Anthony Travalgia: Are the Bruins pursuing a trade for Oliver Ekman-Larsson? According to Elliotte Freidman the Bruins are one of three teams that have checked in on the availability of 29-year old Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

His contract is atrocious. The only way I would touch that is if Arizona retained a chunk of it.

A BIG chunk, as in at least $4mil/year. His contract also has a full NMC for the duration...no way would I want to be saddled with that 4 years from now for another 3 years...that's crazy talk!

That being said, he would be an overall upgrade to Krug, downgrade (significant) on the PP but upgrade everywhere else.

His contract is atrocious. The only I would touch that is if Arizona retained a chunk of it.
- GalacticStone

I have a feeling you guys are in for a fight...Dallas is playing good hockey and seems to have a chip on it's shoulder. Similar to the Blues last season, even to the point of a mid-season coaching change. Should be interesting...

I have a feeling you guys are in for a fight...Dallas is playing good hockey and seems to have a chip on it's shoulder. Similar to the Blues last season, even to the point of a mid-season coaching change. Should be interesting...
- bluemoon737

I have a sense of foreboding about this series. Dallas is riding a red-hot goalie and sometimes that's all it takes to steal a series.

Stamkos is out. Point is banged up. Palat is banged up. Cirelli might be banged up. Kucherov might be banged up.

Gut check time.

A BIG chunk, as in at least $4mil/year. His contract also has a full NMC for the duration...no way would I want to be saddled with that 4 years from now for another 3 years...that's crazy talk!

That being said, he would be an overall upgrade to Krug, downgrade (significant) on the PP but upgrade everywhere else.
- bluemoon737

His cap-hit is substantially higher than Hedman's. Granted, Hedman took a discount in a tax-free state, but still.

OEL is on the cusp of 30 and the decline will likely begin soon. He's on the wrong end of that contract and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Like the article said, it's probably better to just keep your assets and re-sign Krug for less money. I don't see OEL as being a huge upgrade on Krug. Sure, he's probably better, but not that much better to be worth all that extra cash. Better to resign Krug and DeBrusk I think.

Would the B's trade one of the RHD? McAvoy is probably next to untouchable, but what about Carlo?

Would the B's trade one of the RHD? McAvoy is probably next to untouchable, but what about Carlo?
- NewYorkNuck

McAvoy is absolutely untouchable. If they move Carlo they’re just gonna spend the next 5 years looking for a top 4 RHD so I really don’t like the idea of that. Mcavoy and Carlo on the right side is something to build around

His cap-hit is substantially higher than Hedman's. Granted, Hedman took a discount in a tax-free state, but still.

OEL is on the cusp of 30 and the decline will likely begin soon. He's on the wrong end of that contract and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Like the article said, it's probably better to just keep your assets and re-sign Krug for less money. I don't see OEL as being a huge upgrade on Krug. Sure, he's probably better, but not that much better to be worth all that extra cash. Better to resign Krug and DeBrusk I think.
- GalacticStone

Since when is 375K substantial? 8.25 for OEL is not a burden. To me,
McAvoy and OEL as a pairing for the next 7 years is an absolute no brainer. Then Carlo takes the reins of the 2nd line with Gryz, Chara takes on third pairing role mentoring another kid until he is ready to retire.

OEL deserves a real team. If it is Vaak and picks and you dont have to include Carlo. Do it.

McAvoy is absolutely untouchable. If they move Carlo they’re just gonna spend the next 5 years looking for a top 4 RHD so I really don’t like the idea of that. Mcavoy and Carlo on the right side is something to build around
- Shaundre93

Agreed.

His cap-hit is substantially higher than Hedman's. Granted, Hedman took a discount in a tax-free state, but still.

OEL is on the cusp of 30 and the decline will likely begin soon. He's on the wrong end of that contract and I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole. Like the article said, it's probably better to just keep your assets and re-sign Krug for less money. I don't see OEL as being a huge upgrade on Krug. Sure, he's probably better, but not that much better to be worth all that extra cash. Better to resign Krug and DeBrusk I think.
- GalacticStone

It’s already begun. I’d keep Krug as well instead of pursuing that path.

OEL could have a revival of his career in Boston, I just don’t think it makes sense for them. That’s not a contract Boston wants.

Krug is same age as OEL give or take a few months. Both are 29.

OEL is way, way more physical than Krug is - it's not even close.

Unless Krug signs for a large "home-town" discount the diff in CAP will not be as great as some assume.

Krug is a PP specialist. Bruins are better off with someone who can play both ends of the ice at 5vs5 which is majority of the game.

I like Krug for what he does, but if he's asking for $7M+ then it's time to consider players like OEL.

no thanks to larrson. keep in mind you can only protect 3 defencemen in 10 months at the expantion draft. get a top 6 winger and address needs at trade deadline

McAvoy is absolutely untouchable. If they move Carlo they’re just gonna spend the next 5 years looking for a top 4 RHD so I really don’t like the idea of that. Mcavoy and Carlo on the right side is something to build around
- Shaundre93

I agree — teams always sell from one position to fix and a hole, but usually create one in the process. Just have read some rumors that Carlo might be a trade candidate to fill some other holes. I’m not sure what Boston needs — goaltending situation with Rask, LHD with Chara and Krug, top 6 wingers... so, was just wondering what it would take.

Krug is same age as OEL give or take a few months. Both are 29.

OEL is way, way more physical than Krug is - it's not even close.

Unless Krug signs for a large "home-town" discount the diff in CAP will not be as great as some assume.

Krug is a PP specialist. Bruins are better off with someone who can play both ends of the ice at 5vs5 which is majority of the game.

I like Krug for what he does, but if he's asking for $7M+ then it's time to consider players like OEL.
- Nasty_Duck

I think in the present market, $7+ is just about the starting point for UFA defensemen who have been regularly averaging 50 points/season. He’s a top LHD on many teams throughout the league, and someone will offer stupid money if the Bruins can’t lock him down.

He’s most likely going to get a deal that you’re uncomfortable with in 3-4 years.

We’ll see how much the flu has an effect, I suppose.

I think in the present market, $7+ is just about the starting point for UFA defensemen who have been regularly averaging 50 points/season. He’s a top LHD on many teams throughout the league, and someone will offer stupid money if the Bruins can’t lock him down.

He’s most likely going to get a deal that you’re uncomfortable with in 3-4 years.

We’ll see how much the flu has an effect, I suppose.
- Hesh_

I don't understand the " with in 3-4 years" part.

He'll either sign a 1-year bridge deal because of Covid-unknowns, or a long term 5-7 year deal - basically is last big pay-day. If it's a bad deal I will be uncomfortable immediately - won't take 3-4 years.

The defense is not this teams problem. Your forward core is only 1 real line, a 2C, and 8 plugs. Unreliable goalie. Those are the problems Sweeney needs to address.

The defense is not this teams problem. Your forward core is only 1 real line, a 2C, and 8 plugs. Unreliable goalie. Those are the problems Sweeney needs to address.
- glove_was_stuck

Disagree on defense being just fine. Too many small bodies and for all the hype Krug gets, he's something like the 48th defensemen in 5 on 5 points. He is a PP specialist who doesn't help out the cause much for the bulk of the minutes (offense or defense). Keep him or Gryz but not both (Gryz will be MUCH cheaper) and get a bigger d-man and hopefully the ever elusive #2 RW with some size. But since we haven't had any luck with that in the last five years I'm not holding my breath...

Disagree on defense being just fine. Too many small bodies and for all the hype Krug gets, he's something like the 48th defensemen in 5 on 5 points. He is a PP specialist who doesn't help out the cause much for the bulk of the minutes (offense or defense). Keep him or Gryz but not both (Gryz will be MUCH cheaper) and get a bigger d-man and hopefully the ever elusive #2 RW with some size. But since we haven't had any luck with that in the last five years I'm not holding my breath...
- bluemoon737

Perception vs reality. The Bruins were in the top 4 for goals against in the last 3 seasons. This team has no secondary scoring that can be relied upon. Look at the last 2 teams standing. scoring depth up and down the lineup.

The Islanders had a great team defense and no secondary scoring. Same fate as the Bruins. The defense has not been the problem on this team in a long time. They cannot score 5 vs 5 if the Bergeron line is being shut down and they cannot score outside of the Bergeron line unless they're on the power play, which will be diminished without Krug.

Perception vs reality. The Bruins were in the top 4 for goals against in the last 3 seasons. This team has no secondary scoring that can be relied upon. Look at the last 2 teams standing. scoring depth up and down the lineup.

The Islanders had a great team defense and no secondary scoring. Same fate as the Bruins. The defense has not been the problem on this team in a long time. They cannot score 5 vs 5 if the Bergeron line is being shut down and they cannot score outside of the Bergeron line unless they're on the power play, which will be diminished without Krug.
- glove_was_stuck

Keep this defense as long as you like being runner up at best. The defense is a very good "regular season" defense but wilts against big bodies in the post season. Just the way it is, keep winning President's trophies but giving up the prize. Let's not forget we have two very good goalies that account for much of that defensive success. Not saying our defense isn't good...they are but they aren't Stanley Cup good and much of that is due to size.

That being said, I'm all on board with the offense needs some help as has been the case for 5+ years...

Keep this defense as long as you like being runner up at best. The defense is a very good "regular season" defense but wilts against big bodies in the post season. Just the way it is, keep winning President's trophies but giving up the prize. Let's not forget we have two very good goalies that account for much of that defensive success. Not saying our defense isn't good...they are but they aren't Stanley Cup good and much of that is due to size.

That being said, I'm all on board with the offense needs some help as has been the case for 5+ years...
- bluemoon737

Well when your 7 million dollar goalie no shows or lets in soft shots during post season play all the towering defenseman in world won't stop that. Not even Lidstrom (or name anyone for that matter). You have be able to score to compensate for the post season lack of effort or mental breakdowns between the pipes.

Since you're a size queen...They're not exactly big up front either. Don't give me Nick Richie. Him and his pant load brother shouldn't' even be in the coast never mind the NHL. Some size up front that can actually play would've also helped.

Well when your 7 million dollar goalie no shows or lets in soft shots during post season play all the towering defenseman in world won't stop that. Not even Lidstrom (or name anyone for that matter). You have be able to score to compensate for the post season lack of effort or mental breakdowns between the pipes.

Since you're a size queen...They're not exactly big up front either. Don't give me Nick Richie. Him and his pant load brother shouldn't' even be in the coast never mind the NHL. Some size up front that can actually play would've also helped.
- glove_was_stuck

Go back to all my comments, I agree we need to be bigger in the forward group as well (5+ years now looking for a decent sized scoring #2RW). No way did I or would I say Ritchie was the answer (either one!)...that's a joke. Management made the comments when trading Lucic that the NHL is not the league for the big bad Bruins anymore, we needs to get faster and more skilled (side effect in most cases...smaller) and we are now reaping those "benefits" on both sides of the ice.

Don't blame last years loss on Rask...if the Bruins win he's hands down the Conn Smythe winner. ALL of our warts were on display...lack of secondary scoring and a small defense getting pushed around. We need help in BOTH areas. It was just amplified this year with Rask doing his thing.

Bruins can't keep both Krug & Gryz - similar style players and similar size. If Krug asks for $7M+ let him walk - no way he makes more than Marchand or Pasternak.

Our 2nd line needs to be a lot better. I really think we need to try Pasta on 2nd line for a good duration. The trio can play together on the PP.

Go back to all my comments, I agree we need to be bigger in the forward group as well (5+ years now looking for a decent sized scoring #2RW). No way did I or would I say Ritchie was the answer (either one!)...that's a joke. Management made the comments when trading Lucic that the NHL is not the league for the big bad Bruins anymore, we needs to get faster and more skilled (side effect in most cases...smaller) and we are now reaping those "benefits" on both sides of the ice.

Don't blame last years loss on Rask...if the Bruins win he's hands down the Conn Smythe winner. ALL of our warts were on display...lack of secondary scoring and a small defense getting pushed around. We need help in BOTH areas. It was just amplified this year with Rask doing his thing.
- bluemoon737

Never said you did. It was an example. Take some deep cleansing breaths. I can and will disagree with your points. Get comfortable with the idea.

Tuukka Rask is and has been a problem for a awhile now. There is always some sort of excuse when it matters the most with him. The guy is mental house of cards.

Bruins can't keep both Krug & Gryz - similar style players and similar size. If Krug asks for $7M+ let him walk - no way he makes more than Marchand or Pasternak.

Our 2nd line needs to be a lot better. I really think we need to try Pasta on 2nd line for a good duration. The trio can play together on the PP.
- Nasty_Duck

I'm fine with it. 2nd year in a row he's no showed in the playoffs.