This IS going to be a puzzle that will keep Don awake at night
How Charlie Coyle’s deal, and expansion Seattle's arrival,...
Two years ago, they did not want to say goodbye to Colin Miller, one of the pieces they acquired from Los Angeles for Milan Lucic. But they exposed Miller by protecting seven forwards (Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, David Krejci, David Backes, Ryan Spooner, Riley Nash), three defensemen (Krug, Zdeno Chara, Kevan Miller) and one goalie (Tuukka Rask).
Although they lost Miller, they shielded Nash, the unheralded but versatile veteran pivot. Spooner, one of the other protected forwards, became trade collateral to acquire winger Rick Nash from the New York Rangers.
This time, if they repeat the 7-3-1 scenario, it would allow them to protect two more players than the other option: eight skaters and one goalie. The 8-1 format would allow the Bruins to protect more than three defensemen; Nashville did this to keep Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi and P.K. Subban. But this perk would sacrifice volume and set up the potential of losing an important forward.
Let’s say, for example, the Bruins re-sign Krug. This could make them lean toward the 8-1 model, allowing them to protect Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk.
Up front, they would start by protecting Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak. But it would leave them with a difficult decision for the fourth and final spot: Coyle or DeBrusk. Whoever is left exposed will likely be claimed. The Bruins would not find either possibility pleasant. It would also leave Danton Heinen and Anders Bjork unprotected as well.
The 7-3-1 model would ensure the forwards are not raided. But after protecting McAvoy and Carlo, the Bruins would have to expose Krug or Grzelcyk. Like Coyle, the Bruins would not re-sign Krug long term to let him go to Seattle. Losing Grzelcyk, who will be 27 by then, would be a below-the-belt boot.
On the other hand, if Krug does not re-sign, the Bruins would find it easier to go 7-3-1. Up front, they would likely protect Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, Coyle, DeBrusk, Heinen and Bjork. On defense, they would make McAvoy, Carlo and Grzelcyk hands-off. In that case, Seattle would probably draft Connor Clifton.
How Charlie Coyle’s deal, and expansion Seattle's arrival,...
Two years ago, they did not want to say goodbye to Colin Miller, one of the pieces they acquired from Los Angeles for Milan Lucic. But they exposed Miller by protecting seven forwards (Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, David Krejci, David Backes, Ryan Spooner, Riley Nash), three defensemen (Krug, Zdeno Chara, Kevan Miller) and one goalie (Tuukka Rask).
Although they lost Miller, they shielded Nash, the unheralded but versatile veteran pivot. Spooner, one of the other protected forwards, became trade collateral to acquire winger Rick Nash from the New York Rangers.
This time, if they repeat the 7-3-1 scenario, it would allow them to protect two more players than the other option: eight skaters and one goalie. The 8-1 format would allow the Bruins to protect more than three defensemen; Nashville did this to keep Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi and P.K. Subban. But this perk would sacrifice volume and set up the potential of losing an important forward.
Let’s say, for example, the Bruins re-sign Krug. This could make them lean toward the 8-1 model, allowing them to protect Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk.
Up front, they would start by protecting Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak. But it would leave them with a difficult decision for the fourth and final spot: Coyle or DeBrusk. Whoever is left exposed will likely be claimed. The Bruins would not find either possibility pleasant. It would also leave Danton Heinen and Anders Bjork unprotected as well.
The 7-3-1 model would ensure the forwards are not raided. But after protecting McAvoy and Carlo, the Bruins would have to expose Krug or Grzelcyk. Like Coyle, the Bruins would not re-sign Krug long term to let him go to Seattle. Losing Grzelcyk, who will be 27 by then, would be a below-the-belt boot.
On the other hand, if Krug does not re-sign, the Bruins would find it easier to go 7-3-1. Up front, they would likely protect Bergeron, Marchand, Pastrnak, Coyle, DeBrusk, Heinen and Bjork. On defense, they would make McAvoy, Carlo and Grzelcyk hands-off. In that case, Seattle would probably draft Connor Clifton.
