Reaction to the Bruins trading Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft, and a 3rd round pick in the 2011 draft was met with favorable comments from the fans on the street in Boston.
Most fans felt it was time for Wideman to move on after a less than stellar 2009-2010 season.
One fan said, “I really liked him in ’08-’09 but he was a huge disappointment this year.”
Throughout the season, Wideman was viewed by many as the reason the Bruins struggled to make the playoffs. He became prone to turnovers and questionable decisions in his own zone and the fans let him know they were not happy with his play. Some felt the criticism was justified while others, including Mike Milbury, felt it was not. Milbury went on television and told the fans to, “…sit down and shut up…” when it came to Wideman. Perhaps ironically, Milbury’s insistance to support the player came at the same time Wideman’s play began to turn around. He became one of the best players on the team during the final 15 games of the season. His passing improved. His shots were getting through to opponents’ nets and his play in his defensive zone returned to what fans saw in 2008-2009, making Wideman very valuable during the stretch run to the playoffs and throughout the series versus Buffalo and Philadelphia.
Boston General Manager, Peter Chiarelli, commented on this today to www.nhl.com when he was asked about the defender, “”Dennis had a terrific three years in Boston. He hit a couple of bumps along the way this past year. This happens sometimes with skill players and their confidence. He rebounded to be one of our best players in the stretch run and in the playoffs. He is a clutch competitor and is one of the best passers in the game.”
Bruins followers are interested to see Nathan Horton in black and gold.
“From what I’ve seen of him on tv and read about him, I can’t wait to see him score 30-40 goals if he plays with Marc Savard.” Answered another fan when asked for his opinion of the deal. Apparently, Horton has some high expectations to live up to this coming season.
“Well, I think they gave up too much. I wouldn’t have traded the 15th pick but I heard he’s another Cam Neely and I can’t wait to see that!” Added a self proclaimed “…die hard member of Bruins Nation.”
According to www.nhl.com, Horton, himself, has been looking for a change of venue and is excited to be Boston’s newest Bruin.
“”I’m excited to go to a new start and a stable and historic and successful franchise,” Horton said in a conference call with reporters. “This is what every kid dreams about: To be on an Original Six team and play for the Boston Bruins. I think if you’re a young kid and you’re coming in, it’s a dream come true.”
No doubt, Horton became a fan favorite the minute he uttered those words.
In Gregory Campbell, fans are taking a wait and see attitude. They are looking forward to seeing him perform with the spoked B on his chest.
As one woman said about Campbell, “We didn’t know who Cam Neely was when he came here from Vancouver but we all know who he is, now.”
Overall, Bruin devotees are happy with the trade and are happy to see GM Chiarelli making moves to improve the team. They were just as eager to discuss this Friday’s draft when asked for their opinions about Tuesday’s deal. Some want Chiarelli to know they want Taylor Hall and are expecting a trade with the Edmonton Oilers, who hold the first selection in this year’s draft, so the team can choose Hall. Others are looking forward to watching Tyler Seguin in October, as they believe the Bruins will not have an opportunity to select Hall.
With Cam Neely’s ascension to the team’s presidency, the trading of Wideman and draft picks for an impact player (Horton)and a role player (Campbell), and the report the team is shopping former Vezina Trophy winner, Tim Thomas. June has been an active month for Boston. This, of course, will continue with the much anticipated 2010 NHL draft and the unrestricted free agent signing period, which will commence July 1, 2010.
It appears their will be more new faces in the lineup on opening night, October 9, 2010 in Prague, Czech Republic against the Phoenix Coyotes. Bruin followers expect it and will welcome it.