Stamkos is more of a finisher than a facilitator. He also doesn't really drive possession. I don't think Stamkos helps us at center. If he was to join our team I think it's pretty likely you'd find him on the wing. Lindholm is the possession driving guy on the table. He's pretty much all or nothing in free agency as I see it. If you can't get him this year I don't think you should do anything big. Get some value contracts on short term deals. Keep flexibility and be ready for when a chance to get a 1c does come your way. Be that Draistl or something completely currently off everyone's radar.
As we just saw in VAN, matching a player to the right role, position and team is key. Many players would up and/or redefine their career with the opportunities in BOS right now. They didn't exist a few years, go- just bottom six positions with not much upside. Lindholm must be aware of that. And I'm sure a few others (Necas) might be pondering. The game is fun when the team wins. And the Bruins have a history of not (draft) picking in the performance-related top spots at the end of the season. Who doesn't want a shot at it on an original six team with a supporting fanbase? The time for a rookie to bubble and a free agent to hook up is now. Get on that train! 🏒🥅
Not many you'd be expecting to join you right away. This team isn't rebuilding they are retooling. Doing a deal for futures that might be on the team in three years doesn't make sense. You likely have 2 more years of production from Marchand. I'd much rather do a deal with Jersey for Mercer and a sweetener than the 10th overall.
@@exturkconner You forgot that the B's could additionally go out an acquire another player using the $5M cap space, as well. That might make the possibility of a NJD trade more attractive than others.
@@SomeOne-uy4kj I'm not. Not at all. The issue is that until free agency opens up I don't think it makes sense to free that space. You can go 10% over the cap in the off season. So why clear the cap before you need too? It's taking a big gamble. And trading Ullmark in conference means you potentially empowering a team that could take you out in the playoffs. That's not an appealing prospect. I'm not trading Ullmark unless it's either towards a 1c or to free cap to get a 1c.
Some players mature later. Brazeau did not look like a rookie out there many times. If he does the necessaries in the off-season and not only claims his spot on the team but in the NHL, it's big...a story within the story. Tell it, Brazeau! 🙃
I'd prefer Kane at a lower price point than Stamkos. Each one is still running at a point-per-game rate...like Marchy. And top players like to play with top players. And they do more. Kane and Lindholm would be massive. In addition, they could make other improvements, whilst allowing the new guys to work in. Reminder: a team cannot pay everyone $7M.
A lot of this is pent up fun, particularly after last off-season. However, some of it is going to happen. And the Bruins should be stronger. What they did this past season was impressive after losing two top centers. The guys who stood up got better. And they introduced several new players who got valuable experience. Hopefully, they are doing the necessaries this offseason for another go at it. 🏒🥅
I think the roster as a whole needs some up bulking up they get bumped off the Puck quite often and they definitely need to be stronger on the puck let's face it (if Brad Marchand is one of your stronger guys in these areas I'm not knocking Brad) it may be they simply work harder take your opportunity to learn from he's one of the best
In regard to the very fair points concerning being hard(er) on the puck for rooks...there's a distinct difference between being bigger and being lean. Both include adding strength, but the latter is in proper proportion. Get too big and speed decreases. And then it all translates into a matter of staying there through the season. Ergo, diet and the right type of workouts is key. The veterans get this. They have access to them. Make is so #1! 💪
Personally, I don't see Stamkos as washed up at all. And he'll have a few more strong seasons. However, when players tie themselves to a franchise (eg Bergy, Krej, Stamkos, Crosby, etc), it's hard to see them leaving that ole place and adjusting...might take a year to sink in. On the other hand, their team's financial concerns are their own. Let them go find a lot like Sweeney did last year and hope for the best.
