Bruins Offseason Moves

[Eddie Jurak]

How about a completely different approach to the 4th line?  A "kid line" with Spooner and Koko.  Keep Campbell or Paille on for some veteran presence and PK ability.   The Bruins' top nine are reliable enough that Julien should be able to pick and choose his spots with the 4th line (as he's done for the last 4-5 years) so it's not as if he'd be throwing them out to the wolves.  

 

[jsinger121]

The Bruins off season has started by signing 2013 second round pick Linus Arnesson to a contract.
 
https://twitter.com/ArnessonLinus/status/472408760871583744
 
 
http://instagram.com/p/ooIfy_N_yO/

 

[TSC]

It's pretty awesome the Bruins signed a former member of "Flock of Seagulls" to play for the team.

 

[Red Right Ankle]

Surprised he didn't run, run so far away.

 

[cshea]

McKenzie did a bunch of offseason tweets today as we officially enter silly season. For the Bruins, he said they have 8 NHL D and will likely unload one or two and that the priority right now seems to be trying to get Iginla signed.

Iginla seems to be the key piece that'll shape their offseason strategy. Also, the buyout window opens today. I don't think they'll be using a buyout however.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

I'd expect Boychuk and McQuaid to be dealt.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

What value does McQuaid have? Very little, I think.

 

[cshea]

I don't think they can afford to trade Boychuk. Chara's in decline, and Seidenberg is a bit of mystery coming off the ACL injury. Boychuk is a steady, reliable top-4 D. I'd hang on to him. Maybe next season you let him walk as a UFA and Hamilton assumes top pairing duties.

McQuaid seems like a no-brainer. They have a cheaper version of him in Kevan Miller. McQuaid would probably fetch a late round draft pick, IMO. Defensemen always hold some value. Someone would taken shot on him.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Is there a non-zero chance that they'd consider moving Krug to wing? Or is it too late in one's hockey career to make such a change?

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Is there a non-zero chance that they'd consider moving Krug to wing? Or is it too late in one's hockey career to make such a change?

I think this would be a disastrous mistake. An offensive D role is completely different from a wing's role. Defensemen can read the play and pick and choose their spots to jump in on offense. A wing needs to have a very different approach. A few guys have had success in both roles (Byfuglien and Burns come to mind), but for the most part success in one role is no indication that the player can handle the other.

Also, hard to see what a player like Krug has going for him as a wing. A long time ago, the Bruins tried this with a similar player (Greg Hawgood) and basically ruined his career.

 

[McDrew]

I think that Claude is really good at using Krug's strengths and hiding his weaknesses, and given that, he's in exactly the place on the team he needs to be.  He's a 3rd pairing defenseman that Claude can give offensive-zone starts and who can quarterback the power play and make good passes/shots from the blue line.  I'm very happy with him in that role and I think Krug can shine there.  The bruins do have 8 D-men under contact next year, and I think that Chara/Seidenberg/Krug/Hamilton are the only untouchables.  I think Boychuck, McQuaid, Miller, and Bartkowski are all moveable, even if only for a mid-round pick.  I honestly think one of Boychuck/McQuaid will go, Boychuck more likely because his salary cap relief will be bigger.  I think that a starting 6 of Chara-Dougie, Seidenberg-Miller, McQuaid-Krug is very competitive and will give the B's a little bit more relief to go out and deal with the RFA contracts to Smith and Krug, re-sign Iginla, and replace Thornton and Johnson. 
 
I'd love to see if Kelly and one of McQuaid/Boychuck could be moved, but Kelly has a full NTC.  At least Boychuck's NTC clause has expired (was limited for the first 2 years of his deal). 

 

[TSC]

Really - if we're looking for cap savings, the Bruins could go one step further and have a starting 6 of
 
Chara/Dougie
Seidenberg/Morrow
Miller/Krug
 
And trade McQuaid/Bart/and Boychuk for other parts. 

 

[cshea]

To be honest, I would actually shop Krug around to gauge interest. There is a team out there that would probably overpay based on his offensive prowess. It's worth a look, IMO. He's going to command a fairly big raise based almost entirely on his offense so the Bruins are going to have to figure out if he's going to develop into an all situations defender or continue as a sheltered, bottom pairing at ES, PP specialist. If it is the latter, move him.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I'd give him another season before considering getting rid of him. Last year was his first full year, let him develop and see what you have. Too soon to shop him around, he's a special offensive talent. This team has the luxury of absorbing his defensive shortcomings... for now.

 

[cshea]

The problem with that is Krug's contract is up now. If they can get him to stay on a 1 year deal, sure.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

He's an RFA, not sure what the issue is. If someone comes along and makes an offer, you take the compensation and help pack his bags. I don't think that's going to happen, so what are his options?

 

[McDrew]

Krug has 4 RFA years left.  He earned 1.7M against the cap, and probably can't expect too much of a raise given that he still has 4 RFA years left.  I could see the B's trying to offer him a 2 or 3 year deal to get him through some or most of these RFA years, and then have a chance to extend him under RFA again. 

 

[McDrew]

I think Bart is probably the providence shuttle guy this year, as Miller out-played him at the end of last year.  I wouldn't be surprised if the B's let Bart walk, or trade his RFA rights for a 4th or 5th round pick.  He isn't going anywhere in Boston. 

 

[lexrageorge]

Krug is not the problem with this team.  And I don't know why they'd give up on a 22 y/o defenseman that's shown offensive prowess and the ability to QB the power play.  

 

[BigMike]

He's an RFA, not sure what the issue is. If someone comes along and makes an offer, you take the compensation and help pack his bags. I don't think that's going to happen, so what are his options?

 
Is this Krug or Bart??????
 
Bart that may well happen,  either they trade his rights,  or they let it be known they won't match.  That is very possible
 
Krug, you keep, and you try and make him a fair 2 or 3 year deal.  Kid is a unique talent that this organization spent more than a decade, a ton of money, and a ton of assets trying to find.   So now that they have one they will keep Krug

 

[RIFan]

Really - if we're looking for cap savings, the Bruins could go one step further and have a starting 6 of
 
Chara/Dougie
Seidenberg/Morrow
Miller/Krug
 
And trade McQuaid/Bart/and Boychuk for other parts.

Unless Morrow can make a dramatic leap, he is no where near varsity level. Skating ability is there, but defensively his decision making isn't strong enough yet. He'd be overwhelmed in the NHL. Trotman is definitely ahead of him on the depth. You also need a strong 7th D to give insurance against Seids having issues in coming back and for the inevitable injury.

 

[Red Right Ankle]

Piling on the, "No way they move Krug," train.  A guy with the skills to be a top 25 scoring defenseman and run the PP is really hard to find.  You have to give him at least his RFA years to figure out if he can be decent defensively.

 

[McDrew]

McQuaid's only making 1.5M vs the cap, and Bartkowski is only going to make ~750k, they won't provide much cap relief at all.  Boychuck is at ~3.5M for the next 2 years. 

 

[BigMike]

I say there is no way they move Krug, and yes someone could push the Bruins on that by coming in and offering him 5 million dollars a year, but I just don't see that happening.  And it would be an epic management fail if they let it get to the point where something like that were to occur

 

[McDrew]

Completely theoretical trade:
PIT:
D Paul Martin (5M cap hit through 14-15)
BOS:
D Boychuck (3.3M cap hit through 14-15
F Kelly (3M cap hit through 15-16)
Rights to Bartkowski
 
Why it happens:
A top 4 for Boston of Chara/Seidenberg/Hamilton/Martin would be outstanding.   Krug and McQuaid/Miller could be the bottom pairing
PIT has 30M of the 71M cap in Crosby/Malkin/Neal/LeTang.  They need cheap talent and all 3 of those players from the Bruins could fill that role
PIT is also goign to have to spend $$$ re-signing Niskannen, this gives them 3 players for next season to fill out their roster at near or below-average costs.  (3.1M/player for a 23 man roster)
Also, this will severely piss off my Pens-fan co-worker who loves Paul Martin
 
edit: hit enter too early

 

[j44thor]

B's expected to face a 3.7M overage from last season, highest in the league.
Does a Chris Kelly compliance buyout make sense this season?  The contract isn't horrible if he is on the ice but the production + durability questions don't equal 3M.
His cap hit will be even worse next season when Krejci, Yeti are UFA's and Douggie is an RFA.

 

[BigMike]

I don't see the Paul Martin deal happening AM
 
The Bruins aren't well positioned to add another 1.5 million on defense.
 
I guess in the end if you replace Kelly with league minimum player and Bart with league minimum player then I guess maybe you have saved a half million,  but you likely have really downgraded 2 spots

 

[McDrew]

I don't see the Paul Martin deal happening AM
 
The Bruins aren't well positioned to add another 1.5 million on defense.
 
I guess in the end if you replace Kelly with league minimum player and Bart with league minimum player then I guess maybe you have saved a half million,  but you likely have really downgraded 2 spots

How so? Boychuck-> Martin would be an upgrade, Kelly's spot would go to someone from providence that deserves a shot (Florek?) and Bartkowski is the 8th D on this team. At this point, assuming the B's extend Smith and Krug, they only have to replace Iginla, Thornton, and Johnson (+Kelly in my scenario). Subban or Svedberg can come up for cheap, and there is plenty if talent in Providence to provide Kelly-level numbers (9-9-18 in '13-'14)

 

[PedroSpecialK]

B's expected to face a 3.7M overage from last season, highest in the league.
Does a Chris Kelly compliance buyout make sense this season?  The contract isn't horrible if he is on the ice but the production + durability questions don't equal 3M.
His cap hit will be even worse next season when Krejci, Yeti are UFA's and Douggie is an RFA.

 
Kelly buyout makes complete sense, only question is whether he's healthy enough to be bought out in this buyout period.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I think it would be a huge mistake to trade Krug, unless a team considers him a top-pair, all situations defenseman right now and is willing to pay for that.  
 
Defensemen tend to develop slowly.  There are a lot of guys who have had good, long careers as NHL defensemen who could not come anywhere near an NHL roster at age 23.  For example, Johnny Boychuk.  After his age 25 season, Boychuk had five NHL games to his credit, four of them as a forward.  If Boychuk had been dropped onto an NHL roster at age 23, he would have looked far more inept than Krug, even on defense.  If Kevan Miller progresses into a top 4 caliber defenseman, he could be another one.  (Jury is still out on him as he was exposed against Montreal).
 
Realistically, Krug's floor is what he is right now - a third pair defenseman who is weak on D but is one of the better offensive defensemen in the league.  His ceiling is Brian Rafalski with a better shot.  Rafalski played 11 seasons in the league and was a six time All-Star, playing 25 minutes per game in all situations at his peak - yet even he did not get a chance to play in NHL until he was 26.

 

[The Napkin]

https://twitter.com/HackswithHaggs/status/479078711539412993

 

[cshea]

I get what he is saying, but Haggs is kind of wrong about Savard's LTIR. They can't use it during the summer anyway, they have to be cap compliant on day 1 before putting him on LTIR. They should have it to use during the season, but it doesn't come into play right now, Savard is counted towards the cap.

Anywho, it is going to be a tight summer. Cap geek estimates a $71.1 million cap, and the Bruins already have ~$66 million in salary, not including the bonus overage. So they need to dump salary to facilitate Krug, Smith and Iginla's return. Hopefully between now and 6/30 they can find a suitable trade for Kelly. I think he'll have some value (late round draft pick), but the issue is his NTC. If not, hopefully he can be bought out. McQuaid will likely need to go too. That would free up ~$4.6 million.

 

[The Napkin]

Yeah, I should have gone right to the source and linked capgeek but I was lazy. Anything Haggs says is basically worthless or should at least be taken with a rather large grain of salt imho.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I get what he is saying, but Haggs is kind of wrong about Savard's LTIR. They can't use it during the summer anyway, they have to be cap compliant on day 1 before putting him on LTIR. They should have it to use during the season, but it doesn't come into play right now, Savard is counted towards the cap.

Anywho, it is going to be a tight summer. Cap geek estimates a $71.1 million cap, and the Bruins already have ~$66 million in salary, not including the bonus overage. So they need to dump salary to facilitate Krug, Smith and Iginla's return. Hopefully between now and 6/30 they can find a suitable trade for Kelly. I think he'll have some value (late round draft pick), but the issue is his NTC. If not, hopefully he can be bought out. McQuaid will likely need to go too. That would free up ~$4.6 million.

Didn't they change this rule with the last CBA?

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Are people ready to see Ryan Spooner get a go this year?
 
I can see a situation where they trade/buyout Kelly and let Iginla walk. That would open up the door for Spooner to head up the 3rd line, and free up some space to bring in a free agent.
 
Lucic - Krejci - Free Agent (Hemsky?)
Marchand - Bergeron - Smith
Soderberg - Spooner - Eriksson
Paille - Campbell - Prospect

 

[kenneycb]

That's what I thought too.  A half-assed Google search shows that you can use more of the LTIR if you are cap compliant with Savard's $4 million on Day 1 but you could still put him on LTIR prior to the season if you need it.  The link below is the explanation I was going off of but it appears it was written by Philly fans so be warned.
 
http://thehockeyguys.net/timing-is-everything-maximizing-ltir-benefits/

 

[kenneycb]

Are people ready to see Ryan Spooner get a go this year?
 
I can see a situation where they trade/buyout Kelly and let Iginla walk. That would open up the door for Spooner to head up the 3rd line, and free up some space to bring in a free agent.
 
Lucic - Krejci - Free Agent (Hemsky?)
Marchand - Bergeron - Smith
Soderberg - Spooner - Eriksson
Paille - Campbell - Prospect

All indications sound like they are making Iginla their number 1 priority so I'd expect him back.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

All indications sound like they are making Iginla their number 1 priority so I'd expect him back.

 
I guess, depending on the cost, it doesn't change the ability for them to trade/buyout Kelly and have Spooner step up into his role on the 3rd line, though.
 
Are there any indications that he's ready to assume that role? He's only 22, but he's been in the OHL and AHL for 6 seasons.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

I don't think they will be too keen on moving Soderberg from C back to wing.

I'm curious about whether Spooner might make it as part of a revamped 4th line.

I think Iginla is back if he will take another one year deal that is loaded with incentives. (Say, $2 million base and $5 million if he does not have his legally changed to Ulf Samuelsson). If he insists on a multi year deal, he's probably gone.

 

[cshea]

Spooner's ready for the NHL, but the issue with him is he doesn't have positional flexibility. He has to play center, which means you have to move Soderberg back to the wing. That somewhat diminishes Soderberg's value, he looked far more comfortable playing center than when he started on the wing.

As for the summer LTIR thing, I'll have to check on that. I vaguely remember some chatter about a Savard/Pronger provision after the CBA was done which would allow them to stay on LTIR year round, but I'm not 100% sure. I do think it would behoove the Bruins to be cap compliant, including Savard, on day 1 so they'd have Savard's money for in-season moves.

 

[lexrageorge]

I think the following description supports the summer/in-season LTIR rules:
 
http://www.capgeek.com/faq/how-does-long-term-injured-reserve-LTIR-work
 
As noted, unless the Bruins are exactly at the salary cap limit without counting Savard's salary come the end of training camp, it's best for the team to place Savard on LTIR the day after the season begins.  The former scenario is unlikely, as it makes no allowance for in season moves.  

 

[j44thor]

Spooner's ready for the NHL, but the issue with him is he doesn't have positional flexibility. He has to play center, which means you have to move Soderberg back to the wing. That somewhat diminishes Soderberg's value, he looked far more comfortable playing center than when he started on the wing.

As for the summer LTIR thing, I'll have to check on that. I vaguely remember some chatter about a Savard/Pronger provision after the CBA was done which would allow them to stay on LTIR year round, but I'm not 100% sure. I do think it would behoove the Bruins to be cap compliant, including Savard, on day 1 so they'd have Savard's money for in-season moves.

 
Spooner on the 4th line could make sense esp if they can move Campbell for anything.  Chia did make a point that they want to get more speed on the 4th line. Moving away from Thornton is one step in the right direction but I think this team could also move away from Campbell and be better off if it means Spooner gets his ice time.  Surely one of the kids (Florek, Linblad or perhaps Koko) could fill in on the PK for Campbell.
 
There should be some team willing to take on Campbell as a "Stanley cup winning veteran presence".

 

[cshea]

I like the idea of revamping the 4th to include break in young players, but I do think Campbell is useful to the Bruins. He's reliable killing penalties and if we assume Kelly's gone one way or another, the PK is taking a significant hit as is. Losing Campbell would also be a blow. I'd prefer to stay away from having to use Krejci on the PK next year.

Campbell can also assume some of the fighting duties with Thornton gone. He's willing enough to go with the goons even if he's not good at it.

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

I like the idea of revamping the 4th to include break in young players, but I do think Campbell is useful to the Bruins. He's reliable killing penalties and if we assume Kelly's gone one way or another, the PK is taking a significant hit as is. Losing Campbell would also be a blow. I'd prefer to stay away from having to use Krejci on the PK next year.

Campbell can also assume some of the fighting duties with Thornton gone. He's willing enough to go with the goons even if he's not good at it.

 
I also think simply moving Thorty for Spooner gives that line a real jump.
 
Paille - Spooner - Campbell
 
I know it's not Campbell's ideal position, but he has played some RW in the past.
 
Also, I know there are some different responsibilities, but isn't the primary reason for keeping players at their LW/RW slot for their comfort in the offensive zone? As a 4th line grinder, how much does him moving from C to RW really matter? Especially considering a large chunk of his goals don't come from possession in that end (where being comfortable is important), but from disruption on the forecheck.

 

[Eddie Jurak]

 
Also, I know there are some different responsibilities, but isn't the primary reason for keeping players at their LW/RW slot for their comfort in the offensive zone?.

No, I think having players on their "on" wing is mostly for transition. A Lefthanded shooting LW would receive the puck on his forehand during a rush, while a righty shooting LW would have to take the pass on his backhand.

In the offensive zone, though, wings don't stay on their wing, so it doesn't matter as much. And there are actually some advantages to being on your off-wing (one timers, for example).

Traditionally, wings play their on wing in the North American game, whereas in Europe they are more likely to be on their off wing (Eriksson is a RH shooting LW, Sergei Samsonov was a LHnshooting RW).

 

[FL4WL3SS]

The Bruins have enough defensively responsible lines that they can afford to have a 4th line of purely break-in prospect talent. The PK may take a hit on paper, but there are enough bodies on the team that I'm sure someone else will step up (Fraser and Florek come to mind).

 

[TFP]

Traditionally, wings play their on wing in the North American game, whereas in Europe they are more likely to be on their off wing (Eriksson is a RH shooting LW, Sergei Samsonov was a LHnshooting RW).

You have that backwards (but your point remains valid).

 

[McDrew]

The Bruins current Cap hit with the players on their roster, including the bonus overage from last season, but NOT including the Savard LTIR money they can use is $66,729,643.  They have $4,370,357 in cap room, plus savard's $4,027,143  in LTIR room to sign Iginla, Smith, Krug, and replace Thornton and Johnson. 
 

I get what he is saying, but Haggs is kind of wrong about Savard's LTIR. They can't use it during the summer anyway, they have to be cap compliant on day 1 before putting him on LTIR. They should have it to use during the season, but it doesn't come into play right now, Savard is counted towards the cap.

Anywho, it is going to be a tight summer. Cap geek estimates a $71.1 million cap, and the Bruins already have ~$66 million in salary, not including the bonus overage. So they need to dump salary to facilitate Krug, Smith and Iginla's return. Hopefully between now and 6/30 they can find a suitable trade for Kelly. I think he'll have some value (late round draft pick), but the issue is his NTC. If not, hopefully he can be bought out. McQuaid will likely need to go too. That would free up ~$4.6 million.

 
. 

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

The Bruins have enough defensively responsible lines that they can afford to have a 4th line of purely break-in prospect talent. The PK may take a hit on paper, but there are enough bodies on the team that I'm sure someone else will step up (Fraser and Florek come to mind).

 
I'd be all for this. Getting kids on the 4th line would hopefully add more speed to the lineup, something they lacked this year which cost them in the playoffs. I'll give Chia props for cutting ties with Thornton, who was a good soldier but kinda unnecessary at this point in time.

 

[cshea]

The Bruins current Cap hit with the players on their roster, including the bonus overage from last season, but NOT including the Savard LTIR money they can use is $66,729,643.  They have $4,370,357 in cap room, plus savard's $4,027,143  in LTIR room to sign Iginla, Smith, Krug, and replace Thornton and Johnson. 
 
 
. 

Yeah, the mobile cap geek wasn't clear on the overage being counted towards the total (or I just missed it). So they have a bit more room to work with.