Chia should have enough money to make an impact before the trade deadline. With Savard and Kelly elligible for TLIR and the money saving on dishing off Timmy, there should be no excuses. The problem becomes who?
Kelly will need at least six weeks and expect another one or two weeks to get into any game shape. That means he is hopefull for a mid May return to top game shape. He wil simply be a gift to the Bruins if they are rolling in the playoffs.
So that means that Chia needs to build this team without him for a major playoff run.
The third line needs to be rebuilt and the defense will need some help.
What is out there? What teams might be sellers?
West: Dallas, Edmonton, Columbus, Calgary and Colorado
East: Philly, Tampa, Washington, Buffalo and Florida
Other: What teams have players to trade? San Jose, NYI, NYR, St. Louis
Who do the Bruins target?.
Alfie and Perry are long shots and are likely doubtful.
Bowmeister or Iginla? Lots of money.
Hemsky or Bozak?
Stastny, Morrow or Clowe?
Striet or Carlson?
Top choices:
1) Iginla 7g 12 a= 19pts -4
2) Stastny 7g 9a =16 pts -5
3) Streit 4g 10 a = 14 pts -9
4) Carlson 8g 13 a =21 pts -2
5) Morrow 6g 5 a = 11 pts -4
6) Clowe 0 g 8 a= 8 pts -7
Iginla or Stastny would change the dynamics of this team. They still need an offensive force and wither of these players can do it.
On the backend, Carlson would be a gem. He can move the puck and make plays. Boston needs something more than just depth on the defense.
All three players would be costly, but welcomed additions.
Only fear of Iginla is that he might strictly be a rental and return to Calgary.
Statny and Carlson would be players that could fit long term if other personnel moves were made.