Hockey Trade Rumors

I am not too sure what to make of the Boston Bruins. The team for a while was draft heavy. Partially because of losing, partially because that’s the right way to do things and partially because they are cheap. Then out of the blue, the B’s seemingly wanted to contend and mortgage some of their future to win now adding players like Gonchar and Nylander to the lineup. Then the team decided to wade into the free agent game because they could, with a ton of cap space at their disposal. The team did get off to a slow start and suddenly they are practically rebuilding again moving out their top player. It begs the question; what are the Bruins trying to accomplish here? are they trying to win now? win later? win never? It seems like they are going on instinct rather than following a specific plan. It’s been why they lack any identity. It also shows on the ice. They have supported their coach who has what seems like no game plan whatsoever over their franchise player. Where the future lies remains to be seen because there is no way to predict what direction the Bruins are headed.

Free Agents

The frugal Bruins have made it a point to not get too involved in the free agency game. In fact, they have made it a point to not even sign their own free agents. However things changed this past summer where the B’s went on a relative spending spree and paid for several high priced free agents. It has however backfired on them as we can so clearly see. Scatchard was already traded away, Murray has slumped, Leetch will likely be moved before March 9th and Zhamnov has just 1 goal to show for his $12 million. Post lockout the team had the best position of any team in the league in terms of cap space. But mis-management, poor scouting and non-cap friendly moves have put them in a precarious position. It may have in fact led partially to the trading of Joe Thornton which was the worst move of all.

Tom Fitzgerald – speedy checker basically playing out his career in his hometown.

Travis Green – One trick pony who can only win faceoffs. Pretty useless otherwise and takes up a roster spot that could go to a younger player.

Alexei Zhamnov – major free agent bust who is now the albatross around the B’s salary cap. 1 goal in 24 games with Boston.

Brian Leetch – Seemingly ageless blueliner who will attract tons of interest at the trade deadline. Came to Boston to come home and to come to a contender but he was only half right.

Trade

One trade has defined the Bruins. It was the Joe Thornton deal. the team drafted him, built around him and even this summer signed him to big money. Then after a month, traded him away for next to nothing. sure, the 3 players they received from the Sharks are servicable NHLers but none the calibre of Thornton. Simply put, it was a mistake. However it comes to no surprise the team alienated the team’s top player. In fact they have a history of such behavior of late. This is why the likes of Guerin, Carter, Allison, Gonchar among others chose not to return to Boston or were shuffled out of town. It may take years to recover from this move.

Wayne Primeau – The lesser Primeau is a very solid role player but has zero offence to his game. 1 of 3 fairly average players who came over in a deal for the Bruin’s franchise player Joe Thornton. Perhaps a deal that will haunt the B’s for years. Any other time, acquiring a player like Primeau would be considered a good move.

Marco Sturm – Has the most difficult job of the 3 ex-Sharks as he has to replace the offence of Thornton’s up front. Great speed and solid skills however averages roughly 45 points a year which simply isnt enough for a guy his talent.

Brad Stuart – The focal point of the Thornton trade from Boston’s point of view. He has been nothing more than a 3rd defenceman at best as he just seems to be a player who leaves you wanting more. He could very easily have a similar impact like Ed Jovanovski but at times doesnt seem like he is hungry enough. The B’s are expecting…..at least hoping he becomes “the man” but I think that is far fetched.

David Tanabe – acquired for a Dave Scatchard who they signed to a multi year deal this summer after wining and dining him trying to convince him to come to beantown. Instead they have a blueliner who can skate, but does nothing else.

Jiri Slegr – Very surprised he is still around considering he could make lots playing in the Czech league.

Brad Boyes – been pretty productive as a rookie. Wasnt expected to be a point producer just yet, but has been a key cog in the offence and youth movement of the Bs. Made the Kyle Maclaren trade easier to swallow after the big defenceman was traded for a fairly useless goalie (Jeff Hackett) and a useless Dman (Jeff Jilsson). The B’s stole Boyes trading Jilsson to get him.

Brad Isbister – Yet another player who leaves you wanting more. has the size, speed and good shot to be a top end power forward. But what you get is an average player who simply doesnt work hard enough to produce. Thankfully they only moved a 4th rounder to get him.

Ian Moran – picked up for a draft pick for depth, however the team has had to spend a few bodies replacing the often injured Moran in the lineup.

Draft

The B’s appear good at the draft because they ended up with Thornton and Samsonov. However they have made some very poor picks like Lars Jonsson and Martin Samuelsson. It has been off set due to some fine mid to late round gems. But now the B’s are a bit too good to finish dead last but not good enough to win. The team appears to want to win but based on past history, many moves are dictated by the bottom line and not the Stanley Cup. So it may be a while before they acquire another Joe Thornton through the draft.

Patrice Bergeron – Great 2nd round pick. Only 20 years old and in his 2nd season already in the NHL. Probably the B’s best all-round forward.

Glen Murray – Actually was traded away by the B’s and is now in his 2nd tour with Boston. Effective power player….if he wants to be. He seems a bit lost without Thornton.

Sergei Samsonov – Chosen with the pick received in the Glen Wesley trade. Was a dynamic player initially but lost a bit of explosiveness thanks to multiple injuries. Will likely leave via UFA this summer if he isnt traded before then.

Milan Jurcina – Solid late-round steal who has great size and decent skill. But kind of lacks a bit of hockey sense and toughness.

Nick Boynton – Epitomizes the Bruins lack of success. Despite having loads of talent, seems to not be the sum of all his parts. Leaves everyone wanting/expecting more.

Hannu Toivonen – Highly touted rookie has emerged as the number 1 goalie in Boston until injury struck. Should be the backbone of the team for years to come and is probably the organization’s most important player now with Thornton gone.

Andrew Raycroft – stock has fallen badly since being named All-Rookie goalie. Poor playoff followed by terrible start to year has pushed him off the roster likely for good.

Hal Gill – abnormal size got him to the NHL. doesnt skate well, but eats up space. a decent late round pick.

PJ Axelsson – One of many, late blooming Europeans that were drafted in the mid-90s. Has turned into a very effective checker and penalty killer.

On the Farm

Mark Stuart – potential to be the B’s team leader at some point. a heart and soul type of player who does anything to win. plays tough but has zero offence.

Andrew Alberts – rugged stay at home D-man who could use work on his puck skills.

Jordan Sigalet – moving up the goalie depth chart as Raycroft’s stock falls.

Zdenak Blatney – skilled forward from the Thrashers organization is around for depth.

Ben Walter – Son of Ryan Walter, who plays a similar gritty game like his dad.

Around the World

Matt Lashoff – good offensive defenceman averaging roughly a point a game in the OHL. has had some injury problems though.

David Krejci – smallish forward putting up lots of points in the Q. more of a playmaker than a scorer.

Lars Jonsson – former top 10 pick still yet to make it to North America. Perhaps never will.

Martin Samuelsson – The other first rounder from 1999 who has not yet made it and probably wont ever make the B’s. Has great speed, but that’s it.

Martin Karsums – another small forward in the Q who has been having trouble staying healthy. Probably will find his way back to Europe than to the B’s.

It is rather unknown what the future holds for the B’s. Do they or do they not want to win? Are they or are they not rebuilding? They were building from within and with youth, then added a surplus of veteran rent-a-players at the deadline. They signed Thornton long term and surrounded him with decent talent with an eye on winning, but then gave up that plan when they traded him away. The GM and coach have offered no indication that they know what they are doing. There is no solid building plan because it has changed at a whim. Whether or not their jobs are being dictated by hardliners Jeremy Jacobs and Harry Sinden is not truly known. But it so often appears like the old fashioned orignal 6 days ways are being put to use in today’s world. Shame on them as with each passing day, fans are lost and the rich tradition built in beantown seems tainted.