On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty: GM Don Sweeney said that they are continuing talks with Anders Bjork. Bjork is still deciding on where he wants to play next season: “It’s totally up to him”
Fluto Shinzawa: Sweeney said that they are leaning toward protecting seven forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender for the expansion draft.
Boston Bruins: Sweeney on where they need to improve: “The middle part of our lineup is an area we need to continue to get better at.”
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Looking at some Bruins could be back and who could be gone.
David Krejci – The Bruins may want to move the 31 year old Krejci and his $7-plus million cap hit. He has a no-movement clause and may not want to waive it. He’ll likely be back next year and they will be looking for a left winger for him.
Ryan Spooner – He could be dealt or left unprotected for the expansion draft. Very unlikely that he’ll be back next season.
Jimmy Hayes – Has never lived up to the hype in Boston. Has a year left on his contract and could be bought out.
Matt Beleskey – Only recorded eight points in 49 games. Has three years left on his deal, so a buyout could be tough. The Bruins could look to trade him and retain some salary. He’ll likely be back.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins have three pending unrestricted free agents in Drew Stafford, John-Michael Liles and Dominic Moore. They didn’t close the door on any of them not coming back just yet.
“We didn’t make any of that – we went through exit interviews yesterday and really just tried to go through the whole season with guys and where they were at. Then we’ll sit down as a group and make some decisions,” said Sweeney, who also indicated the Bruins were leaning toward the 7-3-1 protection plan for the expansion draft. “We haven’t made any hard or fast decisions on any one individual as of right now. We have an idea for expansion and going forward, but haven’t made any concrete , didn’t deliver any of that news yesterday.”
All three have said they wouldn’t mind returning, but realize that the Bruins have been going with a bit of youth movement.