Torey Krug decision at crossroads
Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston: While the Boston Bruins say all the right things, the reality is Krug’s trade value is at an all-time high now. Don Sweeney considers trading the defenseman this summer especially if he feels Charlie McAvoy is ready.
The RFA market dictates a big pay bump for Torey Krug and Boston likely cannot afford it.
It may be a decision that gets revisited come next trade deadline as well. That is something to keep in mind as Boston faces more decisions.
Boston’s second line right-wing problem
Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic: Boston’s weakest point remains that second line right-wing to complement David Pastrnak. David Backes served that role but clearly has regressed to a bottom-six forward.
Using Torey Krug as trade bait is a slim possibility to acquire a top-six right winger. After that, scenarios involve Danton Heinen and re-signing Marcus Johansson.
Charlie Coyle remains one possibility as he creates mismatches from the wing. Karlson Kuhlman played the final three games of the playoffs at the position and did not look out of place. Is he a long-term solution though?
Okay St. Louis, the summer is here!
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: St. Louis won the Stanley Cup but the summer is here which means the offseason — draft, free agency, etc. First, St. Louis picks just four times in this year’s draft (62, 93, 155, and 217). The Blues trading down in a couple of spots is plausible.
St. Louis has just Pat Maroon and Carl Gunnarsson slated for unrestricted free agency. That is not too bad. Some fringe players are in the same boat but those are lesser worries.
Restricted free agents get a bit more murky as Jordan Binnington headlines that list along with Oskar Sundqvist. Both expect to see some significant raises this summer.
St. Louis carries $18.7 million in cap space and most of that will go to their free agents. There may be one buyout casualty which would be Alex Steen.
After that, the summer is indeed upon everyone.