I think Bergy keeps playing (unless we see a Cup win?) So my biggest question is Jake Debrusk.
He's played the best hockey of his career the past 10 or so games. Yes he's playing with Bergy and Marchy, points were expected. But he looks ENGAGED. Seeing him stand up for Marchy against CBJ immediately showed me that his mindset is different right now. He's not making crazy money, even with the first half he had this year, he's notched 20Gs and may well hit 25 if he continues his play. I'm also curious to see what happens with his trade request. Obviously he's had his gripes with Cassidy, mostly rightly so, but both he and Cassidy are proving that if he plays engaged, smart, tough hockey, he'll get rewarded. He's got good value right now, so I can see the Bruins capitalizing at the draft, maybe to get back into the 1st round. Ideally apart of a larger deal to upgrade the team. Who knows, just happy he's playing well.
Curtis Lazar is likely gone. Love his game, but probably gets $1.5M+ which is likely a bit too much for the Bruins with guys like Steen and McLaughlin seemingly NHL ready.
Foligno has gotta get bought out. Absolutely love the person, you can see the respect he already has in the locker room. The guys love him, wish he could stay with us for another year in a depth role for $1M, but $3.8M isn't $1M.
Reilly to the Isles for a 3rd might be the least debated trade on this site. It makes sense. I like Reilly a lot, yea he'll get beat every so often, but I think his value on the breakout is far more important than a rough coverage here and there. Don't underestimate how important that is. But I think he's kinda trapped in that Cassidy doghouse. With the left side the Bs already have and Forbort a. having a MTC and b. Completing a nice PK, Reilly is probably the odd man out. I think he's proven his season last year was not a fluke, I'd like the Bs to get a bit more than a 3rd considering that's what they paid for 25 games of him, but just splitting hairs at that point.
Lastly, the 2C issue, or maybe lack of. Haula has been great. Done everything he's been asked to do and you don't need a 30 goal, 70 point guy as your 2c if you have wingers like Hall and Pasta. If Haula wasn't playing so well, I'd love to see Studnicka at 2c with consistent minutes for about 15-20 games. It's getting to sink or swim time for him, but don't really see that happening with Haula's play. If Debrusk is moved and nobody is brought in externally, maybe a shot next to Bergy. He's far better at C, but maybe give him a few games.
If Debrusk leaves, I love Burakovsky as a fit. good enough two-way game that would look great next to 37 and 63. Perron and Nichushkin are another couple good options.
would love to see Zboril back, genuinely not sure where his head is at but should be getting everyday minutes next year. Sucks that his injury lead him to being a UFA
(i know im slightly over cap, just estimating how everything may work)
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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