A recent report from Newsday does not bode well for the Boston Bruins if they are still probing an additional defensemen. According to Newsday and CBS New York, Marek Zidlicky has engaged in contract negotiations with the New York Islanders.
Both parties have been communicating for several weeks according to Arthur Staple of Newsday.
#Isles and UFA D Marek Zidlicky have been discussing a contract past few weeks. Nothing decided on either side, but interest is there.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) August 12, 2015
Thus, the Bruins still have time to potentially sweep in and make an offer on the 38-year-old.
It’s dubious whether the Bruins completely entrust their young core on defense. If general manager Don Sweeney opts not to contact a veteran defender, such as Zidlicky, it may suggest the Bruins are all in on their defense’s current state.
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Coach Claude Julien may be reluctant to implement his young defensemen on the roster when the season commences on Oct. 8. Both Kevan Miller and Matt Irwin are poised to fill those two pivotal voids along the blue line come opening night.
Zidlicky spent last season between New Jersey and Detroit. Known for his offensive touch and power play abilities, the d-man combined for 34 points in 84 games last season.
The 11-year veteran would presumably be vying for the Islanders’ third line pairing. New York and Boston, according to a Pro Hockey Talk report, were both interested in Zidlicky. Both teams are still in need of bottom-tier starting defensemen. The Bruins, on the other hand, could certainly utilize Zidlicky’s veteran touch. Since the loss of Dougie Hamilton, Boston has yet to address the offensive-defensemen’s void. Zidlicky, along with Cody Franson over the summer, were heavily considered by Sweeney. Yet as time winds down, reaching closer to the regular season, it appears that Boston will stick with what they’ve got.
Boston still needs to address Hamilton’s loss in order to beef up their defense with an offensive touch, a hallmark of Hamilton’s game.
Follow Christopher Bokum on Twitter @ChrisBokum