NESN Bruins Pondering Joe Thornton’s Fit On Roster

[Bruinaura]

Ah no worries! @Bruinaura is the best, she’s one of the guys (if I’m even allowed to say that these days!)

Awww thanks

 

[Chief Nine]

Awww thanks

I do have to say that all I fear is that the internet will run out of cookie pictures one of these days.

Then what?

 

[Bruinaura]

I do have to say that all I fear is that the internet will run out of cookie pictures one of these days.

Then what?

Perish the thought!!

Brownies?

Ice cream?

 

[GordonHowe]

**** No!

Concur.

Good luck, Joe, but this is a bad idea, even as a way to make Backes deal go away.

 

[Mathews28]

Yes your post does sound personal but I won’t lose sleep over it. If you believe he is a better option than Bergeron, well all I can say is we are done here, I am at a loss for words.

Wow. Your takeaway was pretty much the opposite of what he said. Read again perhaps.

 

[Coach Parker]

Did anyone think maybe it's no different than Bruins fans trying desperately to move Backes to where he is willing to go (SJ)?

Sweeney gets Wilson to agree to take on Backes in part of a bigger deal as a favour to Backes and Wilson asks him to return the favour by taking on Thornton as a part of the trade out of respect for Joe? Two GM's trying to do right by their retiring/leadership players?

 

[HuskyBruinPride]

I don't get why so many people are against it
I mean if he was the only deadline pickup that's a fail but say we got Kreider or a 2nd line winger than I don't see the problem. I think it would be fantastic to see Jumbo Joe wear the spoked B for one last shot at the Cup. Maybe I'm just biased because Jumbo was my favorite player growing up after Samsonov...

I mean I get he's slow and not super productive but as depth? Sure gimme!

 

[PlayMakers]

Where though?

He shouldn't dislodge Coyle from 3rd line C.

Cassidy I don't think would use him as a 4th line C as he doesn't kill penalties. And he's not performing well on face-offs this year either.

He's played some LW this season, but the last thing the Bruins need is another middling left-shot winger.

So all I can see as a role for him is PP duty. Would he displace Debrusk on Unit 1 as the down-low left-shot forward? If not, he would go onto unit 2 likely on the right-side half-wall. But Krejci tends to be the QB of unit 2, would he work with another pass-first forward in Thornton on the PP? Not to mention that unit also contains the shot-adverse McAvoy. Geez someone has to shoot the puck.

I'm having trouble with the idea of Thornton as well, mostly because I don't see how a team with 3 mid-30's centers can win anything in a league driven by young legs.

That said, I trust the people reporting this rumor so I'm trying to see how it would work. Playing devil's advocate with you for a minute...

Thornton's 46 takeaways are good for 12th in the league, and he's the only one on that list who doesn't play 18, 19 minutes a game. He's got that many takeaways playing 15 minutes a night. That suggests he's working hard off the puck and creating a TON of turnovers with his size and smarts. Those sound like qualities that would fit on the 4th line. He doesn't hit, which is a big part of that 4th line's identity, but he will fight and defend teammates. He doesn't kill penalties either, but Bergeron-Marchand start every PK, and Kuraly-Wagner are the next pair out. Coyle and Kuhlman/Bjork could finish off the kills. They've both got time on the PK. If one of Kuraly or Wagner are out then Nordy and Lindholm come in.

I think you're right to wonder where he fits on the PP, especially if Timo Meier is part of the deal. Meier would be added to one of the units for sure, and the second unit likes to use two defensemen, so that only leaves 1 spot after Krejci and Meier. Thornton's not a net front guy. So it's hard to see how it fits with the current configuration.

I do think they could put together a good PP with Thornton and Krejci on opposite elbows, Meier in the bumper and Coyle in front. Maybe Gryz plays up top. That would be an interesting look, but high risk with only 1 D on the ice when the penalty expires.

 

[Over the volcano]

I'm having trouble with the idea of Thornton as well, mostly because I don't see how a team with 3 mid-30's centers can win anything in a league driven by young legs.

That said, I trust the people reporting this rumor so I'm trying to see how it would work. Playing devil's advocate with you for a minute...

Thornton's 46 takeaways are good for 12th in the league, and he's the only one on that list who doesn't play 18, 19 minutes a game. He's got that many takeaways playing 15 minutes a night. That suggests he's working hard off the puck and creating a TON of turnovers with his size and smarts. Those sound like qualities that would fit on the 4th line. He doesn't hit, which is a big part of that 4th line's identity, but he will fight and defend teammates. He doesn't kill penalties either, but Bergeron-Marchand start every PK, and Kuraly-Wagner are the next pair out. Coyle and Kuhlman/Bjork could finish off the kills. They've both got time on the PK. If one of Kuraly or Wagner are out then Nordy and Lindholm come in.

I think you're right to wonder where he fits on the PP, especially if Timo Meier is part of the deal. Meier would be added to one of the units for sure, and the second unit likes to use two defensemen, so that only leaves 1 spot after Krejci and Meier. Thornton's not a net front guy. So it's hard to see how it fits with the current configuration.

I do think they could put together a good PP with Thornton and Krejci on opposite elbows, Meier in the bumper and Coyle in front. Maybe Gryz plays up top. That would be an interesting look, but high risk with only 1 D on the ice when the penalty expires.

I don't know but it looks more and more like Joe would give them some real solid options for their lineup. . .

Kuraly seems to be playing better since getting moved to the wing. If Joe steps in to the 4th line center role he could ride with Kuraly and Wagner and would create a real strong lineup down the middle (he and Coyle adding the size and possession game that they've been hunting for years now). If Cassidy needs to shuffle lines Coyle could bounce to the wing (like he has) and Joe could step up into the third line center spot.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Do. Not. Want.

This guy no-showed way too many times. Get someone with some heart.

 

[Chevalier du Clavier]

Do. Not. Want.

This guy no-showed way too many times. Get someone with some heart.

Like when he played on two snapped knee ligaments during the playoffs? Try that sometime. Takes a bit of heart.

 

[kthx]

As long as he plays 4 line minutes yeah why not. Should be a package deal from SJS.

 

[TheWayToRefJose]

With some players injured and it not being about Kane, it HAS to be about Meier or Labanc. Meier would be to expensive to pay so the only possibility is Labanc. Maybe the Sharks don't want to pay him and believe last season was an anomility. Labanc could be a great buy low big win candidate. A second rounder plus a fine not great prospect should get it done

No it shouldn't. *If* LaBanc gets moved, it's for a late first at minimum or a good prospect, not a second and a mid level prospect. That's closer to Dillons value.

 

[GoBs]

Has Mike O’Connel replied to this thread?

 

[BruinDust]

I'm having trouble with the idea of Thornton as well, mostly because I don't see how a team with 3 mid-30's centers can win anything in a league driven by young legs.

That said, I trust the people reporting this rumor so I'm trying to see how it would work. Playing devil's advocate with you for a minute...

Thornton's 46 takeaways are good for 12th in the league, and he's the only one on that list who doesn't play 18, 19 minutes a game. He's got that many takeaways playing 15 minutes a night. That suggests he's working hard off the puck and creating a TON of turnovers with his size and smarts. Those sound like qualities that would fit on the 4th line. He doesn't hit, which is a big part of that 4th line's identity, but he will fight and defend teammates. He doesn't kill penalties either, but Bergeron-Marchand start every PK, and Kuraly-Wagner are the next pair out. Coyle and Kuhlman/Bjork could finish off the kills. They've both got time on the PK. If one of Kuraly or Wagner are out then Nordy and Lindholm come in.

I think you're right to wonder where he fits on the PP, especially if Timo Meier is part of the deal. Meier would be added to one of the units for sure, and the second unit likes to use two defensemen, so that only leaves 1 spot after Krejci and Meier. Thornton's not a net front guy. So it's hard to see how it fits with the current configuration.

I do think they could put together a good PP with Thornton and Krejci on opposite elbows, Meier in the bumper and Coyle in front. Maybe Gryz plays up top. That would be an interesting look, but high risk with only 1 D on the ice when the penalty expires.

I think I'd flip Meier and Coyle, I'd want that right shot in the bumper for Thornton's passes ala Cheechoo.

The non-penalty killing thing for me isn't a big deal, I'm just not sure Cassidy would go for it dresssing a guy on his 4th line who doesn't do that. All that being said, is there any reason Thornton CAN'T kill penalties. Like you pointed out, he's got a lot of takeaways. And penalty killing isn't exactly rocket science, and it's not like he's never taken a PK shift over his 20+ year career. Maybe the fit isn't as bad as I first thought, provided Cassidy is willing to think outside the box a little bit.

 

[Ladyfan]

Guess with Backes gone, Bruins have to meet their old fart quota.

(Yes, I realize the guy is as old as me...)

Joe is the same age (born the same year) as my daughter. She looks much younger than 40. Joe should shave that beard off. He would look much younger.

 

[shelbysdad]

For people who hate this idea.....even if he is a scratch every night, its a 2M scratch and is a UFA at the end of this year....That's a hell of a lot better than Backes at 6M for the rest of this year and next

 

[Ladyfan]

I'm having trouble with the idea of Thornton as well, mostly because I don't see how a team with 3 mid-30's centers can win anything in a league driven by young legs.

That said, I trust the people reporting this rumor so I'm trying to see how it would work. Playing devil's advocate with you for a minute...

Thornton's 46 takeaways are good for 12th in the league, and he's the only one on that list who doesn't play 18, 19 minutes a game. He's got that many takeaways playing 15 minutes a night. That suggests he's working hard off the puck and creating a TON of turnovers with his size and smarts. Those sound like qualities that would fit on the 4th line. He doesn't hit, which is a big part of that 4th line's identity, but he will fight and defend teammates. He doesn't kill penalties either, but Bergeron-Marchand start every PK, and Kuraly-Wagner are the next pair out. Coyle and Kuhlman/Bjork could finish off the kills. They've both got time on the PK. If one of Kuraly or Wagner are out then Nordy and Lindholm come in.

I think you're right to wonder where he fits on the PP, especially if Timo Meier is part of the deal. Meier would be added to one of the units for sure, and the second unit likes to use two defensemen, so that only leaves 1 spot after Krejci and Meier. Thornton's not a net front guy. So it's hard to see how it fits with the current configuration.

I do think they could put together a good PP with Thornton and Krejci on opposite elbows, Meier in the bumper and Coyle in front. Maybe Gryz plays up top. That would be an interesting look, but high risk with only 1 D on the ice when the penalty expires.

Nice well done post. Thank s!

 

[remer]

Timo Meier $6 million for 3 plus years 37 points this season with a -17 rating. Maybe SJ thinks they can find better value in a player?
Meier and Thorton for Henien, Backes and a 1st or a Bruin prospect.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Like when he played on two snapped knee ligaments during the playoffs? Try that sometime. Takes a bit of heart.

He did nothing.

The guy who went 0-0-0 in seven games against the Habs and took a stupid penalty as Game 7 was winding down deserves nothing.

He can end his career as the loser that he is.

 

[Bodit9]

No desire for Thornton. Never liked his attitude. Don't see him as a good fit on this team. Definitely interested in Meier though. 1st, Heinen, Backes, Cehlarik(?) for Meier? Sign me up.

 

[Spooner st]

****, I’m going to need another margarita to get through this

Margarita? Cut the middle man and go directly to the tequila.

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

He did nothing.

The guy who went 0-0-0 in seven games against the Habs and took a stupid penalty as Game 7 was winding down deserves nothing.

He can end his career as the loser that he is.

Guy had torn rib cartilage. Raycroft just had an interview with him this year or last saying how the fans/city will never know how much pain Thornton was going through and how unjustified his treatment was.

And the bolded? Really? He's a professional athlete and we watch a silly sport. Who are you to call this guy a loser when by all accounts from teammates/coaches he is an amazing locker room presence?

 

[LSCII]

He did nothing.

The guy who went 0-0-0 in seven games against the Habs and took a stupid penalty as Game 7 was winding down deserves nothing.

He can end his career as the loser that he is.

That was 16-17 years ago. You sound like a bitter ex girlfriend complaining about something from that long ago, ffs.

Also, his career playoff numbers in SJ are 144 games played and 115 points for a .80 PPG average, which directly flies in the face of your post. To help put this in perspective, since your narrative is patently false, David Krejci frequently gets praised here for elevating his game in the playoffs, and his career post season numbers are 132 games played, 103 points for a .78 PPG average.

So uh, yeah. Maybe you're simply blinded by something other than the truth here...

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

That was 16-17 years ago. You sound like a bitter ex girlfriend complaining about something from that long ago, ffs.

Also, his career playoff numbers in SJ are 144 games played and 115 points for a .80 PPG average, which directly flies in the face of your post. To help put this in perspective, since your narrative is patently false, David Krejci frequently gets praised here for elevating his game in the playoffs, and his career post season numbers are 132 games played, 103 points for a .78 PPG average.

So uh, yeah. Maybe you're simply blinded by something other than the truth here...

To help put this in even more perspective, Krejci’s regular season PPG is about .75 and Thornton’s is about .96 in San Jose