I'd like to offer another opinion:
I think the Jacobs outburst was a calculated show. He wanted to announce he was on the scene, with the added potential benefit of lighting a fire under the players. And it worked, temporarily.
But I don't see how it's remotely believable that the GM's seat is hot and Jacobs wants action because there is no way any reasonable human would respond by going into hiding. Your boss calls you out and your response is to vanish entirely??? I don't buy it. I think it was an act, and I bet that stuff goes on all the time. It's the management equivalent of tipping over the buffet.
I like that logic. How else can one explain a complete disconnect between Jacobs and Chia in regards to the fact that they "went all in" last year by borrowing from this year's salary cap to pay Iginla for last year's.
He is a businessman that has to be smart enough to understand he borrowed or mortgaged from the future (this year's salary cap) to make a major push for last year.
Considering how well it worked out last year (or not), will Jacobs insist that Chia further damage their future by trading pics/young players in an effort to build this team up?
Have to believe Jacobs is fully aware of the need to demonstrate to fan base and players that he expects playoffs in 2015 but also a wink or conversation with Chia to not go too far in sacrificing the future.
Which puts me in the camp that only minor pieces will be moved until the offseason and draft.
And then, who knows. Feel that Chia et company have built a solid foundation based on trust and while some of the vets may be moved, have a tough time thinking Chara the Captain will be peddled. He appears he is putting roots down in Mass (if we are to take getting his Mass real estate license) and he could risk all that he has built since taking over from his predecessor (remember those times that very few players wanted to come to Boston?).
