2017 Boston Bruins Offseason

Thanks Tex's- You were my first source for that story! This may be huge long term not only for his contributions, but hopefully saving the team getting someone who would cost assets and salary cap. With health, he might be so much fun to watch! I am still aching to this day about Norman Levielle. If you were to ask Harry Sinden or Ray Bourque, NL would probably be the most dynamic forward they've had in the last 40 years- a speed/shot combo in the Bobby Hull ballpark cut down at age 19 by a stroke early in the season when he was their leading scorer blowing past people with breakaways, and unleashing shots goalies couldn't see, and sending 200 lb opponents flying with body checks. If Bjork is half as good, which I suspect he will be, we're in for lots of exciting plays!

Oh and I still get a little misty when I think about NL being led around the ice for the first time since he collpased.

Yes what a special moment to appreciate NL. I scoured you tube for plays with him, the way you can easily find Orr's, some of which I recall. Couldn't find any, but did find that he set up a foundation to help people with special needs in Quebec.
Yes, I click on Kirk all day, even more than this site... great source for analysis, glad to hear from another passionate
Bruins fan. Best goal I ever saw (just memory, never saw replay) was in 72-3 in playoffs against Rangers- Esposito was out so their fate was sealed. However, Orr went coast to coast and finished by pushing off a defenseman with one arm and roofing the puck with the other!

Expansion Draft tonight (well, more precisely, the names of the players LV is taking are announced tonight).

Rumors are out there that Boston will lose Colin Miller (who might then be traded to Toronto). Other names that come up are McQuaid and, to a much lesser extent, Malcolm Subban (I don't see it but GM George McPhee indicated he may take a TON of goalies and trade them).

There don't seem to be any rumors about a pre-expansion trade that would give LV an asset in exchange for taking a specific player.

I'd prefer they take McQuaid or Subban (I'm just gonna go ahead and assume there is ZERO shot they take Hayes).

Beleskey obviously had a horrible season but part of me wants to give him another chance. Especially if we're introducing a bunch of rookies into the lineup, a veteran presence might not be so terrible. And who knows, maybe he can rebound.

Agree. McQuaid would likely be as part of a deal.

Jimmy Murphy, Reed Duthie and Renaud Lavoie reporting that Bruins are in on Marco Scandella. Follow up is that the 1st rounder is not involved as they have that in play for something else (Arizona and Vegas in play there)

After no substantive talks (per Cam Neely), KPD is reporting that Boston and Pastrnak have re-engaged on an 8 year deal.

They HAVE to get this done. He can't be another young star that they trade away (he WANTS to be here and, unlike others, shows no signs of being a problem child).

Camp opens today. Couple of things to watch:

1. RW on the #1 line - While Pastrnak is the best RW, it's been assumed that he would pair up with Krejci more than ride along side Marchand/Bergeron. Does that hold true? If so, who gets the job? Bjork, Backes and maybe Heinen would seem to be the likeliest candidates.

2. D Pairings - Seems to be a "debate" on whether they should have 1 lockdown pair (Chara/Carlo) and 1 offensive pair (Krug/McAvoy) OR should they split those guys up for 2 balanced pairs. Also, will Boston force LD/RD combos (meaning only 1 of McQuaid/Miller) or would they put 2 RDs together. Also, what chance do Zboril/O'Gara have of making the team (Zboril has skill but very inconsistent - I could see RO making the roster though)

3. Rookies - How many rookies will make the opening night roster? I would assume that McAvoy and Bjork will find their way on the roster. But what about DeBrusk (strong rookie year in AHL), Heinen (made team out of camp last year), Kuraly (playoff surprise), JFK (future 2nd or 3rd line C) or Senyshyn (highly skilled W likely a year or 2 away). I've already mentioned Zboril/O'Gara. Grzelcyk is a solid but not spectacular candidate. In many eyes, Lauzon has overtaken Zboril. Could either McIntyre or Subban overtake Khudobin as the backup?

I'm excited for this year (within reason). I don't have cup expectations but I do feel they can make a move forward while also blending in more youth.

This is definitely an exciting year for the team. Nobody expects a cup, but there are so many prospects ready to make an impact along with already established young talent (Carlo, Vatrano, Pasta) that could take the next step forward. The cool thing about hockey is that as long as you're in position to make the playoffs, all it takes is having your goalie go off at the end of the season for the team to make a deep run (which Tuukka is absolutely capable of). So even with tempered expectations, I still have the glimmer of hope inside me. 

My guess for the prospects is Bjork, Heinen, McAvoy, Kuraly make the team and have to be very ineffective to lose their spots early. O'Gara and Grzelcyk ride the shuttle between Providence and Boston. Senyshyn, Debrusk, Zboril, Lauzon, Gabrielle all get some further seasoning in the minors. Any of the 5 could easily breakout and steal spots later in the season. 

I'm looking forward to seeing how horribly wrong I am too. Something weird will happen come October 5th and Jagr will be on the 1st line with Bjork not even making the team. 

I hate hockey, but it is good to finally see the Bruins do the right thing with a young player for once. Keep him, and pay him. Now it finally looks like they might be starting to build something there. Who knows though. It's up to their system to finally develop depth throughout the whole team and not just be so top heavy with talent like they have been for years now.

I love taking two very good young players and sticking them on the top two lines. They get to play with top notch play makers. Spooner would be a surprise unless they get a good offer.