Boston Bruins Acquire Lee Stempniak At Trade Deadline
Boston Bruins Acquire Lee Stempniak At Trade Deadline
The Boston Bruins have acquired Lee Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils for a 2016 4th round pick and a 2017 second round pick. The Boston Bruins already traded their 2016 third and 2017 fifth round draft picks for John-Michael Liles prior to acquiring Stempniak as well, which is questionable given their current “retooling” mindset.
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Lee Stempniak spent the offseason training with the Boston Bruins and there was a lot of speculation that the Bruins might try and sign the veteran winger to a contract. Stempniak, of course, went on to sign a Professional Tryout Offer with the New Jersey Devils before eventually signing a one year deal worth $850,000. The veteran winger proved the New Jersey Devils right as he played in a top-line role on their team prior to being traded to the Boston Bruins.
When looking for an NHL job, Lee Stempniak at this to say about potentially playing for the Boston Bruins.
"“I think it would be a good fit. It’s a great organization,” he went on to say, “I’ve heard great thing I’ve gotten to know some of the guys. I like them and have a lot of respect for some of their players, just the way they train, the way they play and as people. It’s definitely appealing, but for me, it’s sort of weighing the options. I’ve talked to more teams over the last couple of weeks and things have really picked up. (It’s about) finding the right opportunity at this point.”"
Fast-forward a few months and Lee Stempniak has once again put together a very solid NHL season, scoring 16 goals and adding 25 assists for 41 points in 63 games so far this season. The Bruins could have had Stempniak for free in September, but ended up having to part with two valuable draft picks to acquire him. The move is certainly one that will be critiqued for weeks, and potentially months as the playoffs, and draft come around.
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In regards to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins currently hold two first round draft picks (Boston and San Jose), one second (New York Islanders), two fifths (Boston, and Minnesota), and their own sixth and seventh round draft picks after including a second to acquire Brett Connolly last season, a third to acquire John-Michael Liles, and a fourth to acquire Lee Stempniak.
As mentioned in the article found “here” that was posted in the weeks leading up to the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline, Lee Stempniak was one of the most valuable players on the New Jersey Devils roster, and Boston Bruins should have absolutely had interested in acquiring him. The issue in the transaction is the fact that the Bruins failed to acquire a top-tier defenseman that would have potentially made them legitimate contenders for the Stanley Cup this spring.
Next: Bruins Acquire John-Michael Liles
The Boston Bruins will make their best attempt at a cup run this season, but the chances of winning a Stanley Cup look bleak given the fierce competition they will have to compete with in the East, as well as in the West.
Follow Brandon Share-Cohen on Twitter @BShareCohen to discuss all things Bruins and sports