Boston Bruins: Milan Lucic isn’t going anywhere.
Nov 22, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins left wing
Milan Lucic(17) tries to block the view of Montreal Canadiens goalie
Carey Price(31) during the third period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Everybody is talking about trading Milan Lucic. Granted, Lucic has had a seriously disappointing season so far for the Black and Gold. The twenty-six year old power forward has put up only eighteen points(six goals) in thirty-nine games. (His worst season since 2010.) The Boston Bruins are in serious cap trouble. The Bruins also have to try to re-sign Torey Krug, Reilly Smith, and Dougie Hamilton next season. Lucic’s $6 million per season could be used to lock up at least two of those players.
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Lucic has been the staple for the Jekyll and Hyde style of play the Bruins have played this season. He’s had games where he has been a leader on the ice, and a force to be reckoned with. Other games, he seems to be filling a uniform and cashing a paycheck. His inconsistency is one of the big reasons the Bruins are scrambling just to get into playoff contention.
Greg Wyshynski over at Puck Daddy gave his opinion on the value of Lucic. While the staff at Puck Daddy and I have disagreed on a few things over the years, I want to add his two cents so you can get the full picture of how a Lucic trade would affect the Black and Gold. His analysis is rather spot-on.
“Lucic is a leader for the Bruins. He’s a tempo setter and an important voice in that locker room. No, his offensive output isn’t worth the current contract … but let’s be honest, the loss of Jarome Iginla and the health of David Krejci have influenced this greatly. Going from 53.9 percent Corsi 5v5 close to 49.5 percent this season is a by-product of linemates as much as his own ineffectiveness.”
“But if you take Lucic off the Bruins, you fundamentally change the Bruins. People said that when Shawn Thornton left, which was nonsensical(*Editors Note: This is where I disagree, while Thornton was not a prolific goal scorer, he held his teammates accountable, and was one of the true leaders for the Bruins. Those intangibles kept Thornton in Boston.*), but it’s reality for Lucic’s departure. Best case scenario, the Bruins flip him for essential pieces to reload on the fly and then open up the money to make sure Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug remain on that blue line for years.”
“Worst case scenario, it leads to an identity crisis and they spend the next decade trying to recapture what it was Lucic gave them.”
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Do I think it’s that bad in Boston? No. Lucic does need to get his head screwed on properly though. In the end, I don’t believe the Bruins will be moving Milan Lucic anywhere.
The Bruins would be more likely to trade the other current ‘top line winger’, Seth Griffith. Griffith also has six goals (and he got them while playing ten fewer games), and has more trade value based on potential. Griffith’s salary cap is under one million though, and the Bruins may keep him on board just because he’s cap hit is significantly lower.
So, why won’t the B’s move him? For starters, Lucic’s trade value is as low as it has ever been in Boston. Teams that are actively competing for the Stanley Cup won’t want a player that’s on-again, off-again. He’s currently seventh in overall scoring with six goals. Teams are going to want someone who is worth more than one million dollars a goal (at the moment). The Bruins won’t get an amazing deal out of moving him. While it would make sense to trade him, he’s got a no-trade clause (Thanks again for that one Mr. Chiarelli.), and he’s still too loved by the front office to move.
Finally, Puck Daddy hit the nail square on the head. The removal of Milan Lucic would pretty much end the old Bruins identity. Lucic is the B’s best power forward (when he’s playing to his potential). He’s not just a great skater, he’s one of the best players the Bruins have when they want to intimidate the other team. He’s put players through the glass, and he’s one of those players that other NHL players would rather not drop the gloves against. The B’s won’t give that up just yet, so expect to see him in the Black and Gold for the rest of the season.