Big decisions ahead
Season-ending mailbag looks ahead to summer full of choices for Bruins
The season-ending mailbag is here earlier than Bruins fans might have expected. But considering all the injuries that slowed the Black and Gold in the playoffs, they most likely would have had a tough time advancing past another round.
Two of the more significant injuries struck David Krejci and Phil Kessel, who were already two of the biggest question marks heading into the offseason because of their status as upcoming restricted free agents. While their respective surgeries shouldn't affect their contract negotiations, they are not expected to be ready for the start of 2009-10. Bruins followers have lots of questions on how the organization will negotiate with both players, and how the stagnant salary cap will affect management's task of offseason roster-building.
Great job all season Fluto, and I am sure you will keep it up
during this busy offseason. Things have gotten a little more interesting
with the injuries to Krejci and Kessel, but obviously they are still top
priorities as restricted free agents, as are Matt Hunwick and Byron Bitz.
If those four were not enough to worry about, we still have Blake Wheeler,
Milan Lucic, Mark Stuart, and Marc Savard to attend to the year after. With
our cap situation these next few years, we may be forced to part ways with
some very important players. But I am wondering if Peter Chiarelli is
willing to take some risks and go the long-term route with our young stars.
We have seen it with Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen for the Red Wings
this year. There is always the fear of complacency and -- even worse --
injury, but I believe this is a risk the B's should take with at least one
of these cornerstone players if not a second. A guy like Lucic epitomizes
Bruins hockey, and at 20 years old, it's scary how much better he is going
to get. Why not build around him with an 8- or 9-year contract with small
salaries in the last couple years to bring the yearly cap hit down to a
more than affordable number? This allows more flexibility for signing other
players in the short term and a potential bargain in the long ru when Looch
becomes a franchise player making a fraction of what other stars are
commanding.
Michael, Wakefield
A: Michael, interesting thought about Lucic and a long-term contract. You're right. He's the one guy who would be the best fit for a long-term deal. However, even though Detroit and Ken Holland have proven to be the best organization and GM in hockey, respectively, I think long-term contracts in general are too risky. First, let's consider the economy and the uncertainty regarding the cap. There's no guarantee that the economy will improve, leading to a rise in the cap. What if, three years from now, the economy is still struggling and the cap decreases? If you've given a player like Lucic a big-time contract, you've gone a long way in painting yourself into a corner. We've seen, given the number of injuries that struck the Bruins (and all core guys, at that) in the playoffs, that depth is crucial to a team's success. This game isn't getting nicer. It's becoming more violent. More dangerous. More risky for players. General managers need to bolster their lineup at all pressure points because of this reality, and if you've tied up a significant amount of money in one player, it makes roster-building that much more challenging. Second, what happens if your player gets hurt? Perfect example: Rick DiPietro and the Islanders. Again, very risky. Chiarelli is conservative by nature, so he's not the type of GM who would be willing to gamble that all the variables will come together regarding long-term contracts.
Hi Fluto, thanks for the great year of coverage. Seems like most
are pointing to keeping this core of guys relatively intact. That being
said, I think we could still use another defenseman. And when I say
defenseman, I mean a defensive defenseman. Refresh my memory, but are both
Ward and Hnidy gone? If only Hnidy, then would the team be satisfied with
just inserting Hunwick into the lineup and leaving the D at that? Who is
out there for defensemen this offseason that might fit the Bruins well? And
sorry to run on, but is Recchi coming back?
Sean, Durham, N.H.
A: Sean, Ward has one more year remaining on his contract. Hnidy is unrestricted. I agree with you that one or two defensemen are needed, but I'd prefer the puck-moving variety instead of the stay-at-home kind. The Bruins really struggled against Carolina when it came to retrieving pucks and getting them out of their own zone. It's vital to have mobile guys who can track pucks down and start the breakout quickly. As we saw in the playoffs when Andrew Ference and Hunwick went down, you need depth on defense. So the Bruins will need a guy like Jeff Penner to have a good summer and push for a spot in the lineup next season. Given their cap crunch, they will not have much money to spend for free agents. If they want to upgrade the defense, it will have to be via trade. Aside from Penner, I don't see anybody from Providence making the jump next year. As for Recchi, the Bruins have not made their decision yet. He wants to come back, but the money is going to be tough. I'll guess no.
Which of the Providence Bruins do you see as ready to make the
jump next year if there are openings after free agency?
Cooooach, Norwich, Vt.
A: Tuukka Rask will be in Boston. Vladimir Sobotka should also be up. The next tier includes Jeff Penner, Brad Marchand, and Mikko Lehtonen. They will push for jobs but could start the year back in Providence.
How do the injuries to Kessel and Krejci affect the direction
management will take this offseason? Is it possible, given the injuries,
that they'll take one-year deals at fairly short money and hope to cash in
next year? Do you subscribe to the popular theory that either Bergeron
and/or Ryder will have to traded to fit the roster under the cap? Any
chance with Thomas being signed long term that Tuukka Rask gets dealt?
Seems to me that this offseason is vital for the future of this franchise.
Hard to believe that the window may be closing before it ever really got
opened.
High Life Mike, Pawtucket, R.I.
A: Doubtful on one-year deals, Mike. If I'm either Krejci or Kessel, I want at least two years. That way, I'm getting a little bit of security, but also counting on the cap going up and cashing in with a big-time contract after the two-year deal expires. I don't see the injuries affecting negotiations. However, I see Kessel's trade value dipping slightly because of the uncertainty of how he'll respond after the surgery and whether the procedure will affect his play. Yes, Bergeron and Ryder will be under trade consideration, but I don't think they're definites to be moved. Rask will not be traded. The Bruins would be foolish to trade him now. Thomas can't handle a Luongo-like workload and will be a good mentor for Rask. If all goes well, Thomas and Rask will be the duo for the next few years.
Obviously the goal was to win the Cup, but the Bruins have
nothing to be ashamed of given what we expected of them at the outset of
the season. What was obvious to me in watching the final series against
Carolina was the difference in team speed between the two teams' sets of
forwards. Carolina's forecheck was tenacious and wreaked havoc on Boston's
usually consistent defensive-zone breakout. But on the other end, Boston
forwards were slow in getting to loose pucks in the offensive zone and
Corvo, Pitkanen, and Co. consistently busted out of their zone untouched.
Chiarelli has said his priorities are more size on D and another
puck-moving D-man. I don't think it was a case of our backliners playing
poorly or making bad decisions so much as it was the intense pressure
applied by the Carolina forwards (Cole, Whitney, LaRose). Don't you feel
that the Bruins should make increasing team speed their No. 1 offseason
priority? I would also think picking up speedy, skilled complementary
players would probably be more affordable than getting the highly coveted
puck-moving D-man.
Mark, Waltham
A: Mark, I'm with you on Carolina's speed. They won most of the puck battles and never allowed the Bruins to get their puck-possession game going. However, I think it was a reflection of the Bruins missing Ference and Hunwick and relying on their other D-men to move the puck. In general, once the Bruins have the puck, I see their style and system -- big, skilled guys down low who can cycle, then use the points when necessary -- being effective in keeping it and applying pressure on opposing defenses. Don't see them having to emphasize retooling their roster to get faster guys. You saw how effective Byron Bitz was against Carolina because of his size and smarts. Obviously he's not a speed demon. I see an upgrade on the puck-moving side of the blue line being the most necessary offseason change. If the Bruins could have had more success in getting pucks out against Carolina, I could see them getting speed through the neutral zone in their transition game, then cycling the puck in the offensive zone and getting the Hurricanes to chase.
Hey Fluto, keep up the good reporting. In light of Patrice
Bergeron's inspired play even though he missed so much of the season, is he
pricing himself out of staying with the Bruins? I'm hard-pressed to say
that there is a player who works harder on the ice then he does. I hope we
can keep him, even though his point production isn't what it has been.
Perhaps it will come back next season.
Robb, Amherst
A: Robb, when the Bruins extended Bergeron, they gave him $4.75 million a year expecting he'd be a point-per-game player. I still think he can regain that level of production, especially with some trusted wingers. If he can do that and keep up the other parts of his game -- faceoffs, shutdown guy, penalty-killer -- Bergeron will be worth the money. The Bruins will consider trading Bergeron, but I think he's the type of player you want to keep.
Do you think the news of Kessel and Krejci's surgeries will
actual be a benefit to the Bruins? In other words, will team potential
offers to them come down because there is now a health question going into
next season?
Dean, Taunton
A: The injuries will not lead to lower offers.
First off, great coverage all year, Fluto. Looking forward to
next year already. With the injury to Kessel and possible recovery time
being roughly six months; how does this affect his free agency? Do you see
other teams willing to dish out the big money/years for him still? More
importantly, does this increase the chances that the Bruins can resign both
Kessel and David Krejci?
Dan, Wilmington
A: I see other GMs trying to lowball Chiarelli because of Kessel's surgery. But he still has high value on the market considering it's the left shoulder. Kessel's release (which, along with his speed, is his greatest asset) will not be affected. As noted earlier, the procedures will not affect the Bruins' pursuit to re-sign both players. They have their target values for both players regardless of their procedures.
How likely is it that Bergeron or Ryder gets traded to keep both
Krejci and Kessel? Will the Bruins deal from their strength down the middle
to keep young players? Also what is P.J. Axelsson thinking of doing next
year? Would he consider playing for another team or just go back to Sweden?
Hoping he comes back to the Hub.
Mike, Cranston, R.I.
A: As noted earlier, Bergeron and Ryder will be in play. Yes, they have depth at center, so that would be a position the Bruins can look to for help. I would be more comfortable asking Marc Savard to waive his no-trade clause and getting something for him. The return would be greater and would allow the Bruins to get reinforcements for Savard, who is entering the final season of his contract and would be tough to re-sign. Axelsson wants to return to Boston next season, but the Bruins haven't made their decision yet on him. If he plays for another NHL team, Axelsson said he'd have to find the right fit. Or else he would go back to Sweden.
With the complete lack of any continuity on the power play, why
didn't you try putting Zdeno Chara in front of the net to create some
havoc? Cam Ward's life was made far too easy in this series.
Todd, Ocean Grove, N.J.
A: Todd, I've always been a proponent for Chara in front of the net. Nobody would be able to move him. He has good hands for a defenseman. But I think the biggest fear is putting him at greater risk to injury. Also, that net-front position on the power play requires a lot of energy and jam, much more so than playing the point. The concern there is that Chara would spend too much energy there and leave him compromised on defense when he's asked to play there in even-strength and penalty-killing situations.
Is P.J. Axelsson the Bruins’ most overrated player? I know the
media loves him but compare him to a player with a similar contract, say
Chuck Kobasew. I take Kobasew over P.J. every day of the week and twice on
Sunday.
Joe, West Roxbury
A: I don't think Axelsson is overrated. Axelsson and Kobasew are different players with different roles and skill sets. Kobasew is the more offensive-minded player. Axelsson is better on defense and penalty kill.
No questions . . . just thank you! Looking forward to the
fall.
Ryan, Templeton
A: Let's enjoy the spring and summer first!
Obviously falling to Carolina is not what the Bruins had
planned. I believe it's fair to say that they expected to go much deeper
this postseason, as did the fans. With that being said, do you think the
returning Bruins will have a sour taste in their mouth and come out next
year trying to prove this wasn't a fluke? Also, about those returning
Bruins. The Kessel and Krejci situation is a difficult one to handle.
Ideally, they'd like to keep both, but given the reduction on the salary
cap, what's most likely to happen?
Jon, Pomfret, Conn.
A: Absolutely. Nobody in the organization is satisfied with losing in the second round. As the season progressed, so did their expectations. They thought they had a team capable of winning the Cup. These windows often don't last long, unless you're a top-flight franchise like Detroit, so it remains to be seen whether the Bruins can build on this next season. They know they have a good core and a strong foundation, but they also acknowledge that they might have let an opportunity slip by not having their A-game against Carolina. As for Krejci and Kessel, I see them making the former their first priority and re-signing him before July 1. Kessel is a little cloudier. Still not sure on that one.
Hey Fluto, first off I was wondering if you have any advice for
heartbreak after watching our Black and Gold turn black and blue thanks to
the Carolina Hurricanes. However, after watching the series, I realized
what I believe is a major Bruins issue. Now, I have asked multiple
questions about the reliability of Phil Kessel and his projected peak. But
I have now decided that he is not what the Bruins need. He is one of the
fastest players in the league with a terrific shot, and he’s playing with
one of the best playmakers in the league in Marc Savard. Yet he only
managed 30 goals? [Actually, 36] That is fairly unacceptable. Now I
believe that the Bruins must bring in a center akin to Erik Cole or Eric
Staal. A big center with speed who can rush the puck, hold onto the puck,
and shoot. Essentially, the Bruins need an offensive gamebreaker with the
ability to control the game and enter the offensive zone without coughing
up the puck. I thought that maybe Anze Kopitar of the Kings would be a good
fit. A 21-year-old with offensive potential, a big boy, and a good eye for
the game would be terrific. However, he did have a minus-17 this year. But
I think that with Claude Julien's system and emphasis on defensive
responsibility those numbers might improve. Your thoughts? And any other
ideas you may have that may be more probable?
Jay, Granby, Ontario
A: Jay, every team wants you're looking for -- big, strong, skilled centermen. Not many of them out there. I love Kopitar's game, but if you're LA, he's one of your foundation pieces, and he's paid that way. LA's in a good spot. They have some skilled young players like Kopitar and cap space. It would take a significant package for them to give up Kopitar. As for alternatives, I'd like a center like Jason Arnott, but he's got two years left at $4.5 million per. Very pricey, and you'd have to make room by moving either Savard or Bergeron. One possibility is to move Byron Bitz to center, which he played in college.
Now that the Bruins have signed Thomas (too expensive and too
long but nice to have him on board), the Bruins still have to address
Kessel and Krejci after this season and Blake Wheeler and Lucic after
2009-10. Seeing that signing all of them will be close to impossible and
the rumor is that the Bruins will be trading Kessel before the draft, why
don't they wait for a team to sign Kessel to an offer sheet in which case
if he is signed for over $4 million a year the Bruins would get two
first-rounders, a second, and a third. If he is signed for over $5 million
a year the Bruins would get four first-round picks! Both packages are
surely superior to what the Bruins would get in a trade. What are your
thoughts?
Jean-Marc, Montreal
A: You're talking about a 21-year-old who scored 36 goals in his third pro season. If you trade him, you need immediate help, preferably on the back end. First-round picks will not be enough. Picks might not be ready for the NHL for three more years. By then, the core of this group could be gone.
Do you think that the Bruins will buy out Peter Schaefer, or
will they keep him and let him play in Providence next season?
Deb, Vancouver
A: Tough call. Financially, they'd certainly like to get out from the $2.1 million he's owed in 2009-10. But if you buy him out, that's tacking on an extra $700,000 in dead cap money for the next two years. And right now, every dollar of cap space is important. So I'm leaning toward no.
What is your best guess on signing priority for the Bruins in
the offseason? Mine has Krejci, Hunwick, Kessel in that order. Also, who do
you see being moved if they need to move people to get under the cap or
tweak their current matrix?
Mike, Newbury
A: Mike, your priority looks good. Candidates to be traded: Kessel, Savard, Bergeron, Ryder, Kobasew.
Fluto, you and Barry
from Wakefield need to look no further than this year's NCAA Tournament
for an answer to the hand signal for a reviewed goal in overtime and even
back to the 2006 NCAA championship game. Two different scenarios: First, in
2006, BC hit the post with about a second or two left in regulation against
Wisconsin in which the Eagles were trailing 2-1. The game ended, Wisconsin
celebrated their national title, and the goal was being reviewed at the
same time. The goal was obviously no good. When officials on the ice got
word from upstairs, they gave a quick wave-off that it was no goal and left
the ice. Second: In this year's NCAAs, Vermont was in overtime vs. Air
Force in the second round. A shot from the point went through the net (yes,
it happens and it is possible without a hole in the net). After several
minutes of play without stoppage, there was a whistle and it was finally
reviewed. It was a goal and was conclusive. Therefore, the ref came out of
the box and pointed to center ice to signal a Vermont victory even though
it ended the game and the Catamounts players went wild. In conclusion, a
no-goal does not get just a pointing to the faceoff dot, it gets a
wave-off. And a goal gets the pointing to center ice regardless of whether
there is a subsequent faceoff. Also in conclusion, NCAA hockey is
great.
Chris, Boston
A: Will second that last sentiment, Chris. Go BU!
Coach Julien has been a patient coach with great vision for the
Bruins. Do you think the owners/management will extend his contract? I
think he has another year to go.
Diane, Quincy
A: Julien has been terrific. He should be in Boston for a while.
No question, just a thanks for the laugh in your bizarre Ference
article: "Best all-around defenseman on the team before he was
injured." Chara must have laughed out loud over his coffee. Here is what
NHL scouts say: Consistently weak plus/minus. Only Hnidy is worse, barely.
No offensive production. A bad joke in the corners and clearing Thomas’s
crease. Gets toasted one on one. Good thing your readers never played the
game either.
John, Boston
A: Chiarelli and Julien said the same thing several times -- before he got hurt the first time, Ference was the team's best all-around defenseman. Chara was still rounding into his game because of the shoulder surgery. Good of you to challenge the hockey acumen of the GM and coach.
Does the Bruins’ announcer play a recording of Ric Flair saying
"WOO!!!" after each Boston goal, or does he say it himself?
Dave, Huntington Beach, Calif.
A: It's a recording. 