Contract year for Alberts
This Scott Hartnell hit on Nov. 26, 2007, most likely triggered Andrew Alberts's head and neck woes. (Getty Images) |
Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that a still-green Andrew Alberts was skating on the fourth line for Mike Sullivan? Hard to believe that he's headed for unrestricted free agency after this season.
"I know. Two years go by fast," said Alberts, referring to his current two-year contract. "Last year was a long year. But coming back this year, hopefully I'll play well and we'll see what happens."
Last season, the ex-Boston College defenseman appeared in only 35 games because of a mysterious neck injury that left him with post-concussion syndrome symptoms. In all likelihood, Alberts's condition was a result of Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell smashing the defenseman's head into the Wachovia Center boards. Alberts appeared in two of the seven first-round games against Montreal.
"Last year, in the early parts of the year, you could see his game was really coming around -- thinking and skating at the same time," GM Peter Chiarelli said during Wednesday's town meeting at TD Banknorth Garden. "He's big. He plays hard. He's just suffered as a result of the injury last year, so he's a little bit behind."
This summer, Alberts worked out back home in Minnesota, skating in a group that included Colorado's Jordan Leopold. Alberts acknowledged experiencing headaches earlier in the summer, but said he's been skating since July and is ready for the official start of training camp.
"Couple hiccups," Alberts said. "But I'm good to go now."
This will be a pivotal year for Alberts, who must prove he's healthy and ready to get back into Boston's defensive six-pack. Aside from shooting more this season, Alberts is aiming to continue his defensive-minded style and get back into an NHL pace.
"Just don't take anything for granted," said Alberts of learning from last year's experience. "That's the biggest thing. Always protect yourself from plays by seeing what's going to happen. I think I was playing well last year when I got hurt. It was tough coming back after being out for so long."
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That hit was awful to watch.
Filthy Flyers.
Hey folks, There is a kid named Marquardt at Rastuccia today.I have never seen a puck land in the net faster..The kid has got a shot many only dream about.P.C. I see that shot on a power play some day.
Albie you're my favorite player on the Bruins! You're physical and rugged style of play is very needed on our back end. You were developing into a solid stay at home defenseman until that ugly hit and injury. I can't wait to see you play this year.
"thinking and skating at the same time"
Haha ... ouch. He wasn't playing well prior to his injury either. For a defensive defenseman he's out of position WAY too often (usually to land a hit) and gets caught scrambling or is unable to clear the puck nightly. I really hope they don't try to push him into top 4 minutes, I don't mind if he's the 6th/7th guy on the depth chart, but for the love of god don't let him play 20 minutes a game.
Yeah, they def took thier toll on the B's last season.
So what are the chances that Albie won't make the starting roster this year and start out in Providence?
0% chance. He's too good to be playing in the AHL. He'd sooner be traded.
I don't expect this guy to make the team. Probably gets traded to dump his salary....Chara, Wideman, Ward, Stuart, Ference and Hnidy with Hunwick or Lashoff as the extra guy.
Good guy, plays tough but have any of you guys ever see him make a tape to tape pass?
I agree, unlikely he'll see Providence, but a trade is definitely possible.
kevin,
I don't see your prediction working out for two reasons... first, if they are going to trade anyone for salary relief it would more likely be Peter Schaefer or PJ Axelsson. Second, having Hunwick or Lashoff up here as the seventh defenseman would impede their development...how are they to mature and improve their game watching from the bench or press box? They need to be playing night in and night out in Providence to gain experience and develop their skills. My prediction is Alberts stays.
Alberts like Fernandez is probably set for a mid seasom trade. Unless he comes back better than ever, I just don't see him sticking around. Before his injury he had improved his positioning, and conditioning. But his puck handling really is suspect and I occasionally wonder how good his vision or play reading is because he attempts some odd passes.
Otoh, he is a better skater than Hnidy and far more physical than Hunwick or Lashoff. Its pretty much a given that Ward will retire at the end of his contract. Ference will hit, but he's not really big enough to slow down guys the size of Ovechkin, Nash or Thornton. Ditto for Wideman. Stuart can probably do it. And I really don't expect Hnidy to be here in two years. I haven't seen enough of the young D in Providence to see who would most be a threat to Alberts position.
An interesting mid season trade might be an Alberts+Kessel trade for a _proven_ 4th/5th year in the nhl scoring winger. I wonder if we could get Boyes back?
Oh yeah. Did anyone else see the NHL.com article on Lucic being one of the ten 2nd year players to watch?
Alberts and Kessel for Boumeester would be an unbelievable deal if Florida was willing. Fernandez is not going to be traded mid-season or at all. What do you base your statement on. We have a goalie in Thomas who is not the type to take a team deep into the playoffs. Put Thomas on the block today, All-Star game and all, there wouldn't be a huge amount of offers for anything substantial in return.
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