Apr 26, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
Milan Lucic(17) celebrates with right wing
Jarome Iginla(12) and defenseman
Torey Krug(47) after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins find themselves in a rough situation. They have still yet to sign their two restricted free agents, Torey Krug and Reilly Smith. Training camp starts tomorrow for the Black and Gold, and the organization finds itself on having the first potential hold-outs of the Peter Chiarelli era. It’s an ugly situation, and it may not resolve itself before October.
More from Bruins News
- Bruins release Prospects Challenge roster, schedule Tuesday
- Bruins bringing back familiar forward on tryout contract
- The Bruins should take a look at these four free agents
- NHL Network lists Ullmark as sixth-best goalie in the league
- The Lasting Legacy of David Krejci
It’s well-known the Bruins have salary cap problems. They’ve only got $3.2 million left against the cap (factoring in Savard’s LTIR). Most people see Krug and Smith’s value between $2-3 million. Chiarelli and coach Claude Julien really want to see the chemistry in the players before they start committing to moves on the blueline. The Bruins won’t have any more money available until they move someone, so it’s a vicious circle.
“We’ve talked about it in the past: there are certain things a coach can’t control. I can’t control that. To me they’re going to be like injured players if they don’t show. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll find out Thursday morning, but if they don’t show then I’ve got to find some replacements.” – Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien
The Bruins have already taken one serious hit to their firepower with the loss of Jarome Iginla (to the same cap problem). The loss of both Krug and Smith could be catastrophic to the organization. Last season, Krug and Smith tallied ninety-one points(thirty four goals) for Boston. Torey Krug also brought his specialized skill set that helped re-invigorate the Bruins power play.
Puck Prose
The loss of Krug and Smith would open up more slots on the roster. Smith’s absence would certainly give a player like Ryan Spooner, Alexander Khokhlachev, and even David Pastrnak their shot at a NHL job. As for potential defensemen, the Bruins could afford to wait out Krug due to having so many available blueliner already on the squad.
Krug and Smith could surprise us by making last second deals today. The Bruins could offer them $1.5 million-one year deals (for all we know they already have) to play next year. If the players took the good faith deal, it would certainly endear them to Chiarelli and Bruins president Cam Neely who have been known to reward loyalty in the past.