Player Discussion Ryan Spooner VII

[BruinDust]

I don't know if I 100% agree with everything on the list but I agree completely it was a combination of things that has him playing better. I'm not completely convinced the line last year didn't work because of the reasons listed, Spooner is largely the reason the line is working as a line this year, and had he been playing like this last year it would have looked different IMO.

No it wouldn't of. All 3 players were struggling on that line at the time, not just one.

 

[Tampbear]

No it wouldn't of. All 3 players were struggling on that line at the time, not just one.

I'm not going to debate you on this, but there is no way to really know. Had Spooner's game been where it is today creating chances and making plays it definitely could have changed the dynamic of the line, maybe it wouldn't have regardless. I suppose it is really beyond the point regardless, as it was in response to Spooner doesn't get to play with skilled players, especially considering last year we didn't really have other skilled players to stick him with if he couldn't mesh with Krejci and Backes.

 

[Mainehockey33]

I’m not convinced he wouldn’t perform just as well at center right now. With his speed, playmaking, and willingness to be engaged physically, I’d like to see him back at center controlling the puck more. Krejci has been in a slump recently, move Spooner to center with Debrusk and Heinen.

 

[bruinshoper]

I don't think Spooner got any points tonight, but I really feel he played his most complete game as an NHL player. He actually looked hard to play against, and strong on the puck. More than once I did a double take when I realized it was him battling/hitting, controlling the play. To me he is looking more and more dangerous offensively, and also much better defensively. I hope the B's hang on to him...

 

[Knotty Moog]

I don't think Spooner got any points tonight, but I really feel he played his most complete game as an NHL player. He actually looked hard to play against, and strong on the puck. More than once I did a double take when I realized it was him battling/hitting, controlling the play. To me he is looking more and more dangerous offensively, and also much better defensively. I hope the B's hang on to him...

Was thinking the same thing. There were some hits he threw on the forcheck I thought if was 55 not 51

 

[Mick Riddleton]

I think he deserves a few shifts with Bergy. Spooner often puts pucks in good places for his line mates and they are not as quick to react to them. Bergy and Marchand would feed off that. Pasta is not the big goal scorer this year and Bergy has taken some of that from him. Spooners commitment to playing the whole ice is refreshing and I think he has earned it. Putting Pasta back down with krech may get them both going. I feel Spooner is a much safer more responsible player then he has ever been and worth while keeping.

 

[s3antana5757]

Was thinking the same thing. There were some hits he threw on the forcheck I thought if was 55 not 51

I had the same thought! He was out late (or early) with Schaller and Kuraly and hit someone in the near side corner.

 

[RedeyeRocketeer]

Wonder what their trust level is for Spooner in the playoffs. Which Spooner shows up?

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

He's officially a Bruin to me now. Not a trade piece..

 

[JP Nolan]

He is so a trade piece is is not even funny. His salary is tradeable, His talent is marketable as is his contract status. He is not the answer on line two on Krejci's wing, We have Nash and Backes that can play 3rd line center....Plus JFK supposedly ready for next season.......Much like Miller, the stars are in line for these guys to get us what we need to have the best chance to win the cup. We need a top four DMAN and a number 2 winger with a physical presence. SPOONS, MILLLER, Picks and certain prospects get it done for us. I like Spooner but his time is up here for many reasons i think.

 

[Tampbear]

I would lock him up right now for a few years if I was Sweeney, I would bank on him finally understanding what it takes to play in the NHL and pay him with his inconsistencies over the last few years. I could see giving him a Beleskey contract and have a young top 6 forward in his prime for cheap. He is certainly going to atleast maintain that value as he has a few years of being productive in the NHL and has finally showed he can play a 200 foot game. He could be one of the best bargains in the NHL over the next 4 years if we can lock him up quick under 4 mil per.

 

[Mick Riddleton]

He is so a trade piece is is not even funny. His salary is tradeable, His talent is marketable as is his contract status. He is not the answer on line two on Krejci's wing, We have Nash and Backes that can play 3rd line center....Plus JFK supposedly ready for next season.......Much like Miller, the stars are in line for these guys to get us what we need to have the best chance to win the cup. We need a top four DMAN and a number 2 winger with a physical presence. SPOONS, MILLLER, Picks and certain prospects get it done for us. I like Spooner but his time is up here for many reasons i think.

JFK is a center, not sure he would be any better then Spooner, right now he is not. We finally have Spooner were he needs to be, responsible, committed and contributing. Everything you could ask for at his salary and at the right age going forward. That package will not get us the #3 deeman we need. We should be looking for a Chara replacement to take over in a few years. For that we need to make a better package.

 

[wintersej]

JFK is a center, not sure he would be any better then Spooner, right now he is not. We finally have Spooner were he needs to be, responsible, committed and contributing. Everything you could ask for at his salary and at the right age going forward. That package will not get us the #3 deeman we need. We should be looking for a Chara replacement to take over in a few years. For that we need to make a better package.

Can we start saying "partner for McAvoy" instead of this? The closest thing that are going to get to "replacement for Chara" is McAvoy.

When you say "partner for McAvoy" names like Vaakanienen or Zboril or Lindgren start to feel more realistic.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Can we start saying "partner for McAvoy" instead of this? The closest thing that are going to get to "replacement for Chara" is McAvoy.

When you say "partner for McAvoy" names like Vaakanienen or Zboril or Lindgren start to feel more realistic.

This is actually a really good point. McAvoy is the replacement to Chara. The #1 defenseman doesn't need to be a LHD. He needs to be a top pairing quality defenseman. RHD, LHD, Able to shoot both ways... It doesn't matter haha. We have our #1 defenseman for the future so finding him a partner makes sense. If you are able to acquire another #1 defenseman in the process, I'm all for it, since it strengthens the NHL team, but it isn't a need anymore.

 

[Tampbear]

Can we start saying "partner for McAvoy" instead of this? The closest thing that are going to get to "replacement for Chara" is McAvoy.

When you say "partner for McAvoy" names like Vaakanienen or Zboril or Lindgren start to feel more realistic.

To add to this, if we need to find a top D, I would rather do it when we are actually in need of one and our prospects are at peak value and we really need to thin it out to keep from losing guys for nothing.

 

[Mick Riddleton]

All valid points but wrong thread to discuss the dee. As for Spooner he has arrived and is a valuable player in this system. No way I move him after we finally developed him to the point where he is worth keeping. The last month he has been the driver on that line, playing both ends of the ice, taking the body and making safer plays. Add to his work on the power play and he has fit in on the wing.

 

[Don Cherry]

Personally, I think we sell high on Spooner and move him by the deadline. We've seen these teases in the past. Don't be fooled, it's still just Ryan Spooner.

 

[veganbruin]

I would give Spooner a shot with Bergy while we are letting Pastrnak get his game together.

 

[shelbysdad]

I see Spooner as a good player, but not a necessary piece going forward. Has he been better this year - yes.
Even in a great year he is unlikely to pass 20 goals, at least not by much.
We know what he is and what his ceiling is. A JAG

I don't wanna see JAG taking up a spot that could be filled with Bjork, Donato, Senyshyn (sic?) etc, that all have a higher (possible) projected ceiling at much less salary

So for this year, keep him unless we can do a clear upgrade to a younger big name that can be here for several years.

 

[Mainehockey33]

So now JAGs score 50-60 points a season? I must be watching a different league.

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

So now JAGs score 50-60 points a season? I must be watching a different league.

Same league that a 50+ point defenseman is a 3rd pairing specialist.

 

[shelbysdad]

So we keep Spooner (and his likely 4M contract next year) to block players with higher projections?

Guess we should just trade Bjork, Donato etc now. Consider that first line is here to stay, like it or not Krejci is here to stay, so is Backes. And Heinen and De Brusk. Lets say JFK takes Nash spot next year...keep Spooner....no room in top 9 for several years...and there is a thing called a salary cap

 

[BruinDust]

So we keep Spooner (and his likely 4M contract next year) to block players with higher projections?

Guess we should just trade Bjork, Donato etc now. Consider that first line is here to stay, like it or not Krejci is here to stay, so is Backes. And Heinen and De Brusk. Lets say JFK takes Nash spot next year...keep Spooner....no room in top 9 for several years...and there is a thing called a salary cap

Krejci's NMC turns into a NTC in the summer of 2019. Same year Backes's turns into a 8-team NTC.

Spooner if he gets a one-year deal in arbitration is UFA the same summer.

Let Bjork, Donato, etc. beat out Spooner for a job during next season if they can. Injuries will happen, the young guys will get a chance to show what they can do, no different than the young guys have done this season. Bjork will be a 2nd year pro, Donato in his 1st year professional. You make it sound like Spooner will be blocking them for years moving forward.

Force the Bruins to give them a job, not trade Spooner for peanuts just to roll out the red carpet for them.

 

[shelbysdad]

Why are the Patriots successful ? Because they identify the core, and have no problem letting players go who get to a point where they require more salary than they are worth to the team, and replace them with younger cheaper players who can perform as well or better. They overpay no one who isn't a star.

Spooner at 4M (realistic next year) is not worth it. Career high 13 goals. DeBrusk and Heinen are almost there as rookies. This year maybe 20 if he is lucky. Gotta have better from a 2d line winger

If they resign Spooner for 4M, and he gets beat out, everyone will complain about another 4M contract riding the bench, unless they can find a taker.

 

[Gee Wally]

If I could spin him + into Kreider . I do it.