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Looking to deal

Email|Link|Comments (4) Posted by Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff June 20, 2008 12:31 PM

OTTAWA -- GM Peter Chiarelli said this morning that he's involved in talks about moving up from the No. 16 pick, but acknowledged that prices might be too high for him to make a deal.

'We've made a lot of inquiries in attempt to move up," Chiarelli said. "It's still pretty early in the day. We'll see."

Because of the depth of this year's draft, Chiarelli said many GMs appear content to remain in their current slots and see what prospects might become available.

* Chiarelli said he remains close to re-signing Dennis Wideman. However, Chiarelli said that arbitration remains an option for Wideman if they can't agree on a deal.

* The Bruins, like any team, can exceed the ceiling for the salary cap by 10 percent after July 1, as long as they get below the number by the start of the season. Chiarelli said the preferable route, however, would be to clear enough money before the start of free agency. "There are different ways to make room," said Chiarelli, referring to trades, buyouts, and assignments. "If you do it now before July 1, that would probably be the best way."

* Goalies were all the rage last year, as Vesa Toskala and Tomas Vokoun were traded on the first day of the draft. The Bruins planted the seeds for the Manny Fernandez trade. In contrast, Chiarelli said that centers were available this year on the market. Chiarelli wouldn't name names, but available players most likely include Florida's Olli Jokinen.

* In Chiarelli's estimation, the top eight picks of this year's draft could make the jump to the NHL in 2008-09.

tags Dennis Wideman, draft, free agency, Manny Fernandez

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4 comments so far...

Hey Fluto - are you getting any vibes on who PC might be targetting if he is able to move up in the draft? Any thoughts on who might be their guy if they stay at 16?

In the current spot I'm hoping for Sbisa, Karlsson, Teubert or Del Zotto probably in that order.

Posted by Rockstareh June 20, 08 12:49 PM

If Tedenby is still there at 16 HE HAS TO BE TAKEN.

Based on video I've seen two of the three most talented players in the draft are Tedenby & Ness. One thing I like about both, is that they want the puck to make plays. Look really confident with it. I know the size of both bothers scouts, especially Ness as a dman, but it is important to note that Ness is actually a converted forwrd. If he is a liability on D he can also play up front 5-5 and play the point on the PP. I see Tedenby as a slam dunk pick at 16. Tedenby has tremendous skill, would love to see him with Kessel. Del Zotto & Robak don't appear to be anything special to me. I pray they take Tedenby at 16 if he is there.

Would like to see them deal their #2 and Schaf or Axe for a late 1st rounder and possibly grab Ness, Niemi or even Robak.

Posted by Kevin Kesler June 20, 08 01:49 PM

I think Axy is a lot more important to this team then a lot of people give him credit for. Plus beyond that, it's nice to see some team loyalty for once. Shaefer turned it up end of the year and in the playoffs but maybe I could see a trade. I just wouldn't want to be too hasty in passing off some potentially core players just to move up a few slots in the draft. I'm well aware we need to be concerned about our future prospects as a club but, I think the price is too high.

The only thing I can really agree on with the rest of the posters here is to either buyout Murray or see what we can get for him to lower some cap space. I'm a huge Murray fan but, 4mil is a little too much.

Posted by AL June 20, 08 04:58 PM

The best move may be to keep Murray until the season starts and see if he finds the back of the net again. They can assign him to Providence and it will not count against the salary cap.

Posted by Rich June 20, 08 07:21 PM