First shift for the Bruins mailbag

Our inaugural 'bag is loaded with questions about the second half and beyond

(Reuters) Zdeno Chara (33) celebrates a goal against the Penguins with teammate Michael Ryder.

In the first-ever Bruins mailbag, we had a lot of questions regarding the team's current injuries and whether management should pull a trigger on a trade to fill the holes. We also had lots of queries about the players the Bruins must re-sign before they hit free agency: Tim Thomas (unrestricted), Phil Kessel (restricted), and David Krejci (restricted).

Linemate Kevin Paul Dupont's recent piece on Vincent Lecavalier and the Lightning's asking price for their franchise center also brought in high response.

Let's get right to the questions ...

My question deals with next year's restricted free agents and the cap. Do you think the B's can sign both Phil Kessel and David Krejci long term and at what cost? Am I on track of thinking Kessel at $4.5-5 million per and Krejci at $3.5-4 million per, each for 4-plus years is a reasonable? I also believe Matt Hunwick is an RFA who will demand a decent chunk of money. Are these three top priority for the B's, as well as Looch and Wheels the year after for locking up and building around even if it means trading guys like Kobesew or Sturm? I hate to bring up the cap questions during such a great season but I want this team to be competitive for years to come and I am not sure what the organization is going to do.
Michael, Wakefield

A: Michael, you've hit on the No. 1 issue the Bruins are facing even amid their first-place run: re-signing Kessel and Krejci, and you can count Tim Thomas in that group, too. The cap will remain approximately the same in 2009-10 (currently $56.7 million), then decline in 2010-11 (estimates range from between $2 and $4 million). Let's start with Thomas. This is most likely his last crack at a multi-year jackpot, so he's going to do everything he can to maximize his payday. He likes it in Boston and is in a good situation. But he's going to be looking at some of the recent goaltending deals. Chicago gave Cristobal Huet four years at $5.625 million annually. Thomas is older, but also better than Huet. So figure conservatively and say Thomas will be looking at $4 million annually. The Bruins will most likely want to give him a two-year deal. They will do their best to convince Thomas that in this new cap world, better money won't be available on the open market. Then they'll deal with Krejci. He's only done it for one year, but I think he's set a good baseline for his future performance so far this season. Again, leaning toward the conservative side, let's say the Bruins re-sign Krejci at three years for $9 million total. Then you get to Kessel, who's shown this year he's among the league's goal-scoring elite. He'll be looking for Jeff Carter money (three years, $5 million per). Once again, let's assume conservatively and peg Kessel in at two years, $8 million total. Add up those salaries, the existing salaries, figure in Tuukka Rask's $3.2 million cap hit as backup to Thomas, and take away the expiring contracts of Manny Fernandez, P.J. Axelsson, Stephane Yelle, and Shane Hnidy. You're left at approximately $58 million -- already over the cap before dealing with Matt Hunwick (also RFA) and before going after any free agents. Not pretty, is it? Then go forward one year when the cap goes down and you have to re-sign Lucic and Wheeler. Even uglier. The Bruins will have to get creative to deal with the cap issues. And by creative, I mean possibilities like trading Patrice Bergeron and his $4.75 million cap hit, swapping Kessel instead of re-signing him, and perhaps even approaching Marc Savard ($5 million) and Marco Sturm ($3.5 million) to waive their no-trade clauses. The good thing is that approximately half of the NHL's teams will be facing similar cap issues, so the threat of clubs having enough room to go the offer sheet route is diminished. But make no mistake: the team you'll see next year or in two years will be different than this current version.

I seriously think that the Bruins should cash in on the stellar play of Manny Fernandez at the deadline. Ride Timmy through the playoffs. Since the cap is a big concern for next year, maybe a solid prospect or two to keep the farm stocked would be the best return, while hopefully keeping enough money around to sign Kessel and Krejci. Your thoughts?
Rick, Seoul, South Korea

A: Rick, very tough call on trading Fernandez. Yes, that was probably the original plan. But it was difficult to project two things: First, how well Fernandez has played, and second, how well the team played in front of him. Because Fernandez has an expiring contract, no rebuilding team would be interested in him. It would be a playoff-caliber team that feels an upgrade in goaltending (think the Capitals last year when they acquired Cristobal Huet from Montreal) can make a difference. And no team contending for the playoffs would be willing to give up the Bruins' first wish: a top-four defenseman. So it would most likely come down to the Bruins trading Fernandez for a pick and banking everything on Thomas. Not sure if they want to take that risk. I can tell you that as of right now, there hasn't been any trade chatter involving Fernandez.

No doubt the Bruins are deep with talent. But with all these injuries, do we need to make any roster moves? If so, at what position?
Chris, Pelham, N.H.

A: Chris, Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, Andrew Ference, and Aaron Ward are all close to returning. Phil Kessel is well enough to go through off-ice workouts. Aside from perhaps a depth pickup (cheap veterans like Sean O'Donnell), they will not make any moves to fill in the holes because of the injuries. However, outside of the injuries, the Bruins need another top-four defenseman, preferably of the puck-moving variety. Also factor in players with expiring contracts, given the cap trouble the Bruins will face in the offseason. So you're looking at players like Ville Koistinen and Marek Malik -- D-men in the last years of their deals. Maybe there's an impact guy out there, but then the Bruins would have to send salary back, and that points to roster players like Kobasew.

I have been a Bruin fan since the late 50's when Bronco Horvath, Fernie Flaman and Johnny Bucyk were part of the orginal six. I must say, this year team is even more interesting to me than the Orr/Esposito days, in terms of a total team working effort. I think the missing link to the Stanley Cup is another offensive defenseman like Jay Bouwmeester, from the Florida Panthers. My question is, what would it take to get this stud, his skating abilities are amazing, taking one stride to every two or three for other skaters? This would be the final piece of the puzzle as far as I am concerned. What are your thoughts about this?
Ken, North Vancouver, B.C.

A: Ken, there's no doubting that Bouwmeester would help this club right now. However, there are two issues. First, what do you give up for him? Second, how do you re-sign him after this season? I think the second issue is more critical than the first. Given Bouwmeester's pedigree, history, and future performance, the conversation starts at $6 million per season. It would be awful tough for the Bruins to slot in another high-end salary when they have other players to lock up first. Going back to the first issue, Florida would ask for either Blake Wheeler or Milan Lucic, a prospect, and a first-round pick. That's a high price, and certainly not a ransom the Bruins would give up for a rental. And through his first two years, Peter Chiarelli hasn't pursued any rentals. The wild card, however, is if the Bruins believe they can't re-sign their major RFAs-to-be over the next two offseasons: Wheeler and Lucic in 2010, and David Krejci and Phil Kessel in 2009. They might have to trade one of these young guys to afford the other three, given that the cap will stay the same next year, then decrease in 2010-11.

Hi Fluto, love your work with the blog and paper. Wanted to know your thoughts on moving Bergeron to the wing and bringing in a veteran center. I think this move would help in two ways 1) it seems that it would be easier to acquire a veteran center than a winger, the guy I'd love to see the B's get is Mike Comrie (1 year deal, $4m) and 2) due to the concussion issues it would keep Bergeron out of some of the more dangerous areas in his own zone, although he would still have to forecheck you could save him some unnecessary contact in his own end.
Lachlan, Somerville

A: Lachlan, don't see them moving Bergeron to wing. In this system, the wingers are the ones doing a lot of the dirty work in the corners. The center is usually the third man high. The heart of Bergeron's game, anyways, is playing an in-your-face game combined with skill. You can't ask a player to change his style after he's had success as an NHLer. Center is a demanding position mentally, and Bergeron, when healthy, has a high level of hockey sense. Plus, he's the best faceoff man they have.

Fluto: What is the chances of the Bruins going after someone like Martin St. Louis? He's making 5.00 million this year, but drops to 4.00 million the next two years. That seems like a pretty good deal to me. Also with the loss of Sturm for the year, if the Bruins want to be serious about contending I think they need one more wing to be able to roll three scoring lines. Maybe, they could offer Kobasew, Lashoff, and a No.1. Or Ference, Hamill, and a No.1. The potential line up would be pretty impressive. What do you think?
Adam, Lowell

A: Here's a look:

Forwards

Lucic-Savard-Kessel

Wheeler-Krejci-Ryder

Axellson-Bergeron-St.Louis

Sobotka-Yelle-Thornton

Defense

Chara-Ward

Wideman-Hunwick

Stuart-Hnidy/Ference

Another suggestion, maybe a little more far-fetched would be finding a team desperate for young goaltending and offering Tukka Rask, and signing Thomas Long term. One example would be, St. Louis. Maybe offer Rask, and a no.1 for Alex Pietrangelo, and a rental of Kieth Tkachuck.

Adam, given how tight the Bruins are against the cap ceiling already, I don't see them adding St. Louis's salary ($5.25 million annual cap hit) for two more years after this one. To afford Phil Kessel, David Krejci, and Tim Thomas (and Matt Hunwick as a mid-tier RFA), the Bruins have to shed salary, not add it. It means that a player like Chuck Kobasew ($2.33 million annually) is a prime candidate to be moved. The trouble, however, is that more than half the teams are in the same position as the Bruins in terms of needing to dump salary. The next two summers will be very challenging for the Bruins. In terms of goaltending, I see the Bruins offering Thomas a two-year deal given his age. No way they trade Rask. He's young, projects well, and is cheap -- three crucial elements in the current cap situation.

Fluto: How about are regular update on the goings on with the P-Bruins down here? Lots of our guys have made an impact in Boston this year and a regular weekly story or a player feature I think would be nice to offer the Boston fans who don't get to see the P-B's like we do here. You been to a game down here yet this year? Well.....???? Lots of Bruins fever down here too!
Ed, Pawtucket, R.I.

A: Ed, my schedule doesn't allow me to commit time to Providence, unfortunately. Too bad because I'd like to see how those guys are progressing. It's helpful to catch up with Don Sweeney and get his thoughts on Providence, but that's the extent of what my schedule will allow.

Who is most likely to get poached away by an offer sheet out of the RFAs at the end of the season? Bonus question: How awesome is it to be covering the B's right now?
Cornelius, Boston

A: Cornelius, if I'm another GM, I'm putting the crosshairs on Krejci. He's shown me that he's a top-two center who can be a No. 1 PP guy, kill penalties, take faceoffs, and stay healthy. The Bruins insist they'll match any offer sheet, but their cap structure would be severely affected if a team gives Krejci a four-year, $24 million contract. That said, given how teams will be in salary-dump mode, it's hard to picture clubs paying a premium for offer sheets. The nature of the offer sheet is that you have to overpay (see one Penner, Dustin). And yes, it's been different covering the team this season. Lot easier to talk to guys when they're happy instead of grumpy.

Fluto, You and KPD are great, but what's a guy gotta do to get some more Matt Porter?
Pete, Boston

A: Ports is the man! KPD and I to be placed on waivers to clear cap space, Porter with the promotion.

Why doesn't Sobotka get a chance in the top6? He's leading the PB's in points per game. He's got more NHL experience than St.Pierre. The B's are decimated with injuries... yet MSP gets the LW slot next to Savard to start the MTL game, and then Axe got the job last night against the Isles. Sobotka was so good in training camp. He's been so good in Providence. Why don't they give him a chance?
Bill, Wellesley

A: Bill, I like Sobotka's game, and so do the Bruins. But at this point, he's still green when it comes to NHL play. He hasn't been as good lately as he was earlier this season -- little mistakes and mental breakdowns, especially defensively, and he's been prone to taking penalties. That said, the Bruins are high on Sobotka, and given his age and price, he'll be part of the picture. I think with his skill set, he tops out as a No. 3 center, but nothing wrong with that given how deep the Bruins are up the middle.

Hi Fluto - love the coverage and the constant access to the team you provide. Thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin Paul Dupont's piece on Vinny Lecavalier the other day. The thought of him in a Bs uni is certainly enticing. I'm curious your take on the potential price though. It seems too steep to me. To me, one of the best things about the Bruins, and what makes them a viable playoff contender is their depth up-front (when healthy). Part of me would hate to see the Bs give up two of their strong young forwards to get Vinny because it would lessen the team's depth. Not to mention, that we've seen how well a team that is more front-loaded than deep (the Jumbo-Joe editions) have fared. The price Kevin Dupont described also sounded a little too much like what the Nordiques got for Lindros to my liking. Curious on you thoughts.
Jeff, Charlestown

A: Jeff, I'm a big fan of Lecavalier's game. He's a top-five center in the league. The price would certainly be two roster players, prospects, and picks. Tampa probably would take the following package: Kessel, Lucic, Hamill, and a pick. You willing to give that up? I'd certainly consider it, but it's a lot to send the other way. Aside from what you'd have to give up for Lecavalier, you'd also have to deal with his millstone of a contract. There's so much uncertainty in the economy that a high-end contract like Lecavalier puts so many restrictions on what you can do if the cap continues to decrease. And what happens if Lecavalier blows out his knee and is never the same player? An 11-year contract includes far too many risks. Too bad because a player like Lecavalier doesn't hit the trade market very often. Bottom line: I like the player, enough to think about giving up some of the young guys to get him in town. But an 11-year deal? That's the scary part. See one Rick DiPietro as Example A of why you don't want long-term contracts on your books.

Isn't it about time to recall Shaefer, and tell him it's time to play or give it up? With all these injuries (and others to come, no doubt) his NHL experience and ability (if he'll do it) would certainly be useful. By the way, next to Reiss, you're a very good sportswriter.
VermontAl, Venice, Fla.

A: The problem with Schaefer is the concern that he'd be claimed on re-entry waivers. If that happens, the Bruins not only lose the player but are stuck with paying half his salary. Not exactly good business. Also, Schaefer hasn't exactly lit it up in the AHL. Schaefer has one more year remaining on his contract, so maybe the Bruins will buy him out next season. That was one trade that didn't help the Bruins.

Why no call up for Jeremy Reich? There has been much shuffling of forwards from Providence and not sure why we dont hear anything about him. He played some decent Hockey last season with the big club and in some games was one of there better forwards even doing some PK. Is is a financial thing? Seems like he proved that he could play last season but it seams like he is being left out for some of the Prov kids callups. Cheers.
Todd, Chandler, Ariz.

A: Todd, Reich would have to clear re-entry waivers to be promoted. The Bruins don't want to risk losing Reich on waivers, then having to carry half of his remaining salary on the books for the rest of the season. Same thing that applies to Schaefer.

Do the Bruins have insurance on Glenn Murray if he does win his argument with that he has a career ending injury? If he does then the Bruins would have more cap space for making a deal for a "rent a player".
Carson, Keene, N.H.

A: Carson, if Murray wins his grievance, then the Bruins are on the hook to pay him the full $4.15 million he's due this season. For cap purposes, it would help the Bruins if Murray wins the hearing. They'd have to pay out more real dollars, but they would not have to carry the one-third cap hit this year and 2009-10 that's required per terms of the buyout. The more cap space they can clear, the better.

Fluto, First off congratulations on getting us Bruins fans a mailbag! Does that mean we're official? :) Sorry, that wasn't my question. My real question is what is your opinion on PJ Axelsson and whether it was possible for you to properly explain just how key a player he is to the Boston Bruins. We often talk about the intangibles PJ possesses, though I feel those 'intangibles' are often lost on the casual viewer. Could you do your best to clear the air perhaps? Thanks, and continue the great work!
AL, Walpole

A: AL, every coach has liked what Axelsson brings. His coaches and teammates can talk endlessly about his hockey sense. His positioning is very good, he can read plays well, and he knows what to do with and without the puck. For a forward, he's excellent at making good outlet passes out of his own zone when he's required to do so. Julien particularly likes Axelsson because of his versatility. He's played on every line for Claude because his game allows him to be a checker on a shutdown line or a complementary offensive piece on a top-two line. Axelsson certainly doesn't have the hands of a goal scorer, but he's one of those players who can make offensive-minded players more effective -- think Savard and Kessel -- because he can handle more of the defensive responsibilities. Obviously they'd prefer to have Marco Sturm on the No. 1 power-play unit, but they slot in Axelsson because he's a left-handed shot who can play down low next to Savard or serve as net-front man. The PP flows through Savard on the right-side half-wall, so it's necessary to have a LH shot down at the goal line. A guy like Wheeler is certainly a better PP option, but he wouldn't be able to fill that position because he's right-handed. Off the ice, Axelsson is probably the most vocal player in the dressing room and not afraid to tell it like it is when the team isn't playing well. He's well-liked and well-respected, even though he's the butt of a lot of jokes in the room, mostly to do with his ridiculous hair and fashion.

Why have we not heard or seen Zach Hammil?
Andrew, Montpelier, Vt.

A: Andrew, Hamill is a first-year pro who was playing juniors last season. He's not ready for the NHL. Consider that James vanRiemsdyk, who was picked six slots earlier than Hamill in 2007, is a sophomore at UNH. Hamill needs this year and next to develop his game in Providence, then perhaps make a crack at the big-league roster in 2010-11, especially if the Bruins don't re-sign Marc Savard. Hamill started this year slowly because of thumb surgery, but the Bruins still think highly of his skill and hockey sense.

Fluto, What are the chances that the Bruins try to rescue Bill Guerin from the Islanders to play Kessel position immediately and LW later for Sturm. We have a need and the NYI are "going in another direction" right?
Rich, Lawrence

A: Rich, Guerin would certainly improve the team. He has an expiring contract, can still put pucks in nets, has been durable, and would be a good veteran presence. Garth Snow would probably ask for a young roster player and a prospect for Guerin. Wouldn't break the bank. I think the Bruins would prefer a left-handed shot up front, so I'm more intrigued by Doug Weight off that roster.

Fluto: With Sturm out of the line-up for the remainder of the season, can the Bruins clear his cap space? Also, what are the best and most realistic feasible options towards replacing the perennial 20-goal scorer?
Adam, Hudson

A: Adam, the Bruins can use a long-term injury exception and replace part or all of Sturm's $3.5 million salary. So the ideal route would be to acquire a player making roughly the same amount as Sturm and in the final year of his contract. That way they let Player X walk come July 1 and a healthy Sturm returns for 2009-10. Sturm wasn't having the best season before he got hurt (neck, then knee), but he filled a lot of position: top power-play guy, regular penalty-killer, top-six forward, alternate captain. Hard to find those types of players two-thirds of the way through a season.

Does the NHL have a trade deadline like the other professional sports leagues? Do you see the Bruins trading for a veteran forward to plug some of the gaps left by the loss of Sturm, Kessel and Bergeron and to provide some depth up front as they push towards the playoffs? I have heard Eric Cole's name mentioned. Any chance we could land him? He has always stood out when I have watched his teams go up against Boston. Good 2-way player and has a knack for finding the back of the net. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Mark, Waltham

A: Mark, the trade deadline is March 4, 3 p.m. I like Cole and fills some of the requirements: big, tough, left-handed shot, expiring contract. However, Edmonton is in a dogfight for a playoff spot, and I'm not sure the Oilers would want to part with a regular forward like Cole, especially if they don't get immediate help in return. But yes, Cole fits the Bruin profile.

Hey Fluto, thanks for taking my question. Just wondering if you could give a little Providence update.. what's going on with guys like Marchand, Bodnarchuk, Hamill, Lehtonen and Penner, and might any of the young guys might get a look later this year?
Brian, Mendon

A: Brian, the Bruins are happy with all those guys' progress. Some started slowly because of injury (Hamill) or the juniors-to-pro adjustment (Bodnarchuk), but they're adjusting to the AHL game. Considering they're all first-year pros, it's doubtful they'll be brought up to the big club this year. It's a young team this season and certainly not as strong as last year's club under Scott Gordon, but Rob Murray is working well with the youngsters and they should all get good looks in camp next year.

I know we were all spoiled with the Bruins hot start, including the home winning streak and all, and to be expected they are cooling off some. Though they are still winning, does it appear they are developing some lazy habits or possible the huge walking wounded list is becoming more and more difficult to over come. What is your take on what we are all seeing.
Tom, Naples, Maine

A: Tom, there are several reasons why they're not playing as well lately. First, obviously, is all the injuries. Simply too much skill on the sidelines. So you've got guys trying to do too much to compensate for missing players, and making mistakes by doing so. And you're calling on AHL players like Martin St. Pierre and Matt Lashoff to make contributions. The less-powerful lineup then leads to execution that isn't as sharp, naturally, which then translates into a dip in confidence. When they were rolling, the Bruins thought they could do no wrong. They were breaking out cleanly, dumping pucks in, chasing them down, and starting the cycle. They're not as confident now and having trouble adjusting back to the blue-collar game they featured last season. It's not much of a concern given they did the right thing and beat up on some of the patsies when they were at full strength, and they should be getting guys back after the All-Star break. However, look at their schedule in late January and early February. It's as rough as it gets. That's when we'll really find out what this team is about. There aren't any pushovers like Atlanta and Tampa in that stretch.