The Athletic - Boston FLUTO: Younger, faster, cheaper: Why Karson Kuhlman made his Bruins debut at David Backes’ expense

[Fenway]

It's a tough situation. Nobody questions Backes' commitment and leadership but the game has passed him by.

Younger, faster, cheaper: Why Karson Kuhlman made his Bruins...

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[LouisSleigher]

So according to that stat, three of the eight lowest-scoring forwards in the league are Bruins.
Awesome.

 

[Cronuss]

Kid looked good. Showed some great flashes of potential.
At times I thought I was watching Marchand with his speed and shiftyness.

 

[LouisSleigher]

So according to that stat, three of the eight lowest-scoring forwards in the league are Bruins.
Awesome.

Of course, Nordstrom is on the list in part because he plays with Backes!

 

[shoulders7]

Of course, Nordstrom is on the list in part because he plays with Backes!

So last year when Nordstrom played 75 games and had 2 goals was it Backes’ fault then too? Nordstrom has played 330 nhl games and has 25 goals, so around 6 goals per 82 games on average. He was terrible offensively before he got here and will be terrible offensively after Backes is gone

 

[rocketdan9]

So last year when Nordstrom played 75 games and had 2 goals was it Backes’ fault then too? Nordstrom has played 330 nhl games and has 25 goals, so around 6 goals per 82 games on average. He was terrible offensively before he got here and will be terrible offensively after Backes is gone

Yes but gives that extra Bergeronesque 2nd effort back checking

Cassidy digs this

 

[bruins4thecup65]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick. I liked Coolman out there also.

 

[Boston Bandit]

I'm still holding out hopes that he goes into warrior mode in the playoffs. That's the David Backes I love to see.

 

[JOKER 192]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick. I liked Coolman out there also.

Not in the NHL.

 

[13Hockey]

He goes from a full no trade clause to a limited (15 team) no trade clause starting July 1st

So he can be moved if we add assets to a deal

 

[smithformeragent]

When I first read the title of the article, I thought this would be a thread detailing why my ex left me.

As for Mr. Backes, the lesson is to stay away from mid range free agents in their 30s.

Many of us hated the deal when it happened. It was hotly debated as to how they should replace Eriksson. I was in no hurry to do so, not because of the dollars, but because of the term.

It will be a bitter pill to swallow if they have to add pieces to a deal in order to move the contract.

As for the player, he seems like a good guy who works hard and displays leadership. The skills just aren’t there at this point.

 

[Flannelman]

Yeah, I just feel bad for David.

Played the game the right way, has stones, etc., but between injuries and speed, he’s just not keeping up and I’m sure it burns him up inside.

It will be interesting to see what the offseason brings; don’t think much will happen until that next signing bonus is paid.

 

[Kalus]

Trade him this summer after paying out his $3M signing bonus.

Some floor team would likely take him. $2.5M in salary for a $6M cap hit. Only 2 years left. Ideal for retooling teams where this contract is off the books by year 3 of the process where the rebuilding starts materializing.

And there is the veteran leadership element for a team in need of it for those who subscribe to that.

 

[Blowfish]

Yes but gives that extra Bergeronesque 2nd effort back checking

Cassidy digs this

Many of us dig it - he's been a fantastic addition to the team.

 

[Blowfish]

When I first read the title of the article, I thought this would be a thread detailing why my ex left me.

As for Mr. Backes, the lesson is to stay away from mid range free agents in their 30s.

Many of us hated the deal when it happened. It was hotly debated as to how they should replace Eriksson. I was in no hurry to do so, not because of the dollars, but because of the term.

It will be a bitter pill to swallow if they have to add pieces to a deal in order to move the contract.

As for the player, he seems like a good guy who works hard and displays leadership. The skills just aren’t there at this point.

OUI OUI this! and why Kovolchuk does't make sense unless 100% salary is retained.

 

[whitetape]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick.

Any team he could help would not be qualifying for the playoffs. He's had a great career but ...

 

[Mathews28]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick. I liked Coolman out there also.

Ok, Color me convinced.....

that some posters are smoking crack.

 

[Mantis]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick. I liked Coolman out there also.

No. Backes has negative value.

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

Backes can still help somebody for the playoffs and should return a second round pick. I liked Coolman out there also.

You think the Bruins could get a 2nd for Backes?



Hold on a second...

!!

I don't think the Bruins could give another team a second just to take Backes for free.

 

[BruinDust]

You think the Bruins could get a 2nd for Backes?



Hold on a second...

!!

I don't think the Bruins could give another team a second just to take Backes for free.

I'm not sure a 1st rounder + Backes convinces another NHL team to take him.

 

[BMC]

OUI OUI this! and why Kovolchuk does't make sense unless 100% salary is retained.

Even with 100% salary retained I wouldn't take him.

 

[Estlin]

As for Mr. Backes, the lesson is to stay away from mid range free agents in their 30s.

Many of us hated the deal when it happened. It was hotly debated as to how they should replace Eriksson. I was in no hurry to do so, not because of the dollars, but because of the term.

It will be a bitter pill to swallow if they have to add pieces to a deal in order to move the contract.

I think that it's a given at this point. No team will take on his contract without a good reason to do so.

 

[missingchicklet]

The Bs would have to start with giving up a decent prospect to move Backes, and that might not even be enough. That would be the ideal option at this point. I supposed they could buy him out, which wouldn't free up a ton of money, but would be better than keeping him on the roster. The Bs have a ton of important contracts to deal with over the next two years. Stinks that Sweeney made such a stupid decision, but it is what it is and needs to be dealt with, the sooner the better.

 

[Sheppy]

I'd move Backes with a decent prospect or a high(ish) pick. Can't have that $6M on the books after this year. That's an absolute anchor of a contract.