract that Lucic is undeserving of. What warrants him 7 million dollars?

You're the only person on this site calling Lucic a goon. The guy was invited to team Canada summer camp, not sure Stevie Y and the rest of the Brass were interested in taking a look at him to fight in the Olympics?

Giving away a franchise player for nothing has zero to do with Lucic. PC chose Krejci over Seguin. Seguin is a great hockey player.......and we got a terrible deal for him, but the kid is immature, and he flourished in a system that is similar to pond hockey. No he doesn't make a scoring line on his own.....but how goals would Neely/Hull/Murray/Cheechoo/Leclair/Stevens/Kurri have if they didn't have the Oates/Thornton/Lindros/Lemieux/Gretzky of the world feeding them?

If Lucic didn't want to win, do you think he'd be uttering death threats in the hand shake line up? The guy wants to win, in the playoffs he's been clutch, he provides protection for every player on the roster, forces turnovers, puts fear into the other teams defenceman, and is capable of putting up 30 I feel with Krejci/Sponner and a good RW. Trade the guy and it'll haunt us!

 

[ODAAT]

Why are we going to pay a goon 7 million dollars? That's goal scoring money. Bruins fans need to drop the whole "Bruins type player ********" it's that style of thinking that made us give away a franchise player for nothing. Why would we sacrifice any of our depth for a declining power forward that doesn't show up sans 15 games? Also his most common linemates were Pasta and Krejci last year, the links are in this thread showing such. As I've stated a billion times now I get he's a fan favorite because he likes to punch stuff and has been clutch in the past but he's ridiculously over rated by a good amount of our fan base soley because he has a Bruins attitude. I'm sick of losing games and great players for that stupid ideology. I want players that want to win and show it on the ice. This will be the second contract that Lucic is undeserving of. What warrants him 7 million dollars?

goon? So were now referring to players who rarely drop the mitts as goons? NHL has tons then

 

[Sheppy]

Why are we going to pay a goon 7 million dollars? That's goal scoring money. Bruins fans need to drop the whole "Bruins type player ********" it's that style of thinking that made us give away a franchise player for nothing. Why would we sacrifice any of our depth for a declining power forward that doesn't show up sans 15 games? Also his most common linemates were Pasta and Krejci last year, the links are in this thread showing such. As I've stated a billion times now I get he's a fan favorite because he likes to punch stuff and has been clutch in the past but he's ridiculously over rated by a good amount of our fan base soley because he has a Bruins attitude. I'm sick of losing games and great players for that stupid ideology. I want players that want to win and show it on the ice. This will be the second contract that Lucic is undeserving of. What warrants him 7 million dollars?

 

[bb_fan]

It SHOULD be able to. Better drafting would have helped that cause though. Not that Chiarelli was ever opposed to over-spending on the bottom two lines. A smarter allocation of funds in the depth category would seem like a necessary strategy.

I still fail to see how Lucic is being identified as the problem. Team has a history of scoring a lot of goals with him in a key position. Also, the team was light last season and slow on both the transition and the attack. I'd much rather pay Peter without worrying about robbing Paul.

I agree, better drafting and things would be looking much brighter.

and I don't identify Lucic as the problem (the other poster might though) but I do see the lack of quality depth (forwards and back end) and the cap situation and the lack or prospects to fill those spots. (even if you consider Spooner and Pasta locks for the top six).

I'd prefer keeping Lucic and getting better performances (from him) and everyone else.

Just not sure what the chances are for that witht the current players and cap situation.

 

[Patrice Krejci*]

You're the only person on this site calling Lucic a goon. The guy was invited to team Canada summer camp, not sure Stevie Y and the rest of the Brass were interested in taking a look at him to fight in the Olympics?

Giving away a franchise player for nothing has zero to do with Lucic. PC chose Krejci over Seguin. Seguin is a great hockey player.......and we got a terrible deal for him, but the kid is immature, and he flourished in a system that is similar to pond hockey. No he doesn't make a scoring line on his own.....but how goals would Neely/Hull/Murray/Cheechoo/Leclair/Stevens/Kurri have if they didn't have the Oates/Thornton/Lindros/Lemieux/Gretzky of the world feeding them?

If Lucic didn't want to win, do you think he'd be uttering death threats in the hand shake line up? The guy wants to win, in the playoffs he's been clutch, he provides protection for every player on the roster, forces turnovers, puts fear into the other teams defenceman, and is capable of putting up 30 I feel with Krejci/Sponner and a good RW. Trade the guy and it'll haunt us!

no Lucic supporter has yet to answer how he is worth 7 million. Id kill to har Seguin over Lucic right now, also how is Lucic more mature then Seguin?

 

[Patrice Krejci*]

Seriously, Lucic didn't even know what happened to Savard. Why don't you go interview his best friends from grade 5 and ask them if they ever got beat up and Milan didn't stick up for them. It'd be as relevant. You focus on one off's as compared to the norms.

Krug and Kelly....you're questioning my idea of tough and you say these guys stood up for their teammates more. Solid argument my friend.

Prust would beat up any player not named Lucic-Chara and McQuaid......if he was back. Bergeron/Marchand/Krejci/Spooner/Pasta/Eriksson/Smith/Kelly/Talbot all would get pumped by Prust/Weise, that's what I was getting at, not calling Prust or Weise tough.

Lucic is a 7 million dollar goon. He's not a 7 million dollar banger. He's not a 7 million dollar scorer. But he's above average at all three. Again, we concentrate on a bad year, coming off wrist surgery and playing with spare parts for the majority of the year, all the while 95% of the team underachieved.

I agree with the poster in the previous page, tired of defending that Lucic is a Bruins type player when other's are suggesting we trade him and keep the likes of Kelly/Eriksson/Smith/Seids/Marchand to a degree.

You called him a goon.

 

[Patrice Krejci*]

goon? So were now referring to players who rarely drop the mitts as goons? NHL has tons then

I was only calling him a goon because another poster refered to him as one, way to read the whole thread!

 

[bb_fan]

Why are we going to pay a goon 7 million dollars? That's goal scoring money. Bruins fans need to drop the whole "Bruins type player ********" it's that style of thinking that made us give away a franchise player for nothing. Why would we sacrifice any of our depth for a declining power forward that doesn't show up sans 15 games? Also his most common linemates were Pasta and Krejci last year, the links are in this thread showing such. As I've stated a billion times now I get he's a fan favorite because he likes to punch stuff and has been clutch in the past but he's ridiculously over rated by a good amount of our fan base soley because he has a Bruins attitude. I'm sick of losing games and great players for that stupid ideology. I want players that want to win and show it on the ice. This will be the second contract that Lucic is undeserving of. What warrants him 7 million dollars?

yeah, the Seguin kid was traded for a bunch of third/fourth line goons and plugs just to keep that style of thinking alive.

we need to get rid of all the goons on this team asap! and all the players that don't want to win!

it would probably gut the roster though, I mean that's what, 75% or more of the team....

stupid bruins ideology.... killing this team.

 

[PatriceBergeron]

If you get rid of Lucic & McQuaid walks and Randell isn't on the 4th line, this team will be punished to the ground by Carolina for **** sakes. I have no desire to watch a team that will be pushed around even worse than they were this year, in fact, I probably won't watch this team.

If you like soft hockey, and enjoy watching the Bruins scrape themselves up off the ice without anyone showing any sign of emotion, by all means, go ahead. Not my thing, though.

I enjoy hockey teams that can score goals. Not one that pounds their chest while getting completely out-skilled by a mediocre Montreal team.

 

[Patrice Krejci*]

yeah, the Seguin kid was traded for a bunch of third/fourth line goons and plugs just to keep that style of thinking alive.

we need to get rid of all the goons on this team asap! and all the players that don't want to win!

it would probably gut the roster though, I mean that's what, 75% or more of the team....

stupid bruins ideology.... killing this team.

So many of you don't get reading comprehension or seeing what a post was a response to. The other poster called Lucic a goon. I was using what he said to prove my point. We got one decent peice out of the Seguin trade as of right now. This team has 0 goons, a majority show a lot of heart we just don't have anyone that can bury a goal. Lucic looks disinterested besides a few games a year.

 

[Sheppy]

I enjoy hockey teams that can score goals. Not one that pounds their chest while getting completely out-skilled by a mediocre Montreal team.

I absolutely agree, which is why this team was a contender before last season. Then this season came along and the toughness stopped and the bending over began.

 

[LouJersey]

Did anyone here question Lucic's antics Bruins up 3-2 or just bitching now after the fact.

Got rid of Seguin.

Get rid of Lucic.

Couple years get rid of Pasta cuz he doesn't pass enough or wants to be the man.

The crest of the sweater should stand for BORING.