Well, there is quite the log-jam in the system right now for forwards which is creating a problem. It is a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. The Bruins have several prospects all knocking at the door for roster spots, especially in the top-9 forward group. Beleskey & Vatrano haven't been great, between last season, Training Camp & this year so far. These two players specifically are in my opinion, on the cusp of being outplayed by younger talent from Providence. Cehlarik, Heinen, JFK, Czarnik & maybe even Agostino, all look much hungrier and could prove to be more effective than Vatrano & Beleskey.
Vatrano has to clear waivers (he won't) if the team opts to send him down to Providence, so there would most likely have to be a trade involved or they would lose him for nothing. Beleskey is another issue, I like him as a player but he hasn't performed adequately enough and the contract he is on is worrisome. You could send him down to the AHL, but then the Bruins would still be paying a big percentage of his salary and they would still have his contract count against their total number. The best course of action for Beleskey is to trade him in a deal where you retain half of his salary and include a lower-tier prospect. Given the way JFK has looked (especially in the AHL season opener tonight) I still think theres a strong possibility he is dealt this season.
I think if there are any trades being explored by the Bruins, something involving players or scenarios like this are the prime areas of interest.
100 percent agree on Belesky and Vatrano.
Vatrano I think is a perfect fit on a 4rth line and maybe just maybe still moves up. Loved his game in the out door embarrassment. I think that guy is still there. He was hurt all of last year and I think given time and practice of 15/20 games this year you know what you have.
He’s worth the shot over Acarri who luckily for Vatrano just went down. Vatrano now has his opportunity to “ $@@% or get off the pot.” If he can’t take advantage of this opportunity we can talk at the end of November.
Don’t understand why the Bruins are worried or even thinking about trading JFK just to lose Belesky ?!?
Eat his contract for the year like they did with Hayes last year. I agree it’s an eye sore but losing an asset to lose his contract seems like a waste at this point as there isn’t a significant cap crunch or the potential to win the cup with one more piece. Best case scenario he finds a heart beat but we both obviously think that’s not likely....
A log jam of young talent in providence is a luxury not a problem. They still all get 12 - 18 mins a night. They benefit playing together with what looks like legit minor league talent. In theory that should make the transition to the NHL easier. The cream will also rise having that competition down there.
Nash/Kuraly/Schaller etc are all job spot holders until the guys you mentioned Cehlarik/Heinen/JFK prove they are ready. I look at it as a wonderful problem and hope it works for Boston like it did for Detroit for years and years.
I’m also not nieve enough to think Bjork won’t struggle in his first year out of college from burn out. And injuries won’t happen. Despite all this “depth” there will still be games in decemeber and February that you look at the Bruins line up and grit your teeth.
If you can use O Gara or Gryz or Cave or Czarnik or Fitzgerald (although everyone seems surprised by him) etc as the guys to get rid of Belesky then it makes sense. Despite those guys being useful pieces I think they all have their limits.
A guy like JFK I value a lot higher and think his offence will surprise people. I’m a fan boy from WJC and the couple BU games I caught.
That prospect pyramid thing we did over the prospect vote will be a lot of fun to look at in 2/3 years. Hope someone’s keeps that tabbed.
