Teams beefing up to face Bruins and others

            Some experts have thought the NHL tough guy was a dying breed, but thanks to the success of the Bruins and Kings over the past two years; that philosophy has been kyboshed at least for the time being.

Standing up to the B’s

Think of the past two-three years and how the Boston Bruins would run around against the Buffalo Sabres and Montreal Canadiens (just to name a few). Well that will now change as both teams now have new Sheriffs in town.

            Milan Lucic’s days of running over Ryan Miller will stop; unless he wants to deal with 6’8 270 pound John Scott. The Sabres signed the forward/defenseman to a one-year 600k (one-way deal). With the exception of Cody Mccormick the Sabres have had no one else to do anything about anything. It’s obvious right from the outset of last year that the Sabres had a reputation of not standing up for their best players (remember Bryan Allen laying out Jason Pominville).

            The other club looking to stand-up to the B’s are the Habs; today they overpaid for former Ranger/Flame Brandon Prust. With Prust onboard long-term, the team also re-signed more grit in Travis Moen, Ryan White and Michael Blunden. They also signed Colby Armstrong, but I’m not as sold on his size and grit like people say he brings. The days of Lucic punching Carey Price are over as well; because with Prust more than anything; knows is role.

Two Eastern teams adding toughness

            If I were to ask you of two teams that needed to get tougher in the off-season; two of those teams at the top of the list would be the Panthers and Islanders.

            Despite being bought out by the New Jersey Devils last week; Eric Boulton has landed back on his feet by signing with the New York Islanders (1 yr, 600k, one-way). Joining his on the Island is defenseman Matt Carkner who inked a 3 yr 4.5 million yr deal. Both signings on day one of free agency; it’s quite clear the Isles are not going to be pushed around in the very tough, physical Atlantic Division.

            George Parros has found a new home and landed in South Florida; inking a two year offer with the Panthers. I was surprised by three things with this signing. It was said 90 minutes into free-agency that he had 2 or more offers. I’m surprised he would not get a three year contract and I also that he’d make over 1 million a year.

            Either way Florida wanted more of a presence in their line-up; guaranteed he will be the new fan favourite in Miami.

Rangers – Penguins add more toughness

            The Penguins have brought back ‘Big Mac’ Steve MacIntyre (two years, two-way) again he will play 15-20 games this year. Pittsburgh also added Tanner Glass, who gives them allot more versatility (toughness-penalty killing).

            Former Penguin Aaron Asham has landed on Manhattan, inking a two year (one million p/y deal).  Asham is the replacement for Prust, unlike Glass; Asham doesn’t kill penalties and likely will not start now. The Rangers also made a second signing; this one more intriguing. They inked former New York Islander sparkplug Michael Haley to a two-year deal; (year one is two way, year #2 is a one-way deal).