Boston Bruins Your roster changes / proposals VIII

[NeelyDan]

DK will sign a team-friendly 1 year deal. Bank on it*

*Bank on it is my new living tribute to the don, and is clever because I work in architecture for one of the big canadian five

 

[BruinsBtn]

If the Bruins decide to move on from Tuukka, I'd be really happy with Andersen. That guy got a raw deal in Toronto, he carried them.

 

[NeelyDan]

If the Bruins decide to move on from Tuukka, I'd be really happy with Andersen. That guy got a raw deal in Toronto, he carried them.

There was a reason even Leaf fans never felt confident with him in net, particularly during big games.

 

[RustyBruins72]

If the Bruins decide to move on from Tuukka, I'd be really happy with Andersen. That guy got a raw deal in Toronto, he carried them.

This 100%. I'm a fan. They needed a Jaro type back up for him in 2018 and 2019. He was worn out by the time they played the Bruins.

 

[chrisab123]

so you'd drop smith to 3RW?

I looked at the D on the FA list. Not many that stand out that would be fits here. Dougie will likely get north of $9m. I don't think he will ever come back to Boston.

I would drop Smith to 3rd line. Yes. I think he profiles better as a 3rd line wing.

 

[PlayMakers]

It sure feels like Krejci may not be back. They're pursuing centers (Dvorak, Getzlaf...), they're letting the situation (Krejci's status) drag on while feeding us the same "story" as last year with Chara.

At the very least, it seems like Krejci is not Plan A. I think Plan A was to move Coyle up and acquire Garland.

I think folks are forgetting how good Coyle was when he had a 2nd line talent on his wing. The Mojo-Coyle-Heinen line was better than Krejci's line in the 2019 playoffs and drew the tougher matchups. And in the following season, Coyle had stretches where he looked really strong (37pts in 70 games) despite not playing with any actual NHL'ers.

I'm not saying Coyle is better than Krejci, but I am saying a line of Hall-Coyle-Garland could have been as good as a line of Hall-Krejci-Smith. They both have two play-drivers and one grinder. The Coyle version would have been younger and it had a legit "heavy" on it who can control the walls and get inside on big defenses, something the Krejci version lacks.

I guess I'm saying I'm not throwing in the towel if they move on from Krejci (or Krejci moves on from Boston). I think Coyle can be an effective 2C, if he's used like Steve Rucchin on the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line. I also think that's what Sweeney envisioned when he signed Coyle, and that lineup structure (speed & skill on the wings, size & strength in the middle) is how he wants to model this team going forward.

 

[Healthy Wrap]

If the Bruins decide to move on from Tuukka, I'd be really happy with Andersen. That guy got a raw deal in Toronto, he carried them.

I would love this for no other reason than watching the collective meltdown of Leafs fans after we beat them in another Game 7 with their former goalie in our net

 

[PepeBostones]

Yes of course. Still possible to trade NHL rights for something in the case of Nick Ritchie.

A signed Brendan Dillon (age 31) returned 2 2nd round picks = a signed Jeremy Lauzon (age 24) at least being the equal of Dillon could have returned the same.

Perhaps Sweeney tried. I hope he did, doesn't sound like it at times

 

[goldnblack]

Incoming hot take:

If Krejci does not sign, they let Rask go.

They convince the rest of the core of one down season and a big swing at 2022-2023 where they have some of the most free agent dollars to spend in the whole league, and they are also selecting a top 15 pick in that draft.

On his 2022-2023 new contract, Bergy takes a serious team-friendly deal, and they show up with 25 to 30M in cap space for that free agency and have an off-season like the Savard-Chara one.


OR

Sweeney panics and signs a bunch of nonsense now. I'd do option 1

 

[PB37]

It sure feels like Krejci may not be back. They're pursuing centers (Dvorak, Getzlaf...), they're letting the situation (Krejci's status) drag on while feeding us the same "story" as last year with Chara.

At the very least, it seems like Krejci is not Plan A. I think Plan A was to move Coyle up and acquire Garland.

I think folks are forgetting how good Coyle was when he had a 2nd line talent on his wing. The Mojo-Coyle-Heinen line was better than Krejci's line in the 2019 playoffs and drew the tougher matchups. And in the following season, Coyle had stretches where he looked really strong (37pts in 70 games) despite not playing with any actual NHL'ers.

I'm not saying Coyle is better than Krejci, but I am saying a line of Hall-Coyle-Garland could have been as good as a line of Hall-Krejci-Smith. They both have two play-drivers and one grinder. The Coyle version would have been younger and it had a legit "heavy" on it who can control the walls and get inside on big defenses, something the Krejci version lacks.

I guess I'm saying I'm not throwing in the towel if they move on from Krejci (or Krejci moves on from Boston). I think Coyle can be an effective 2C, if he's used like Steve Rucchin on the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line. I also think that's what Sweeney envisioned when he signed Coyle, and that lineup structure (speed & skill on the wings, size & strength in the middle) is how he wants to model this team going forward.

If they acquired Getzlaf, would you rather have him on the 2nd line with Hall, to maximize what ever Getzlaf has left in the tank with one of our more talented wingers, or do you drop him to line three with DeBrusk and hopefully create mismatches and try to extend Getzlaf effectiveness with lesser minutes?

 

[BruinsBtn]

There was a reason even Leaf fans never felt confident with him in net, particularly during big games.

Because Leaf fans are idiots. The only reason both those series' went to Game 7 was because of him.

 

[Oates2Neely]

With Coyle at 2C I feel we would get Hall-lite. Hall & Krejci have the hands to compliment one another’s style of play. Coyle just can’t play a finesse game. With Coyle at center we see a watered down Hall.

 

[Dr Hook]

Why are we giving away players? Is it so bad Nick Ritchie couldn't even get a late-round pick for NHL rights?
Brendon Dillon gets Washington two 2nd round picks...We already had the younger version of Dillon(!)

As was said, arbitration rights and the real possibility that comparables based on production could get Nick into the $3 mil + range. Would you give up an asset for that? Bruins clearly did not want that with him. It doesn't mean he isn't coming back, but this is why he wasn't moved- I imagine no one wanted that when anyone interested could simply wait a bit and go after him as a UFA and get him at the right price.

 

[bp13]

It sure feels like Krejci may not be back. They're pursuing centers (Dvorak, Getzlaf...), they're letting the situation (Krejci's status) drag on while feeding us the same "story" as last year with Chara.

At the very least, it seems like Krejci is not Plan A. I think Plan A was to move Coyle up and acquire Garland.

I think folks are forgetting how good Coyle was when he had a 2nd line talent on his wing. The Mojo-Coyle-Heinen line was better than Krejci's line in the 2019 playoffs and drew the tougher matchups. And in the following season, Coyle had stretches where he looked really strong (37pts in 70 games) despite not playing with any actual NHL'ers.

I'm not saying Coyle is better than Krejci, but I am saying a line of Hall-Coyle-Garland could have been as good as a line of Hall-Krejci-Smith. They both have two play-drivers and one grinder. The Coyle version would have been younger and it had a legit "heavy" on it who can control the walls and get inside on big defenses, something the Krejci version lacks.

I guess I'm saying I'm not throwing in the towel if they move on from Krejci (or Krejci moves on from Boston). I think Coyle can be an effective 2C, if he's used like Steve Rucchin on the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line. I also think that's what Sweeney envisioned when he signed Coyle, and that lineup structure (speed & skill on the wings, size & strength in the middle) is how he wants to model this team going forward.

I disagree here Bill.

It seems like you are saying "If you give Coyle better wingers than Krejci (Garland), he can be as effective as Krejci." Take aside that I'm not even sure I agree with that premise as I think Krejci is a far better player than Coyle, how is that a fair comparison? Further, when is DS gonna get these better players?

Better question perhaps: If all else is the same (meaning supporting cast), is the team better off with Krejci as 2C and Coyle as 3C, or Coyle as 2C and some overmatched youngster (Studnicka) or free agent cast off taking over 3C? I guess I just don't understand why Bruins fans should be okay with the idea of replacing one of their best playoff performers and all-time greats here with a guy who sucked at 3rd line center last season. Especially when it seems Krejci would take less than market to stay, he had amazing chemistry with Hall and Hall's signing was supposed to lock down two scoring lines, the team has plenty of dough to spend, and there's a tight window to win. It makes no sense to me.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

Why are we giving away players? Is it so bad Nick Ritchie couldn't even get a late-round pick for NHL rights?
Brendon Dillon gets Washington two 2nd round picks...We already had the younger version of Dillon(!)

I would be very surprised if they didn't listen to offers/shop Ritchie before non tendering him. With his arbitration rights someone needed to be willing to pay Ritchie up to around 3.5 million to trade for him. And no one was going to do that. As a FA there may be some bidding on Ritchie, but no way Boston could afford to carry the financial liability associated with his offer sheet

 

[Drift]

Donato didn't get a qualifying offer

 

[kdog82]

If they acquired Getzlaf, would you rather have him on the 2nd line with Hall, to maximize what ever Getzlaf has left in the tank with one of our more talented wingers, or do you drop him to line three with DeBrusk and hopefully create mismatches and try to extend Getzlaf effectiveness with lesser minutes?

If Getzlaf is Krejci's replacement (I hope this isn't the case) I hope Sweeney tries to acquire a skillful RW for line 2 bumping Smith to line 3.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Yes of course. Still possible to trade NHL rights for something in the case of Nick Ritchie.

A signed Brendan Dillon (age 31) returned 2 2nd round picks = a signed Jeremy Lauzon (age 24) at least being the equal of Dillon could have returned the same.

Perhaps Sweeney tried. I hope he did, doesn't sound like it at times

The prices before/after expansion are two different things. The Jets wouldn't even pay a 2nd for Lauzon before expansion because then it would have been him getting picked up by Seattle.

Meanwhile, if the Bruins traded Lauzon, it means they would have lost Clifton.

 

[Dr Hook]

It sure feels like Krejci may not be back. They're pursuing centers (Dvorak, Getzlaf...), they're letting the situation (Krejci's status) drag on while feeding us the same "story" as last year with Chara.

At the very least, it seems like Krejci is not Plan A. I think Plan A was to move Coyle up and acquire Garland.

I think folks are forgetting how good Coyle was when he had a 2nd line talent on his wing. The Mojo-Coyle-Heinen line was better than Krejci's line in the 2019 playoffs and drew the tougher matchups. And in the following season, Coyle had stretches where he looked really strong (37pts in 70 games) despite not playing with any actual NHL'ers.

I'm not saying Coyle is better than Krejci, but I am saying a line of Hall-Coyle-Garland could have been as good as a line of Hall-Krejci-Smith. They both have two play-drivers and one grinder. The Coyle version would have been younger and it had a legit "heavy" on it who can control the walls and get inside on big defenses, something the Krejci version lacks.

I guess I'm saying I'm not throwing in the towel if they move on from Krejci (or Krejci moves on from Boston). I think Coyle can be an effective 2C, if he's used like Steve Rucchin on the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line. I also think that's what Sweeney envisioned when he signed Coyle, and that lineup structure (speed & skill on the wings, size & strength in the middle) is how he wants to model this team going forward.

Can we also say that maybe DK is the one not wanting to come back? He's had some major surgeries, has been banged up off and on (and his stated desires for his family life) and maybe he is deciding that it is time to go in a different direction. There is no reason to think this is the Chara situation all over. After all, DK himself has said he wasn't sure what he was going to do before all this started.

 

[Gordoff]

If you don't make hockey trades, what are your other options to improve besides free agency?

That depends, is Donnie religious?

 

[BruinsBtn]

It sure feels like Krejci may not be back. They're pursuing centers (Dvorak, Getzlaf...), they're letting the situation (Krejci's status) drag on while feeding us the same "story" as last year with Chara.

At the very least, it seems like Krejci is not Plan A. I think Plan A was to move Coyle up and acquire Garland.

I think folks are forgetting how good Coyle was when he had a 2nd line talent on his wing. The Mojo-Coyle-Heinen line was better than Krejci's line in the 2019 playoffs and drew the tougher matchups. And in the following season, Coyle had stretches where he looked really strong (37pts in 70 games) despite not playing with any actual NHL'ers.

I'm not saying Coyle is better than Krejci, but I am saying a line of Hall-Coyle-Garland could have been as good as a line of Hall-Krejci-Smith. They both have two play-drivers and one grinder. The Coyle version would have been younger and it had a legit "heavy" on it who can control the walls and get inside on big defenses, something the Krejci version lacks.

I guess I'm saying I'm not throwing in the towel if they move on from Krejci (or Krejci moves on from Boston). I think Coyle can be an effective 2C, if he's used like Steve Rucchin on the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line. I also think that's what Sweeney envisioned when he signed Coyle, and that lineup structure (speed & skill on the wings, size & strength in the middle) is how he wants to model this team going forward.

With both Dvorak and Getzlaf you can move them to RW or shuffle around the 3rd/4th line. That looks more to me like a move to make sure they're protected whether Krejci returns or not.

All that said, I really wish they'd have drafted Dvorak in the Donato slot back in 2014. He went two picks after.

 

[SPV]

Donato didn't get a qualifying offer

I'd be okay with bringing Donato back cheap, if only because I bought my son a Donato jersey and then they traded him LOL

 

[bp13]

Incoming hot take:

If Krejci does not sign, they let Rask go.

They convince the rest of the core of one down season and a big swing at 2022-2023 where they have some of the most free agent dollars to spend in the whole league, and they are also selecting a top 15 pick in that draft.

On his 2022-2023 new contract, Bergy takes a serious team-friendly deal, and they show up with 25 to 30M in cap space for that free agency and have an off-season like the Savard-Chara one.


OR

Sweeney panics and signs a bunch of nonsense now. I'd do option 1

If you were a team leader (Bergeron, Krejci, Marchand) who's been here the entire DS tenure, would you believe him if he told you he planned a massive summer roster upgrade next offseason? Further, would you think he could deliver on that?

 

[Mainehockey33]

With Coyle at 2C I feel we would get Hall-lite. Hall & Krejci have the hands to compliment one another’s style of play. Coyle just can’t play a finesse game. With Coyle at center we see a watered down Hall.

Yeah, probably wouldn’t be ideal to play Hall with a center that gets tunnel vision in the offensive zone.

 

[SPV]

Nate Schmidt isn't a bad choice for us I guess; he's not my first choice, but he plays big minutes and blocks shots. I would prefer a more physical guy, like Zadorov, but Schmidt is more of a top 3 guy and maybe we could get a guy like Zadorov or McCabe as a 4/5