Talkin' trades as deadline approaches

Top topic among mailbaggers is whether Bruins will try to move Manny

With the trade deadline less than a month away, Bruins fans are wondering what moves the team will make to load up for the playoffs. The biggest question readers had was whether the Bruins might trade Manny Fernandez and make Tim Thomas the outright No. 1 goalie, especially framed against Tuukka Rask's shutout of the Rangers in his first 2008-09 performance.

Will Peter Chiarelli pull a Bob Gainey and deal a veteran goalie at the deadline? Or will the Bruins look at Montreal's trade of Cristobal Huet last season and stand pat with their veteran goalie?

In other trade talk, it seems like Bruins fans have homeboy and ex-Boston University stud Keith Tkachuk on their wish list.

Hi Fluto -- With Rask looking sharp against the Rangers, it's becoming more and more obvious that Manny Fernandez is expendable. But what is his real trade value? Despite his good play this year, how many teams are looking for an older goalie with a significant history of injury? What could we realistically expect in return? Would it really help the B's for their playoff drive this year or is a draft pick all we should hope for?
Dave, Easthampton

A: Dave, great question. Look at last year when Montreal traded Cristobal Huet -- not one of the game's elite goalies, but certainly a solid No. 1. Huet was 33 and a UFA-to-be when he was traded to Washington, so he's similar to Fernandez (34, UFA after this season). The Canadiens got only a second-round pick in return for Huet, who was 21-12-6 with a 2.56 GAA and a .916 save percentage when he was traded. This season, Fernandez is 14-3-1 with a 2.07 GAA and a .928 save percentage. But as you mentioned, he has an injury history that's required the Bruins to bring up Tuukka Rask twice on emergency recall in January. Put all those elements together, and the return for Fernandez would be a pick or depth help (bottom-six forward, third-pairing D). So no, the return for Fernandez would not be significant. The bottom line: The Bruins will not trade Fernandez. They like Rask, obviously, but don't want to rush him. You can go back to the Huet deal again. Carey Price is certainly good and has a bright future, but he didn't exactly shine against Philadelphia in the second round last season, and he hasn't been the next coming of Ken Dryden this year.

Do you think the Bruins should shop Fernandez at the trade deadline? If yes, what should they be seeking in return? Do you believe that it's better to get something in return for Fernandez, rather than just letting him slip away in the offseason? Or is the goaltender depth crucial for making a run for the Cup? Also, which, if any of the Bruins' young prospects and crafty vets do you think they might be willing to part with if offered a trade they couldn't refuse?
Sean, Durham, N.H.

A: Sean, put me in the camp of wanting to keep Fernandez. Goaltending is arguably the team's biggest strength. Not sure I'd want to diminish that position of strength heading into the playoffs. Look at Detroit last year. Dominik Hasek fizzles against Nashville. Chris Osgood comes in and helps the Wings win the Cup. Or Carolina a few years ago. Martin Gerber starts. Cam Ward finishes. They win the Cup. Keep both goalies, let them stay fresh down the stretch, ride the hot one going into the playoffs, make the switch if necessary. I don't think you get anything more than a pick for Fernandez anyway. As for other players who might be available, Chuck Kobasew would be a candidate to be traded if the Bruins get a top-four D in return.

Fluto, there are some rumblings concerning Manny's attitude. Is he truly a diva that wants to play 70 games a year or is it merely bad press? It's likely that he will get moved by the deadline. Could his attitude have anything to do with this?
Ben, St. Albans, Vt.

A: I have never seen anything from Fernandez resembling a bad attitude. I'd expect any goalie to want to play as many games as possible. And no, I don't think he'll be moved.

I was reading the first mailbag, and there was one recurring theme that I absolutely have to disagree with. You seem certain the Bruins are going to re-sign Thomas. Why? We have Rask. Is he Thomas? No, but we can't be tying up nearly $10 million on two goalies. One has to go, and what idiot would pick the better guy on his last contract as opposed to the younger potential stud on his first? You let Thomas walk, sign a decent backup at $1 million-$1.5 million, and now you can sign all four of the young guys. It's the same tough decisions the Patriots make, but they have to be made.
Jan, Nashua, N.H.

A: Jan, the Bruins aren't comfortable with giving Rask the No. 1 job yet. The preferred plan of attack is to break him in and allow him to serve as a backup for at least one season. Goalie is a tough, tough position, especially mentally. Look at how long it took Thomas to establish himself as a No. 1. The Bruins could certainly find themselves in a situation where the prices for both Thomas and Fernandez get too high and they have to go with your route, but it's not the one they'd prefer. But if both of them ask too much, then the Bruins will go with what you propose. If I'm the Bruins, I'm not giving either goalie more than $4.5 million per season, and I wouldn't give them anything more than two years.

As the trade deadline approaches, we are bound to hear a variety of trade rumors surrounding the Bruins. When healthy, I am not sure they really need a huge upgrade, but I have already heard speculation (though potentially baseless) about guys like Spezza, Lecavalier, or Kovalchuk. While I would love one of them to join the B's, the inevitable cost would be Kessel or Krejci, both of whom are younger and cheaper (and free agents at the end of the year). While I see a slight upgrade, I am not sure it is worth it given the team chemistry and potential upside of both Kessel and Krejci. Could any of these guys be had by trading Fernandez and some other young guys (maybe Colborne and/or Hamill)? What are your feelings on what the Bruins might do before the trade deadline? Will the Bruins be able to sign both Kessel and Krejci this offseason if they don't trade one of them?
Ryan, Washington

A: Ryan, no way Fernandez and a prospect get you any of those three players you mentioned. Lecavalier is one of the best players in the game and would certainly cost at least Kessel or Krejci. I would not be interested in Spezza. Kovalchuk would require a multi-player package. If they keep both Kessel and Krejci, it will be challenging to sign both. But not impossible.

Which Bruins prospects are most likely to be used as trade fodder before the deadline and which prospects in your opinion should be considered untouchables? Alex, Knoxville, Tenn.

A: Alex, Rask is the only prospect I'd consider hands-off at this point. Every other prospect should be considered for any trade possibilities. However, I don't think it's likely that we'll see any of the prospects being traded because of the cap concerns and ensuing roster instability the Bruins are facing in the next two years.

Any chance we see Rask crowned starting goaltender to begin the 2009-10 season? That's one way Chiarelli could get creative to provide more cap relief, and as I see it, Rask has accomplished everything he needs to for the Baby B's. He has all but earned the right to start in net for an NHL team.
Fred, Brookline

A: Fred, in a perfect world, they'd want to see Thomas and Fernandez re-sign. The more likely scenario sees Fernandez walking and Thomas re-upping. But yes, if Thomas's prices himself out of Boston's market, then you'd see Rask here along with an inexpensive veteran. Not the best scenario for the organization or for Rask's development, but with cap dollars at a premium, Thomas may be too expensive for the Bruins to re-sign when you still have to address Kessel and Krejci after this season and Wheeler and Lucic after 2009-10.

Although I was never a huge fan of Mike O'Connell as the GM, I think Bruins fans owe him a lot of credit for this current Bruins team. He was responsible for drafting Bergeron, Thomas, Stuart, Axelsson, Krejci & Lucic. In addition, although he was heavily criticized for trading Joe Thornton, but that freed a lot of cap space and helped the B's sign Chara, Ference, Kobasew and Sturm. Peter Chiarelli is getting some well deserved props for the job he's doing but I think it's time some of us Bruins fans thank O'Connell for his contributions is developing this terrific team. What do you think? Anything else you'd like to add?
WTE, Nashua, N.H.

A: Yes, O'Connell and Jeff Gorton absolutely deserve a lot of credit for how this team was built. That Thomas contract (three years, $1.1 million per) is as good as you'll find in the league. Aside from the players you mentioned, they are also responsible for trading for Tuukka Rask (acquired from Toronto when Gorton was the interim GM), drafting Byron Bitz, drafting Vladimir Sobotka, and selecting Matt Hunwick. O'Connell and Gorton also hired Scott Gordon and Rob Murray in Providence, and those two are as responsible as anyone for the positive development of the players (Thomas, Bergeron, Krejci, Stuart, Hunwick, Sobotka, Bitz) who have starred for the P-Bruins and made contributions with the big club.

What are you hearing in regards to Chris Neil? Supposedly the Senators are only asking for a second rounder. If that is the case, why is this deal not already done? He is the type of guy that you hate when he plays for the other team, but love when he is on yours. Thornton, Yelle, and Neil would be an outstanding fourth line. He would be a rental, but he is surely an upgrade from Nokelainen, Bitz, etc. The Bruins could also use some more toughness, as Thornton is the only one fighting of late, because Lucic and Chara can't afford to mix it up.
Eric, North Kingstown, R.I.

A: Eric, I love Neil. And I know he has fans within the Boston organization. The one thing that makes him a not-so-good fit in Boston is that he's a righthanded shot. They really need a lefty up front. But Neil has Bruin written all over him -- tough, hits everyone, can fight, can create scoring chances, will stand up for his teammates. Get it done!

The Bruins Blog is the No. 1 source of true Bruins info anywhere on the web. Why has it stooped so low as to dissect (with video) the fights? There isn't ever video of great goals or great saves. How can such a quality site drag itself down to such a low?
TGO, Portland, Maine

A: The fighting debate will never go away. But for those who don't like the recent introduction of Fight Cub (the brainchild of Chris "Don't Call Me Peter" Forsberg, our No. 1 center when it comes to video), you don't have to read it.

Is there any reason David Krejci wears No. 46? I personally think he should switch, maybe to 10 or 23. Not a big deal, just wondering.
Tom, South Boston

A: The Bruins gave Krejci No. 46 when he first made it to Boston. It's double his Providence digits (No. 23). Krejci said he's thought about switching numbers, but he likes that he made it to the NHL while wearing No. 46, so he's going to stick with it.

Like many Bruins fans, I am returning to being an avid watcher this season. I am wondering if the quality of the ice surface is a concern; it seems like passes between defensemen used to go much more smoothly when Ray Bourque patrolled the blue line (and it wasn't just him making crisp passes). Is this something the players are concerned about?
Mike, Newton

A: Good observation Mike. The ice is not great at the Garden. The players understand that especially late in games, skilled maneuvers aren't likely to work because of the ice conditions. Not sure what the answer is. They have great ice in Edmonton. You'd think they'd be able to bottle that somehow and have the other arenas replicate their procedures.

Fluto, love the 'bag. Throwing us B's fans a bone can only help your web hits, as we are crazy for this team! What are Blake Wheeler's chances in the Calder race? He's obviously got some competition in Versteeg and Mason, who just went down with Kesselitis (mono).
Jimmy, Brookline

A: Jimmy, Wheeler is certainly in the conversation. I'd have to go with Mason, but as you mentioned, mono could be a problem for him. The concern for Wheeler is that because he's coming out of college, he fades down the stretch because he's not used to playing this many games. But he's strong mentally, is playing in all situations, and has a pretty skilled center in Krejci who can get him the puck. His numbers should remain strong.

Phil Kessel seems to be improving as a sniper. However, I am unimpressed with his ability to rush the puck and use his speed to back defenders up. It seems as though he has one or two curl-and-drag moves where the defender just plays the body and Kessel either loses the puck or fails to do anything productive with it. I feel that either, Kessel should learn to play a game closer to Martin St. Louis and then occasionally use his speed to dance around the D rather than playing a big-body game like that of Lecavalier or Malkin. It at times is frustrating and I was wondering what kind of player do you project Kessel to be: a sniper, a dangler, a three-zone player?
Jay, Granby

A: Jay, Kessel's biggest asset is his speed and how he can stretch out other teams, back off their D-men, and throw off their gaps. I have difficulty projecting him to incorporate any kind of physical element into his game. St. Louis has speed like Kessel, but he's also not afraid to play a dirty game in the corners and in front of the net. That is not Kessel's strength, literally and figuratively. Maybe if he puts on some weight, he could be stronger on the puck, stickhandle in the dirty areas, and not get knocked off by defenders. I think Kessel's best comparison is to Marian Gaborik -- a player with top-shelf afterburners who's just as fast with the puck as he is without it.

Why is it so critical to have four lines? I understand that the Bruins are almost back to full health these days, but why couldn't they just play with three lines during the peak injury period? Is this another union thing? If it's OK to play Chara half of the game, why not somewhat increase the forwards workload as well? I was on a fourth line and we almost never saw crunch time action.
Ed, Ipswich

A: Ed, forwards don't play as much as defensemen because they're skating more, as well as with more intensity. I think Boston's fourth line has been a significant component of the team's success. The fourth line as currently structured (Thornton-Yelle-Bitz) is responsible defensively, forechecks well, plays in-your-face, can create scoring chances, and match up against higher opposing lines. There's a trickle-down effect from that. Other forwards get more rest and are fresher, especially during back-to-back games.

Hello Fluto. Thanks for keeping us up to date on the B's. You do a great job. Imagine how good we would be if we had Marco Sturm. My feeling as of today is that if the team stays healthy, I don't move at the deadline. The chemistry is great and I wouldn't want to give up a young prospect (Marchand, Karsums, Lashoff) for a rental player. What are your thoughts? Thanks and take care.
Richard, Quebec City, Quebec

A: Richard, I don't see them making a big-time move prior to the deadline. I think they'd love to add a top-four defenseman and a lefty shot up front, but they're not going to break the bank if the asking price is too high. Of the three players you mentioned, I think Karsums is the most expendable, given that I don't see how he fits into the lineup in Boston anytime soon.

How is Bergeron feeling since returning to the lineup?
Ben, Berkeley, Calif.

A: Ben, Patrice said he's feeling fine. He's yet to find the offensive touch and timing he had when he was a point-per-game player, but he and the coaches think it will come with time. It's a pretty good situation for him. Because of the depth up front, Bergeron doesn't have to feel pressured to be an offensive guy. He can work on defense and being a matchup guy while skating with Axelsson and Kobasew, and let the offense come when his game rounds into form. There's always the concern about the next concussion, but it's a reality he'll have to face for the rest of his career.

One of the most striking things about the Bruins this year (no, it's not the record or beating the Habs consistently, with or without revolting pajamas) is the performance of the callups. Whether here for a game or two or here to stay, the Baby B's have jumped in without a hitch. What has made the difference?
Tim, Berlin

A: Tim, it's coaching at both levels. Last season, the kids got great coaching from Scott Gordon and Rob Murray. That's continued this year as Murray has taken over the Providence job, and the defense has gotten good coaching from Bruce Cassidy. Once they arrive in Boston, Claude Julien makes it very clear what is expected of them and what they need to do. Both teams play similar systems, which is a big help. It's an optimal setup to have Providence so close to Boston, for both clubs to have excellent coaching, and for management to be in place to serve as a bridge between the two.

Can you explain how the assistant captains are selected? They seem to change throughout the season.
Derek, Nashua, N.H.

A: Derek, Bergeron is the permanent alternate captain (when healthy, of course). The coaches' original plan was to rotate the "A" every 10 games between P.J. Axelsson, Marco Sturm, and Andrew Ference. That changed because of injuries. You saw Stephane Yelle serving as one of the alternates. Right now, Ference is wearing the second "A."

How strong is the rumor mill that the B's will make a major deadline deal? I would not want to see the team part with somebody like Lucic or Krejci. Plus, the team's chemistry is so good, that I'd be nervous that a deal would ruin it. I'm not sure they need to add anybody else. Your thoughts?
Sean, Milton

A: Sean, there isn't much buzz involving the Bruins and a major trade. They obviously want to be as strong as they can be for a playoff run, but they don't want to do that at the cost of their young players. And yes, team chemistry is very good. A little tweak, perhaps, but I don't see a big-time player like Jay Bouwmeester coming in.

Hey Fluto, I love the mailbags, please keep them coming! I have been really interested in Phil Kessel's progression as a player. There were so many questions about his coachability and maturity going into the draft. I think overcoming the challenges of cancer and how he responded to the benching in the playoffs have answered some and it is clear that he has an elite skill set. But are there any lingering doubts among people in the league? Is his potential trade value any less for these reasons? Also, I feel like Phil doesn't engage with the media a great deal. Is this a Phil decision or a Bruins decision?
Michael, Hingham

A: Michael, there's no questioning Kessel's talent. He's among the game's best in terms of speed and release. But yes, there are those around the league who question his compete level and whether he can push himself to be at his best every night. Those concerns don't diminish his trade value. I'm sure there are organizations who think they could make Kessel even more explosive by using different coaching methods. And yes, dealing with the media isn't Kessel's favorite activity. But who would enjoy dealing with lowlifes like us.

Now that the Bruins are once again blessed with health and depth, could you go over some of the reasons to skate Hnidy over Hunwick? I have been really impressed with Hunwick's play since being promoted, and I'm wondering what there is about Hnidy's skill set leads to him getting the nod. Does it also depend on the opponent? Same question goes for Bitz over guys like Sobotka and St. Pierre.
Dave, Denver

A: Dave, Hunwick has been experiencing flu-like symptoms lately, which have made him less than 100 percent. But I think Hnidy has done a good job during the last few games. It helps that Hnidy is a righthanded shot and gives the defense three righties. It's not that easy for a lefty shot to skate on the right side, especially for a guy like Ference coming back from a significant injury. As for Bitz, the coaching staff has been very happy with his play. Responsible in the defensive zone, can skate pretty well, has the guts to take on Donald Brashear. Sobotka did not play well on his most recent recall. Was taking unnecessary penalties and not playing as smart as he usually does when he's up here. St. Pierre doesn't have the physical element that Bitz brings, and the Bruins were really looking for more beef on the fourth line. And with the forwards getting healthier, they don't need St. Pierre to fill in as a skilled guy, especially on the power play.

Every Bruins fan knows that Blake Wheeler has been an incredible addition for Boston this year. What I don't understand is why he refused to sign with the Coyotes after being drafted by them (not that I'm complaining). I'm also wondering why this is so unusual. Wouldn't more talented rookies want to leave the bad teams that drafted them for greener pastures?
JT, Edmonton

A: Couple issues at play, JT. First, Wheeler wanted to have the flexibility afforded to him to pick his team. Second, Wheeler wanted to play in the east. And while he will never say anything publicly, I'm sure he preferred to go to a more financially stable organization than Phoenix, which needs a new owner or additional partners. You don't see this very often because both teams and players usually agree to contract terms earlier. For college players, it makes sense for the team and the player to agree to terms before the four-year window closes after he was originally drafted.

Is it just me or does Axelsson drift way too much in all three zones? I know he is great defensively, but when you watch how the Bruins like to execute their breakouts, they always have someone along the sideboards who then usually hits the center or far winger for the breakout. While the Bruins breakouts have not been great lately, I think a major reason is because certain players, like Axelsson, are out of position and trying to play a position that is not theirs. I have noticed this all season because the three other lines usually break out perfectly. I was just wondering if Julien tells Axelsson to play that style -- to chase the puck carrier, follow the puck, and not follow the usual defensive system?
Pete, West Roxbury

A: Pete, I have not noticed Axelsson straying from the system. Julien has never mentioned having Axelsson chasing the puck either. While the Bruins would prefer not to have their forwards handling the puck in the defensive zone, that's one of the plays Axelsson does very well -- find the center or the far winger stretching out, then hitting him with the long-distance pass to kick off the breakout.

I know in today's money-driven sports contracts, this kind of thing rarely, if ever, happens, but is there any chance some of these free agents (restricted or outright) would take reduced amounts to stay in Boston and really keep this good thing going? They all seem to love the city and genuinely like playing with and for each other.
Brett, Charleston, S.C.

A: Brett, let's use Thomas as an example. He's in a good situation here. The Bruins were loyal to him on his last contract and rewarded him with a three-year deal. He likes the area. His family has moved here. He's familiar with the system. All that said, this will most likely be Thomas's last crack at a multi-year payday. I wouldn't blame him one bit for seeing what the market has to offer, and if another team offers him more cash and years, then best of luck to him. He's earned whatever money he can make.

Any word on the Glen Murray appeal? Last I remember hearing, it was scheduled for January 16th. Did something change or has the verdict simply not been rendered? Also, regarding the appeal, am I correct in believing that the best option would be for Glen to win? That way, he could be placed on LTIR this season, wiping his salary off the cap and taking the $1.4M buyout figure off of next season's cap as well?
Dave, Natick

A: Dave, the second installment of the Murray hearing is scheduled for Feb. 12. There might even need to be a third day of hearings. But once the hearings are complete, I'm told that a verdict will be rendered shortly after. And yes, in terms of cap purposes, it would be best for the Bruins if Murray won the appeal. They'd have to pay his full $4.15 million this year, but his buyout money would be completely off the 2009-10 books.

Fluto, several weeks ago I saw a Globe story about the possibility of the Bruins moving their practice headquarters to Stoneham Arena. Since you're a beat writer and a regular visitor to The Icebox, a.k.a. Ristuccia Arena, how would you feel about such a move, and could it happen?
Chris, Waltham

A: Chris, the Bruins' company line is that they are at Ristuccia for the foreseeable future. I'm not familiar with Stoneham Arena, but I'm guessing it would be an upgrade over Ristuccia, which is feeling its age, to be generous. The quality of a practice facility is certainly not a significant factor in a free agent's decision, but it's something players will consider. They spend lots of time at the practice rink and want a facility that reflects well on the organization. Ristuccia isn't even in the same league as some of the better practice facilities -- LA and Ottawa have great rinks, Montreal has a new place, Columbus's practice rink is right next door to Nationwide Arena -- around the NHL. From the players' perspective, I'm sure they'd also like a rink closer to Boston. Most of the players live downtown. From the fans' point of view, Ristuccia isn't exactly comfortable in the middle of February. Definitely a hat-and-gloves place.

Can you quickly explain what the instigator rule is?
Grady, West Springfield

A: Grady, from the rulebook: "An instigator of an altercation shall be a player or goalkeeper who by his actions or demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria: distance traveled; gloves off first; first punch thrown; menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats; conduct in retaliation to a prior game (or season) incident; obvious retribution for a previous incident in a game or season." Here's a possible scenario: a player sees a teammate get cheap-shotted, so he goes after the guy who delivered the hit and initiates the fight. After a fight, an instigator will be tagged with an instigating minor, a fighting major, and a 10-minute misconduct. Shawn Thornton does not agree with the instigator rule. He thinks that it prevents players from policing the game and encourages agitators or non-fighters to run around without having to answer the bell. In contrast, league disciplinarian Colin Campbell firmly believes in the instigator rule. So there is disagreement on this issue.

Is there any kind of loophole where Jeremy Reich can be recalled without getting snagged on waivers?
Mike, Kent, Conn.

A: Mike, Reich could be brought up on emergency recall if the Bruins have less than 12 healthy forwards. He would not be subject to waivers on emergency.

Fluto, thanks for all your coverage. Interested in your thoughts on trading Thornton years later. At the time, I was not impressed with the trade, but years later I see it as working out incredibly for the Bruins for a variety of reasons (not bad for Sharks either). The end result was Thornton for Sturm, Kobasew and Ference (Stuart and Primeau were originally acquired from the Sharks and then traded to Calgary). So not only did this help the Bruins with their primary strength this season which is tremendous depth up front and on defense (despite Sturm's injury), it also freed up cap space for the Bruins to create a new core led by Chara and Savard the following year in free agency. Your thoughts?
TS, Canton

A: Ken Campbell from The Hockey News called the other day to bounce this idea around -- whether trading Thornton helped put the Bruins on their current track. It's a great conversation topic. While I'm never a proponent of trading away your best player (a center, no less), the Bruins got a huge break when Stuart made it clear he wasn't going to re-sign. To get Ference and Kobasew from Calgary for Stuart, Primeau, and a fourth-round pick was high larceny by Peter Chiarelli. Clearly the best trade he's made while serving as GM. And yes, if you have Thornton still in place, you're definitely not pursuing Savard, and maybe you don't have money to sign Chara. But the issue that I think is critical here is that Jacobs saw the Thornton deal -- and what was viewed as unacceptable return for Joe at the time -- as one reason why O'Connell had to go. That is, maybe Chiarelli isn't in place if Thornton weren't traded. And while you have to credit O'Connell and Jeff Gorton for drafting and signing some of the current team's most significant pieces, you also have to credit Chiarelli for doing a very good job in his two-plus years at the helm. Management certainly is happy with the move, which is why, as my linemate Kevin Paul Dupont reported Jan. 28, the Bruins and the GM are working on a contract extension.

Hey Fluto, great work with the blogs and news. What do you think is going on with Matt Lashoff? Should he be traded away with the depth in the defense the Bruins have? He got many chances with the big club and doesn't look good out there. I also think that his statistics aren't good this season in Providence as well. What is your opinion?
Tim, Ingolstadt, Germany

A: Tim, the thing we have to remember with Lashoff is his age: 22. If he stayed all four years at Boston University (his original choice before going to juniors), he'd be a first-year pro right now and adjusting to the AHL. We all know that defensemen, especially the puck-moving variety, need more time to develop than forwards. That said, everyone agrees that Lashoff's development to this point has been disappointing. He has a good skill set -- plus skater, decent mobility, good vision, ability to carry the puck and jump up into the play. Kris Versteeg said at the All-Star Game that he's surprised Lashoff hasn't been given an opportunity up here, citing his skill. But the coaching staff has been hammering home to Lashoff that he has to get better at retrieving the puck. That means chasing after it full speed, looking over your shoulder to anticipate the forecheck, and knowing what your options are even before you get back to it. Despite all that, it's a part of the game that still gives Lashoff trouble. He's one of those players (and he admits it) who thinks too much. Maybe if he can learn to calm down, not think as much, and read and react instead of panicking, he'd have more success in both the AHL and NHL.

Next Tuesday is a big game for the Bruins for a couple reasons but lets be honest. It's sorta Joe Thornton's first game since he was traded. The first time I think he lasted 30 seconds and got kicked out. How will the crowd respond to his return? Or how SHOULD the crowd respond to his return to Boston?
Bryan, Aurora, Ontario

A: Bryan, Thornton got the boot from hitting Hal Gill from behind only 5:13 into the game. Great stuff... However, I think the Joe-returning-to-Boston story is not the primary storyline. The real issue is two first-place teams going up against each other. Yes, Joe will probably get some boos. But that trade was a long time ago, and there's so much more that deserves our attention.

Fluto, love your work and thanks for giving us a B's bag! You and Dupes give us readers a great 1/1A punch! Figuring the playoffs are a virtual lock here in 2009, can you give us an early gauge of who in the East (and West if you care to get bold) poses the greatest challenge for the B's come April and beyond?
Joy, San Leandro, Calif.

A: Joe, obviously the East teams who have beaten them will be trouble: Washington, New Jersey, and Buffalo. A Boston-Buffalo first-round matchup could go seven games. They have speed, they attack the net, and when goalie Ryan Miller is on, he's as good as there is. NJ's size, discipline, and tough-to-play-against style are enough to give any teams fits. And Washington's skill makes them a team that can compete for a Cup. I don't like Washington's goaltending, but they have so much firepower that they can win 7-4 games.

In your opinion, is Shawn Thornton among the leagues best hockey-playing enforcers going today? Last year you didn't seem too high on him, has this season changed your mind about the B's hard-working, always-game enforcer/winger?
J.E., Newport News, Va.

A: Don't remember being down on Thornton last season, though he didn't have the best start to the year, by his own admission and that of his coaches. But he's been outstanding this year. Done everything asked of him. He'll fight anyone, even the big-time heavyweights like Georges Laraque. He's responsible defensively. He can play both wings. He's good at chipping pucks out and contributing to the breakout. He's got good straight-line speed and can create scoring chances. He puts shots on net. He's got good hands, as he proved with a backhand roof over Jose Theodore last month. He's a good presence in the room. Appropriately, Thornton is one of the most popular players on the team, and doing so at a bargain price. Every team would love a guy like Thornton on their roster.

Hi Fluto, you do a great job covering the B's. Keep it up. The question is: I know being the captain of the enemy and being an excellent, physical player is enough to get you booed by the Hab faithful, but there has to be a specific incident or reason why Big Z is so lustily hated by the fans of Montreal. Was there an incident when he was with the Senators that caused him to be so roundly reviled? BTW, I think it's great, you gotta have your enemies . . . it makes (and will continue to make) it sweeter when we beat them.
Shawn, Foxborough

A: Nope, no specific reason for the boos. It goes back to Chara's time in Ottawa too. The Montreal fans gave him a hard time then as well. Makes sense -- you wouldn't like the biggest and strongest guy in the league throwing your players around.

Fluto, great job with the first mailbag! It's great for us hockey nuts. I'm interested on your take on how someone like Peter Schaefer can play a big part in Ottawa's run to the Stanley Cup finals two years ago and now play on the third or fourth line in Providence? Even at the AHL level he has not stood out this year. Is it confidence, system, injury or something else? Thanks and keep up the good work.
Todd, Exeter, R.I.

A: Todd, Bryan Murray had a quote about Schaefer a while back. Can't remember it exactly, but Murray was not pleased with Schaefer's work ethic and was quick to trade him once he replaced John Muckler as GM. It makes sense. Schaefer knew he was in for a dogfight for an NHL job during the preseason, but he never showed the intensity of wanting to be here instead of in Providence. It's too bad because he can protect the puck as well as any forward around. It's difficult to shed that floater label.

Hey Fluto, great B's coverage. Regarding resigning the kids and keeping the core together, is it possible (a la Patriots) to restructure the contracts of Big Z or Savvy to keep the youth and not lose them to other teams? Plan B: what about dealing Bergeron to clear cap space? I'm thinking even if he comes back, he's damaged and why not make a proactive move. Unfortunate part of the NHL, great kid, bad luck.
B.C., Maine

A: Contract restructuring not allowed under CBA. Have always liked that about current agreement. It's a contract. Both sides agree to it. No need to come back -- either the player asking for a raise or the team inquiring about a pay cut -- after the contract is finalized. Regarding a Bergeron trade, anything is possible given cap concerns. Obviously the Bruins had a better chance of getting decent return before his latest concussion. If I'm another GM, it would be very difficult to take back a player with two years remaining at $4.75 million per when his next concussion could end his career.

As a lifelong B's fan, I've been enjoying this recent rebirth as much as any diehard and I am really enjoying this season for all of the obvious reasons. Fully understanding that the team is going through a tough stretch with injuries right now, I found the game vs. the Caps in DC last week (Saturday the 17th) to be extremely sobering in that I think it exposed a potential weakness with the B's come playoff time: size/physicality. I'm not talking about grit/hustle/attitude -- the B's have that across the roster. I'm talking about the skill that can't be coached: size. I'll put the Bruins' four lines against anyone in the league on a given night, but I don't think even having the likes of Lucic, Kessel, Ference, etc. back in the lineup will matter against the physical play of monsters like Steckel, Kozlov, Schultz, Brashear, Erskine, Green and what's-his-name-No. 8 [that would be Ovechkin] in a seven-game series. The B's have some giants (Chara, Wheeler, etc.), but nothing like Washington has up and down their bench. Aside from hoping someone knocks them out of the playoffs before the Bruins would have to face them, what roster options do they have via trade or a Providence call-up that might help them "get bigger" ahead of the playoffs? Keep up the great work -- love the blog/inaugural mailbag!
Tony, Hollis, N.H.

A: Tony, you and the Boston bosses have concurrent philosophies. The Bruins want big, strong, physical forwards who can get the puck in the offensive zone, cycle, and forecheck -- that's their version of puck possession. That's why last season, they decided to keep Milan Lucic instead of sending him back to juniors. It's why last summer, you saw them sign Blake Wheeler. It's why they promoted Byron Bitz when injuries struck. And that's why in the system, you've got guys like Matt Marquardt and Mikko Lehtonen getting good ice time. Now, Marquardt and Lehtonen aren't ready for promotion this season. So yes, they'd have to look elsewhere if they want immediate help. Some candidates would be players like Erik Cole, Keith Tkachuk, and Bill Guerin. I'd prefer Cole over the other two, but doubt Edmonton would want to give him up when they're in the thick of a playoff chase.

Hey Fluto, love the coverage this year on the blog. How about this scenario to save cap space next year? Let Timmy walk. I love Timmy, but Manny could probably be resigned next year at a much cheaper price. Bring up Rask to form a tandem. Fernandez and his more conventional style and cooler head may even serve as a better mentor to the young goalie. Thoughts?
Joel, Cambridge, Ontario

A: Joel, that's certainly a possibility. There's no guarantee that Fernandez would ask for less, but it's one bargaining chip the Bruins hold. For example, if Thomas is asking too much, the Bruins can tell him that he can walk and they'd re-sign Fernandez. Not sure if it's significant bargaining power, but I don't think the Bruins would mind if it was Fernandez next year instead of Thomas. I still think Thomas is the better option. But yes, if it comes down to a business decision, the Bruins might have to go with the less expensive option. Final point: Don't think Fernandez is necessarily cooler than Thomas. Both are emotional goalies and can get pretty fired up.

Fluto -- Is there any chance that the Bruins would offer Marco Sturm in a trade? He's locked in for two more years at $3.5 million which seems like a reasonable market value, both for the Bruins to keep him but also to free up someone with more value than the current list of UFA's that keep getting thrown out there like Tkachuk, Guerin, Weight, Antropov, Comrie, Schneider, Neil, Roberts, Recchi, Cole, etc. I admit my thinking is purely short-term when offering up Sturm, but to possibly be this close to a Stanley Cup with just the right player is very tempting.
Joe, Billerica

A: Joe, Sturm has a no-trade. That, plus the major knee surgery, make Sturm virtually untradeable.

Hey Fluto. I keep hearing all the buzz about the trade deadline, and whether or not Chiarelli will make a splash. Obviously the salary cap is the No. 11 concern, so asking for players like Lecavalier or Bouwmeester is virtually out of the question, especially if they were to try and re-sign them. I want to see one of these two guys in Black and Gold before March 4, in order: 2009 UFA Doug Weight ($4.3 mil); 2009 UFA Keith Tkachuk ($4.0 mil). Both lefthanded shooters. Both seasoned veterans. Both can play center and wing. What are the odds they become rentals here in Beantown?
Mark, Lowell

A: Mark, I noted earlier that I'd prefer Weight over Tkachuk. Weight is a more versatile option. Plus, you'd have to deal with some personality issues with Tkachuk. If Tkachuk comes to Boston, he might have trouble blending in with the rest of the team. Remember that after the Bruins beat up the Blues at the Scottrade Center earlier this season, Andy Murray ripped his lineup up and down. Tkachuk fired back, saying he didn't think that kind of behavior was helpful.

What will happen to Matt Hunwick once Andrew Ference gets back into the lineup? Since he was brought up to fill that spot, will he be sent back down to Providence? Or will we see him either be the seventh defensemen or take Hnidy's spot, with the Sheriff Shane Hnidy playing games from time to time?
Greg, Westwood

A: Greg, I think Hunwick has earned his stay in Boston. Granted, he's come back down and found his level after performing way beyond expectations when he first started getting good ice time. But I like his skills and think they'll be useful in the transition game. Plus, we've learned that injuries are simply a given, especially on the back end. These problems usually solve themselves.

Hello Mr. Shinzawa, I have a couple questions that you might be able to answer for me. My first question is do you think that the Bruins will be able to afford Kessel and Krejci in the offseason considering they are restricted free agents? Other teams are going to be lining up to sign them to offer sheets. My second question/comment is kind of random but people seem to not make such a big deal about the very lopsided trade of Kris Versteeg, who is a Rookie of the Year candidate in Chicago, for Brandon Bochenski, who is in and out of the NHL right now. Versteeg was leading the Providence Bruins in points at the time of the trade so it's not like he was unknown. Thoughts?
A.J., Newton

A: A.J., that's one trade the Bruins would love to have back. Without question Chiarelli's worst. But the Bruins had no idea Versteeg would turn into the NHL player he is now. The previous year, he had played defense and been so-so. The year he was traded, yes, he was the team's leading scorer, but they also believed it was a result of playing with Krejci. The belief was that he'd be a perpetual tweener -- the AHL stud who isn't quite good enough to be a regular NHLer. Clearly so far, they were wrong. On the other end of it, they believed Bochenski would give them a goal-scoring threat. But Bochenski's been a bust, no doubt. Disappointing because he has an NHL shot, but the rest of his game does not meet big-league standards. Give Chicago and Dale Tallon a stick salute for that theft. And from what I've heard, it could have been worse, because the Blackhawks originally wanted Krejci. Yikes.

What happened to prospect Chris Collins? He played with lots of energy last year in Providence. Given all the injuries this year his scoring potential may have been utilized. Are there any plans to bring him back?
Jim, Newburyport

A: Jim, Collins was not tendered at the end of last season. He is currently playing in Germany. There are no plans to bring him back to Boston. For some reason, Collins has not been able to translate his senior year success at BC to the pro game.

I love the fact that the B's are starting to get some attention with the great season they are having so far. My question is about the salary cap. I noticed in your last mailbag that you mentioned on a couple of occasions that the salary cap number remains the same next year and then actually decreases the following year (2010-11) with the potential to decrease in subsequent years as well. Why is this? It would seem to me that the cap should INCREASE each year, if only to account for inflation. What determines this increase or decrease in the salary cap?
Joe, Washington

A: Joe, the cap is not increasing because it's tied directly to league revenues. The NHL is not immune to the economic downturn. They are experiencing growth (projected to be between 1 and 2 percent this season after factoring in the softness of the Canadian dollar). But not growth like last season, when they were up by 12 percent. It would be quite some trick if the NHL were to buck the global trend and do well in this economy.

Hi Fluto, great job so far this year. My question is do you think Shawn Thornton is wearing down a bit from the stress of having to bear the brunt this year in the physical department? Twelve fights at the All-Star break is a lot, and with Lucic not fighting as much, do you think Sugar Shawn has the toughness and grit to make it through the rest of the year at this torrid pace, because there's no doubt other teams will be targeting our young skill players in the second half of the season, and we are going to have to answer that.
Pete, Brighton

A: Pete, Thornton is as tough as they come. He's not the biggest tough guy, but he'll take on anyone. And he understands that fighting is his job. In the first game against Montreal this season, he took on Georges Laraque and explained that he did so because he didn't want Chara or Lucic fighting and getting a five-minute major. I think Thornton will be fine. Lucic and Chara will fight occasionally, and they've also got Mark Stuart and Shane Hnidy who can handle the rough stuff.

With the Bruins success this year, do you think any of the players/coaches have a chance at pos season awards? Chara (Norris Trophy), Savard (Hart), Thomas (Vezina), Wheeler (Calder), Julien (Jack Adams)?
Jason, Huntington, N.Y.

A: Right now, Chara would be my vote for Norris. Writers also vote for Hart and Calder, and my nods would go to Alex Ovechkin and Steve Mason. Believe the GMs vote for Vezina, and think they'd go for Mason there too. Radio votes for Adams, and Julien is definitely in the running there with San Jose's Todd McClellan. But I think Julien was more deserving of Adams last season, even though he wasn't among the three finalists.

I have been a Bruin fan my whole life, and will die one. My five sons are Bruin fans as are my nephews and my wife. My question is why have the Bruins not brought up Brad Marchand? They finally can see how Kessel is doing. Marchand has all speed moves. What more does this young man have to do in order to get his shot? l know hockey. This young guy has it all.
Gene, Hamilton, Ontario

A: Gene, Marchand is a first-year pro. He'll get his crack at the NHL. But his development is best served to spend at least a year in the AHL to learn what it means to be a pro and dedicate yourself to this sport and your teammates every night. Marchand is coming off an excellent January, and it will be interesting to see if he can carry that performance into the stretch run and cap off a solid first pro year.