What to do With the Bruins
Well it happened again. Game 7 of the second round, except the Bruins happened to pull off the biggest choke in sports history this time. This is the type of loss that demands changes, so here’s what I’d do this offseason if I were Chiarelli.
At the draft:
Start off with drafting or 2nd overall. Do not trade up. There isn’t enough separating the players to do that. I’m pretty sure the Oilers will go with Hall after the Memorial Cup though.
Hopefully land one of Skinner or Etem at 15. Don’t shop the pick.
For Trades:
Do anything to get rid of Ryder and Wideman. Their play did improve but with the Bruins so tight to the cap they need to go. Thomas as well.
Paille and Wheeler have to go. Dime a dozen players. I’m sure they can get something for Wheeler as a RFA though.
For Resignings:
Bring back Recchi. That’s a no-brainer.
Try to bring back , but I doubt they’ll be able to sign him at an affordable rate.
If they can get rid of , bring back all three of , and Stuart. If they can’t get rid of Wideman try to get something for Stuart in a trade. If asks for more than $4 million or Stuart asks for more than $2.5 million let them walk, but not both of them.
Bring back .
Bring back and for depth.
Resign Thornton.
Let Begin walk.
Leadership:
Strip Chara o the C and give him the A. the C with and the other A’s.
So, my ideal line-up not taking into account the return for Thomas, Wheeler, Ryder, Paille and Wideman:
Lucic – –
– –
– –
Thornton- -Marchand
–
-Stuart
–
Rask
UFA
I really think is the next second round steal for the Bruins and could be ready next year, although I’m sure a UFA would take his place instead. I definitely think Caron is ready. Ideally you’d see Satan on Krejci’s line but it might not be realistic. and Marchand would be perfect on the fourth line and Thornton brings alot to the team as well. can stay as he only has one year left on his deal, plus a NTC.
ALL of the focus next offseason should be resigning Bergeron, which is a main reason I’d like to see some cap room cleared. Chara at a discount would be nice too.