I am really interested to see how he and Montgomery might be able to get something different out of the D, and maybe create more offense from the blue line.
I'm frankly pleased that all three recent hires - Danielle Marmer as Strength & Skating coach, Gruden for D, and Montgomery -- are from OUTSIDE the organization.
I believe this is significant, because if "fresh eyes" and "a new voice in the room" are as important as Neely and Sweeney say, they are acting on the pledge.
More than most, the Bruins have been a very insular lot over the years, with the notable exception of Peter Chiarelli/Claude Julien. It was a smart and healthy move for Charlie Jacobs to bring them in, and I believe the new additions bode well for the club.
It isn't going to be easy, on several fronts. I would prepare myself for some pain, perhaps a lot of pain, going forward.
Regardless of Jacobs' comments about a rebuild being a "tough sell" to the Bruins fan base, and whether or not Patrice and David return this season, a rebuild is inevitable.
The B's varsity is thin, and little help is coming from PRO. They simply won't have a choice, whatever the old man says.
Instead of trading away first round draft selections, managment will be compelled to hang on to them, and, hopefully, draft better. Others know better than me, but though drafting has apparently been better of late (Lysell, Lohrei), an overhaul of that department is in order, and should have occured long ago.
We'll see. But, if nothing else, next season will be "interesting." I'm curious to see how things unfold.