Mar 19, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Boston Bruins forward Ryan Spooner (51) screens Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) during the first period at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
In yesterday’s article, I lamented that a talented player like Ryan Spooner would be looking at the Boston Bruins from the outside at the start of the season. Regrettably, I was proven right today. Peter Chiarelli announced four cuts to the roster today, and Spooner was on that list. If you’ve read my work in the past, I have a great respect for Peter Chiarelli, and agree with ninety percent of the moves he makes for the Boston franchise. This is one of the calls that falls in the minority.
I can make myself Chiarelli just long enough to see why he made that decision. Spooner is a center who has had very little play time on the wings. If there is one position where the Boston Bruins have an embarrassment of riches it’s the center. It would be stupidity to the point of criminal to remove David Krejci or Patrice Bergeron. (Spooner did sub in for Krejci, as he is listed day-to-day with back spasms.) Gregory Campbell is healthy, and Chris Kelly has put himself safely back on the team due to his preseason performance. Ther isn’t any room for another center(even for one as talented as Spooner).
Once again for the Bruins, Boston’s loss is Providence’s gain. The P-Bruins have received the largesse of the big Bruins cuts, and it makes the AHL organization look a lot more like a NHL team with a jersey problem.
Spooner looks like he was prepared for another trip to Providence. “Obviously coming into camp, my goal was to make the team,” Spooner said in Winnipeg on Thursday.”But at the end of the day, if it doesn’t happen obviously I think I played well enough to at least get the chance to come up here if something happens. But, that being said, I have to go back down and work on things they want me to.”
Here’s hoping that we get to see one of the breakout stars from the training camp wearing the ‘B’ for Boston this regular season.