Call-ups and Speculation…
The Bruins recalled forward Martin Samuelsson and Defensman Rich Brennan from Providence of the AHL today according to BostonBruins.com. The team website reports that Samuelsson will make his NHL debut Wednesday night against the Panthers. He was Boston’s 2nd pick, 27th overall in 2000 NHL Entry Draft…Brennan is a 30 year old veteran with eight years of pro hockey experience with six different NHL franchises. Wednesday will be his Boston debut as well….
…Now for the speculation. Joe Thornton already on the shelf longer than expected, but Andy Hilbert up to take his place and two new players recalled. This could just be a shakeup, but here’s a conspiracy theory: With these two guys up two guys already in the lineup need to sit. If those two guys end up being Sean Brown or Oliwa or Stock then no big deal. Maybe dress seven defensemen and move Girard to the wing. But what I am looking for is whether or not Ftorek sits Lapointe. If Lapointe sits he could be on the move because $5.5 Million players just don’t sit out without injury. These two call-ups are just fillers until fresh bodies arriev via trade. Brennan is a journeyman, not a prospect, the team doesn’t need to get a look at him, just some solid D for a game or two. My bet: Lapointe, McLaren, and possibly a current B’s D-man are on the move. Destinations? Well the Bruins are in Florida this week, and Mike Keenan love McLaren. A deal involving Luongo is a possibility, as is some form of follow-up trade with Tampa.