Wanted to collect thoughts on a potential Patrick Maroon trade. How do you see him fitting into the lineup? What kind of price should Boston pay? Is this a massive mistake and proof that Sweeney is bad at everything except drafting?

Unless Maroon can also play RW, he isn't really a need. He's going to be mediocre away from McDavid. If Boston was to trade for him, I don't see him being worth anything more than a 2nd round pick. His value will be based off what his production has been, which isn't bad really. It's not a massive mistake if they were to acquire him, as long as the price isn't a first or a high end prospect (which it wouldn't). You're hanging Sweeney for a move he hasn't even done yet? Sweeney isn't bad at everything except drafting. That's a pretty asinine statement.

I am simply asking the question, and with a pretty spotty record (Beleskey, the Hamilton trade, Jimmy Hayes, the 2015 1st round, the Backes overpayment (in terms of length, at least), the loss of Malcolm Subban AND Colin Miller to VGK) it's not an outlandish statement.

1.) Beleskey was good his first year in Boston, so I'm not sure why I see Bruins fans bring this one up. He had a career year in assists, and points on top of 15 goals. He got him for under 4M, which was something most people expected he would get. I don't blame Sweeney for Beleskey's regression. The guy was signed in his prime. Sweeney can't predict injury of a player, and thus falling off a map.

2.) Hamilton didn't want to be in Boston. The Bruins offered him 3 similar contracts to what he ultimately took in Calgary. Was it a great trade? Meh... It wasn't great but it wasn't terrible. Taking those picks, and turning them into Senyshyn, JFK, and Lauzon has potential to be a great return. Do you use them in deals for NHL talent or let them develop? We'll see, but at the end of the day, Hamilton didn't want to be here and Sweeney made a move to get rid of a guy. Plenty of GM's have made worse trades.

3.) The Jimmy Hayes trade involved a player in Reilly Smith who was horrendous his last year here. That trade also involved getting rid of the Savard contract. Jimmy Hayes was coming off a 19 goal season. Smith had a good following year in FLA, signed a fat contract, and was so bad, that FLA decided to trade him to Vegas for cap relief. Jimmy Hayes sucked here, 100%. There's more to that trade though.

4.) Please get out of here with this nonsense 2015 first round. At the end of the day, the Bruins reached on one player and that player hasn't busted yet, so I'm sick of people making it a "negative" for Sweeney. DeBrusk is a top 6 forward with plenty of potential to be more. Zboril has a load of potential to be a top 4 defenseman, and Senyshyn, while a reach, is intriguing with his elite speed and size combination. Also, drafts aren't just one round. That draft is a main reason the Bruins are so deep. Save me the Barzal, Connor, Chabot, Boeser, Konecny, or any other hindsight pick ****..... Plenty of teams passed on Barzal besides the Bruins. I can give plenty of examples of the teams passing on player X, for Player Y....Revisionist history does nothing for me when arguing about Sweeney.

5.) Backes contract is a year too long, but that's really it. He's a very good player, helping fill a huge role on the 3rd line, providing significant depth. Nothing wrong with this signing.

6.) Malcolm Subban was garbage here in Boston. Sweeney tried to trade him before waiving him as well. It's not like Subban was showing anything close to what he's doing in Vegas, a team where everyone is playing out of their minds.

7.) Everyone had to lose someone in the expansion draft, and Kevan Miller is a damn good #5, which is what Colin would have been here. He's still brutal in his own end, so I don't even consider Colin Miller. It's not like Boston is the only team to lose a good player to this expansion draft.

1) He might have been good for Matt Beleksey, but that certainly doesn't mean he was worth 3.8 million per season. Again, this wasn't a hindsight thing. People were saying immediately came out that it was an odd thing for the Bruins to do, even if it was for a "surprisingly reasonable" cap hit, considering free agency: https://www.yahoo.com/news/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/matt-beleskey-takes-surprisingly-reasonable-five-year---19-million-deal-with-bruins-001909875.html

2) A lot of GMs who have made worse trades have been fired. At the end of the day, Hamilton was an RFA. The Bruins had control, and could have gotten more.

3) Still not a good trade.

4) Again, yeah, plenty of teams passed on Barzal, and Connor, and Chabot, and Boeser....but there's also the teams that got them. And it wasn't hindsight either; arguably, things look BETTER in hindsight.

5) Not a fan of the NMC/NTC clauses either

6 and 7) It's less about the fact that he lost Subban and Miller rather than he could have simply traded them instead. They were both worth more than just giving away for free. Furthermore, with Subban, it exposes a serious problem within the organization that goaltending has, across the board, been poorly developed. There is no backup plan past Rask.

All that said, I actually agree with you about Maroon. I can understand the acquisition but anything more than a second round pick seems like a poor decision. I'd honestly hope they pursue a much smaller fish (4th line LW, defensive depth) or a much bigger fish (top six RW, top pairing LHD) than this awkward middle ground.

4th line LW? Schaller is playing excellent...Not sure why you'd want to upgrade that. We'll just agree/disagree on the other stuff. It's pointless to go back and forth on it. Bruins are a top team in the league, so they're doing something right.

2 - Just because Dougie was an RFA doesn't mean he has to sign. He could have sat out and that would have tanked his value.

3 - The trade made sense, the problem was Hayes couldn't handle Boston. No way anyone could predict that

4 - BreKel hit it on the head, hindsight is 20/20 and there are so many factors that go into a players success. Just because Boston would have draft any of the prospects doesn't mean they'd have the same impact. Its honestly a tiring subject that just needs to die

5 - First two years is a NMC (and that's not a huge deal) and the final years are a modified-NTC. I don't really have an issue with it

6 & 7 - I'm sure he tried, but there were no takers. Subban looks great in Vegas but looked awful in Boston (hey look at that a prospect whose impact change due to a different organization (see #4)). As far as the plan after Rask, there is one and they're developing them. Boston has drafted 6 goalies over the last 10 years, but its one of the hardest positions to predict. Swayman and Vladar look to be quality guys and I'd guess that either will be Rask's replacement.

Oh man.....

1. Beleskey was a disappointment yes, but every team has them!!! He was given every opportunity by Sweeney and coaches. Anyway, the contract doesn't handcuff them.
2. HAMILTON WANTED OUT!!!!!! How come nobody remembers that? He ended up signing a contract worth a total of 1/2 a million $$ more than Bruins offered him. We got great draft picks for him!!
3. Jimmy Hayes was agai a disappointment, but he's a Boston guy, big body back when that mattered a little more. Hoped he would break out. He didn't, but again contract isn't a detriment!!! big whoop
4. The 2015 first round hasn't even played out yet but DeBrusk is a keeper and Zboril and Senyshyn are now getting comfortable in Providence and producing!! You wouldn't understand anyway, Bruins go after a certain "type" of player, not simply the most talented (sometimes they are imbeciles
5. A Backes type player is sooo invaluable. He's a leader. He IS a big part of why the rookies are doing so well in Boston. He knows how to relate to them. He's a bckup C if needed. He drops mitts if needed. His hockey heart is huge! He will be a dependable playoff performer, year in and year out!
6. The Vegas deals. Well one of those 2 were going. We wanted K Miller. He brings toughness and defensive responsibility Colin doesn't have. We already have a Krug, McAvoy, Grzelyck type player, need 3 shutdown types to play with 3 offensive types. Subban was given his chance and he didn't grab it. We have a few good ones in the works besides the best tandem in hockey right now!!!!

Sweeney has done a great job IMO. The drafting might arguably be the worst, but non Bruins fans don't understand how the Bruins draft. They go after "heady" types, smart hockey players that can skate and play physical. DeBrusk is both, Zboril is both, Sensyshyn can outright fly on skates!!!

They are fine as they are right now. Best team in hockey!!!!!

Just because the Bruins are one of the best teams in hockey, it doesn't mean they shouldn't strengthen the team if possible. Maroon doesn't really do it for me, but there are some guys they could acquire that would help out. Depends on the price.

I hear Rick Nash and Ryan McDonagh’s names coming up as potential Bruins additions. Either of these guys would make you a really serious contender, although you’d be needing to move at least your 1st + a solid prospect.

Nash, I don't see BOS having to give up any NHL roster players so if they could acquire him for a decent price, I'd 100% agree he'd give them some upgrading. He'd look good next to Krejci, but I'm not interested if his price is that of 1st + top prospect, or whatever it is they're looking for. BOS is in a tough spot, even with this run of success, and shouldn't be selling off picks/prospects (higher end) for UFA rentals. McDonagh, if they could make a deal and acquire him without giving up Carlo, which I see as a "robbing peter to pay paul" type move, it'd be quite an acquisition.

I'm not really seeing the Rangers moving McDonagh for anything short of an overpayment. They don't need to trade him with another full season on the books. He could easily be moved at the draft, or the rest of the offseason. But if BOS swung a deal for them, there's no doubt how deep a top 6 defense of Chara, McAvoy, McDonagh, Carlo, Krug, Miller would be.

So DeBrusk and/or McQuaid ride the pine?? Plus we lose the picks/prospects? Don't like it.......

Where'd you come up with DeBrusk "riding pine" in a situation that Nash is acquired? If anything, Schaller or Acciari end up the 13th forward. For example:

Marchand -- Bergeron -- Pastrnak
DeBrusk -- Krejci -- Rick Nash
Heinen -- Spooner -- Backes
Schaller -- Kuraly -- Riley Nash

Also, McQuaid should be the odd man out, regardless of an acquisition of McDonagh or not. Kevan Miller is a better defenseman. McQuaid as your 7th is great depth.

Mixing lines up too much. The current has proven to work. If it ain't broke.........

You ignored my question......

Rick Nash plays LW. DeBrusk would move down?

He plays both wings but historically he has played mostly RW. He would do the same here, replacing Spooner at RW2.

Spoons is having a great year. Why move him? Again, if it ain't broke.....why give up the assets????

Rick Nash plays both RW and LW. Even if DeBrusk moved down, he's not 'riding the pine' like you said. Usually riding the pine means 'benched' or scratched.

You have serious tunnel vision on this. I don't have an issue if the Bruins stand pat, but if they make a deal and give up assets for an upgrade or depth, that's not a bad move, either. Bruins only have so many spots for all the 'assets'.

I just hate wrecking the current "chemistry". You bring in someone new it takes them a while to learn the Bruins system which is different than most

TradeCentre
NHL
1h ago

Countdown to TradeCentre: Kane's price dropping?
TSN.ca Staff
















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The National Hockey League's Trade Deadline is on Monday, Feb. 26, and teams will be making decisions on whether to buy or sell and decide which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Check out the latest trade rumours and speculation from around the NHL beat.


Price Drop?
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported during Thursday's edition of Insider Trading that the Buffalo Sabres may be willing to loosen their demands for winger Evander Kane.
The Sabres were believed to be seeking four assests for Kane, but Dreger says the ask may no longer even include a first-round pick.
"In Buffalo, you’ve got Evander Kane, there’s developing interest in Kane and a willingness among the Buffalo Sabres to maybe loosen things up a little bit," Dreger said. "So if it’s not a first, maybe it’s a second and a better prospect."
The price for Kane may wind up falling into a similar category as to what the New Jersey Devils paid for Michael Grabner, who was moved from the Rangers for a second-round pick and 2016 fifth-round pick Igor Rykov.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Nashville Predators could be a landing spot for Kane by Monday's deadline.
"David Poile, we know he’s checked in on Rick Nash, I mean he checked in on Erik Karlsson, why not?" LeBrun asked. "You’re David Poile, that’s what he does. Keep an eye on David Poile, absolutely a total wild card. The Predators are close, he wants to add and I think he will by Monday."



Talking Contract?
Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson has seemingly been on the trade block for more than a month after admitting to requesting a trade from the team.
Johnson cited playing time and the importance of his next contract as reasons for the trade, but it appears he may not be on the move after all.
According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Blue Jackets have opened extension talks with the 31-year-old defenceman. He adds the Johnson turned down a seven-year, $22 million extension offer from the Blue Jackets during the summer. Portzline wonders if a lack of trade options have led the Blue Jackets towards extending Johnson rather than risk losing him for nothing in July.
Johnson is averaging 19:52 of ice time this month, raising his season average to 19:38. He has three goals and five assists in 61 games this season.
Portzline's report on Thursday led to Johnson dropping to four spots on No. 14 on the TSN Hockey Trade Bait board.
A pending free agent, Johnson carries a $4.35 million cap hit for the remainder of the season.



Five Teams In The McDonagh Race
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger said Thursday the Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are all interested in bringing New York Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh to the Atlantic Division.



Dreger: Leafs remain interested in McDonagh




Dreger: Leafs remain interested in McDonagh

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reported earlier on Thursday that McDonagh's 10-team no-trade clause does not include the Maple Leafs, but Dreger cautioned the Leafs may not be willing to meet the Rangers price.
“Again, you’re talking about three, four pieces [for McDonagh],” Dreger told TSN Radio 1050 Toronto. “And it’s always the standard first-round draft pick, top prospect, another pick, and this and that and all of those things. Now, it depends on the young pieces that a team is willing to throw in, so there’s negotiating on that end.
“I believe there are at least five teams that are in on Ryan McDonagh. I would put the Tampa Bay Lightning near the top of that list, or at the top of that list. I think that they’re intrigued and are certainly going to do everything within their power to exhaust the possibility of Erik Karlsson. But again, that’s a top contending team in Tampa Bay. Are they going to lessen their chances, give up key core pieces to acquire Erik Karlsson. Are they further ahead to do that, or are they better off to take a lesser deal in Ryan McDonagh. So that’s, I’m sure, what Steve Yzerman and company are wrestling with around the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“And the New York Rangers aren’t trying to force Ryan McDonagh out. They too have to get what they need. Toronto is interested. Boston is interested. Not sure of the two other teams, so I’m not going to speculate. I have an idea, but I’m not sure.
“But from Toronto’s standpoint, what’s it going to take? It’s not going to be a big core piece from Maple Leafs. But what if the New York Rangers ask for Travis Dermott. What if the New York Rangers ask for Kasperi Kapanen as part of that deal. Is it conceivable that Lou Lamoriello would be willing to consider that? I don’t know.
“I don’t know that Toronto is overly-aggressive, but I do know that they do have interest in Ryan McDonagh. So how much more Toronto is willing to give, or how much more in terms of how aggressive they want to become – we’re going to find that out in the next few days.”

From TSN article I just read.....


Don't Mess with Success?
Pierre LeBrun said Thursday the Bruins will need the price on Ryan McDonagh to come down to consider making a move.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, however, made the argument for keeping the team's current group together and not risk altering the team's chemisty.
The Bruins have made two trades this week, acquiring Nick Holden from the Rangers for a third-round pick and pick and sending oft-scratched forward Frank Vatrano to the Florida Panthers for a third-round pick.
“I think it’s been factored into conversations between me and [Bruins general manager] Donnie [Sweeney] that we have a group with some real togetherness there this season,” Cassidy told NBC Boston on Thursday. “At the end of the day if you can add and make your team better then you always have to look at it, and Donny is looking at that right now.
“Adding Holden I think he’s done that and we’ve added some more depth. But after that I do worry about if we subtract somebody from the room. If you’re adding and you’re not subtracting, i.e. future assets, then as a coach you always prefer to go that way. But Donnie will do what’s best and as a coaching staff we’ll take it from there so to speak. But there is a good chemistry with that group…a very good chemistry in that locker room.”
The Bruins, who sit second in the Atlantic Division with 82 points through 58 games, have lost just three games in regulation time - and six in total - since Dec. 16.

That's too difficult to follow.