Bruins about to be outside looking in; options not a plenty

                Let’s face the fact. The Boston Bruins have been the beasts of the East for a long time; both physically and in the standings as well. Nowadays that without question cannot be said. The team that prided themselves on being the Big Bad Bruins is not as much anymore.  The B’s are 22^nd for goals per game; 13^th in fights and 9^th in goals against which is unlike the Bruins.

There are very few teams that are handcuffed from a salary cap perspective as bad as the Bruins; both this year and moving forward. They’re looking for some much needed help on the wing, someone who can provide them toughness and at the same time they’d like to add another top 4 defenseman.

                Like other teams in the NHL teams are after Buffalo’s Chris Stewart, when it’s all said and done he’s what the Bruins are after. The Sabres want a 2^nd rounder + an above average prospect. Again two problems Stewart makes 4.2 million; the Bruins can only afford a 2 million dollar contract. So to get any player of substance they’re removing one or two players to do so.

                When I look at the Bruins it’s obvious they need that top line forward; but at the same time they need to find some depth for the 3^rd/4^th lines. The B’s 3^rd line has scored 29 goals (Soderberg, Eriksson & Kelly); 4^th line 6 goals. And when you’re leading scorer has 38 points in 55 games that’s not allot of goals you’re scoring.

Who leaves to get improvements?

                Again for Bruins to bring anyone in; other  with salary needs to leave.

1>     Gregory Campbell; unlikely he will go but at the same time the 4^th liner is making 1.6 million and has scored 3 times all year.  He is a player other teams with cap space would acquire without thinking twice.

2>     Adam Mcquaid; like Campbell this would be a last minute move that the Bruins don’t want to make. But like Campbell he’s a UFA at year’s end making 1.56 million; sellers like Edmonton, Arizona even Toronto would like to gamble with this mean d-man.

3>     Daniel Paille; like Campbell his cap hit of 1.3 million is a steep one for a player who has scored one goal all season. A seller could take Paille on and flip him after; being he as well is a UFA on July 1.

4>     Matt Bartkowski finally could be moved. His name has been mentioned deadline after deadline. Realistically 1.25 million is a big cap hit for any 7^th defenseman but especially one against the cap like the Bruin. His value over the years is not as high as it once was; he could be part of the package if the B’s get Stewart from Buffalo.

5>     Dennis Seidenberg; the veteran 33 year old d-man has 3 years remaining at 4 million per year. Most teams would like him; but it’s the term that they would not want, being Seidenberg has been prone to injuries. He’s arguably a top 2-3 defenseman but Chara would not be his partner as well.

6>     Loui Eriksson is not your prototypical Boston Bruin. He is still a top six forward with a good nose to the net while being defensively responsible. He also has salary of 4.5 and that is a big salary for some who plays on the Bruins 3^rd line.

With Eriksson & Seidenberg; this is my mind would be an off-season deal. They need those players to get into the playoffs. The sellers will stay clear of those two, being there age and term going forward

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