2022-23 Bruins Season

Over Guapo Grande

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Is there a source that gives on ice pairings/ points? In basketball you can see that when X plays with ABCD they are +56, but with LMNO they are -2.
I am wondering if JDB sees himself as a top 6, and when not there sulks a bit… but I would want to see if the numbers “bear” that out.
 

joe dokes

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That's certainly part of it. Just feels like early on it extends past a few shifts coming off of special teams play.
Always risky to go into a coach's head, but I think that Montgomery might believe that McLaughlin or Lauko might be close to NHL ready, and he also has McAvoy, Gryz and Marchand on the horizon. That's 3-5 players that will be replaced. So I think he's giving some guys some run now so he can decide on who goes later.
 

cshea

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Is there a source that gives on ice pairings/ points? In basketball you can see that when X plays with ABCD they are +56, but with LMNO they are -2.
I am wondering if JDB sees himself as a top 6, and when not there sulks a bit… but I would want to see if the numbers “bear” that out.
Yes. Natural Stat Trick has a line tool. Short version is you can search for DeBrusk and Bergeron and it'll spit out their numbers when they are on the ice together as well as their numbers when they are on the ice without the other.

It is a very useful tool to figure out who specifically driving play, but I don't think you can use it to identify any sort of sulking. In Jake's case, his numbers are obviously much better playing with Bergeron. That's not a knock though, that's just the reality of playing with a Hall of Famer. The same thing is going to be true for Hall, Pastrnak, etc. It's nly natural that a player is going to perform better when they have higher quality teamates on the ice with them. Another example is McAvoy who'se numbers don't dip no matter who you put out there as his partner. He gives you the same elite results whether beinig paired with Urho Vaakanainen or Hampus Lindholm.
 

McDrew

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I think the discussion (in detail) on JDB has focused heavily on one of the two reasons he has improved. I think that is because his play with Bergeron is quantifiable with statistics. I do think there needs to be more focus on the nebulous unknown of the mental burden he is no longer carrying. He was unhappy in his situation, did not feel supported or welcomed, and had a lot of uncertainty about his future (including a potential move to a new city/situation, which is stressful as fuck for anyone). I really see that being able to put that down has given him the mental space to do the work for improvement and have it stick. I also think the effects of both reasons (mental load + lines) are amplifying each other.
 

Over Guapo Grande

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Yes. Natural Stat Trick has a line tool. Short version is you can search for DeBrusk and Bergeron and it'll spit out their numbers when they are on the ice together as well as their numbers when they are on the ice without the other.

It is a very useful tool to figure out who specifically driving play, but I don't think you can use it to identify any sort of sulking. In Jake's case, his numbers are obviously much better playing with Bergeron. That's not a knock though, that's just the reality of playing with a Hall of Famer. The same thing is going to be true for Hall, Pastrnak, etc. It's nly natural that a player is going to perform better when they have higher quality teamates on the ice with them. Another example is McAvoy who'se numbers don't dip no matter who you put out there as his partner. He gives you the same elite results whether beinig paired with Urho Vaakanainen or Hampus Lindholm.
I almost added the caveat of playing with Bergie as a complication. And that is really hard to filter out… I have some time on my hands (unwillingly), so I can take a look and try to separate the wheat from the chaff .
 

Eddie Jurak

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The biggest thing on his assist wasn't the pass (which was more lucky than good IMO with a blindish behind the back dish and a good corral by Bergeron...not a bad play but lucky to get the end result) but the burst he showed in dusting Ekblad to the puck. That was legitimately noticeable.
Agree on the pass and the burst, but I would also give him a few points for controling the puck, which he had to kick to his stick as he broke between the defensemen.
 

Myt1

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The biggest thing on his assist wasn't the pass (which was more lucky than good IMO with a blindish behind the back dish and a good corral by Bergeron...not a bad play but lucky to get the end result) but the burst he showed in dusting Ekblad to the puck. That was legitimately noticeable.
It’s one of the easiest things to notice on the eye test, too. When he’s flying, he’s fucking flying in all three zones, in all phases. He’s an underrated menace on the forecheck and defensively in the neutral zone when he’s playing like that. A much less skilled and studied Marchand but with greater closing speed as a harasser.
 

BostonFanInCanesLand

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Pierre LeBrun reports that the cap should go up by $4 million. That almost covers the centers’ bonuses ($4.5 million). And then the fun begins (Foligno and others out, Pasta re-signed, etc.).

 

cshea

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Who is this AJ Greer? Any real potential there?
Greer was a UFA signing this past July. He's got some draft pedigree, the 39th overall pick in 2015 by the Avalance. Played some college hockey at BU before going back to the QMJHL. At the pro level, he's been a journey man. He played 37 games across 3 seasons for the Avs with little to no production before being traded to the Islanders. After a 10 game stay with the Islanders AHL team, they flipped him to New Jersey. He started to pop offensively with the Devils AHL team with 74 points in 76 games across two seasons. The Devils didn't give him much of a chance at the NHL level, only giving him 9 games a year ago where he scored a goal and had an assist. They then let him walk in free agency where the Bruins signed him.

I think from the Bruins standpoint, the signing was more of a depth signing. Gun to their head, I bet they saw him as AHL depth and injury call up. He played well enough in camp to earn a spot on the NHL roster, and thus far that has continued to start the regular season.

We'll have to see if he can keep it up. A little bit of a cautionary tale is he's almost 26 and hockey players don't usually suddenly pop at that age. He's also scored 3 goals on 9 shots which isn't a sustainable percentage. But even if the scoring dips, if he can continue to be a serviceable bottom-9 forward he'll be extremely valuable with a $762,000 cap hit for this season and next.
 

MiracleOfO2704

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If there’s a guy in the lineup that could be in trouble, it’s Frederic. He didn’t look good at all to my eye, and if newcomers like Greer and Lauko can do the little things better, I don’t know if there’s a path forward for him.
 

Eddie Jurak

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We'll have to see if he can keep it up. A little bit of a cautionary tale is he's almost 26 and hockey players don't usually suddenly pop at that age. He's also scored 3 goals on 9 shots which isn't a sustainable percentage. But even if the scoring dips, if he can continue to be a serviceable bottom-9 forward he'll be extremely valuable with a $762,000 cap hit for this season and next.
It is rare, but does happen on occasion. My favorite example of that type of late bloomer is former Bruin Mike Knuble. Here are his goals by age:

  • 24: 1 (9 games)
  • 25: 7
  • 26: 15
  • 27: 12
  • 28: 7
  • 29: 8
  • 30: 30
  • 31: strike year
  • 32: 34
  • 33: 24
  • 34: 29
  • 35: 27
  • 36: 29
  • 37: 24
  • 38: 6
  • 39:4 (28 games)
50 goals before his age 30 season, 228 from age 30 onward. Not aware offhand of another guy like that.
 

Scoops Bolling

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Bryan Rust is another recent example. Averaged ~15 goals per season in his age 24 to 26 seasons (5 goals in 55 GP across his age 23 and 24 seasons), has since jumped to averaging ~25 per season in his age 27 to 29 seasons.
 

FL4WL3SS

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Going into the season, I felt like this team was pretty bare outside of the top 10 guys. It's now apparent with guys coming back from injury, they might have too many riches. I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade or two to create space.
 

biff_hardbody

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With Foligno looking like an NHL player, Smith/Rielly are likely the odd man out for a trade. Smith seems especially likely to be traded given the depth of RH wingers (Studnicka, Lysell, McGlaughlin). He wasn't put on waivers, is there value there in a trade or would we be lucky to have someone take his money off the books? He's a UFA at the end of the year.
 

joe dokes

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With Foligno looking like an NHL player, Smith/Rielly are likely the odd man out for a trade. Smith seems especially likely to be traded given the depth of RH wingers (Studnicka, Lysell, McGlaughlin). He wasn't put on waivers, is there value there in a trade or would we be lucky to have someone take his money off the books? He's a UFA at the end of the year.
I dont think there's any way Reilly gets moved. He is exactly the kind of defenseman that Montgomery likes. He has real offensive chops. He has (I think) played both sides, he can sit for days and days and fit back in pretty well. I've been down on Smith for awhile now. All that said, Foligno may *look* like an NHL player, but it's a replaceable and improve-upon-able NHL player. I understand though, that he might be a valuable presence in the dressing room and the fighting part oif the game.
 

cshea

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I dont think there's any way Reilly gets moved. He is exactly the kind of defenseman that Montgomery likes. He has real offensive chops. He has (I think) played both sides, he can sit for days and days and fit back in pretty well. I've been down on Smith for awhile now. All that said, Foligno may *look* like an NHL player, but it's a replaceable and improve-upon-able NHL player. I understand though, that he might be a valuable presence in the dressing room and the fighting part oif the game.
It is a numbers crunch and I suspect Reilly is at the top of the list to go. If they get to a place where they are fully healthy, they basically have to move a defenseman, maybe even 2. The first reason is they can't carry the 9 NHL D when all are healthy. That leaves them without the ability to have a spare forward on the roster which isn't great. Someone on D has to go at some point.

They will have to move $4.1 million just to be able to activate McAvoy. They probably need to move a little more than that to give them wiggle room for call ups and trade deadline maneuvering. So call it $5 milion. None of the 9 defensemen are waivers exempt, so they can't just send a guy or two down and be compliant. They could waive Stralman and clear him off the books but that's only $1 million. Still need to find $3-$4 more million to go. Clifton and Zboril I guess could be waived but there's a high probability they get claimed given their age, performance and cheap contract status. If that happens, their depth is gone and they're still over the cap.

In terms of real money, that leaves Reilly and Forbort on the back end. They have identical $3 million cap hits for this year and next. I know Forbort isn't the most beloved, but the team clearly values him in the role he has. His job has never been in jeopardy. They have never healthy scratched him due to performance. Reilly on the other hand has been put in the pressbox and hit waivers. They were comfortable losing him for nothing. With Stralman in the fold and everyone healthy it gives them 5 LHD and 4 RHD. The 5th LHD is Reilly and I suspect there's a good chance he's the odd man out.

We'll see how things shake out. Reilly alone isn't enough to get them compliant, but I think the signs are there that it'll be him on defense. I think Smith is also a likely trade candidate but the biggest problem with trading him is his actual salary. He's owed $4.3 million in cash this season with a $3.1 million cap hit. Wingers tend to be pretty easy to move so we'll see. Foligno is the reverse. He was paid a $1 million bonus in July, so the actual cash owed is only $2.8 million against his $3.8 million cap hit. If he plays well I think there'd be some kind of a market if the Bruins retained a little, but the hurdle with him is he has a 16-team no trade list.

We'll have to see how they manage this. I don't think it's going to be easy given that the entire league is at or close to the cap.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Alternatively for that $4.1m, they could demote Reilly, Smith, and move / waive Nosek and become nearly compliant. $1.125m x 2 + $1.75m == $4m even; they could throw someone a 6th round pick to take Smith on with 50% retained if nobody claims Nosek. And as you said, can always bury Strålman for that incremental cap space.

Marchand - Bergeron - DeBrusk
Hall - Krejci - Pastrnak
Greer - Coyle - Zacha
Lauko - Studnicka - Foligno
Frederic

Lindholm - McAvoy
Grzelcyk - Clifton
Forbort - Zboril
Carlo (IR) / Strålman

Ullmark
Swayman

If Carlo is really brained again, maybe he's the LTIR fixture to enable this space at $4.1m even.
 

joe dokes

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It is a numbers crunch and I suspect Reilly is at the top of the list to go. If they get to a place where they are fully healthy, they basically have to move a defenseman, maybe even 2. The first reason is they can't carry the 9 NHL D when all are healthy. That leaves them without the ability to have a spare forward on the roster which isn't great. Someone on D has to go at some point.

They will have to move $4.1 million just to be able to activate McAvoy. They probably need to move a little more than that to give them wiggle room for call ups and trade deadline maneuvering. So call it $5 milion. None of the 9 defensemen are waivers exempt, so they can't just send a guy or two down and be compliant. They could waive Stralman and clear him off the books but that's only $1 million. Still need to find $3-$4 more million to go. Clifton and Zboril I guess could be waived but there's a high probability they get claimed given their age, performance and cheap contract status. If that happens, their depth is gone and they're still over the cap.

In terms of real money, that leaves Reilly and Forbort on the back end. They have identical $3 million cap hits for this year and next. I know Forbort isn't the most beloved, but the team clearly values him in the role he has. His job has never been in jeopardy. They have never healthy scratched him due to performance. Reilly on the other hand has been put in the pressbox and hit waivers. They were comfortable losing him for nothing. With Stralman in the fold and everyone healthy it gives them 5 LHD and 4 RHD. The 5th LHD is Reilly and I suspect there's a good chance he's the odd man out.

We'll see how things shake out. Reilly alone isn't enough to get them compliant, but I think the signs are there that it'll be him on defense. I think Smith is also a likely trade candidate but the biggest problem with trading him is his actual salary. He's owed $4.3 million in cash this season with a $3.1 million cap hit. Wingers tend to be pretty easy to move so we'll see. Foligno is the reverse. He was paid a $1 million bonus in July, so the actual cash owed is only $2.8 million against his $3.8 million cap hit. If he plays well I think there'd be some kind of a market if the Bruins retained a little, but the hurdle with him is he has a 16-team no trade list.

We'll have to see how they manage this. I don't think it's going to be easy given that the entire league is at or close to the cap.
Thanks. That's very helpful. I suppose I'm still scarred from what seems like the annual springtime defense attrition and my first instinct is "you can never have enough major league defensemen." But given cap and roster limits, and contract statuses, clearly you can. Also, I really like Reilly and I'm done with Mr. Smith.

If Carlo is really brained again, maybe he's the LTIR fixture to enable this space at $4.1m even.
While that hadn't occurred to me specifically, I think it plays into my "keep all the d-men you can" approach. (which, as cshea points out, is likely untenable without some other contingencies -- like Carlo, perhaps -- cropping up.)
 

BostonFanInCanesLand

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Studnicka in at 3C (Coyle to RW, Greer to 4th, Lauko out). So Montgomery is keeping him at center (for now). Let’s see what he can do.

Smith still riding the pine. I’m sure this is just maintenance for Bergeron And he’ll be 1C.

Per Fluto:
AM lines:
Zacha-Marchand-DeBrusk
Hall-Krejci-Pastrnak
Frederic-Studnicka-Coyle
Foligno-Nosek-Greer
Lauko-Smith
Patrice Bergeron is not skating.
 

cshea

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It's extremely early, only 5 games, but thusfar Monty has delivered. They are just as stingy defensively as they were with Cassidy but the offense is there.

Their xGF/60 at 5x5 is 3.08, 6th. xGA/60 is 2.18, 4th. Last season they were 9th and 1st. They got to 9th for xGF/60 largely due to a volume shooting approach. The biggest higgest offensive improvement this season is they are getting way more high danger chances. Last season they were 15th in high danger chances per 60 with 11.2 Early this season they are getting 15.8 high danger chances per 60, 3rd in the league. Their high danger chances against per 60 last season was 8.66, this year it is 9.22. This includes the defensive hair ball they coughed up against Ottawa. If that proves to be an outlier, then they're even better.

Small sample size caveats apply but they will be an absolute monster of a team if they can keep this up.
 

j44thor

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It's extremely early, only 5 games, but thusfar Monty has delivered. They are just as stingy defensively as they were with Cassidy but the offense is there.

Their xGF/60 at 5x5 is 3.08, 6th. xGA/60 is 2.18, 4th. Last season they were 9th and 1st. They got to 9th for xGF/60 largely due to a volume shooting approach. The biggest higgest offensive improvement this season is they are getting way more high danger chances. Last season they were 15th in high danger chances per 60 with 11.2 Early this season they are getting 15.8 high danger chances per 60, 3rd in the league. Their high danger chances against per 60 last season was 8.66, this year it is 9.22. This includes the defensive hair ball they coughed up against Ottawa. If that proves to be an outlier, then they're even better.

Small sample size caveats apply but they will be an absolute monster of a team if they can keep this up.
They haven't exactly faced the elite teams when we consider FL was only dressing 5 D and lost their best D 1/2 through the game. I love what I see from the offense but I don't see how anyone can say they are just as stingy defensively under Monty as they were with Cassidy. The D are jumping into the play more and that is both generating more offense but also creating more chances against. Ullmark has been sensational to start the season and seems to be covering up for some of the defensive miscues obv the same can't be said of Sway. Perhaps when McAvoy gets back the D will right itself but I do think Monty's up-tempo style is going to continue to lead to a lot more high quality scoring chances but also more high quality chances against. Given the elite top 6 this team has (arguably strongest FW core since 2011?) I think that is a trade-off that makes sense. Especially if Ullmark can keep up his hot start.
 

bsl394

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They haven't exactly faced the elite teams when we consider FL was only dressing 5 D and lost their best D 1/2 through the game. I love what I see from the offense but I don't see how anyone can say they are just as stingy defensively under Monty as they were with Cassidy. The D are jumping into the play more and that is both generating more offense but also creating more chances against. Ullmark has been sensational to start the season and seems to be covering up for some of the defensive miscues obv the same can't be said of Sway. Perhaps when McAvoy gets back the D will right itself but I do think Monty's up-tempo style is going to continue to lead to a lot more high quality scoring chances but also more high quality chances against. Given the elite top 6 this team has (arguably strongest FW core since 2011?) I think that is a trade-off that makes sense. Especially if Ullmark can keep up his hot start.
I tend to agree with this. I hate to be that person that relies on the eye test over numbers, but the play in the defensive zone has looked noticeably sloppier this year. I think their play in the offensive zone has obviously improved - many more quality chances. I also think their play in the neutral zone has been their biggest improvement. They seem to be packing it in between the blue lines, which has caused teams headaches. They often get neutral zone turnovers that turn into quality offensive chances, but if the opposing team is able to get over the red and dump it in they're not in position to have a clean breakout. I see a lot of forwards hanging out higher in the defensive zone, which leads to the outlet passes on the boards being cut off by the opposing team's forward or the D-pinching down being right on top of the winger once he gets the puck. The defensemen are also a little slow covering the guy in the slot when they are switching off with one another. I hope (and expect) this to get cleared up once McAvoy is back.

I also am OK with this tradeoff however. The d-first approach wasn't going to win them a cup with this group - it didn't work in the last few years (I think the cup run in 2019, while nice, was a bit of an aberration given who they had to beat to get there).
 

Salem's Lot

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We are not going to be able to truly evaluate the defense until McAvoy returns. It’s impossible to replace the 20-25 minutes per game of elite defense that he provides. Of course they are going to look a little sloppy at times without him.
 

cshea

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They haven't exactly faced the elite teams when we consider FL was only dressing 5 D and lost their best D 1/2 through the game. I love what I see from the offense but I don't see how anyone can say they are just as stingy defensively under Monty as they were with Cassidy. The D are jumping into the play more and that is both generating more offense but also creating more chances against. Ullmark has been sensational to start the season and seems to be covering up for some of the defensive miscues obv the same can't be said of Sway. Perhaps when McAvoy gets back the D will right itself but I do think Monty's up-tempo style is going to continue to lead to a lot more high quality scoring chances but also more high quality chances against. Given the elite top 6 this team has (arguably strongest FW core since 2011?) I think that is a trade-off that makes sense. Especially if Ullmark can keep up his hot start.
The data is there through 5 games. They've given up a tick more scoring chances but not an alarming number. It'd still be top-10 worthy. By high danger and expected goals against, they're essentially the same.

2021/22: Scoring Chances Against per 60: 23.3
2022/23: Scoring Chances Against per 60: 26.6

2021/22: High Danger Chances Against per 60: 8.66
2022/23: High Danger Chacnes Against per 60: 9.22

2021/22: Expected Goals Agaisnt per 60: 2.01
2022/23: Expected Goals Against per 60: 2.18

If I cherry picked the Ottawa game out, they'd look better than they did under Cassidy. But it happened and at this point it's unclear if it was an outlier or something that will happen more frequently. Time will tell.
 

cshea

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McAvoy joined the pre-game skate in a non-contact jersey. Believe that's his first practice with the team this year.

Marchand is a full participant. FWIW, Grzelyck went from no-contact at practice to appearing in a game in 14 days. Marchand is at 8 days of full contact. All injuries are different, but I suspect he's closer than we think to returning.
 

Lose Remerswaal

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Knowing I am illiterate about LTIR, but does it make sense to leave Marchand and McAvoy on the list a bit longer as long as the team is playing well, in order to:

Save cap money that might be needed later
Keep miles off of their legs?
 

cshea

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No. You can't bank LTIR cap space. It goes poof when the player returns. The only long term advantage would be if a player was out for the entire season.

Only McAvoy is on LTIR. Marchand is on regular IR so he can return whenever and already counts against the cap. McAvoy's the one that will cause roster/cap maneuvering.
 

BostonFanInCanesLand

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When Marchand is ready they can squeeze him onto the roster by sending Lauko to Providence (Or waiving Studnicka for purposes of sending to Providence). But when that happy day arrives when McAvoy is ready, shoes will be dropping.

Hope Carlo dodged a bullet here and gets/stays healthy. This is a fun team to watch and when Carlo, Marchand, and McAvoy return it‘s going to be even better. You can tell from Montgomery’s comments that he’s really excited to take the full lineup out for a spin.

[Edit deleted brain freeze about LTIR - Marchand‘s salary is already counted while he’s on IR. With Lauko back in Providence they’ll have to move someone else off the roster when they activate Marchand. The $ crunch only occurs when they’re ready to take McAvoy off of LTIR.]
 
Last edited:

cshea

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Carlo is back in the lineup tonight. In order to activate him, the team will need to make some kind of roster transaction before the game.

The only 2 options are either waiving Studnicka or sending waivers-exempt Lauko to Providence. Suspect the latter happens due to asset management but it wouldn't be entirely merit based.
 

Jed Zeppelin

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Now that this really feels like a 100% GFIN year, what ability will the team have to make an all-in move or two around the deadline?

Obviously intrigued by Lysell and some other pieces but at the end of the day I’m putting it all on the table to try to win another while Bergy still chooses to grace us with his presence, and the hot start is only reinforcing that.

I know the salary situation is probably complicated especially with injured guys needing cap cleared to get back in the building, but I really hope they whole-ass this deadline in whatever way possible, regardless of the pain it may cause next year and beyond. Can’t stand another weak exit because the bottom 6 is overmatched, etc.
 

katnado

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Now that this really feels like a 100% GFIN year, what ability will the team have to make an all-in move or two around the deadline?

Obviously intrigued by Lysell and some other pieces but at the end of the day I’m putting it all on the table to try to win another while Bergy still chooses to grace us with his presence, and the hot start is only reinforcing that.

I know the salary situation is probably complicated especially with injured guys needing cap cleared to get back in the building, but I really hope they whole-ass this deadline in whatever way possible, regardless of the pain it may cause next year and beyond. Can’t stand another weak exit because the bottom 6 is overmatched, etc.
Honestly all they need is some bottom 6 help (Lysell may be that guy this year) and a 2nd pairing defenseman for the inevitable Carlo long term injury. Top 6 are looking really good (even better with Marchy back) issue is going to be they have zero cap room to do anything later in the year without someone taking on some of their bottom 6 contracts. But as was said. Far to early to even think or worry about it. Just enjoy the hot start and balanced scoring.
 

joe dokes

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I doubt Ullmark can play 55 games like he's going now, but the fact that he's been playing out of his mind while Swayman is still......[wherever Swayman is at]......... has been incalculably huge. And credit to the Coach for (at least temporarily) ditching the job share and riding the hot hand for a bit
 

j44thor

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I doubt Ullmark can play 55 games like he's going now, but the fact that he's been playing out of his mind while Swayman is still......[wherever Swayman is at]......... has been incalculably huge. And credit to the Coach for (at least temporarily) ditching the job share and riding the hot hand for a bit
Ullmark really looks like a different goalie this year. He looks much quicker and more efficient than last year. He was going down and some times staying down way too much last season. If this is due in part to Essensa work give that man a raise.
 

IdiotKicker

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There were a couple of stops last night where his movement really reminded me of Tuukka at his best in terms of being efficient and smooth getting to his spot, staying calm, and getting holes filled quickly.
 

joe dokes

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Jul 18, 2005
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Ullmark really looks like a different goalie this year. He looks much quicker and more efficient than last year. He was going down and some times staying down way too much last season. If this is due in part to Essensa work give that man a raise.
Essensa has stuck around through numerous administrations (he's been with the Bruins since 2003!!--preNeely.......Mike Sullivan....18yr old Bergeron......Raycroft/Potvin....some guy named "Patrick Leahy"......1st round loss to MTL), so a lot of people believe in him.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
37,998
306, row 14
Now that this really feels like a 100% GFIN year, what ability will the team have to make an all-in move or two around the deadline?

Obviously intrigued by Lysell and some other pieces but at the end of the day I’m putting it all on the table to try to win another while Bergy still chooses to grace us with his presence, and the hot start is only reinforcing that.

I know the salary situation is probably complicated especially with injured guys needing cap cleared to get back in the building, but I really hope they whole-ass this deadline in whatever way possible, regardless of the pain it may cause next year and beyond. Can’t stand another weak exit because the bottom 6 is overmatched, etc.
The cap and farm system are going to be the biggest challenges. We'll have a better idea of what they'll have available to work with in a month or so when the McAvoy activation happens (maybe sooner, he practiced yesterday). We'll know what they actually have in cap space, any holes to fill if they end up having to trade off the roster, and better picture of assets available to deal.

That said, some names that will probably be available at the deadline:

- Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Both are in the final year of their contracts and the Blackhawks are tanking (don't let the 4-2-0 record fool you). Of the two, Toews feels a more Bruin-y than Kane. Captain Serious, grit, blah, blah, blah. But as a 3rd liner/bottom 6 C that'd be a pretty good luxury. Kane has been linked to the Rangers.

- James van Riemsdyk- $7 million expiring cap hit, also undergoing surgery and will miss the next month. Could be a bottom 6, PP specialist. Don't think his defense is any good though.

- Bo Horvat- $5.5 million AAV, expiring contract. I think he's an interesting one to follow, both in terms of this season and as a Bergy/Krejci replacement for the future. He'd be an all-in move, cap hit makes it plausible plus the benefit of getting a jump on the UFA market for him if they view him as a long-term fit. Vancouver is a trainwreck and the President of Hockey Ops is already publicly wondering about a rebuild.

- John Klingberg- $7 million, NMC expiring. He'll likely be the top defenseman on the market. Barring injury I don't think the Bruins would be in the market for a high end D.

I think after those 5 are the biggest names that will likely be on the market. It could change as the season progresses. Horvat is the most intriguing name for me. It makes too much sense short and long term not to pursue.
 

Haunted

The Man in the Box
SoSH Member
Aug 23, 2006
6,927
I want absolutely nothing to do with either player on the Blackhawks, for almost entirely non-hockey reasons.
 

Cotillion

New Member
Jun 11, 2019
5,906
Ullmark really looks like a different goalie this year. He looks much quicker and more efficient than last year. He was going down and some times staying down way too much last season. If this is due in part to Essensa work give that man a raise.
I remember yelling at times last year where he would lose where his net was behind him when he came out super high on some shots, and it allowed other team to get angles for shots that shouldn't have been open. Don't recall doing it yet this year.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
37,998
306, row 14
Marchand is a full participant. FWIW, Grzelyck went from no-contact at practice to appearing in a game in 14 days. Marchand is at 8 days of full contact. All injuries are different, but I suspect he's closer than we think to returning.
Well, well, well...

View: https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1585301486627540994?s=20&t=nrFowmOuHiJxUzIO_AEvDQ


According to the reporters Marchand also practiced with the top PP unit and led the stretch. At least with Butch, the special teams work was always the indicator that a player was close to returning. At media day Marchand said Thanksgiving at the earliest, but he certainly seems way ahead of that timeline.
 

cshea

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
37,998
306, row 14
I doubt he comes back tomorrow on the front end of a back-to-back, but Friday or Tuesday certainly seem possible.

View: https://twitter.com/conroyherald/status/1585313150328795136?s=20&t=NMC0FF8dwybMJzSRUe1A0g


From a roster management perspective there's no cap ramifications towards activating him but they will need to clear a roster spot for whenever he does return. They demoted Lauko yesterday to activate Carlo and are at the maximum 23 players. They are still within the 30-day window post-waivers where they can demote Foligno or Reilly without having to waive them again.