Heinen vs. Bjork vs. Kuhlman vs. Blidh

[corpfan1]

Would like to get a comparison of these guys from everyone else's perspective:

Heinen vs. Bjork vs. Kuhlman vs. Blidh

Personally, I can't see that much of a difference between them. They seem like fairly similar players - what I would call "fillers". They seem to lack identity, whereas, all the other rostered players seem to have a unique identity that can easily be described (ie Bergeron = smart, talented, gritty, backchecks relentlessly, clutch, many more things, etc...).

How would you rate the above 4 in terms of things like skating ability, toughness, skill/hands, intangibles such as clutch, leadership, willingness to take a hit or step up when times are tough, etc...?

Also, which of them could you see in the Bs plans long term or at least beyond this season? Which are immediately expendable at the deadline or after the season ends? Who is more likely to improve and grow into a full-time player and possibly a top-6 roster guy?

Any reason these 4 are with the team at this point rather than anyone else in the system?

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[Carlon Brando]

Not addressing all of your questions, but in terms of some rankings:

Speed/Skating: 83 >10 >>> 81 > 43
Grit/Toughness: 81 > 83 > 10 > 43
Skill/Hands: 10 > 43 > 83 > 81
IQ/Vision: 43 > 10 >>> 83 > 81
Defense: (All are pretty good really)
Leadership/Will: 83 > 81 > 10 > 43
Charisma: Droopy >>>>> 81/83/10/43

 

[corpfan1]

Based on those ratings, Heinen and Blidh are likely very expendable...while Bjork and Kuhlman could have a future with this team.

Not addressing all of your questions, but in terms of some rankings:

Speed/Skating: 83 >10 >>> 81 > 43
Grit/Toughness: 81 > 83 > 10 > 43
Skill/Hands: 10 > 43 > 83 > 81
IQ/Vision: 43 > 10 >>> 83 > 81
Defense: (All are pretty good really)
Leadership/Will: 83 > 81 > 10 > 43
Charisma: Droopy >>>>> 81/83/10/43

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Based on those ratings, Heinen and Blidh are likely very expendable...while Bjork and Kuhlman could have a future with this team.

Blidh is good for his role but is nothing more than a 4th liner / 13th forward type. He has no real value and I wouldn't really include him in this.

 

[Krupp]

It's hard to say exactly what to think of Bjork just yet - he's still in his first full season, isn't he? And Blidh's still just playing here and there - I dunno if I'd call this a full season for him or not. But even if it ain't, I'd say jury's still out on Bjork anyway. For all we know he could show up next year with the same out put that he has so far this year...or, he could double it. Blidh is what he is at this point and I honestly don't expect much else. He winds up being an agitating fourth liner to play against, then he's doing his duty. I'd still say he's expendable to a point, especially if Frederic is ready sooner to play in the big league as opposed to later

With Kuhlman, I think we're seeing a guy that's probably bottom 6, definitely. Weirdly enough, he reminds me of Paille sometimes. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...but Heinen? We already know what we have. Decently smart kid, good defensive prowess. Not a fast skater, unfortunately, and his offensive output has backslid these past few years. He and Debrusk have both played a few years in the league now; the game should be slowing down enough for them to take steps forward. But I'm starting to think Heinen is what he is, a defensive-minded third liner, and there's nothing wrong with that. But long term to me? I'd keep Bjork over him, definitely, simply because we don't know yet what Bjork's going to do next year. And I'd take Kuhlman over Blidh as well

 

[Smitty93]

Would like to get a comparison of these guys from everyone else's perspective:

Heinen vs. Bjork vs. Kuhlman vs. Blidh

Personally, I can't see that much of a difference between them. They seem like fairly similar players - what I would call "fillers". They seem to lack identity, whereas, all the other rostered players seem to have a unique identity that can easily be described (ie Bergeron = smart, talented, gritty, backchecks relentlessly, clutch, many more things, etc...).

How would you rate the above 4 in terms of things like skating ability, toughness, skill/hands, intangibles such as clutch, leadership, willingness to take a hit or step up when times are tough, etc...?

Also, which of them could you see in the Bs plans long term or at least beyond this season? Which are immediately expendable at the deadline or after the season ends? Who is more likely to improve and grow into a full-time player and possibly a top-6 roster guy?

Any reason these 4 are with the team at this point rather than anyone else in the system?

Blidh doesn't belong on this list. He's never going to be more than a 4th line player, which is fine because it perfectly fits his ability.

At this point, none of them are particularly great offensively. Bjork has the most skill, Heinen is the smartest, and Kuhlman has the most tenacity. They're all very good defensively.

Ranking them on potential, I'd put it Bjork > Heinen > Kuhlman. One note on Kuhlman is that he quickly adapted to college, and basically had the same points all four years, and then he quickly adapted to the AHL, and then the NHL. I think he's a player who's able to quickly play up to the competition, but I'm not sure if he's got any more growth in him.

Despite the occasional healthy scratch, Heinen is a full-time player, and has been for three seasons. He gets a bad rap around here because he doesn't show much emotion, and he's not a big toughness guy, at least in the classic sense. He may need a change of scenery because his offense, particularly his shooting %, has regressed the last two years, which is surprising since he theoretically has played with better players. I think the one thing is that he gets moved around a lot. This year, he's got no more than 12.5% of his ice-time with any one line. I don't think it's all that surprising that his best season was when he played 30% of his rookie year with Riley Nash and David Backes. One of my biggest complaints about Cassidy is that while he basically leaves the 1st & 4th lines alone, he constantly changes around his middle 6 wingers. I think confidence is a big part of his game, and it ebbs and flows.

For Bjork, it's a question about health. He's had season-ending shoulder surgery twice. He's got all this skill, but the points just haven't been there. He's more flash than substance. He's the one who'd get the biggest return in a trade because it looks like there's so much potential waiting to be unlocked.

With Kuhlman, he's definitely an NHL player, but it's more a question about whether he's a long-term 4th liner who's enough of a tweener to play in the top 9 in case of emergency, or if he's got room to grow into something more than that. I don't know, but I'm not sure it matters either.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

Heinen
Bjork
Kuhlman
Blidh

I’m not going to re-post things I have already tweeted, but this idea that Heinen is “defensive specialist” when he has equal/better numbers as Bjork and Kuhlman baffle me. If people actually looked at the numbers, they would be surprised.

I like all 4 of the players, but there are definitely differences. Blidh is the grittiest, but also the worst offensively. Heinen is the slowest, but probably has the best vision and Hockey IQ. Bjork probably has the most “upside” based on his physical abilities.

Bottom line for me is that I would understand the B’s moving these guys to improve in the current Cup window. If it’s Heinen or Bjork I’m not going to be very happy (even though I get it). If it’s Kuhlman or Blidh, I would not be upset.

 

[Kegs]

I think three of these guys are significantly better then Wagner. And if anyone is the odd man out it should probably be wags. Not that I want that. I just don’t see how heinen bjork and khulman are even being questioned. All three are good young players.

 

[Ratty]

Would like to get a comparison of these guys from everyone else's perspective:

Heinen vs. Bjork vs. Kuhlman vs. Blidh

Personally, I can't see that much of a difference between them. They seem like fairly similar players - what I would call "fillers". They seem to lack identity, whereas, all the other rostered players seem to have a unique identity that can easily be described (ie Bergeron = smart, talented, gritty, backchecks relentlessly, clutch, many more things, etc...).

How would you rate the above 4 in terms of things like skating ability, toughness, skill/hands, intangibles such as clutch, leadership, willingness to take a hit or step up when times are tough, etc...?

Also, which of them could you see in the Bs plans long term or at least beyond this season? Which are immediately expendable at the deadline or after the season ends? Who is more likely to improve and grow into a full-time player and possibly a top-6 roster guy?

Any reason these 4 are with the team at this point rather than anyone else in the system?

If you “ can’t see much of a difference between [sic] them”, I suggest you find a good opthamoligist. After you’re fitted take a good look at your first two candidates. You might be surprised.

 

[GloryDaze4877]

Blidh doesn't belong on this list. He's never going to be more than a 4th line player, which is fine because it perfectly fits his ability.

At this point, none of them are particularly great offensively. Bjork has the most skill, Heinen is the smartest, and Kuhlman has the most tenacity. They're all very good defensively.

Ranking them on potential, I'd put it Bjork > Heinen > Kuhlman. One note on Kuhlman is that he quickly adapted to college, and basically had the same points all four years, and then he quickly adapted to the AHL, and then the NHL. I think he's a player who's able to quickly play up to the competition, but I'm not sure if he's got any more growth in him.

Despite the occasional healthy scratch, Heinen is a full-time player, and has been for three seasons. He gets a bad rap around here because he doesn't show much emotion, and he's not a big toughness guy, at least in the classic sense. He may need a change of scenery because his offense, particularly his shooting %, has regressed the last two years, which is surprising since he theoretically has played with better players. I think the one thing is that he gets moved around a lot. This year, he's got no more than 12.5% of his ice-time with any one line. I don't think it's all that surprising that his best season was when he played 30% of his rookie year with Riley Nash and David Backes. One of my biggest complaints about Cassidy is that while he basically leaves the 1st & 4th lines alone, he constantly changes around his middle 6 wingers. I think confidence is a big part of his game, and it ebbs and flows.

For Bjork, it's a question about health. He's had season-ending shoulder surgery twice. He's got all this skill, but the points just haven't been there. He's more flash than substance. He's the one who'd get the biggest return in a trade because it looks like there's so much potential waiting to be unlocked.

With Kuhlman, he's definitely an NHL player, but it's more a question about whether he's a long-term 4th liner who's enough of a tweener to play in the top 9 in case of emergency, or if he's got room to grow into something more than that. I don't know, but I'm not sure it matters either.

Spot on.

It is what it is, but I think people vastly underrate how difficult it is for a player to be bounced around constantly by a coach.

Heinen’s rookie year was his most productive and it’s no coincidence it’s when he was left on a single line the most often (even when the linemates were less talented).

 

[ChargersRookie]

I think three of these guys are significantly better then Wagner. And if anyone is the odd man out it should probably be wags. Not that I want that. I just don’t see how heinen bjork and khulman are even being questioned. All three are good young players.

Maybe but until they leave the half way safety zone Wagner owns them, he goes to the wall.

 

[Bruinfanatic]

Really wouldn’t put Blidh in the same category with the rest, he is a forth line player at best, if that.If I was going to rank the other three,it would be Bjork, Heinen and Kuhlman .I only put Bjork above Heinen because I think he has more offensive potential, unless the first half of regular season Heinen comes back.

 

[Smitty93]

I think three of these guys are significantly better then Wagner. And if anyone is the odd man out it should probably be wags. Not that I want that. I just don’t see how heinen bjork and khulman are even being questioned. All three are good young players.

The Wagner extension perplexes me. It's not that it's a bad deal, but I don't think it was necessary, especially 3 years. I want the 4th line to be where they integrate younger players. It's not that his contract is all that expensive, but you want to keep your costs low on the 4th line so that you can spend money elsewhere, but if it's just $500k here or there.

 

[Kegs]

The Wagner extension perplexes me. It's not that it's a bad deal, but I don't think it was necessary, especially 3 years. I want the 4th line to be where they integrate younger players. It's not that his contract is all that expensive, but you want to keep your costs low on the 4th line so that you can spend money elsewhere, but if it's just $500k here or there.

Meh. Wagner has been ok. He is probably a great guy in locker room. Ect. He looked good in the playoffs too. We shall see how it all rolls out. I like Boston’s fourth line to be honest. And I like how they have constructed a really good shut down fourth line that can handle top lines. I think kuraly is the main reason tho not wags.

 

[corpfan1]

I moreso meant "in value to the team".... Sure I can see differences in playing style although all seem to lack serious identity. I am thinking in terms of value of whether to keep them and hope for improvement or move them along...

Also, anyone have opinions on intangibles with these guys? Any insider info about their personalities and/or character in the room?

If you “ can’t see much of a difference between [sic] them”, I suggest you find a good opthamoligist. After you’re fitted take a good look at your first two candidates. You might be surprised.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Not addressing all of your questions, but in terms of some rankings:

Speed/Skating: 83 >10 >>> 81 > 43
Grit/Toughness: 81 > 83 > 10 > 43
Skill/Hands: 10 > 43 > 83 > 81
IQ/Vision: 43 > 10 >>> 83 > 81
Defense: (All are pretty good really)
Leadership/Will: 83 > 81 > 10 > 43
Charisma: Droopy >>>>> 81/83/10/43

Nice job.

 

[ODAAT]

Heinen vs Bjork- think Bjork has much higher offensive upside but Heinen the more polished 200 ft game. That said, I`d wager Bjork is used in a trade before Heinen as other teams would ask for him first

Kuhlman in the top6 is asking too much but I`ll take him over Blidh as I just don`t see the latter being able to contribute that much offensively not that KK puts up big numbers but he definitely has better touch

 

[kjpm]

As frustrating as Heinen can be at times, I think he has the most offensive potential of the trio (I don't think Blidh is a top 9 option although I do like him on the 4th line). I like Bjork and Kuhlman, but I think they both lack creativity offensively. When Heinen is at his best, he can create tons of chances with his craftiness and vision. I haven't seen the same quality in Bjork or Kuhlman - both are skilled, fast and have a good shot but they play a very straightforward north-south game and seem to have a hard time finding open space and creating quality chances. Heinen has a bit of Krejci in his game in terms of his ability to gain the zone with the puck, stickhandle in tight spaces and slow the game down to create space.

I think Heinen's flaws are much more apparent to the eye which is why he gets a lot of the criticism that he does. He doesn't have the motor that the other two have and it shows. He tends to reach with his stick rather than keeping his feet moving and is slow getting to loose pucks. He isn't a natural goal scorer and has trouble finishing chances. He also lacks consistency and tends to disappear offensively for stretches. Even with his flaws, I think his IQ sets him apart in terms of offensive potential. I'm not sure he's a great fit for the style the Bruins want to play and it looks like his confidence is waning. If any of the three are moved I think Heinen is the most likely. I think he could return to his 50-point form if he's able to re-gain some of that confidence, but I don't think it will be in Boston.

 

[Lobster57]

Kuhlman is very Paille-esque to me. Good wheels, hell of a motor, decent iq, but a black-hole of offensive production. If he were on the 4th line (or 3rd best guy on 3rd) that would be ideal. Too early to really judge Blidh, but he looks like he tops out as a good 4th liner as well. Doesn't have Kuhlman's speed, but plays hard and lays the body more. Bjork and Heinen are pretty comparable to me, both are adequate middle 6 guys, but you'd rather they be 3rd liners than 2nd. Bjork appears to have a little more offensive pop, but neither guy is Pat LaFontaine. All 4 could really help solidify their jobs by showing high level PK ability, but from what i've seen none of them are standouts there (yet)

 

[sarge88]

I think three of these guys are significantly better then Wagner. And if anyone is the odd man out it should probably be wags. Not that I want that. I just don’t see how heinen bjork and khulman are even being questioned. All three are good young players.

Comes down to a couple of things IMO,

1. Value....if Wagner is out, I’ll assume whoever above tales his spot on line 4. You can’t pay Heinen 2.7 to be a 4th liner.

2. Role....Bjork is probably not gritty enough to play on line 4. Not saying it can’t happen, but I don’t see Cassidy using him in that role.

3. Cap situation. If they are bringing in someone of quality, they probably need salary to head out. Bjork, Kuhlman and Blidh probably don’t make enough to counter whoever comes in, which leaves Heinen as odd man out in that scenario.

 

[sarge88]

Heinen
Bjork
Kuhlman
Blidh

I’m not going to re-post things I have already tweeted, but this idea that Heinen is “defensive specialist” when he has equal/better numbers as Bjork and Kuhlman baffle me. If people actually looked at the numbers, they would be surprised.

I like all 4 of the players, but there are definitely differences. Blidh is the grittiest, but also the worst offensively. Heinen is the slowest, but probably has the best vision and Hockey IQ. Bjork probably has the most “upside” based on his physical abilities.

Bottom line for me is that I would understand the B’s moving these guys to improve in the current Cup window. If it’s Heinen or Bjork I’m not going to be very happy (even though I get it). If it’s Kuhlman or Blidh, I would not be upset.

Personally, I’d be fine with all 4 of them being moved out if they could use them to upgrade 2 spots in the top 9.

Won’t happen of course, but I wouldn’t lose sleep if none were here come Tuesday.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Blidh isn't in the conversation IMO, I don't see him as any more than a 4th liner. He brings some tenacity and grit but not much else.

Kuhlman I'm still evaluating. I love his motor, and he has some puck skills but there may be a lack of finish there. It's weird though because he comes in in Game 6 of the Cup Final and snipes it like he's been doing for years and you see the talent, but it's not there enough.

Bjork is a hound on the puck and is excellent in the puck possession game, but it's gotten to the point where I think we can safely say he has a lack of finish. I've done a 180 on him this year though. I was seeing nothing in previous seasons, but he's certainly demonstrated value to me this year.

Heinen is basically Eriksson without the garbage goal finish. He's a jack of all trades but is passive overall. He is an excellent passer with great touch but he very obviously over-passes.

 

[BigGoalBrad]

I mean I think Heinen will be a good regular season player again. But I don't really want him in my playoff lineup regardless of his regular season stats. That said I think hes the most likely to make us look bad on his next team.

Bjork makes no sense to move if it can be avoided the deal isn't going to be 1 for 1 for a top 6 winger. Furthermore since he doesn't have gaudy stats his next contract will be very team friendly. Don't trade him even though its very TBD what we have there.

I like Kuhlman more than any of our 3 fourth liners so I am hoping we hold. I think fourht liners have a shelf life and Nordy/Kuraly/Wagner are nearing theirs.

Blidh has no value I'd rather play most of the P Bs over him though hes been fine.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I think three of these guys are significantly better then Wagner. And if anyone is the odd man out it should probably be wags. Not that I want that. I just don’t see how heinen bjork and khulman are even being questioned. All three are good young players.

B's just traded for a right-shot RW, a need for so long. Don't think they will replace one of their few actual RW's, especially since Wagner is perfect for the 4th line.

 

[Healthy Wrap]

B's just traded for a right-shot RW, a need for so long. Don't think they will replace one of their few actual RW's, especially since Wagner is perfect for the 4th line.

I personally think Kuhlman is a much better fit on that 4th line. Imagine him and Kuraly together wreaking havoc on the forecheck?