The Bruins do have a reputation for being tight fisted. Sorry, but that is simply true. I understand you dont see it that way, but that is not simply something I made up to antagonize you.
Second, the Bruins do not have the atmosphere of a winning team. (I understand you may not agree) but the air they have, is that they are not willing to do anything to win. That is the atmosphere that may encourage some players to sign for less with teams they have either played for, or hoped to play for. I suspect a lot of these high end, older players, are going to play for less money, but if they do, it will be on teams they believe will help them win a ring. The Bruins management, does not instill that kind of confidence.
Third, I grant you, some teams can gell very quickly in terms of chemistry, but it is the exception rather than the rule. And quite often, it does happen after a thorough house cleaning of not only players, but coaches and management too. And you are also overlooking the fact that some of these older players, are going to be a little pissy about the money they may be playing for. If they have been spoiled for a long time, the novelty of getting back on the ice, may wear thin quite quickly. Especially if they know they have socked away enough money to retire comfortably for the rest of their lives and they begin to question if it is worth playing for this lowered salary or not.
As far as the Bruin article, I think it speaks for itself. The writer is gleeful about how cheap all these players are going to come. I am sure that will make the players real happy.