Bruins make adjustments, let players go.

Jun 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Bruins right wing

Jaromir Jagr

(68) sits on the dasher during a stoppage in play during the third period in game two of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Two days after the devastating game six loss, the Boston Bruins know that if they want to reach the finals again next year, they have to start now. Part of that planning is how to shape the team around the new CBA’s salary cap set for $64.3 million next year. The Bruins know they’re going to have make tough choices on who will remain in the Black and Gold for the start of the season. Peter Chiarelli , Bruins general manager met with reporters today. He started laying out part of the plan and announced that forwards Jay Pandolfo and Jaromir Jagr won’t be returning to the Bruins next season.

We are also losing Andrew Ference, but we’ll talk about that later.

Jay Pandolfo was a thirty eight year old veteran forward who didn’t seem to find a niche with the Bruins. He spent his time on the ice filling in for injuries or on ad-hoc line arrangements Pandolfo played eighteen games this season, he wasn’t able to score any points, although he did have eleven shots on goal. He finished the season with a+/- of -2. He wasn’t a bad match for the Bruins organization, but he just couldn’t bring anything new or exciting to the Black and Gold.

Jaromir Jagr. He’s a future Hall of Famer and a living legend. When he joined the team, he had fourteen goals with the Dallas Stars. (He was tied with Brad Marchand for goals when he came on-board.) As a 41 yr old athlete, he was still playing at a NHL level. Peter Chiarelli thought Jagr was worth giving up a first round draft pick for. Sadly for Jagr and the Bruins, it just didn’t work out well. He only had two goals in the remainder of the regular season, and was completely blanked in the post season. (He did earn ten assists through the playoffs.)

Jagr was asked about how he felt after game six, and on his (presumably last) attempt for a Stanley Cup. “It’s too early to comment on that,” said Jagr. “It’s just still kind of sad. We lost the last game two days ago, so it’s still fresh. It was a long ride, but it wasn’t the one I wanted. I wanted to win the Stanley Cup. So did everybody here in this room. And it just didn’t happen.”

So the Bruins say good bye to two veteran players, and one immortal on the ice. It’s the nature of the business, and the Bruins are ready to move forward with new players that can adapt to the Claude Julien system and Boston hockey.