Causeway Crowd
Fansided

Boston Bruins: The Adam McQuaid and Kevan Miller Conundrum

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien heads to the locker room with defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) and defenseman Torey Krug (47) and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) after their 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien heads to the locker room with defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) and defenseman Torey Krug (47) and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) after their 4-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Bruins: The Adam McQuaid and Kevan Miller Conundrum Moving Forward

When looking at the Boston Bruins defense, it’s not hard to see some glaring holes. Whether it’s talent or skill, the Bruins need to be better. It’s also not hard to notice that both Adam McQuaid and Kevan Miller play almost identical roles on the team, and that’s an issue as both signed to long-term deals moving forward.

More from Bruins News

McQuaid signed a four-year, $11 million deal last offseason. The decision was questionable, given it was one of Don Sweeney‘s first moves as general manager of the Bruins. Just one offseason later, Sweeney made the decision to extend Kevan Miller to a four-year, $10 million deal. The latter contract caused worry among Bruins fans as both players play with a very similar skillset. Admittedly, that wouldn’t be an issue if both players were legitimate top-two or even top-four options. Unfortunately, both players are very clearly better suited as bottom-pairing defenders.

This then leads to the question: Should Adam McQuaid be worried about his future with the Boston Bruins?

"“I guess those are the questions that everyone asks and people are wondering about. But I think at the same time there’s a chance for both of us to continue to improve our game and hopefully be more well-rounded and grab the opportunity to play bigger minutes against tougher opposition.” – Adam McQuaid."

Miller doesn’t seem threatened by Miller’s new deal in the slightest. In fact, when asked about it at Shawn Thornton‘s charity golf tournament, McQuaid was quick to compliment Miller.

"“I’m not really surprised by anything. I don’t know. You’re not sure how things will play out in different ways. I wasn’t surprised. I think in my opinion Millsie’s underrated in a lot of ways and a guy that continues to improve and a guy you appreciate having on your team.” – Adam McQuaid"

While McQuaid may not be worried about his role on the team, fans of the Black and Gold should be. The Bruins need change in their lineup. While change isn’t always easy to achieve, it appears like the Bruins seem complacent at this point. If the Bruins are to win the Stanley Cup again, it likely won’t be with both McQuaid and Miller in the lineup.

Next: Adam McQuaid is Ready for 2016-17 Season

Perhaps Don Sweeney is still looking to make a move. Perhaps McQuaid is moved at some point in the season. These questions likely won’t be answered until after training camp when Sweeney gets to see what he currently has to work with.

Home/Bruins News