Confirmed with Link: Bruins sign Ryan White to PTO

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dafoomie

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Jul 22, 2005
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They can? Because their 5 career combined goals in almost 70 NHL games says otherwise.

If anything, it's Nash, as much as I dislike watching him play, who can "play the game".

I don't even have an issue with Kuraly as the physical guy/PKer on a 3rd line with a couple of point producers, even if one of those two producers is Backes.

I just have an issue with the ancient notion that the 4th has to be 3 guys who play hard but can't put the puck in ocean, or worse yet, generate anything resembling quality scoring chances. Two of these types is plenty.
When you see that Ryan White has more goals in the last 3 years than Riley Nash you might realize that they're not the best way to evaluate 4th line forwards (or anyone else). Nevermind that Kuraly has only played 10 games in the league.

Offensive players are not going to succeed in a 4th line role with limited and inconsistent ES minutes with guys who don't compliment them offensively. The best thing your 4th line can do for you is take SH minutes off your top players so they can play more at even strength. Beyond that, being physical in their ES shifts isn't the only way they can contribute, but it's easier, and it's an easier way to make your team more physical if that's what you want.

You have Kuraly, Acciari, Nash, Schaller, now maybe White. If any of them are in your top 9 more than temporarily, that's a problem. When they won't get unproductive guys like Beleskey and Spooner out of the top 9, that's a problem too. That's where you're taking away real opportunities for skill players. Unless you're a Marchand and bring lots of other things besides offense, the 4th line isn't the place for you to succeed.

People fall in love with the idea of a "kid line" but it's backwards thinking to shift SH minutes on to your top ES players and shift minutes in offensive situations to your 4th line.
 

CHRDANHUTCH

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I don't think Hickman has developed enough to do the job, loved the signing when it happened but he hasn't been the same since the injuries in this last year of juniors or the injury last year in Providence. White will get a one year 700k contract, he is blocking no one and will be valuable to a team that doesn't have much size, toughness or grit ready to step into the NHL. This move also allows Gabrielle to spend the season in Providence and develop properly instead of a panic call up when they have more games like yesterday.

where was it reported that White has a 1 year contract, a PTO is not a SPC, IT CAN BE UPGRADED to one
 

kutskova

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Nov 5, 2006
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When you see that Ryan White has more goals in the last 3 years than Riley Nash you might realize that they're not the best way to evaluate 4th line forwards (or anyone else). Nevermind that Kuraly has only played 10 games in the league.

Offensive players are not going to succeed in a 4th line role with limited and inconsistent ES minutes with guys who don't compliment them offensively. The best thing your 4th line can do for you is take SH minutes off your top players so they can play more at even strength. Beyond that, being physical in their ES shifts isn't the only way they can contribute, but it's easier, and it's an easier way to make your team more physical if that's what you want.

You have Kuraly, Acciari, Nash, Schaller, now maybe White. If any of them are in your top 9 more than temporarily, that's a problem. When they won't get unproductive guys like Beleskey and Spooner out of the top 9, that's a problem too. That's where you're taking away real opportunities for skill players. Unless you're a Marchand and bring lots of other things besides offense, the 4th line isn't the place for you to succeed.

People fall in love with the idea of a "kid line" but it's backwards thinking to shift SH minutes on to your top ES players and shift minutes in offensive situations to your 4th line.
Perfect explanation of the 4th line and how it works.
 

BruinDust

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Perfect explanation of the 4th line and how it works.

Would of been, maybe in 1995.

And scoring isn't the only way to evaluate 4th line forwards, but it's PART of the evaluation, like it or not.

Connor Brown is functioning just fine in Toronto in a 4th line role with PP time.

The fabled Merlot line had one decently skilled winger in Paille.

And if anything, Boston having three of their top forwards being ace penalty killers (Bergeron, Marchand, Backes) gives them the luxury more than most teams, of NOT needing ALL THREE 4th line guys to be penalty killers. Even more reason to add some skill and scoring to one of those 4th line spots. Having 3 PK forwards on the 4th line isn't going to relieve Bergeron or Marchand of any sort of minutes to allow for improved 5 on 5 play.

No one here is pulling for a "kid line", some here see the league has changed, the game has changed, and having some scoring punch on that 4th line is the way things are done now.

Limited and inconsistent minutes? Most teams roll 4 lines now providing all 4 are playing well. Minutes get limited later in games for some, but the bulk of the game is played rolling lines 35-45 second shifts 5 on 5 play.
 
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JOKER 192

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I saw Ryan White when he was on the Habs, easy pass for me. He's tough enough but that's where it ends. Remember him taking a bunch of boneheaded penalties which ultimately lead to his demise. This type of player went the way of the Dinosaur.
 

Danton Heineken

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Ryan White is balls. Pure balls. This echoes Cassidy's comments about the team lacking toughness. I hope he starts a fight in practice; that's the edge the Boston Bruins need to have, regardless of personnel.
 
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GloryDaze4877

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Ryan White is balls. Pure balls. This echoes Cassidy's comments about the team lacking toughness. I hope he starts a fight in practice; that's the edge the Boston Bruins need to have, regardless of personnel.



Yes, let's hope he starts a fight in practice, and potentially injures himself or the other player when the B's are already missing personnel.

Do some people read what they type and think about it, before hitting the "Post Reply" button?

If not...they should.
 

GloryDaze4877

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When you see that Ryan White has more goals in the last 3 years than Riley Nash you might realize that they're not the best way to evaluate 4th line forwards (or anyone else). Nevermind that Kuraly has only played 10 games in the league.

Offensive players are not going to succeed in a 4th line role with limited and inconsistent ES minutes with guys who don't compliment them offensively. The best thing your 4th line can do for you is take SH minutes off your top players so they can play more at even strength. Beyond that, being physical in their ES shifts isn't the only way they can contribute, but it's easier, and it's an easier way to make your team more physical if that's what you want.

You have Kuraly, Acciari, Nash, Schaller, now maybe White. If any of them are in your top 9 more than temporarily, that's a problem. When they won't get unproductive guys like Beleskey and Spooner out of the top 9, that's a problem too. That's where you're taking away real opportunities for skill players. Unless you're a Marchand and bring lots of other things besides offense, the 4th line isn't the place for you to succeed.

People fall in love with the idea of a "kid line" but it's backwards thinking to shift SH minutes on to your top ES players and shift minutes in offensive situations to your 4th line.

Marchand was able to function just fine on the 4th line.

Also, many of the B's "kids" have shown the ability (in PRO or the preseason) to kill penalties. Is there some reason why a guy like Heinen couldn't be used on the 4th line to create a little offense AND help out on the PK?
 

BadBruins

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Aug 10, 2005
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I would just like to see a bottom-6 that can chip in offensively on a semi regular basis. The heavy lifting is still dumped on the same few players. I don't think Ryan White really helps with that issue, but I've been wrong before.

Something like Vatrano-Kuraly-Acciari would be a fun 4th line I think. Though I'm still not sold on Kuraly and Acciari being able to produce enough offense to stick full time. Nash instantly turns any line he touches into Vanillla.
 

Sharp Shooting Neely

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I don't think Hickman has developed enough to do the job, loved the signing when it happened but he hasn't been the same since the injuries in this last year of juniors or the injury last year in Providence. White will get a one year 700k contract, he is blocking no one and will be valuable to a team that doesn't have much size, toughness or grit ready to step into the NHL. This move also allows Gabrielle to spend the season in Providence and develop properly instead of a panic call up when they have more games like yesterday.
You may be right on Hickman. Would be good to have a poster who has watched him play in Providence weight in. Gabrielle does need time in P but he certainly has thestyle of game to fill such a role down the road. While won’t block a young player as you suggest. Wonder how he will be received in the locker room.
 

Tazz

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Was telling my Wife I wouldn't be surprised if they added a tough guy up front right after Cody MCLEOD challenged MCQUAID. Having either one MCQUAID or MILLER in the box for 5 is like missing two forwards for 5, particularly while short-handed. WHITE's not the best fighter but he's tough and very willing and can be a decent fourth line guy when he's not playing the enforcer role.
 

dafoomie

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Jul 22, 2005
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Marchand was able to function just fine on the 4th line.

Also, many of the B's "kids" have shown the ability (in PRO or the preseason) to kill penalties. Is there some reason why a guy like Heinen couldn't be used on the 4th line to create a little offense AND help out on the PK?
I mentioned Marchand in my post. He would be in the league today if he had no offensive talent, that's how good he is at other areas of the game.

It would be better for Heinen to play a bigger role in Providence until he can get into the top 9. If his offensive game isn't yet good enough to play with other skilled players on the 3rd line it won't be good enough to contribute in any meaningful way as the best offensive player on the 4th line. Being able to chip in on the PK isn't the same thing as being a specialist, either.
 

GloryDaze4877

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I mentioned Marchand in my post. He would be in the league today if he had no offensive talent, that's how good he is at other areas of the game.

It would be better for Heinen to play a bigger role in Providence until he can get into the top 9. If his offensive game isn't yet good enough to play with other skilled players on the 3rd line it won't be good enough to contribute in any meaningful way as the best offensive player on the 4th line. Being able to chip in on the PK isn't the same thing as being a specialist, either.

IMO, Heinen's offensive game is good enough for the 3rd line, but I'm not the B's coach. He was also on the ice for every situation in college, and killed penalties in PRO in addition to his great playoff performance. You still haven't explained how/why he can't do that in Boston, while chipping in offensively.
 

dafoomie

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Connor Brown is functioning just fine in Toronto in a 4th line role with PP time.
Connor Brown got into the Leafs bottom 6 by being an excellent forechecker and penalty killer. Qualities that are being diminished here in Acciari and Kuraly. He's not merely chipping in at those areas.
 

dafoomie

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IMO, Heinen's offensive game is good enough for the 3rd line, but I'm not the B's coach. He was also on the ice for every situation in college, and killed penalties in PRO in addition to his great playoff performance. You still haven't explained how/why he can't do that in Boston, while chipping in offensively.
There's a difference between owning those things, like Marchand did, like Connor Brown did, and being a two way guy who can contribute there. Heinen needs his offensive game to be successful and it won't be with 4th line minutes and 4th line players. If he can play an offensive role right now, like Cehlarik can, he should. Neither belongs on a 4th line.
 

Danton Heineken

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Yes, let's hope he starts a fight in practice, and potentially injures himself or the other player when the B's are already missing personnel.

Do some people read what they type and think about it, before hitting the "Post Reply" button?

If not...they should.

Quite a leap in logic right there, to automatically assume he'll fight a skill player and injure them.

And then to insult my intelligence, after making said leap.

Why so hostile?
 

BruinDust

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Aug 2, 2005
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There's a difference between owning those things, like Marchand did, like Connor Brown did, and being a two way guy who can contribute there. Heinen needs his offensive game to be successful and it won't be with 4th line minutes and 4th line players. If he can play an offensive role right now, like Cehlarik can, he should. Neither belongs on a 4th line.

I think you're wrong on Heinen. He can kill penalties, his hall-mark really isn't his offensive skills but his very sound positional play and anticipation. Maybe be doesn't bring the gritty game of a Marchand, but he can forecheck, kill penalties. His future at the NHL level IMO will be as a well-rounded two-way winger, not as some sort of purely skilled offensive player. I see a lot of Paille without the high end speed, but better hands/finish.I also see some Axelsson in him as well.

Vatrano doesn't really bring the defensive game of a Marchand, but he hustles and plays physical. He was no less physical in the game vs. Colorado than a Schaller or a Nash.

I think Debrusk if he tails off a bit would be more than capable on the 4th line with his forechecking game.

Cehlarik I'll be honest when I say I don't know enough about his forechecking game to give an assessment.
 
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Don Cherry

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Quite a leap in logic right there, to automatically assume he'll fight a skill player and injure them.

And then to insult my intelligence, after making said leap.

Why so hostile?
Quite a leap in logic right there, to automatically assume he'll fight a skill player and injure them.

And then to insult my intelligence, after making said leap.

Why so hostile?
There's a difference between owning those things, like Marchand did, like Connor Brown did, and being a two way guy who can contribute there. Heinen needs his offensive game to be successful and it won't be with 4th line minutes and 4th line players. If he can play an offensive role right now, like Cehlarik can, he should. Neither belongs on a 4th line.
Heinen is not a top nine forward at this point at the NHL level so why should he be called up to get limited minutes?

Personally, I doubt he ever becomes an NHL player on any line.
 

Don Cherry

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Marchand was able to function just fine on the 4th line.

Also, many of the B's "kids" have shown the ability (in PRO or the preseason) to kill penalties. Is there some reason why a guy like Heinen couldn't be used on the 4th line to create a little offense AND help out on the PK?
I don't know why we would want a soft player like Heinen on the fourth line or any line for that matter. He seems like a very boring player.
I'm not one to be such a huge fan of a player to want him added to the team with no role to play.
 

PlayMakers

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Never thought a 4th line of young offensive guys was that great for the team or the players, minutes are either too limited or you end up taking away offensive opportunities from your best players. Better place for a "banger" who can make that impact with more limited and inconsistent ES shifts, and take the burden of SH minutes off of Krejci, Bergeron, Marchand, etc.

A 4th line like Kuraly-Acciari-White isn't blocking anybody, the problem is more their unwillingness to move on from guys in their top 9.

I think it depends on the young player, and the team. Typically, I'd agree that a young player would get much more out of going to the AHL and dominating than playing 10minutes a night in the NHL. But we have seen plenty of guys go through it and do fine. Guys like Marchand, Lucic and Brown had elements that fit with traditional 4th liners in terms of being ultra competitive so the transition for them was easier there, but we've also seen pure offensive guys get put on the 4th line as a last resort, guys like Seguin and Joe Thornton, and pick up some valuable experience in those limited minutes and use that to progress over the course of the year and take the next step the following season.

In the case of this edition of the Bruins, I look at guys like Vatrano and Czarnik as candidates for a more offensive 4th line. There's really not much left for them to do in the AHL. They're already dominant players there, but they're also not strong middle-6 NHL'ers yet. Maybe they never will be. But IMO, it's too early to cut bait on them, and we won't find out what they are without getting them some playing time. How do they do that if the 4th line is locked out for them?

So while I see the value in a traditional 4th line and the role it serves, I'm just not sure it's what's right for a rebuilding team with 8 or 9 young players who all look like they could play if they had a stable line to step into.
 

dafoomie

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I think it depends on the young player, and the team. Typically, I'd agree that a young player would get much more out of going to the AHL and dominating than playing 10minutes a night in the NHL. But we have seen plenty of guys go through it and do fine. Guys like Marchand, Lucic and Brown had elements that fit with traditional 4th liners in terms of being ultra competitive so the transition for them was easier there, but we've also seen pure offensive guys get put on the 4th line as a last resort, guys like Seguin and Joe Thornton, and pick up some valuable experience in those limited minutes and use that to progress over the course of the year and take the next step the following season.

In the case of this edition of the Bruins, I look at guys like Vatrano and Czarnik as candidates for a more offensive 4th line. There's really not much left for them to do in the AHL. They're already dominant players there, but they're also not strong middle-6 NHL'ers yet. Maybe they never will be. But IMO, it's too early to cut bait on them, and we won't find out what they are without getting them some playing time. How do they do that if the 4th line is locked out for them?

So while I see the value in a traditional 4th line and the role it serves, I'm just not sure it's what's right for a rebuilding team with 8 or 9 young players who all look like they could play if they had a stable line to step into.
I agree with much of this but they wouldn't need to use the 4th line to develop these types of players if they would move on from unproductive players more quickly. The roster is going to be a work in progress as things shake out but if Beleskey and Spooner haven't turned it around by the break they shouldn't stand in the way of Cehlarik or JFK or whoever's ready to go.
 

PlayMakers

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I agree with much of this but they wouldn't need to use the 4th line to develop these types of players if they would move on from unproductive players more quickly. The roster is going to be a work in progress as things shake out but if Beleskey and Spooner haven't turned it around by the break they shouldn't stand in the way of Cehlarik or JFK or whoever's ready to go.

Yeah, that's a fair point.
 
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