So people want to offer him up in deals and then hope and pray that these other guys pan out? Doesn't seem like good asset management. Again Heinen is such a plug and play, up and down the lineup and his style can compliment just about anyone...why would you want to give that up? Just seems odd that you have a guy who produced similar to DeBrusk (who many consider untouchable) is expandable by those seem people because of some prospect that we still have no idea how they'll turn out.
To me Heinen is a guy that is so versatile that he allows you change your lines around when guys go down. He can play all situations and is solid in the Tk/Gv ratio department (only Riley Nash was better on the B's last year). Not to mention those "higher ceiling/high end talent guys" are going to cost a lot more to keep when/if they pan out.
I do agree that we don't have room for everyone, but I don't see the point in trading a guy like Heinen when you're still unsure of what you have in some of these other guys.
the way these guys get their jobs and then keep their jobs is... someone thinks they can evaluate talent. I don't have a job with an nhl team. no one is paying me 50k or 100k to make these decesions. and if the concern is just about 'fan proposals' then that's true for the rest of us here. it might frustrate some here to see their favorite player in the proposals being made... but no amount of proposals here in hf is going to ever amount to anything worth a damn because none of us have that sort of decision power
there are guys who do however... and I like to take my stab to point out how they might be thinking cause I find it an interesting debate. im no mind reader... no insider... I might be 100% wrong but here is how I would be thinking
start at center ice
Bergeron is the guy I want bruin fans to be talking about 50 years from now... he retires a bruin and becomes an ambassador to the team when hes done
krejci… a bit inconsistent... definitely highly paid... seems a big money player... is now old enough hes slowing down... im not ready to run him out of town but there has to be some serious thoughts put in here what to do
kuraly… seems to have limited offense but if the cost stays right, seems like a very nice option for 4th line with some short term potential to add energy to a 3rd line
wagner… new guy... price is right... we shall see what happens
moving to wing...top pair
marchand… has been defying all odds getting better and better and better every game. fascinated to see if theres still room to grow
pastrnak… that playoff performance makes me desperate to see what will happen next.
second pair
debrusk… has taken the lead among the 'kids' if he doesn't drop the ball, he has a job here for the foreseeable future
and ??? who fits here??? is this the spot Heinen will be able to solidify his future? its meant for a right hand shot. will senshyn be the guy? will donato or Bjork be the guy? all 3 are going to be cheaper I think. will any be as good?
third pair
looks like backes is locked in here... contract is what contract is. we might not like it but it is a reality.
then the other spot that isn't nailed down... and who gets it? right now this is Heinen's spot. but will Heinen price himself out of this spot? if Heinen puts up 55-60 points will we be able to afford him? even at 40-45 points?
this is probably how the team is thinking... and I didn't even mention guys like jfk and federic.
for this next season... there is no panic. we could keep the status quo and let this season play out. nothing is forcing our hand this season. but I don't think anyone is talking about trading Heinen based on this season.
its more about managing the cap/roster for next year. if we believe there is a problem next year... we start trying to proactively address it this year. if we could put someone onto the team this year that might fit the projected plans for next year... then that's where heinen's name might enter the conversation.
I hope no one is saying Heinen sucks... or doesn't have value. in fact, its the opposite. I think we mostly feel he does have value and that he will be good enough to get a great contract. that's why we are worried we cant keep him