The question isn't whether Chris Kreider would make the Boston Bruins better. If he can replicate his 50-point output from last season, he definitely would. However, the question is whether Kreider making the Bruins slightly better this season is worth slowing the development of some of their youth who are already in the system and could make the team much better in the future.
Kreider is 35 years old and should have a couple of good years left in him. The Bruins know what they are going to get from him: a veteran leader in the locker room, hometown player getting to play in Massachusetts for the first time since he was a Boston College Eagle, a great forechecker who can score the dirty goals, and someone who thrives in playoff hockey. By all accounts, he'd be a fan favorite.
The Kreider possibility wears thin for me when we start talking about how James Hagens could be the victim of being sent to Providence if Kreider takes his spot in the lineup. A Kreider signing would also likely spell the end of Matthew Poitras' chance of breaking through in the organization, and he could even be used as a trade sweetener to make room for the veteran.
If the Bruins were in on Kreider and didn't have the multitude of bottom-six players clogging up roster spots, I would be welcoming him with open arms. However, for all the fans who chastise the front office for not giving the youth a chance, it isn't going to get any easier for them to make this team if Kreider is there.
How the Bruins can get the best of both worlds with Chris Kreider
If the Bruins are signing Kreider, it is going to have to be a busy month for Don Sweeney. With already too many forwards for too little spots in the lineup, the general manager is going to have to make room by shipping out some of the veteran forwards.
Bruins fans will likely have to get comfortable with the fact that Kreider is coming to Boston, solely due to the comments made by Elliotte Friedman on his recent 32 Thoughts Podcast. When the insider throws something out into the open, he isn't just hoping that a baseless claim sticks, and his bringing up only the Bruins in his Kreider segment likely tells us everything we need to know, although things could, of course, change.
"Kreider wants to go back near his family in the East. I know there's alot of speculation about Boston, it makes alot of sense. We'll see on Thursday. "Elliotte Friedman
If Kreider signs, Sweeney has to find a trade for at least Casey Mittelstadt in any way possible. If they are going to save a spot for Hagens and still fit in the veteran, Mittelstadt's potential spot on the third-line wing makes sense. Kreider also brings a different style of game that fits the Bruins better and would be a much more effective player if they are planning a playoff pursuit.
A Kreider signing without any other moves would be an unforced error by the front office. There is a way to make it work and be beneficial for the Bruins while also thinking about the youth, but Sweeney had better have a plan before blindly signing another aging veteran.
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