Dealin' Don

[doctorogres]

I'd love to start a discussion about the roster and how the Bruins might look to improve it.

The team right now looks like a solid playoff team but not a serious contender. Whether or not it's the right decision, Sweeney and Neely have shown that they'll look to add in this sort of situation.

The team as a whole has looked a lot better under Sacco, playing several contending teams close like EDM, VAN, and WSH. There are still games where they look embarrassing, but they seem to be figuring things out. So I suppose the first question is, how good are we?

On paper, the 1st line seems like the obvious place to upgrade. Pasta is elite, but seems to be hampered by some sort of injury. Since it's hockey, we don't know what's wrong with him but the Bruins do. It seems to be affecting his shot as his shooting % is way down from past seasons. But are Zacha and Geekie really top-line talent on a contender? Is December Geekie for real?

The new-look 2nd line of Marchand - Lindholm - Coyle seems like a bonafide shutdown line. Ferocious defense and pretty solid counterpunching. I don't think you mess with success here.

3rd line has been pretty rough the whole season. Brazeau has definitely stood out, but Freddy seems to be asleep at the wheel. I think they may have something in adding speed via Koepke/Lysell to complement these two and let them set up. 4th line hasn't quite been able to rekindle their early season magic but that's to be expected.

It feels like we have a few too many spare parts for the bottom 6 that don't quite fit together. You'd like to see what we have in the young offensive players like Poitras*, Lysell, Merkulov, and Wahlstrom, but it's hard to see how they get minutes with Beecher, Koepke, McLaughlin, and Frederic all on the roster. And this is not to say that those players have been horrible, either.

Meanwhile, for the defense, we've got McAvoy, Zadorov, Lohrei, and Carlo as locks. When Hampus returns, you expect him to have about similar minutes to Zaddy judging by past usage. So we'll have a bit of a logjam with Peeke, Wotherspoon, and Oesterle all seeming like different flavors of adequate 3rd-pairing guys.

So with all that out of the way, what do we have to deal? It would seem our position of strength is defense, both D-men and physical forwards. I think you see the wheels begin to turn once Hampus is back. I'm not saying we should deal these guys, but you've gotta think Carlo (10 team no-trade list) or Lohrei are attractive chips to the right team. Or any of Spoons, Peeke, or Oesterle. And then there's Freddy, who practically screams for a hockey trade. Maybe a team believes in Merk or Lysell and we can't develop them.

Finally, the obvious question, who do we match up with? Even in baseball where I have a solid understanding of transactions, I'm not great at identifying targets. Just looking the standings and using goals allowed as a rough measure of who could improve defensively, I'm seeing: Penguins, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Avalanche (I think this is goaltending), Blues, Cannucks, Flames, and maybe the Oilers? I'm really just throwing these out there to spark discussion.

TLDR I think a good goal would be to bump Geekie down to solidify the 3rd line. He's been on fire lately, but we need scoring help. If we had just a mediocre powerplay, as opposed to absolutely terrible, we'd be leading the division. And maybe it's too soon for this, but I'd like to see them clear space to see what we have in some of these prospects.

*I don't really want to derail the thread right at the start, but you have to think there's a development plan for Poitras around building up top-line minutes and getting stronger. So maybe the Geekie upgrade is calling from inside the house? And then we're dealing for picks or younger guys to get that next wave as the McAvoy-Pasta-Swayman core gets older?

 

[The Mort Report]

My thing with this year's team is I don't think they are one player away and they need to stop paying firsts every deadline. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd rather them trade away players and finally give those younger guys rope. I didn't realize this til I looked it up, but outside of Pasta, Zacha, Elias and Coyle, every other forward is either a UFA(Marchand, Freddy, Koepke and Braz) or RFA(Geekie, Walstrom, Beecher and Kastelic) and whatever the hell UFA-GROUP6 is for McLaughlin means. Of all the UFAs and RFAs, I really only want Brad, Braz and Kastelic locks to be back, you can talk me into Beecher and Walstrom. Guys like Koepke and McLaughlin are fun stories, but they are more than likely gone next year and Lysell and Merk have much more possible upside. When are we going to find out if they can reach that potential? Yes, I am leaving too many spots open, yes, most will be back

I also think the reason for the glut of bottom 6 guys is the FO is great at identifying bottom 6 players, but put on next game blinders, like ignoring the fact that while Koepke might provide more value in the next game than Merk, but Merk is much more likely to out produce Koepke in 20 games with playing time.

I will forever be grateful of the like 20 year run, but the amazing core they had allowed them to be shortsighted on both micro and macro decisions, and they just can't think that way anymore.

So I want Donnie to get whatever they can for the Geeks and Freddys of the team and actually give a couple kids with upside some rope. If the kids fail in 10-30 games you'll still have McLaughlin and Koepke to plug in playoff time, providing roughly the same value of Geeks and Freddy if you shipped them out. They need to stop thinking only about the next game

 

[Murby]

My thing with this year's team is I don't think they are one player away and they need to stop paying firsts every deadline. I'm probably in the minority, but I'd rather them trade away players and finally give those younger guys rope. I didn't realize this til I looked it up, but outside of Pasta, Zacha, Elias and Coyle, every other forward is either a UFA(Marchand, Freddy, Koepke and Braz) or RFA(Geekie, Walstrom, Beecher and Kastelic) and whatever the hell UFA-GROUP6 is for McLaughlin means. Of all the UFAs and RFAs, I really only want Brad, Braz and Kastelic locks to be back, you can talk me into Beecher and Walstrom. Guys like Koepke and McLaughlin are fun stories, but they are more than likely gone next year and Lysell and Merk have much more possible upside. When are we going to find out if they can reach that potential? Yes, I am leaving too many spots open, yes, most will be back

I also think the reason for the glut of bottom 6 guys is the FO is great at identifying bottom 6 players, but put on next game blinders, like ignoring the fact that while Koepke might provide more value in the next game than Merk, but Merk is much more likely to out produce Koepke in 20 games with playing time.

I will forever be grateful of the like 20 year run, but the amazing core they had allowed them to be shortsighted on both micro and macro decisions, and they just can't think that way anymore.

So I want Donnie to get whatever they can for the Geeks and Freddys of the team and actually give a couple kids with upside some rope. If the kids fail in 10-30 games you'll still have McLaughlin and Koepke to plug in playoff time, providing roughly the same value of Geeks and Freddy if you shipped them out. They need to stop thinking only about the next game

This is the way forward. It’s the correct decision even if ownership punishes you by firing you. Ownership fires you then they’re stupid & shortsighted. I’m not sure we need confirmation of that mind you.

 

[burstnbloom]

It's difficult to imagine the Bruins doing the "right" thing, which is what @The Mort Report posted above. In my opinion, they should be looking for a way to change the upside of the forwards. A team that can't generate offense can't win anything really. They showed significant decline from losing Bergeron and Krejci last year, which was covered up by career high point production from a number of forwards who have cratered this year (somewhat expectedly, I'd say). I think the right thing to do is bring up Lysell and Poitras and use the rest of the season to let them get their feet under them. There are no other potential top 6 impact players in the system, other than Dean Letourneau, who is struggling at BC after making the jump from Prep School.

That said, there's no chance they do that. I think they spend assets to try to help the offense and I question whether they will target the right type of player give who they spent money on the last few UFA periods. One guy I'd be interested in targeting would be Kirill Marchenko. He is a big, physical right shot who has taken an offensive leap this year. He's a good 5v5 scorer for his career and would fit very well on Lindholm's RW, moving Coyle back to the third line. He is signed for 2 more years and expires as an RFA so he will be very expensive. He is on the older side of the window for Columbus but they've never really seemed to consider that lol. He does fit the Pasta/McAvoy window very well and replaces the offense lost when they let Jake Debrusk walk. If he were on the market, it would be hard to afford him given the dearth of assets, but I'd start with Carlo + Lysell and a pick and see where it goes from there.

That's just the example of the kind of player that I think they should be targeting. Young/youngish impact 5v5 scorers. Do I think that's who they target? no. I think they give up a first for Kyle Palmieri or Jason Zucker and we lose in the first round.

 

[doctorogres]

The thing is, here's our core in terms of major commitments.

Forwards
Pasta: 28yo, 6.5 yrs @ $11.25m
Elias: 30yo (happy birthday), 6.5 yrs @ $7.75m

Defense
McAvoy: 27yo, 5.5 yrs @ $9.5m
Zadorov: 29yo, 5.5 yrs @ $5m
Hampus: 31yo (happy birthday soon), 5.5 yrs @$6.5m

Goalie
Swayman: 26yo, 7.5 yrs @ $8.25m
Korpisalo: 30yo, 3.5yrs @ $4m

And then around that, you've got control of Geekie, Wahlstrom, Beecher, Kastelic, Lysell, Merkulov, and Poitras for forwards and Lohrei for defense. And some other shorter commitments to guys like Coyle, Zacha, Carlo, Peeke, and Oesterle. You probably figure Marchand is good for another year or two.

I think they have Poitras earmarked as a top 6 center are going to keep him down and refine his game until they can give him those minutes. Maybe they'll slot him in at 3C for the final few months of the year going into the playoffs. I'll expand on this in the prospects thread, but the AHL schedule of only weekend games has way more space for supplemental work if, for example, you think he needs to add strength.

All this is to say, this year might not be full-on GFIN, but you're set up to contend in 2025, 2026, 2027, etc. That depends mostly on the nature of Pasta's injury. If we're getting Pasta at 70% the rest of the way, I'd like to see them treat this year as a practice run for serious contention next year. If you know he's going to 100% after the Four Nations break, that changes the complexion of the team and maybe we can be a bit more short-sighted.

I'm not sure I agree that they're going to be trading draft picks left and right. They prioritized getting a 1st in the Ullmark trade, for example. I think the priority is to supplement this core for the next 5ish years while swinging for the fences on talent that can eventually take over.

 

[cshea]

They need at least 4, maybe 5 top 6 forwards. The whole group really needs to be revamped. Pastrnak is the only legitimate offensive force that teams need to worry about. Marchand is playing well but is 37.

I'd call up the kids and see if any of them have it. Frederic is the type of player teams will overpay for on the trade market so I'd move him. If anyone wants to give you something for Geekie, sure. No trades for rentals. The heavy lifting comes in the offseason.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

They need at least 4, maybe 5 top 6 forwards. The whole group really needs to be revamped. Pastrnak is the only legitimate offensive force that teams need to worry about. Marchand is playing well but is 37.

I'd call up the kids and see if any of them have it. Frederic is the type of player teams will overpay for on the trade market so I'd move him. If anyone wants to give you something for Geekie, sure. No trades for rentals. The heavy lifting comes in the offseason.

It's a shame we can't trade Freddy to the Bruins, who would probably give up at least a 2 and a 3 for someone like him.

 

[Salem's Lot]

It's a shame we can't trade Freddy to the Bruins, who would probably give up at least a 2 and a 3 for someone like him.

There are other teams that would overpay for him as well.

From a Bruins standpoint, he’s the perfect candidate to move. Some team will overvalue him, but on a Bruins team that lacks top 6 forwards, he’s another 3rd liner on a team full of 3rd liners. I was honestly more afraid that they we’re going to pay him.

 

[sharke5]

Hopefully, they don't trade their first round pick in this year's draft. Bad enough that they don't have a second round pick.

 

[kenneycb]

So they shouldn't have traded for Orlov and Hathaway two years ago and go all in when they had the greatest regular season team ever?

 

[sharke5]

So they shouldn't have traded for Orlov and Hathaway two years ago and go all in when they had the greatest regular season team ever?

I didn't say that. That team was as loaded a Bruins team as I can remember, until they insisted on sticking with an injured goaltender in the playoffs, again. I'm glad that they went for it. In my opinion, this year's Bruins team is "too far away" to deal the first round pick. Realistically, no team that has lost 3 - 4 games by 5+ goals is "close". Something just isn't right this year.

 

[tims4wins]

I didn't say that. That team was as loaded a Bruins team as I can remember, until they insisted on sticking with an injured goaltender in the playoffs, again. I'm glad that they went for it. In my opinion, this year's Bruins team is "too far away" to deal the first round pick. Realistically, no team that has lost 3 - 4 games by 5+ goals is "close". Something just isn't right this year.

Neither here nor there, but the 2022-2023 Panthers lost by 4 goals or more 9 times. (12 if you count the playoffs)

 

[kenneycb]

I didn't say that. That team was as loaded a Bruins team as I can remember, until they insisted on sticking with an injured goaltender in the playoffs, again. I'm glad that they went for it. In my opinion, this year's Bruins team is "too far away" to deal the first round pick. Realistically, no team that has lost 3 - 4 games by 5+ goals is "close". Something just isn't right this year.

I don't understand why it's bad enough then. Unless you're just saying "it sucks they don't have it". In which case I agree but I could say that about every year they don't have a draft pick.

 

[doctorogres]

I also think the reason for the glut of bottom 6 guys is the FO is great at identifying bottom 6 players, but put on next game blinders, like ignoring the fact that while Koepke might provide more value in the next game than Merk, but Merk is much more likely to out produce Koepke in 20 games with playing time.

I will forever be grateful of the like 20 year run, but the amazing core they had allowed them to be shortsighted on both micro and macro decisions, and they just can't think that way anymore.

Just to push back a little here, I think Coyle (trade), Zacha (trade), and Geekie (UFA) are pretty good examples of the FO identifying and acquiring offensive upside. As I've said upthread, you'd feel a lot better if even one of these guys was anchoring the 3rd line, but all three have come in and performed better with the Bruins.

I'm personally not worried about a short-sighted approach this year. They're taking a long-term approach with Poitras et al. to really put them through finishing school. I think injuries are a big factor this year. Preseason was totally derailed, especially for the entire projected first line. The D is not generating offense and we're really starting to feel the extended absence from Hampus.

I'd like to see them look for help the next 2-3 years, not a rental.

 

[amfox1]

They need at least 4, maybe 5 top 6 forwards. The whole group really needs to be revamped. Pastrnak is the only legitimate offensive force that teams need to worry about. Marchand is playing well but is 37.

I'd call up the kids and see if any of them have it. Frederic is the type of player teams will overpay for on the trade market so I'd move him. If anyone wants to give you something for Geekie, sure. No trades for rentals. The heavy lifting comes in the offseason.

Let's use your description of only Pasta and E.Lindholm as top 6 forwards.

That means Coyle/Zacha/Geekie and Kastelic/Beecher/McLaughlin or prospect as your bottom two lines (using only signed or RFA players). That also means using the cap space from Marchand/Frederic to fill out your final four offensive spots, plus whatever cap savings from trading one of your top five defensemen (Walstrom/Koepke/Brazeau are all min or close-to-min salaries and we'll assume one of them either fills the 13th spot or replaces McLaughlin on the 4th line and the other two are gone after the season, or beforehand).

Maybe Poitras is your second line center (which means E.Lindholm is your top line center). Maybe one of Lysell/Merkulov can fill a second line wing spot. Wouldn't bet on it, but lets run with the hypothetical.

So, in essence, you need the $8.425mm in cap room from Marchand and Frederic to fill out the final two top-6 wing spots. Add in a potential trade of a defenseman (let's say the $4mm from Carlo, replaced by a min salary guy) and a trade of Korpisalo's $3mm (replaced by Bussi at min salary), that gives you approx. $14mm in cap room. That ought to be more than enough to fill two top-6 spots.

FA #1/E.Lindholm/Pasta
FA #2/Poitras/prospect
Coyle/Zacha/Geekie
Kastelic/Beecher/McLaughlin or prospect
13th F (min guy)

McAvoy/H.Lindholm
Zadarov/Oesterle
Peeke/Lohrei
7th D (min guy)

 

[The Mort Report]

Let's use your description of only Pasta and E.Lindholm as top 6 forwards.

That means Coyle/Zacha/Geekie and Kastelic/Beecher/McLaughlin or prospect as your bottom two lines (using only signed or RFA players). That also means using the cap space from Marchand/Frederic to fill out your final four offensive spots, plus whatever cap savings from trading one of your top five defensemen (Walstrom/Koepke/Brazeau are all min or close-to-min salaries and we'll assume one of them either fills the 13th spot or replaces McLaughlin on the 4th line and the other two are gone after the season, or beforehand).

Maybe Poitras is your second line center (which means E.Lindholm is your top line center). Maybe one of Lysell/Merkulov can fill a second line wing spot. Wouldn't bet on it, but lets run with the hypothetical.

So, in essence, you need the $8.425mm in cap room from Marchand and Frederic to fill out the final two top-6 wing spots. Add in a potential trade of a defenseman (let's say the $4mm from Carlo, replaced by a min salary guy) and a trade of Korpisalo's $3mm (replaced by Bussi at min salary), that gives you approx. $14mm in cap room. That ought to be more than enough to fill two top-6 spots.

FA #1/E.Lindholm/Pasta
FA #2/Poitras/prospect
Coyle/Zacha/Geekie
Kastelic/Beecher/McLaughlin or prospect
13th F (min guy)

McAvoy/H.Lindholm
Zadarov/Oesterle
Peeke/Lohrei
7th D (min guy)

Where did you get the $8.425? Spotrac is around $16.4 including Poitras, PuckPedia has $17.5. And neither is assuming the cap going up, where the NHL has said they expect the cap to go up to $92.4, up $4.4. Geekie is the only guy you listed not under contract for next year

 

[amfox1]

Where did you get the $8.425? Spotrac is around $16.4 including Poitras, PuckPedia has $17.5. And neither is assuming the cap going up, where the NHL has said they expect the cap to go up to $92.4, up $4.4. Geekie is the only guy you listed not under contract for next year

$8.425 is just Marchand/Frederic combined 24-25 cap slots. I did not try to estimate the increase in the cap. Money should work fine if you're only filling two top-6 spots.

I believe the $16.4mm Spotrac number only assumes the salaries listed for 25-26 (11 salaries total), not the rest of the minimum salaries needed to fill the other salary slots.

Geekie is listed because I assumed signed or RFA players are on the bottom-6, as noted in my post. Lohrei, Beecher and McLaughlin are also RFAs, and so are Bussi and Merkulov.

 

[The Mort Report]

$8.425 is just Marchand/Frederic combined 24-25 cap slots. I did not try to estimate the increase in the cap. Money should work fine if you're only filling two top-6 spots.

I believe the $16.4mm Spotrac number only assumes the salaries listed for 25-26 (11 salaries total), not the rest of the minimum salaries needed to fill the other salary slots.

Geekie is listed because I assumed signed or RFA players are on the bottom-6, as noted in my post. Lohrei, Beecher and McLaughlin are also RFAs, and so are Bussi and Merkulov.

Ah got ya, I mis-read your post my bad

 

[cshea]

There's an interesting situation to monitor in Vancouver. Apparently Elias Pettersson and JT Miller don't get along. It's not just idle speculation, players and coaches have talked about it. It's something the team has known about for a few years but they thought the two had burried the hatchet. It's back and has been an ongoing storyline with them this season and it's been enough of a distraction that they may have to move one of them. Miller took an indefinite leave from the team early this season, not sure if it's related to the animosity with Pettersson. The Canucks reportedly turned down a Mika Zibanejad for JT Miller trade offer from the Rangers.

Pettersson is 26 and has an $11.6 AAV for the next 3 seasons. JT Miller is 31 and is signed for $8 million AAV for 3 years as well. I'm sure the Vancouver preference would be to move Miller because he's cheaper and will be easier to move, but the Bruins should at least be invetigating both and especially Pettersson. There's a million hurdles but 26 year old elite centers do not hit the market often. They dont' have much in the way of high end prospects and making the salary would would be a nightmare. But they should at least make the call (and it seems they have).

View: https://twitter.com/smclaughlin9/status/1877356422817562950

 

[Salem's Lot]

Sweeney was absolutely right to make the call to Vancouver, but I don’t see how they would line up trade wise.

Vancouver is in win now mode, so they wouldn’t want futures, which helps the Bruins because they don’t really have any to spare.

The NHL pieces that Vancouver may consider all have no move clauses. If Vancouver really turned down Mika Zibanejad for Pettersson, they’re not taking a pu pu platter of guys that Bruins fans want to trade (Frederic, Coyle, Zacha). It would have to be something like McAvoy for Pettersson. Which I would hate to do, but I think I’d have to do that. Only problem is, McAvoy has a full no move, and I doubt that he wants to move across county with his wife (rumored to be pregnant), mid season. You can’t trade Pastrnak for the same reasons, plus how does that make the team better? I just don’t see it.

 

[The B’s Knees]

Pettersson is 26 and has an $11.6 AAV for the next 3 seasons. JT Miller is 31 and is signed for $8 million AAV for 3 years as well. I'm sure the Vancouver preference would be to move Miller because he's cheaper and will be easier to move, but the Bruins should at least be invetigating both and especially Pettersson. There's a million hurdles but 26 year old elite centers do not hit the market often. They dont' have much in the way of high end prospects and making the salary would would be a nightmare. But they should at least make the call (and it seems they have).

I assume you found the contracts on PuckPedia? At first glance it looks like everything expires in 2027-28.
Miller's contract actually runs to 2030, and Pettersson's runs to 2032.

 

[cshea]

I assume you found the contracts on PuckPedia? At first glance it looks like everything expires in 2027-28.
Miller's contract actually runs to 2030, and Pettersson's runs to 2032.

I did. It is a terrible website and interface and I didn't realize see that part.

 

[Salem's Lot]

I think we can safely say that no moves are going to happen until at least Monday, since this is the team’s moms trip this weekend. That would be a real dick move by the organization to trade someone while their mom is on the trip to watch them play.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Marchand is playing well but is 37.

I miss the days when I was 26 and talking about signing "old man" Mark Recchi. I just turned 42 and Recchi is closer to 60. Why does 37 not seem so old anymore?

 

[NYCSox]

I think we can safely say that no moves are going to happen until at least Monday, since this is the team’s moms trip this weekend. That would be a real dick move by the organization to trade someone while their mom is on the trip to watch them play.

If it's Petterson it's not happening until the offseason. They can't realistically absorb that contract now.

 

[cshea]

If it's Petterson it's not happening until the offseason. They can't realistically absorb that contract now.

They could. McAvoy. $9.5 million gets you close enough to do Pettersson's $11.6 million that it becomes viable from a cap stand point.

I'm posing that more as a "who would you rather have" thought excersise than a real trade scenario. McAvoy has a full no-trade and I'm assuming in real life he wouldn't waive to move to the furtherst NHL city away from Boston/New York. But let's say he's down with it and the Canucks agree. 26-year old center at a higher price point for a 27 year old #1 RHD.

McAvoy for Pettersson, would people do it?

 

[NYCSox]

They could. McAvoy. $9.5 million gets you close enough to do Pettersson's $11.6 million that it becomes viable from a cap stand point.

I'm posing that more as a "who would you rather have" thought excersise than a real trade scenario. McAvoy has a full no-trade and I'm assuming in real life he wouldn't waive to move to the furtherst NHL city away from Boston/New York. But let's say he's down with it and the Canucks agree. 26-year old center at a higher price point for a 27 year old #1 RHD.

McAvoy for Pettersson, would people do it?

I would probably do it just because it is so hard to find a 1C without picking near the top of the draft. Also I think as great as McAvoy is his offense leaves him a tier behind the Makars of the world.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I would probably do it just because it is so hard to find a 1C without picking near the top of the draft. Also I think as great as McAvoy is his offense leaves him a tier behind the Makars of the world.

We forget how lucky we were to find Bergeron at 19 and not have to worry about 1C for so long. He was a unicorn.

 

[Salem's Lot]

They could. McAvoy. $9.5 million gets you close enough to do Pettersson's $11.6 million that it becomes viable from a cap stand point.

I'm posing that more as a "who would you rather have" thought excersise than a real trade scenario. McAvoy has a full no-trade and I'm assuming in real life he wouldn't waive to move to the furtherst NHL city away from Boston/New York. But let's say he's down with it and the Canucks agree. 26-year old center at a higher price point for a 27 year old #1 RHD.

McAvoy for Pettersson, would people do it?

It would be tough, but I would do it. Number 1 centers in their prime are the hardest players to acquire. As much as I like McAvoy, I think that he would be easier to replace.

And I think McAvoy would thrive in Vancouver playing with Quinn Hughes.

But I also believe that Pettersson would thrive playing with Pastrnak.

 

[IdiotKicker]

They could. McAvoy. $9.5 million gets you close enough to do Pettersson's $11.6 million that it becomes viable from a cap stand point.

I'm posing that more as a "who would you rather have" thought excersise than a real trade scenario. McAvoy has a full no-trade and I'm assuming in real life he wouldn't waive to move to the furtherst NHL city away from Boston/New York. But let's say he's down with it and the Canucks agree. 26-year old center at a higher price point for a 27 year old #1 RHD.

McAvoy for Pettersson, would people do it?

I'm in, mostly because as talented as McAvoy is, and as dynamically as he can change games, I don't think he hits his peak as often as I'd like to see it, and I think he has more knucklehead moments where he loses control emotionally and does something stupid than I'd like to see from a team leader.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

I would trade McAvoy for Pettersson and not think twice.

The stop-start nature with which McAvoy makes progress offensively then falls back into old habits is frustrating to watch, and at age 27, I don't think he's changing long-term to fulfill that offensive potential. If they can cash in on him before he turns into "just" a top-pairing guy making 1A money, I'd take it.

 

[Salem's Lot]

I would trade McAvoy for Pettersson and not think twice.

The stop-start nature with which McAvoy makes progress offensively then falls back into old habits is frustrating to watch, and at age 27, I don't think he's changing long-term to fulfill that offensive potential. If they can cash in on him before he turns into "just" a top-pairing guy making 1A money, I'd take it.

Honestly I think it would be a great hockey trade for both teams, but in the real world of no move clauses and family situations, most of these deals just don’t happen.

 

[Myt1]

They could. McAvoy. $9.5 million gets you close enough to do Pettersson's $11.6 million that it becomes viable from a cap stand point.

I'm posing that more as a "who would you rather have" thought excersise than a real trade scenario. McAvoy has a full no-trade and I'm assuming in real life he wouldn't waive to move to the furtherst NHL city away from Boston/New York. But let's say he's down with it and the Canucks agree. 26-year old center at a higher price point for a 27 year old #1 RHD.

McAvoy for Pettersson, would people do it?

In a cocaine heartbeat.

 

[Salem's Lot]

In a cocaine heartbeat.

Which makes me wonder if Vancouver would do it. I wonder if any teams could dangle someone better?

Edit: this is the only type of trade that I would do for McAvoy. I don’t think JT Miller is enough given his age. And I’m certainly not interested in a pu pu platter of futures or less valuable veterans.

 

[BigMike]

Which makes me wonder if Vancouver would do it. I wonder if any teams could dangle someone better?

Edit: this is the only type of trade that I would do for McAvoy. I don’t think JT Miller is enough given his age. And I’m certainly not interested in a pu pu platter of futures or less valuable veterans.

And JT Miller's locker room rep is not something I want

the bruins can't get in on Pettersen unless someone on Boston is willing to waive their no trade. The one scenario I wonder about is what if Lindholm was willing to go back to vancouver. Does Lindholm plus Carlo (or zad if they prefer) , add in a pick or prospect get you in the discussion.

that is a move that is not a collection of little pieces and in theory could improve Vancouver in the near term, but virtue of giving them a good 2 way center, and a big upgrade at #2 RHD

 

[The B’s Knees]

I did. It is a terrible website and interface and I didn't realize see that part.

I was listening to a hockey broadcast yesterday, and the analysts mentioned that they refer to this site for their cap information.

https://thestanleycap.com/

It seems to have some other interesting info as well such as player/team stats, depth charts (with player's salary, age, size), team draft history, etc.

 

[Dogman]

I would trade McAvoy for Pettersson and not think twice.

The stop-start nature with which McAvoy makes progress offensively then falls back into old habits is frustrating to watch, and at age 27, I don't think he's changing long-term to fulfill that offensive potential. If they can cash in on him before he turns into "just" a top-pairing guy making 1A money, I'd take it.

I was thinking Carlo, Geekie, Beecher, and a sign and trade Fredrick to match the salaries. I have no clue if that would even work though. Then bring up the kids.

McAvoy works much better. Absolutely do it this second.

 

[Salem's Lot]

I was thinking Carlo, Geekie, Beecher, and a sign and trade Fredrick to match the salaries. I have no clue if that would even work though. Then bring up the kids.

McAvoy works much better. Absolutely do it this second.

You have to trade value to get value.

Carlo is an underachieving middle pair defenseman

Beecher is a fungible 4th liner

Geekie should be a 4th liner

Frederic is a bottom 6 center and a UFA at the end of the season.

This is basically the Thornton trade in reverse.

Why would Vancouver want 4 guys that Bruins fans would like gone for their top line center? Plus unless it’s a change in the CBA that I forgot about, sign & trades aren’t allowed in the NHL.

 

[Dogman]

You have to trade value to get value.

Carlo is an underachieving middle pair defenseman

Beecher is a fungible 4th liner

Geekie should be a 4th liner

Frederic is a bottom 6 center and a UFA at the end of the season.

This is basically the Thornton trade in reverse.

Why would Vancouver want 4 guys that Bruins fans would like gone for their top line center? Plus unless it’s a change in the CBA that I forgot about, sign & trades aren’t allowed in the NHL.

I guess I was thinking VAN needs a middle pairing D, and their 4th line is not very good. And yeah, that's the NBA.

Either way, thanks, I didn't think it through and that idea does not make much sense.

 

[Salem's Lot]

I guess I was thinking VAN needs a middle pairing D, and their 4th line is not very good. And yeah, that's the NBA.

Either way, thanks, I didn't think it through and that idea does not make much sense.

No problem, and that rant wasn’t really directed at you, its just how fans are. I must’ve had six different people today tell me the Bruins should do a variation of the same thing (I’m on way too many mens league hockey chats) and I’m always playing devils advocate from the other of the trade.

 

[Dogman]

It's fine, I've got no problem with the idea being stupid. You are 100% right, why would VAN do it? I guess in my Bruins covered bedsheets, I pulled the old "take our trash for your treasure" nonsense. And really, I deserve the scorn for not literally thinking it through. I love the Bruins but you all know much more about the machinations of the NHL than I do.

Hence why I said McAvoy makes muuuuch more sense.

 

[Dogman]

I'f it ever came to pass and McAvoy was traded in this scenario, I'd still find a new home for those 4 and bring up the kids in Merkulov, Lysell, and Poitras.

 

[burstnbloom]

There isn't a player in this organization that I wouldn't move for EP. 26 year old, 100 point centers that play defense are only acquired via top 10 picks in the draft. The last two times a guy like that was traded the player was about to have experimental neck surgery and Mike O'Connell was quiet quitting. He's exactly what this team needs to not sink into the doldrums for the next 10 years. The price would hurt and it would take a while to recover, but EP is likely to be an anchor type player for 6 more seasons. I can't even imagine this is possible, but if it is - I'm in. Maybe Zacha, Carlo, Poitras? Maybe McAvoy. Maybe Pasta? I'd do any of them.

 

[Salem's Lot]

The only guy I wouldn’t trade for Pettersson is Pastrnak. If they did that, they’d spend the next 5 years looking for someone that could actually play with Pettersson and finish. But I feel like this is all a pipe dream anyway.

 

[burstnbloom]

I agree, its never going to happen, but as a thought exercise I would trade Pasta for him too. I would expect more back. I think you can more easily aggregate a total value that is higher than the status quo by signing a guy like Ehlers in July. Pasta is miles better than him but EP is also so much better than Pavel Zacha that the team would be better as a whole. Bruin's fans would hate that team lol. Pasta has a NMC and I really don't think there is any chance of this happening but I feel strongly that the Bruins don't have an asset worth holding onto if a 26 year old, 100 point center is available.

 

[katnado]

I'm not trading Pasta for EP, when your team can't score trading your best pure goal scorer doesn't help you because you're now trying to find a 50 goal scorer wing. I love McAvoy but I would trade him along with something else for EP. As others have said finding someone of EP's caliber is extremely difficult. Finding a #1 defenseman is also difficult but easier than finding a #1 center like EP, and top pairing defenseman do occasionally hit the market. But McAvoy's most likely not waiving his NMC. Vancouver does that deal though i bet. McAvoy/Hughes would be a game changing pairing for them.

 

[burstnbloom]

Plenty of teams have sustained success without a 50 goal scorer. None really do without a number 1 center. It is the most premium position in the sport where the overwhelming majority of the players come from the top 5 picks in the draft and never reach free agency. 2 #1 centers have been traded in their prime over the past 20 years. Joe Thornton and Jack Eichel, and the latter was about to have experimental surgery. It would hurt, but I'd do it.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

But why would they given what you just said

 

[burstnbloom]

But why would they given what you just said

who is "they" and which part is the "given." I'll assume you mean Van? I think they'd stupid to do it but NHL teams do stupid things all the time and it has been well publicized that their is a massive rift in their locker room. Again, I started my part in this conversation by saying that I didn't think it would ever happen, but as a thought exercise, there isn't an asset on the bruins that I wouldn't trade for EP.