Boston Bruins News: Matt Beleskey, Jimmy Hayes land in Boston
Don Sweeney has conjured up his first big wave oftransactions as general manager in Boston.
The Boston Bruins agreed to several noteworthy deals Wednesday, first agreeing on a five-year contract with free agent left winger Matt Beleskey, and trading for Florida’s Jimmy Hayes. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that Beleskey, arguably the most coveted remaining free agent prior to his deal with Boston, signed a deal worth $19 million. The deal averages an annual cap hit of $3.8 million.
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Hayes was dealt to Boston in exchange for Reilly Smith and Marc Savard’s contract. The restricted free agent is a Boston native. He scored 19 goals with 16 assists last season with the Panthers. At 6’ 6”, Hayes’ stout height suggests he’d seamlessly fit the bill of a “Big Bad Bruin”. His style of play tells otherwise. Hayes works his way around the net and chases loose rebounds. He’ll bode well for Boston’s power play down low in the slot in front of the crease.
Beleskey boasts similar brawn to that of Milan Lucic while possessing more offensive awareness. At 27, Beleskey reached a middling career-high goals scored total at 22 last season with the Ducks. He added 10 assists (32 pts.) in 65 games. The winger wrapped up his two-year deal in Anaheim worth an annual value of $1.35 million. Pundits suggest Beleskey could have reached a deal with the Ducks. For roughly $2 million more, he wound up in Boston. While playing with big names such as Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, Beleskey was shunned of spotlight and ice time. In Boston, he’ll find a team in need of player of his potential.
While Hayes awaits a new contract, the Bruins currently have $9,864,333 precisely in cap space after Wednesday’s proceedings. Wednesday’s deals with Hayes and Beleskey also shed light on Sweeney’s ability to finalize deals and make changes to this organization.
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After last Friday night’s questionable decision making at the Entry Draft, Sweeney was viewed as dubious. After his latest moves, those displeased with the general manager were reassured of his ability to lead this team. His ability to include Savard’s cap-commanding compensation bodes well for a team up against the cap. Smith never adapted to the Bruins. He muddled in the middle with no sound identity. His time was up, and Sweeney made the deal, something his predecessor couldn’t do.
Sweeny’s moves have revamped the perplexed identity of the Bruins. The blue line is his next objective, a void that calls for the GM to attempt to sign unrestricted free agent Johnny Oduya. Oduya’s age of 27 renders red flags for some, but in Boston, he’ll be valued as the top-four defensemen he is.
Boston is still on the lookout for a pure offensive sniper. Free agency posts a bleak list of names for Sweeney. The Bruins struggled in the goals scored category last season. It’s an area of great concern for Team President Cam Neely. With deals still to be made, Sweeney has built a myriad of draft picks via trades. With two first rounders intact for the 2016 draft, deals can be made.