Boston Bruins All Bruins Trade/Free Agent Rumours/Suggestions 2018

[Dennis Bonvie]

I get it you really like Heinen, not everybody does, that would include Cassidy who scratched him for some playoff games because he was totally ineffective. Maybe he gets stronger in the off season and figures out it's a long schedule and he needs to be more consistent. I sincerely hope so because Sweeney has done nothing to improve the top 6 yet.

All those players you mentioned I take over Heinen. Comparing Heinen to Oshie on a purely point level is silly, Oshie is twice the player Heinen will ever be, even if they have matching point totals. Take contract out of the mix how many GM's take Heinen over any of those players, maybe Okposo, maybe but probably not.
Heinen's best value to this team may be in his value as a trade chip. An analytics driven GM like Chayka may over pay for him, if so Sweeney should be looking to use him to upgrade his top 6 not include him in it.

You are way overrating TJ Oshie.

 

[gvkmedia]

I don't recall seeing the Panarin list of 3 teams... are we on it?

 

[Flannelman]

I don't recall seeing the Panarin list of 3 teams... are we on it?

I thought he just mentioned cities

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

I’m not sure we can/should “run out” to respond should EK end up in TB, but if that happens on top of JT to Toronto it’s a rough offseason for Boston. People can stick by the prospects and pin their hopes on the “weak” Toronto D, or the pending cap issues in both cities, but end of the day both of those clubs would have added top tier talent while Boston did not. And surely they’ll have to sacrifice some talent as a result, and Toronto already has, but it won’t be the same level of talent they brought in.

“It’s still early July”, as I’ll be reminded, but I’d sure like to think DS is being creative about ways to bolster this roster that aren’t just pinning hopes on kids. I know my strong preference is trying to turn 1-2 kids, and maybe a vet, into a solid top 6 forward.

This is where I'm at, but I'd like to see them do it twice over. I think all 4 of Heinen, DeBrusk, Bjork, and Donato will be productive, but if we're in a potential cup window (and we may or may not be depending on how you feel about the top line and Chara/McAvoy), I think it would be sensible to trade some early 20s promise for some mid 20s impact.

I know not everyone loves advanced stats but of those 4 guys here are there OZone start % in the regular season last year:

DeBrusk - 70%
Bjork - 68.9%
Donato - 63.5%
Heinen - 53.5%

Outside of Heinen those are extremely cushy deployments. Now what happens when you try to play all 4 at the same time, run a potentially weaker 4th line out there, and there's any dip in play or *gasp* injury to the top line?

Ideally your middle 6 would be composed of:

2 of the early 20s wingers
2 of Krejci/Backes (because I can't see where they get moved)
2 mid 20s forwards acquired via trade

Then then Krejci and Backes do finally move on, you can use that cap space to re-up the young wingers you've kept and guys like Studnicka/Frederic/JFK can slide in with better support.

 

[Oates2Neely]

Please say no to Kuraly as the 3rd line center.

Please don’t trade Krug unless it’s for an upgrade on left side blueline

 

[Mainehockey33]

This is where I'm at, but I'd like to see them do it twice over. I think all 4 of Heinen, DeBrusk, Bjork, and Donato will be productive, but if we're in a potential cup window (and we may or may not be depending on how you feel about the top line and Chara/McAvoy), I think it would be sensible to trade some early 20s promise for some mid 20s impact.

I know not everyone loves advanced stats but of those 4 guys here are there OZone start % in the regular season last year:

DeBrusk - 70%
Bjork - 68.9%
Donato - 63.5%
Heinen - 53.5%

Outside of Heinen those are extremely cushy deployments. Now what happens when you try to play all 4 at the same time, run a potentially weaker 4th line out there, and there's any dip in play or *gasp* injury to the top line?

Ideally your middle 6 would be composed of:

2 of the early 20s wingers
2 of Krejci/Backes (because I can't see where they get moved)
2 mid 20s forwards acquired via trade

Then then Krejci and Backes do finally move on, you can use that cap space to re-up the young wingers you've kept and guys like Studnicka/Frederic/JFK can slide in with better support.

Heinen and Debrusk were impact players last year as rookies that will more than likely be better players next season. Either player could fill in on the top line and not look out of place.

Donato and Bjork have also been impact players in the games they played. Small sample size but when healthy, they were both really impressive offensively. Again, I think they’ll only build on what they did last year and be better next year. Donato especially looks like a legit sniper that could score 30+.

 

[Oates2Neely]

Bergeron 30+ goals
Marchand 35+ goals
Pastrnak 35+ goals
DeBrusk 20 goals?
Donato 20 goals?
Krejci 15 goals
Backes 15 goals
Heinen 15 goals?
Bjork 10 goals?

All fair totals assuming health. That’s not a shabby top-9, almost 200 goals there. Also that’s a lot of youth. Sophomore slumps are common. I’d love if Sweeney could move a young forward + young dman for a 2nd line winger (Bjork + Lauzon for player x)

Krug has averaged 55 points the past few seasons, who replaces that production if he’s moved?

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

Heinen and Debrusk were impact players last year as rookies that will more than likely be better players next season. Either player could fill in on the top line and not look out of place.

Donato and Bjork have also been impact players in the games they played. Small sample size but when healthy, they were both really impressive offensively. Again, I think they’ll only build on what they did last year and be better next year. Donato especially looks like a legit sniper that could score 30+.

Again, for me a lot of that is the deployment and the distinction between productive player and impact player, and I'm not sold they'll LIKELY be better players next year just because they have a full year under their belts. I thought Heinen and DeBrusk were productive players. Impact? No, I don't buy that yet.

I'm looking for a stronger 2nd line to help take some of the weight off of Bergeron, and if they're not ready to pull that load, you burn another year of that window.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Again, for me a lot of that is the deployment and the distinction between productive player and impact player, and I'm not sold they'll LIKELY be better players next year just because they have a full year under their belts. I thought Heinen and DeBrusk were productive players. Impact? No, I don't buy that yet.

I'm looking for a stronger 2nd line to help take some of the weight off of Bergeron, and if they're not ready to pull that load, you burn another year of that window.

Debrusk was tied with Pastrnak and Bergeron for team lead in playoff goals. What more does he need to do to be considered an “impact” player?

 

[SAVEBYTHOMAS]

Saw a few posts a bit back insinuating the leafs are whatever because they lost a 36 goal scorer (one that nobody wanted to touch here because he brings very little to the table other than goals) and a 40-50 point center.

But they replaced that with John Tavares.

We lost our 41 point center (regardless if Nash was ever going to replicate that performance that’s still steady production in the bottom six we lost).

And Rick Nash in all probability as of today.

Again I repeat we replaced that depth with Nordstrom and Wagner thus far.

It’s frustrating to read people so quick to pencil in youth like Donato and Bjork. It’s great to be optimistic but as we saw at the start of last year with all the injuries and a youth filled lineup the bruins struggled mightily.

They have to be able to bring more than just offensive promise.

There’s a reason Sweeney was in on Kovalchuk and Tavares, he knows unlike some folks here, the Bruins aren’t done and need more.

There were few top six winger options available, nothing to write home about, but Perron signed a reasonable deal.

I’m optimistic we have a trade to make for a top six winger or third line center.

Otherwise an injury to anyone on the top line and the Bruins are toast.

 

[Sheppy]

Bergeron 30+ goals
Marchand 35+ goals
Pastrnak 35+ goals
DeBrusk 20 goals?
Donato 20 goals?
Krejci 15 goals
Backes 15 goals
Heinen 15 goals?
Bjork 10 goals?

All fair totals assuming health. That’s not a shabby top-9, almost 200 goals there. Also that’s a lot of youth. Sophomore slumps are common. I’d love if Sweeney could move a young forward + young dman for a 2nd line winger (Bjork + Lauzon for player x)

Krug has averaged 55 points the past few seasons, who replaces that production if he’s moved?

This is what I'm wondering as well...

Lets say Krug goes, that's 55+ points

McAvoy - 45 points
....




Chara/Gryz/Moore - 20-25 points?

 

[LouJersey]

Again, for me a lot of that is the deployment and the distinction between productive player and impact player, and I'm not sold they'll LIKELY be better players next year just because they have a full year under their belts. I thought Heinen and DeBrusk were productive players. Impact? No, I don't buy that yet.

I'm looking for a stronger 2nd line to help take some of the weight off of Bergeron, and if they're not ready to pull that load, you burn another year of that window.

DeBrusk was as impact as you can get IMO with those two game 7 goals and was dominant vs Toronto, and Heinen potted an important one there as well. AS for likely being better, while Nylander and Marner stagnated and posted duplicate seasons as their rookie ones, maybe these two will be more like Point and Gourde (played 20 in 16-17) in improving. People are pining for Panarin and Debrusk already outscored AP's career of 4 play-off goals.

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

Debrusk was tied with Pastrnak and Bergeron for team lead in playoff goals. What more does he need to do to be considered an “impact” player?

I'd like to see him do it without shooting 30% which isn't sustainable for one. He went missing against Tampa like everyone else for another.

 

[Ratty]

This is what I'm wondering as well...

Lets say Krug goes, that's 55+ points

McAvoy - 45 points
....




Chara/Gryz/Moore - 20-25 points?

Perhaps the newly acquired PlayerX can provide those lost points?

 

[Sheppy]

Perhaps the newly acquired PlayerX can provide those lost points?

Perhaps...

If it happens.

 

[LouJersey]

Saw a few posts a bit back insinuating the leafs are whatever because they lost a 36 goal scorer (one that nobody wanted to touch here because he brings very little to the table other than goals) and a 40-50 point center.

But they replaced that with John Tavares.

We lost our 41 point center (regardless if Nash was ever going to replicate that performance that’s still steady production in the bottom six we lost).

And Rick Nash in all probability as of today.

Again I repeat we replaced that depth with Nordstrom and Wagner thus far.

It’s frustrating to read people so quick to pencil in youth like Donato and Bjork. It’s great to be optimistic but as we saw at the start of last year with all the injuries and a youth filled lineup the bruins struggled mightily.

They have to be able to bring more than just offensive promise.

There’s a reason Sweeney was in on Kovalchuk and Tavares, he knows unlike some folks here, the Bruins aren’t done and need more.

There were few top six winger options available, nothing to write home about, but Perron signed a reasonable deal.

I’m optimistic we have a trade to make for a top six winger or third line center.

Otherwise an injury to anyone on the top line and the Bruins are toast.

The past three years we have penciled in Pastnak, Carlo, McAvoy, DeBrusk and Heinen and that's worked out pretty well.

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

DeBrusk was as impact as you can get IMO with those two game 7 goals and was dominant vs Toronto, and Heinen potted an important one there as well. AS for likely being better, while Nylander and Marner stagnated and posted duplicate seasons as their rookie ones, maybe these two will be more like Point and Gourde (played 20 in 16-17) in improving. People are pining for Panarin and Debrusk already outscored AP's career of 4 play-off goals.

Again, DeBrusk shot 30% in the playoffs after shooting 11% in the regular season. I'd love for that to mean he's the rare (only) player who can crank up the clutch gene to score 3x higher, but that's screams puck luck Lou. He disappeared like everyone else against Tampa.

Heinen had 1 playoff point this year.

This is a problem I've had with this board lately actually. I can reiterate that I like Heinen, DeBrusk, Donato, AND Bjork, but the concept of trading players you like for other players you like who might help more now isn't as negative as people are making it sound. You gotta give to get.

 

[Mainehockey33]

I'd like to see him do it without shooting 30% which isn't sustainable for one. He went missing against Tampa like everyone else for another.

He was injured and still looked better than his linemates. Pretty impressive considering he was playing with the ghost of Rick Nash.

So what shooting percentage is the difference between productive and impact?

 

[BiggioRainesHOF]

He was injured and still looked better than his linemates. Pretty impressive considering he was playing with the ghost of Rick Nash.

So what shooting percentage is the difference between productive and impact?

Is looking better than your linemates impressive when you call one of them a ghost in the next sentence?

I like DeBrusk. I thought he was productive. If he's one of the two you want to keep at all costs? Awesome.

But yeah, shooting 30% instead of 10% can make you look like an impact player when you're just a productive one. Absolutely.

 

[Mainehockey33]

Is looking better than your linemates impressive when you call one of them a ghost in the next sentence?

I like DeBrusk. I thought he was productive. If he's one of the two you want to keep at all costs? Awesome.

But yeah, shooting 30% instead of 10% can make you look like an impact player when you're just a productive one. Absolutely.

I don’t know why you think those are two different things. A productive player is an impact player by definition. If you produce, you’re making an impact. Period.

 

[bp13]

Again I’d harken back to the playoff series vs TB where we were clearly outplayed by a better team. At that point it was clear we needed more, and since then we’ve lost both Nashes from our top 9. Realizing we expected more than we got from Rick, he was still deemed a need at the deadline, so that should tell us something.

Given the windows on core, key vets like Bergeron, Chara and Rask, it seems pretty clear to me the play is to parlay up to a few kids into a strong top 6 forward. Pick 1-3 from names like DeBrusk, Heinen, Donato, Bjork, Frederic, JFK, Studnicka, Lauzon, Zboril, Vaak, etc. Maybe parlay one with a pick and a vet depending on your return, but you need to add an impact forward. I truly hate the idea of putting all your eggs in the kids basket and effectively letting the good remaining years of core guys dwindle. I think Z and Bergy, especially, will be huge hits when they retire or lose effectiveness.

 

[N o o d l e s]

If TB gets Karlsson he’ll resign there, no doubt imo. They’ll find a way to make it work.

 

[LouJersey]

Again, DeBrusk shot 30% in the playoffs after shooting 11% in the regular season. I'd love for that to mean he's the rare (only) player who can crank up the clutch gene to score 3x higher, but that's screams puck luck Lou. He disappeared like everyone else against Tampa.

Heinen had 1 playoff point this year.

This is a problem I've had with this board lately actually. I can reiterate that I like Heinen, DeBrusk, Donato, AND Bjork, but the concept of trading players you like for other players you like who might help more now isn't as negative as people are making it sound. You gotta give to get.

I would not be opposed to a deal at all. For Panarin? not unsigned. Simmonds? Nope. I would trade anyone for the right return.

I guess it's all how you value what we have. I think JDB and Heinen are going to be legit top 6 wingers for a long time. Haven't we sold off enough young guys that showed promise like this in the past? I like Donato has a real chance as well. It would take a lot for me to deal any of them. Would I deal them for a long term Anders Lee or Artemi Panarin, yes. I would in a heartbeat. Rental? No way in hell.

As for the 30%, the play-offs are always like that. Anyone that scores goals in that short amount of time is going to have a high percentage.

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

If TB gets Karlsson he’ll resign there, no doubt imo. They’ll find a way to make it work.

Tavares to Tor, looking like EK to TB.

At least the Bruins got Nordstrom

 

[Sheppy]

If TB gets Karlsson he’ll resign there, no doubt imo. They’ll find a way to make it work.

And then i bash my head into a wall for 7 years.