Year End Report Cards

[Bruin4Life]

Pastranak

Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: B-

Thought he had a great season. I was expecting 25-35 stat line and was nice to see him score a lot. His speed and dekes are unreal. Also liked that he backchecks. Going to see him get a nice paycheck this summer. Thought he was very unlucky this playoffs and had a lot of opportunities bounce over his stick. Stuff happens

Bergeron

Regular Season: A-
Playoffs: B

Would like to see him get back to 60 points. His line in the regular season was lights out with those possession numbers. Playoffs he won a lot of puck battles but his line mates couldn't bury. Didn't seem to be too emotionally involved this series as I have seen him in others

Marchand

Regular Season: A
Playoffs: D

Only reason he doesnt get an A+ in the regular season is because of the continious dirty plays he made (slewfoots and the groin shots). He was an animal this year in the regular season. So much swagger and confidence. Playoffs he was invisible. I was so sick of seeing him wheel around the net in the offensive zone, curl up and then lose the puck. When he enters the zone he doesnt drive, he just always stops hard, and then waits for a trailer. Continued slump in the playoffs.

Backes

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: A

Season I expected close to 45-50 points for him. He was under 40. I put some blame on the constant yo-yo of lines he played on. He was a beast with bergy and marchand but invisible with Krejci or on the third. He has some solid hits in him but want to see him stay on one line. Playoffs was an animal. One of Bruins best for SURE.

Krejci

Regular Season: B-
Playoffs: C-

One of his worse years during the regular season. Played alright but lots of games he was invisible. This contract scares me as he is hurt all the time. Playoffs he played hurt but also didnt do anything.

Stafford

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: C-

Scored some key goals. Then went missing. Then scored another goal. THen went missing. A 6th round pick is fine for what he brought.

Vatrano

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: C+

Has the tools to be amazing. Slowly coming along and was an improvement. I always leave thinking that hes just missing something. Playoffs he was caught watching the puck in his own zone and would react to late. His hockey sense is still developing. Hoping for a 20-20 next year

Spooner

Regular Season: D+
Playoffs: F

Just doesnt seem to want to play here. No heart and is abysmal in his own zone. When he plays hard he is Savard 2 otherwise nothing. No pulse. Your tryout in boston has come to an end. You have lost your spot to others

Hayes

Regular Season: D
Playoffs: A+


Slow. Skates poorly. But he has some heart. Did his job perfectly in the post season to what we all wanted

Belesky

Regular Season: D-
Playoffs: F

What a bum. I was big on him turning his game around. Hit a slump and got injured. Hopefully next year hes in vegas or he turns it around. I think he still can. He needs to get back to what he does best and that is hitting.

Nash

Regular Season: D-
Playoffs: D+

F U NASH. You skate hard and for every 10 plays that you lose the puck, you make one good play. Next player that needs to be dropped.

Domo

Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: C-

Great in the regular season. He is what we needed and brought us to vintage campbell. Playoffs he skated hard, finished his checks and made stupid penalties. Hope they bring him back for another year.

Schaller

Regular Season: C
Playoffs: C+

Thought he played alright in the regular season. Saw some time with Krejci and didnt play too bad the first few games. Fell asleep some nights and seemed to try ot do too much. Hell be on the fourth line somewhere next year. He skated hard in the playoffs and battled but didnt get much going. Played well with Backes and can cycle.

Acciari

Regular Season: B
Playoffs: A+

Big hitter and reminds me of Sobotka. Really enjoy his games. Was snake bitten all year but man he hit a hot streak. He was feeling it this playoffs. The only person to consistently try to flatten Karlsson. I think he has a good year on the fourth line next year.

Sean Kuraly

Regular Season: C-
Playoffs: A

Skates hard and had a tremendous playoff series. Backes, Acciari and Kuraly should try to play together next year. Kid played great. Lots of heart and brought it every shift



Chara
Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: A+

For what he is , he played amazing. I had him down and out but he played like a slower 30 year old self. Having someone capable like Carlo/McAvoy instead of McQuaid really helps cover his speed. Chara in his own zone was fantastic. He will be a steal at 4 mil next year. Bruins should limit his minutes but wow good job Z

Carlo
Regular Season:A
Playoffs: N/A

Very good this season. Mistakes started to pile up in the second half but he exceeding all expectations I had for him this year. He keeps this up and we will have a strong D corp for years.

McAvoy
Regular Season: N/A
Playoffs: A+

STUD. He does need to move the puck a bit quicker on the PP. Found he doesnt take too many shots when setting up the PP. This will come with time.

Krug

Regular Season: A-
Playoffs: N/A

Career year for Krug. Glad hes hitting the net more. Guy is pretty tough for his size. If he was bigger I think he would be a force.

McQuaid
Regular Season: C-
Playoffs: D+

Not a fan of him anymore. Hope he gets exposed. Hes slow and can't hit. Hes mean but thats it.

Liles

Regular Season: F
Playoffs: D

Bruins worst dman all year. At least he was consistent.

Morrow

Regular Season: C-
Playoffs: B+

Had a tought first game after being off for months but came around. Played great the final few games. Tough that were so log jammed.

K.iller

Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: A-

For a guy we rag on for being a scrub (I refer to him as the bad one) he played very well this year. I choose to keep him over Quaider. He dumps players in the corners and was good at gettign the puck out this yaer.

Ch.iller

Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: B-

Had a bad year offensively but a good year defensively. Can skate out of trouble but still makes some knucklehead moves. He always makes you want to see more. Hopefully next year he takes off or I think well see him in a different uniform.

Cross

Regular Season: N/A
Playoffs: N/A

Thanks for the call up. It was hard to be thrown in that situation but you looked scared out there. Would like to see another attempt in the regular season

Rask
Regular Season: B-
Playoffs: A

Very spotty goalie who gets mad at his teamates way too much. Brought it in the playoffs and was a rock minus one game. Still wish we had Jones

Russian Thomas

Regular Season: B-
Playoffs: N/A

Sucked under Julien. Crushed it under Cassidy



Claude Julien

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: N/A

Great coach. Sad to see you go but players tuned you out. You are a great coach. Hope that you don't continue your love for 4th liners in every situation

Butch Cassidy

Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: A+

Mixed up the lines constantly and played the hot hand. Finally sat players who were not playing. Loved his fire during the playoffs and glad we have a coach who shows emotion


Donald

Grade: A-

Didnt overspend at the deadline and our prospect pool is very exciting. Thank you for getting me excited again about our future. I only ever was excited for one prospect during Chia's time here and the sloth was no more.

Click to read more...

 

[Pia8988]

Moore finished his checks? He was the king of turning away. I liked what he brought this season, but I move on and look for a more physical 4th line center. Kuraly seems like he can do that.

 

[vjcsmoke]

Dear Sweeney,

Please trade

hayes - waste of space

krejci - good enough to get a decent return, but not worth our cap space. underachieves in relation to what we pay him.

belesky - hasn't shown enough to justify keeping him as a top 6 or even top 9 winger.

mcquaid - please spin him off into an upgrade on the blue line.

spooner - maybe it wasn't just clode, maybe it's just spooner. so trade him for another asset before his value completely plummets.

Chara is untradeable imo because of his contract. We just let the captain go when his contract expires. Grateful for what he's done but he is the Bruins past, not its future on the blue line.

Really fascinated what McAvoy showed in very small sample size.

I feel we either need to trade for an upgrade on defense or offense.

Don't love our backup GK situation either. When will Subban step up or was he just a bad choice?

Very, very encouraged by Pastrnak's step up/breakout year. A star is born in Boston imo.

I feel we need to ship out the above players and try to upgrade by at least 2-4 new players. That will give us the necessary depth to compete in the playoffs. Right now we end up short shifted and lack quality to finish games late.

Cassidy should be brought back as Head Coach next year, feel like he has earned it.

 

[Gee Wally]

Now comes the reset for October. We know the drill well here after one Cup in the last 45 years. Things will be changing. With training camp five months on the horizon, here is a look at the current roster and how it might look when everyone reports to Warrior Ice Arena in September:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/b...uins-roster/fqs3kw0LkY1ed1fuqauJbN/story.html

 

[Dueling Banjos]

Thx for these Boston Globe articles Wally.

 

[bigd]

Dear Sweeney,

Please trade

hayes - waste of space

krejci - good enough to get a decent return, but not worth our cap space. underachieves in relation to what we pay him.

belesky - hasn't shown enough to justify keeping him as a top 6 or even top 9 winger.

mcquaid - please spin him off into an upgrade on the blue line.

spooner - maybe it wasn't just clode, maybe it's just spooner. so trade him for another asset before his value completely plummets.

Chara is untradeable imo because of his contract. We just let the captain go when his contract expires. Grateful for what he's done but he is the Bruins past, not its future on the blue line.

Really fascinated what McAvoy showed in very small sample size.

I feel we either need to trade for an upgrade on defense or offense.

Don't love our backup GK situation either. When will Subban step up or was he just a bad choice?

Very, very encouraged by Pastrnak's step up/breakout year. A star is born in Boston imo.

I feel we need to ship out the above players and try to upgrade by at least 2-4 new players. That will give us the necessary depth to compete in the playoffs. Right now we end up short shifted and lack quality to finish games late.

Cassidy should be brought back as Head Coach next year, feel like he has earned it.

Chara is not untradeable. He will be a hot commodity at the trade deadline with not much left on his contract, esp if the Bruins aren't looking too good. He's the perfect guy to add to a good team trying make a Stanley Cup run.

 

[Ratty]

Chara is not untradeable. He will be a hot commodity at the trade deadline with not much left on his contract, esp if the Bruins aren't looking too good. He's the perfect guy to add to a good team trying make a Stanley Cup run.

He is untradeable if he doesn't want to go. As the Globe article confirms, he loves Boston. Why, with just a few months left in the season, would he agree to move? Especially, since at the end of the season he can pick his spot if he wants to keep on playing.

 

[Therick67]

He is untradeable if he doesn't want to go. As the Globe article confirms, he loves Boston. Why, with just a few months left in the season, would he agree to move? Especially, since at the end of the season he can pick his spot if he wants to keep on playing.

A lot of that probably depends on how things go next year.

 

[Dr Hook]

Leaving off the established guys under contract for his, as we probably won't see any of them moved or exposed to LV (Chara, Krejci, Krug, Carlo, Pasta, Marchand, Bergy, Backes, Rask and including CMac in this list, though he isn't "established")

Thank you for your service, now begone:

Jimmy Hayes- nothing to say here that hasn't been said before

Matt Beleskey- takes a roster spot and cap space that could really be far better spent; not worth it to me to take a chance on next season and prevent a better player from getting ice time.

JML- Did his best and did what he could which was not that much. I don't hate Liles, liked him in his peak years at Colorado, but he's way past that now.

Drew Stafford- decent TDL pickup for cheap, did improve the team marginally with his offense, but not consistent, plays rather crappy defense, not worth re-signing.

Ryan Spooner- Held out hope that he would finally put it together, and he never did. Same old Spoons- talent galore, desire and grit apparently lacking, consistency a real issue. Time to move on and get some trade value in return especially now that he should command bigger money as an RFA.

Hmmmm :

Joe Morrow- Resigning him wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, he still has some upside and at times looks really good out there. At other times, not so much. Kind of a Spooner in his consistency levels. Wouldn't cry if he wasn't to come back, but wouldn't be too disturbed if he did as long as it was a short-term, cheap deal.

Dobby Poor early on, great down the stretch. Not convinced he can give us solid tending for the 30-35 games we want out of a backup to ease the burden on Rask. Maybe, since he's under contract for another year, and with McIntyre in the wings, if LV doesn't take him he's probably worth keeping.

Tim Schaller Like his energy and physical game, still reminds me of Mike Knuble though yet to show Knuble's scoring touch, but possibly a late developer like Mike. We have probably as good or better options in Providence (Blidh, Debrusk, Gabrielle) so Schalls is expendable. Might be worth a re-sign for a year at cheap bucks and see if there is anything more to get out of him. Like Morrow, won't cry a river if he isn't back, but won't be bugged if he is.

Frank Vatrano- There is a lot to like about him and a lot not to like. Probably worth another full season of playing time to see if his game can't be refined to make him the legit 20-25 goal threat his shot tempts us to believe. Must play better D! He might have some trade value though, another one for me who I'm happy to see back but if he gets moved or sent back to the A, won't be weeping over.

Please Stay/Come Back

Riley Nash- I know I am probably in a minority here, but I like Nash as a 3rd/4th liner; smart player, good defensive forward, great PKer, some limited offensive skill, cheap, under contract. I want him just to use on the PK if nothing else.

Dom Moore- He's almost at the end. If he wants to keep playing, I want him back for another year. Great value for money player, great PKer, leadership, decent offensive skills, couldn't ask for more from a 3rd/4th line guy.

Noel Acciari- To me on his second call-up earned his spot on the roster for next season; it's his to lose. Gritty, more offensively skilled than it appeared at first, big hitter. Under contract, but would not like to see him back in Providence.

Sean Kuraly- Want to see him start the year in Boston as well; looks like the player we hoped Beleskey could be, with maybe more offensive upside. Much rather he than Beleskey or Hayes on a third line.

The defenders, a special category because of the expansion draft:

Adam McQuaid For all his limitations with the puck, we really did miss him in the PO series. With a healthy Carlo and a likely McAvoy beginning the year in Boston, McQuaid for me looks like the odd man out. Should be exposed in the expansion draft, and if LV doesn't take him, we should look to move him for some value back- he's a decent player with some valuable skills

Kevin Miller- Of the three probable unprotected d-men, Killer is the best of the three at this time. Really improved this season and if he can be coaxed into providing a bit more on the puck moving offensive side, he's a great 3rd pair, PKer for us with grit and toughness. Brings all that McQuaid does plus some.

Colin Miller- I'm a big fan; he definitely showed improvement this season, but needs to continue. His skating and shot are outstanding. The decision making with the puck less so, but appear to be developing. Tough call over who to protect- Killer or Chiller. Ideally we head into next season with both on the roster. I still believe Chiller to have top 4 upside to his game, but it might take another year to get closer. We have him for another cheap year, and it can really be a show me year for him. Because we have to choose between Chiller and Killer to protect, I protect Chiller because of the potential and because we've seen all to often how an inability to move the puck out of the d-zone and through the neutral zone is critical. Colin has those skills.

Anyway, that's my view on the end of season stuff. Sure we won't all agree, but for me, if we are talking this pretty short list of begones and bubble players, things really look good for us going forward.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Riley Nash- I know I am probably in a minority here, but I like Nash as a 3rd/4th liner; smart player, good defensive forward, great PKer, some limited offensive skill, cheap, under contract. I want him just to use on the PK if nothing else.

Yeah, I don't really understand the hate TBH. He was fine this year.

 

[TP]

Too early for me. I am still trying to get over the sting.

 

[Sheppy]

Yeah, I don't really understand the hate TBH. He was fine this year.

I get why people like him but i also get why people don't. It seems like he gets himself into prime scoring chances and ***** the bed.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Yeah, I don't really understand the hate TBH. He was fine this year.

A new guy to love to hate this year.

One of the better forwards down the stretch and in the playoffs.

 

[Dr Hook]

A new guy to love to hate this year.

One of the better forwards down the stretch and in the playoffs.

He was arguably good all year at what he was signed to be- a hard-working 4th liner with good defensive skills. I think he got the hate because he didn't produce a lot of offense, but that really should never have been an expectation from him to begin with. He was a bit poorer than normal this season, but really, he is a 25-30 point guy at his best and did 17 this season. What the hate for Nash did I think is clarify the problematic lack of secondary scoring on the team period. If we are in a position to have to hate Nash because he isn't bringing 35-40 points, which he wasn't expected to do, it says a lot more about other players who were expected to do just that or better.

 

[Ladyfan]

McQuaid
Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: B

Also hope they find a way to sigh Dom Moore to another season. He was huge on the excellent PK and is a smart player. He helped Nash become a better player.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

McQuaid
Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: B

Also hope they find a way to sigh Dom Moore to another season. He was huge on the excellent PK and is a smart player. He helped Nash become a better player.

Excellent point.

 

[stick9]

Rask
Regular Season: B-
Playoffs: A

Very spotty goalie who gets mad at his teamates way too much. Brought it in the playoffs and was a rock minus one game. Still wish we had Jones

You realize his regular season numbers are almost identical to Carey Price, right? Price has a slightly better SV% (.923 vs .915) but Rask has twice as many shotouts (8 vs 4).

I'd say that's worthy of no less than B/B+.

 

[Lobster57]

I get why people like him but i also get why people don't. It seems like he gets himself into prime scoring chances and ***** the bed.

that's why he's a fourth liner.

 

[CptxMorgan]

Yeah, I don't really understand the hate TBH. He was fine this year.

He's absolutely perfect for what he does. 4th line penalty killer, high hockey IQ but hands of stone.

 

[Bruinfanatic]

McQuaid
Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: B

Also hope they find a way to sigh Dom Moore to another season. He was huge on the excellent PK and is a smart player. He helped Nash become a better player.

Really I think players like Moore are a dime a dozen.Decent defensive player but makes dumb defensive mistakes.Lots of teams have wanted him over his carreer ,but no one ever keeps him and I can see why.

 

[CptxMorgan]

Really I think players like Moore are a dime a dozen.Decent defensive player but makes dumb defensive mistakes.Lots of teams have wanted him over his carreer ,but no one ever keeps him and I can see why.

I like Moore but at the same time I really want to see Blidh with Kuraly and Acciari.

 

[Dr Hook]

]Decent defensive player but makes dumb defensive mistakes.[/B]Lots of teams have wanted him over his carreer ,but no one ever keeps him and I can see why.

Which is it Seriously, he doesn't make very many mistakes, but everyone does make a few, include Bergeron, the most elite defensive forward in the game. The reason Dom doesn't stick is because as a journeyman 4th liner, teams will always feel they have a young player that they would rather use in that spot rather than a vet like him. It's the nature of his role in the league. We could do a lot worse than re-sign him for a year.

 

[PlayMakers]

You realize his regular season numbers are almost identical to Carey Price, right? Price has a slightly better SV% (.923 vs .915) but Rask has twice as many shotouts (8 vs 4).

I'd say that's worthy of no less than B/B+.

I'd say that means Price had a bad season.

 

[CptxMorgan]

So, does the fact that he played the entire season with a Sports Hernia have any effect on Bergeron's score?

 

[PlayMakers]

Pastrnak

Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: B-

Legit 1st line talent.

Bergeron

Regular Season: B
Playoffs: B

Thought he really struggled the first half, though I know that was at least partly due to injury.

Marchand

Regular Season: A
Playoffs: D

Has arrived as an elite player.

Backes

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: A

Why won't they play him at center?

Krejci

Regular Season: B
Playoffs: C-

Like Bergeron, really struggled in the first half and was dealing with injury/recovery. Unlike Bergeron he was also saddled with unproductive wingers...

Stafford

Regular Season: C
Playoffs: C

Hope they move on from him.

Vatrano

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: C+

Has 18 goals in his first 83 NHL games. I think he can eventually be a 30 goal threat, but I hope Cassidy shows more faith in him next year and gives him consistent ice time.

Spooner

Regular Season: D+
Playoffs: F

So disappointing. So talented, but he seems so entitled to me. Doesn't think his coaches believe in him, doesn't want to play wing... If he'd accepted the job at wing he'd have played 17minutes a night with Krejci and Backes, maybe that would have been Krejci and Pasta after the coaching change... Oh Ryan, think of how your season and your next contract would have been different if you had handled things differently.

Hayes

Regular Season: F
Playoffs: F

End this by any means necessary.

Belesky

Regular Season: F
Playoffs: F

I think I gave him a B last year. Don't know what happened over the summer, but he seemed like he lost a step and never quite got it back. Unmovable contract now. He's also being passed by more talented and more affordable younger players like Vatrano and one of Cehlarik/DeBrusk... He's going to be an expensive 4th liner going forward.

Nash

Regular Season: C
Playoffs: C

No complaints from me. Solid role player who was forced to play higher in the lineup than he's capable due to injuries and Spooner's struggles. As a 4th liner and PK'er he's very effective.

Domo

Regular Season: A+
Playoffs: C

Great pickup by Sweeney but I hope they move on from him this summer. They've got at least 5 other options for the 4th line next year in Beleskey/Blidh at LW, Kuraly/Nash at C and Acciari at RW. And that doesn't count Schaller, who I liked.

Schaller

Regular Season: C+
Playoffs: C+

I was impressed by Schaller. I feel like he's more talented than Nash, and closer to a 3rd liner in terms of skill than a 4th liner. He's not as physical as some of the other 4th liners, but he's more capable of sliding up the lineup and pitching in for injuries. Tough call here.

Acciari

Regular Season: C
Playoffs: A+

Like his game. Glad to see he finally found some offense. I think the time he spent in the A this year and at the end of last year helped in that regard. Hopefully he's locked into the #4RW spot.

Sean Kuraly
Regular Season: C
Playoffs: A

Like the speed he brings and he's a heavy player. Hopefully he can become a Dan Paille type for us going forward.

Chara
Regular Season: A
Playoffs: A

Have to agree that when you take into account his age and the inexperienced players he played with and the big minutes he played in touch situations and matchups... he did a dam good job.

Carlo
Regular Season:A
Playoffs: N/A

Terrific start to his career. Hopefully he can build on it next year and prove that he can play away from Chara. Krug - Carlo could/should be a terrific pairing.

McAvoy
Regular Season: N/A
Playoffs: A+

Amazing. He made his mistakes in the playoffs but he was steady 1on1, he threw hits, he moved the puck, he was poised under forechecking pressure, he moved the puck... Absolutely amazing for someone to do what he did at that age, with no NHL experience. The top4 should be a treat to watch next year.

Krug

Regular Season: A-
Playoffs: N/A

Just keeps getting better and better. Career year after career year..

McQuaid
Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: N/A

I'm not his biggest fan... I don't like how he always tries to eat the puck in the corners rather than move it. Don't like how often he gives it away with dump outs, and puck moving fumbles... BUT, I also see the value he brings in terms of his leadership, his physical play, his fighting ability and his willingness to throw. I know the league is getting away from that, but I think you still need guys who can do it when called upon. I also think this team needs to get tougher as I felt Ottawa pushed us around. That said, I don't see how he fits going forward with McAvoy and Carlo in the top4. McQuaid can't play the left and neither can Colin Miller.

Liles

Regular Season: C
Playoffs: B

I thought he was as advertised. A decent 3rd pair puck mover who sat on the bench all year and then stepped into a regular role in the playoffs. That said, hope they move on from him with the depth they have.

Morrow

Regular Season: C-
Playoffs: B+

Hard for me to be too hard on him, he didn't really have a full time opportunity. All year, I felt like he could play on anyone's 3rd pair, but so could Colin Miller and Miller was just a hair better most of the time. So he sat. And sat. And sat. But he showed in the playoffs he could play. I think the worst case scenario is going to come to fruition at the expansion draft and Vegas is going to pass on McQuaid and Kevan to take the younger puck mover.

K.iller

Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: A-

I thought folks were unfairly harsh on Kevan last year. Thought he was worth the contract and was a legit #4/5 D. They didn't do him any favors making him play his off-side all year but he was solid in that role too.

Ch.iller

Regular Season: B+
Playoffs: B-

Continues to grow. Showed flashes of being a dynamic puck rusher.

Rask
Regular Season: C-
Playoffs: B

Has become very inconsistent these last two years. 30th in the NHL in sv pct in the regular season. 14th in the playoffs is better. I hope they do more to support him next year. Maybe that's McIntyre, or maybe they need to bring in more of a 1b who can play 30 games.