- Dan Rosen: Torey Krug and Reilly Smith’s contract are so team friendly, that a trade to create some cap flexibility can wait.
- Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Aaron Ward on TSN 1040 radio on what is next for the Bruins.
“So now with I’m pretty sure a high level of urgency you’re looking at a guy like Bartkowski that will be on the market. Possible suitors? Look at a team like Florida, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re kicking the tires on it. A team like Minnesota. And it doesn’t just mean it’s one guy. It could be a multitude of guys because… they need more distance from that salary cap in the event someone gets hurt or something drastic happens. I think the fact they brought Krug back and Smith back in makes that a pretty uncomfortable locker room today.
“I think you’ve got to know if you’re Boychuk, whose name has been out there for a very long time – and the sense is, what they’re asking for him they’re not finding and they’re not nearly getting back what they expected – then they’ve got to start looking at other guys.
“I think to give up Boychuk for not a whole heck of a lot would be a mistake. I think he’s a veteran guy that you have to – checks and balances. If you give him away, you have to replace him with something. And is the loss of that salary worth the loss of the experience in the lineup.
“So I think you look at a guy like Bartkowski, I think outside chance you look at a guy like McQuaid. But you get rid of McQuaid – you already got rid of Thornton – that’s a good heap of your fighting and your toughness that’s gone out the door in a short period of time.”
- Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1200 radio.
“Not knowing exactly what the Bruins are asking for in return, don’t forget that Johnny Boychuk is a UFA next summer. So are you trading for a rental player and how much do you want to give up for that, right? Again, we’re not saying for sure it’s going to be him that going to be moved, it could be another defenseman on that team – Bartkowski’s name has been out there as well…
“I’ve spoken to a couple of teams that I can’t name, but that for sure have talked with Boston and have interest in him; but that’s part of the debate, is how much of an asset do we give up for a guy who may get up and walk in a year? And I think that’s been one of the things that they’re thinking about.”