May 14, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins right wing Jarome Iginla (12) celebrates his goal with teammates defenseman Torey Krug (47) and center David Krejci (46) as Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) skates away during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Bruins: Free Agency Inactivity
Amidst the early stages of NHL free agency, some teams–not the Boston Bruins–have been actively seeking players available and viable trade options.
A 34-year-old Dany Heatley arose as a conceivable figure Peter Chiarelli could add to the B’s, but considering his diminishing skill set at this point in his career, it’s hard to accept that he would really bolster Boston’s Stanley Cup chances.
In the end, Heatley, who just signed with the Anaheim Ducks, is wasted money with such a tight, uncertain salary cap, since the Bruins still have to sign restricted free agents: Torey Krug, Reilly Smith, Matt Bartkowski, Jordan Caron and Justin Florek.
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And a CSNNE.com Bruins source essentially ruled out a straight free agent signing, only shedding light on a trade swap and supposedly rejecting the notion of acquiring a winger, notably Peter Mueller and Lee Stempniak.
“If we do anything at all it would be a trade rather than a free agent signing at this stage,” said the source. “We’ll see what happens.”
In that case, two main trade scenarios exist, the first being Loui Eriksson’s move to the top line and a swap with the likes of, say, Jordan Caron, Chris Kelly, or Gregory Campbell. That’s really just an action to restructure lines and personnel.
However, if the Bruins wanted to grab a sure top-liner, then a skater similar to Johnny Boychuk, Brad Marchand, or Milan Lucic may have to hit the road. Due to the surplus of D-men, Boychuk’s departure would make the most sense out of this group.
To be honest, shipping off one of these Black and Gold members for a different player of the same caliber doesn’t necessarily change the B’s Stanley Cup circumstances. Chiarelli generally sees his current teams sitting among the best teams in the NHL.
The question lingers, though, regarding the fact that the Bruins have failed to cement themselves as the postseason’s “best” since 2011.